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Even if you're not a fashion plate, you probably own a small fortune in clothing, not to mention linens, towels, and the like. But you don't have to get soaked keeping those washables looking new. Some of the best stain fighters in our latest detergent tests were among the least expensive. We also found several suds that were duds—in every price category—and so-called detergent-less laundry systems that barely made a dent. Here are the details
Warehouse clubs win big. Tide hangs on to the top spot among detergents suitable for all machines and those formulated for conventional top-loaders. But Member's Mark Ultimate Clean, a Sam's Club exclusive, and Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean did very well overall for about half the cost, and both can be used in all machines.
Bargain Tide can't compete. Procter & Gamble has added its own budget detergent to the Tide family—Tide Simply Clean & Fresh, described as "tough on odors and easy on your wallet." At 11 cents per load it's cheap, but it couldn't vanquish blood, grass, and ring around the collar in our tough tests, making it an also-ran.
Pods and packs are still dangerous. More manufacturers are coming out with single-load detergents, those convenient packets that eliminate the need for measuring. None made our recommended list this year, though All Mighty Pacs Oxi, 17 cents per load, handled most stains. Tide Pods, 22 cents per load, also performed very well overall.
But be sure to keep those enticing packets out of the reach of tots. Since they went mainstream in 2012, poison-control centers have received more than 20,000 calls concerning incidents involving children 5 or younger. Get more details on the risks associated with pod laundry detergents.
There's no federal standard for such terms as "natural" and "earth-friendly," but that doesn't stop marketers from using them. Dubious claims aside, no green detergents made our winners' list, in part because they often do without optical brighteners and grime-fighting polymer compounds.
Many from our latest tests were downright dismal, including Walmart's Great Value Naturals, which got an overall score of just 25. Ecos 2X Ultra HE, 14 cents per load, and Trader Joe's Liquid Laundry HE, 8 cents per load, also struggled against all stains. One worth considering: Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Powder, 26 cents per load, which has performed well in past tests.
Match the detergent to the machine. That's easier with all of the detergents designed for high-efficiency (HE) or conventional washers. Dual-use detergents tend to perform better in HE machines, which don't use as much water to dilute the detergent. Never use standard detergent in an HE machine; it will cause excessive suds.
Liquid or powder. Liquids dissolve easily, so they're less likely to leave a residue. Plus they make it easy to pretreat stains. Powders are more compatible with bleaching agents, which can improve their cleaning power, but too much can cause caking on clothes. Single-load packets are convenient and prevent overdosing, but you can't cut one in half for small loads.
Check the cap. Look at the measuring marks, especially if you use a liquid. Some are very hard to read, which could cause you to use too much detergent. That not only wastes money but can also leave residue on clothes. Get more details on laundry detergent overdosing.
This article also appeared in the August 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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