Best (and Worst) Laundry Detergents From Our Tests | Consumer Reports

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
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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

[justStardust]

stain fighting and clean are NOT my only concerns. will it fade my colors?

[juschill]

It would have been nice if they provided a list of detergents tested, in chronological order from worst to first.

[LlyleHunter]

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.

[wyzemann]

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👍🏾.

[mariobetancourt]

I'm a huge persil proclean user, gets out the smells and stains from my clothes really well plus i use Oxiclean powder and Clorox 2 liquid from costco to give it an extra cleaning power.

[watchfulone]

I use oxyclean spray on my stains and let sit for atleast 10 mins. Then i launder with arm and hammer LIQUID detergent. It has baking soda and the one labeled clean burst has a nice fresh scent. Im happy with my method. I always find arm and hammer on sale in my area. Sometimes as low as 5 cents an ounce. Works for me...

[patriciahawks]

I use a combination of Arm and Hammer liquid and Purex liquid. So far they have worked well.

[markh.]

I can smell that Tide scent from here. <shudder>

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.

[prviolist]

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)

[SUEDUCE]

I’ve been using Tide Simply all in one for years now. It’s tough on stains but it’s not a harsh soap. My sister, niece & nephew have oily skin makes more body oils, my mother & I have sensitive skin less body oils. This soap works for all body types and you don’t need a lot of detergent to get the job done plus not expensive.

[Jessica-mdpz]

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!

[adamwoodworth]

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 😡

[kellymillar]

If you want a good grease stain tip, try using dish detergent on your stain first and then wash. I’ve been lucky for a few articles of clothing. But most of you probably know that.

[Goldenwoodz]

Tide Plus FEBREEZE liquid and pods are absolutely one of the best out there, as well as Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty variety’s which are much more potent and cost the same as any regular Tide recipe….love the tide powder on occasion too. Gain is another excellent choice but is not as good on stains as Tide is.

[jodiemcaninch]

Also the washing machine is a big factor

[joeantonio]

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".

[Steve_in_NJ]

One brand I stopped using years ago that was awful (and expensive) -- Amway's SA8 detergent.

[mwj]

What about the liquid edition of Arm & Hammer? I'm not a fan of pods myself.

[specialk]

I don’t know what they put in Tide but I can’t use it. Makes my skin itch.

[Roonertooerrands]

Persil is hands down has been the best for me since switching from tide many years ago.