# Bio vs Non-Bio Washing powder?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bio-vs-non-bio-washing-powder/155969
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [February 18, 2003, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bio-vs-non-bio-washing-powder/155969 "2003-02-18T21:34:47Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Tuco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuco)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2003, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bio-vs-non-bio-washing-powder/155969/1 "2003-02-18T21:34:47Z")
What are the differences between biological and non-biological washing powder?
Which is best? Is one better for certain types of clothes? Is one more ecologically sound?
etc. etc.
Thanks in advance,
Tuco
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### Author:  [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2003, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bio-vs-non-bio-washing-powder/155969/2 "2003-02-18T21:46:03Z")
The Persil site (with whose URL I won’t torture you) says that biological washing powders contain enzymes. At low to medium temperatures, these enzymes remove stains. The non-biological powders are recommended for sensitive skin and delicate fabrics, so apparently these enzymes are pretty harsh.
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### Author:  [@GloriaMundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GloriaMundi)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2003, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bio-vs-non-bio-washing-powder/155969/3 "2003-02-18T22:04:02Z")
Enzymes “attacks” proteins, and will therefore break down the fibres in silk and wool.