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Our tests of dozens of laundry detergents show that there are real differences from one formula to the next—and that some detergents barely clean better than running a cycle with water alone.
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SHOW NOTES
———————————–
00:00 – Introduction
00:18 – How we test laundry detergents
00:52 – Best detergents from our tests
01:01 – Worst detergents from our test
01:18 – Reformulation tests
stain fighting and clean are NOT my only concerns. will it fade my colors?
Fading of the color is also dependent on the quality of the material and type of colors used when the fabric was dyed during manufacture.
Yes. Yes it will. But wait, there’s more
And that’s why Woolite is the best.
Why not? How bright do you need your clothing? Just wash your delicates in non harsh soap.
What about the liquid edition of Arm & Hammer? I’m not a fan of pods myself.
I’m a 3rd generation Tide user. I remember way back in the mid-80s always seeing that bright orange and blue box near my Granny’s & Mama’s washers. The laundry always had a pristine scent with each lift from the washer. No different results in my present-day laundry room👍🏾.
Life pro tip: Around 2012 Tide changed its original clean fragrance to one that smells sweeter (I personally dislike it). I called the company about it thinking I was losing my mind since they never advertised about it, but they confirmed the scent had changed. They also said that their original scent was now labeled “mountain spring”, which I’ve been using ever since.
@Erin D That is good to know, although I alternate between 3 different versions of Tide in my household. Thanks.
Team Persil 💪
It would have been nice if they provided a list of detergents tested, in chronological order from worst to first.
Great idea. Maybe they could print that list out, alongside lists of other product performance tests, on glossy paper in some kind of mini book that gets delivered to your house. Maybe there could even be a digital version online!
You probably have to read CR magazine for that much detail.
Here’s a good starting point for you! Members can see the full list from our ratings page:
https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry-detergents/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
I have used the Arm & Hammer pods and can confirm that most basic stains stay, unfortunately. But, it is very gentle on clothes an their color. On the flip side, the Persil pods clean extremely well, but colors faded a bit and my clothes felt very harsh (not soft), and “dry”.
We’ve found that Arm & Hammer Pods vs Persil Pods Persil cleans well, but colors fade and clothes felt harsh(not soft) and “dry.” It is important to read the care labels on garments, some items are more sensitive to color fade. You may want to try using less detergent to achieve the cleaning you need without the fade and harshness. You may also want to add an extra rinse to help remove any residue left from the wash. That can contribute to the harshness you mention.
I had not heard of Persil. If the price is reasonable, I will try it.
Very expensive
Persil has a strong smell & I’m not that sensitive.
One brand I stopped using years ago that was awful (and expensive) — Amway’s SA8 detergent.
Isn’t Persil one of those “European” brands? It’s being carried by our local military commissary, but we’ve never tried it.
Persil is German brand BX/PX carried Persil
Also now sold in the US, but the formula is different than the stuff sold in Europe . I highly recommend the European powder version . I go to great lengths to secure a bag here as nothing cleans even half as well.
What about the new Bio sheets that eliminate all the plastic?
We tested liquidless detergent strips from Earth Breeze, ECOS, Ecowise, Kind, Sheets Laundry Club, and True Earth. You can see the info here: https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry-detergents/laundry-detergent-sheets-review-a8916087070/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
I would like to point out…pods are Really bad for out environment.
The plastic coating melts and gets into our drinking supply, rivers and oceans. If interested look it up its quite upsetting 😡
Research needs to be done to determine the environmental impact of water-soluble polymers ( Polyvinyl alcohol) in the wastewater stream. Currently, there is not enough data to determine the impact. That said, we are all for individuals making small steps towards a healthier planet! 🌎
I like Gain most of all. The two top rated on this list I’ve found strip too much dye from dark cloths and leave garments stiff and hard. I think that color retention should be given great consideration in these tests.
I use a combination of Arm and Hammer liquid and Purex liquid. So far they have worked well.
Same here!!
Oxiclean detergent beats them all when it comes to stains! I’ve tested plenty of detergents due to having 6 kids and my husband’s career, so I know about stains!
I can smell that Tide scent from here.
All Free and Clear works just fine for me. I’m an office worker, not a farmer. Blood stains are not a particular concern of mine. I also use half the recommended amount.
Something that wasn’t mentioned here is “will it leave build-up on the inside drum of machine” like fabric softener does. That stuff really gets cruddy. This may be the reason for any smells arising from machine. Saw it being removed using a putty knife. I stopped using it.🙏😏
Also the washing machine is a big factor
Right now I use old dutch scent free,it says it’s hypoallergenic,seems to work good. Was maybe $5
Can you please do one for powder detergents? I feel like powder is easier to measure, less messy, and better for environment. (not transporting water)
Just as messy and they can also not be good for the environment