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

[@justStardust940]

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

[@annsgal2025]

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.

[@WestTexasMan]

Yes. Yes it will. But wait, there's more

[@bxi1547]

And that’s why Woolite is the best.

[@Williamjclopez82]

Why not? How bright do you need your clothing? Just wash your delicates in non harsh soap.

[@oskarvelazquez]

​@@annsgal2025😢😢😢😢😢

[@juschill7]

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

[@WUBBLY38]

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!

[@Steve_in_NJ]

You probably have to read CR magazine for that much detail.

[@consumerreports]

Here's a good starting point for you! Members can see the full list from our ratings page: www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry-detergents/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

[@watchfulone9717]

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...

[@adamwoodworth5758]

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 😡

[@consumerreports]

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! 🌎

[@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.

[@ghostrecon3214]

Honestly a good idea, pretty relevant metric.

[@hbeezey]

hard hehehe

[@cruza726]

I use Persil for this exact reason. Check out Project Farms more detailed test video on laundry detergents they test for color retention amongst other things.

[@GlitterGuru]

Team Persil 💪

[@patriciahawks1511]

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

[@drewcarrasco8345]

Same here!!

[@Kara_Kay_Eschel]

I use purex liquid and a cup of baking soda.

[@ElChapoMahn]

you don't mix them right just switch off?

[@jodiemcaninch676]

Also the washing machine is a big factor

[@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👍🏾.

[@vdussaut9182]

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.

[@wyzemann]

@@vdussaut9182 That is good to know, although I alternate between 3 different versions of Tide in my household. Thanks.

[@TKOfromJohn]

​@@vdussaut9182OMG THANK YOU! I thought I was insane that tide smells different, I'm buying mountain spring from now on. This is life changing.

[@Jessica-md2pz]

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!

[@johnseeker9520]

I have never tried it but persil is hard to beat

[@pagodad8079]

Original Dawn dish soap.

[@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.

[@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)

[@SelenaY.1331]

Just as messy and they can also not be good for the environment

[@maggiemay8622]

Tide is one of the worst for the environment

[@kellymillar28]

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.

[@wagu7003]

I bet Dawn works best too

[@Steve_in_NJ]

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

[@mariobetancourt4085]

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.

[@cruza726]

I use the exact same thing and get great results every time.

[@specialk9999]

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

[@consumerreports]

Try adding an extra rinse or two to help remove any residual detergent from your laundry. The residue can irritate sensitive skin. Also, consider switching to a detergent that is designed for those with sensitive skin.

[@specialk9999]

@@consumerreports thanks

[@CupcakeAssasin]

Tide sensitive skin made me itch horribly.

[@charlieburgess1267]

Tide with bleach powder was the best they need to bring it back

[@richardneuschafer2303]

I've had no success at all with Persil when cleaning automotive grease and oil out of clothes. Even with multiple washings. Did just as well using no detergent. Thankfully, I had some leftover Wisk, and it took the stains out the first time. Now, I use Tide With Bleach Alternative, Cheer, or Era on clothes with those stains. All work better.

[@Boodieman72]

Why are you using cold water to wash and where are the powdered detergents?

[@markh.1487]

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.

[@ajuma55]

I wish they would do a segment on the free and clear brands. I've tried a couple of different ones but I mostly buy all.

[@Steven-gv1ke]

Then why are you watching this video? Any detergent will basically work for you.

[@hbeezey]

Funny how they are so casual about it. "And blood :)" Yea, my clothes are usually covered in blood, thanks tide!

[@gonefishing2216]

@@Steven-gv1keright lol? The blue collars are the ones looking for the best 😂

[@timothybrown8424]

It smells like a clean bathroom. I prefer the regular Tide.

[@finnaplow]

Where did you guys source all this blood

[@davidjaap2130]

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.🙏😏

[@kellymillar28]

Use vinegar to clean the buildup off! Supposedly it also helps with taking smells off clothes. I’ve done it especially when I leave wet clothes in the washer.

[@mwj9080]

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

[@codythedogyoutuber]

If you want a good test look at project farm

[@ciarracrawford8232]

Persil is the BEST

[@Goldenwoodz]

Smells SO GOOD too

[@AmirulZahari-qm1mx]

Breeze 🖤🖤🖤

[@Nestor535]

Really ima try that one

[@capchemist]

Preach sister

[@Laur387]

Persil formula changed! The new one Everyday Clean is terrible.

[@Mimijat]

I haven't found a detergent that I like; I want some suds. And there's no nice clean smell. And if we have to combine different detergents or other agents that isn't cost effective. :~/

[@joeantonio2669]

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".

[@consumerreports]

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.

[@rs5419]

Has anyone used Ecos? I just bought some at Natural Grocer.

[@jeweldenile8995]

Team Persil. It works better with hard water and doesn’t leave any build up in my washer.

[@kittenkorleone2918]

Powders have always been the best

[@billyrock8305]

Tide #1. Topgun. The Iceman of laundry detergents.

[@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.

[@Roonertooerrands]

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

[@JaimeGonzalez-wx1gw]

Is it easy on clothes? I like for my clothes to last me as long as possible.

[@cruza726]

@@JaimeGonzalez-wx1gw Yes I switched from the others to Persil because it is the best at retaining color. I have 0 color fading issues with this detergent and it washes just as good with cold water.

[@xeropunt5749]

Persil has a strong smell & I’m not that sensitive.

[@wmichaelh29]

got some oil on those khakis you love? Wash 'em regular first then put some bentonite clay on the spot (s). Let 'em sit some hours and brush off.

[@jforeman1976]

Where'd they get the blood for the test? 😂

[@kellymillar28]

Just saying, if you are recommending detergent but you use other stuff in the wash to help as well, then is your detergent really working?

[@kenc2257]

Isn't Persil one of those "European" brands? It's being carried by our local military commissary, but we've never tried it.

[@2511thai]

Persil is German brand BX/PX carried Persil

[@laurenmarkitanova9225]

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.

[@meese9140]

I had no idea y’all had a youtube 👀👀👀

[@nejihiashi]

Ariel is great

[@Rebecca-zr3lu]

🌈🙏

[@CarnivoryHODL]

Whose blood…..?

[@kenc2257]

That's a job for "CSI - Laundry."

[@HavrHazr]

and body oil

[@consumerreports]

The blood is animal blood that is aged so it provides a consistent stain.

[@consumerreports]

@@HavrHazr The body oil stain is oil to simulate sebum (oil excretions from the skin) and dirt.

[@suefoulkes2755]

What about the new Bio sheets that eliminate all the plastic?

[@consumerreports]

We tested liquidless detergent strips from Earth Breeze, ECOS, Ecowise, Kind, Sheets Laundry Club, and True Earth. You can see the info here: www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry-detergents/laundry-detergent-sheets-review-a8916087070/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

[@mikeykylejr7236]

I like Persil and All

[@adriennechellew303]

Macro washing powder is the worst I have used it doesn't dissolve

[@consumerreports]

It looks like this product is sold in Australia and New Zealand. We focus on US brands, though Consumer NZ has rated the product and it appears that it did not do well in their testing.

[@petemoss444]

Where did you get the blood? 😮

[@Steven-gv1ke]

Steaks, livers, pretty much any package of organs... It's not hard. Any meat market can get you it.

[@karenulin9372]

what you need to tell everyone is which one has the LEAST amount of of carcinogens. period, You wear your clothes all day and pajamas all nights. Doesn't finding out which one has the least amount of carcinogens make sense? I mean unless you play in dirt all day.

[@chitosesenri7087]

Which best though, there can only be one

[@normguy7243]

So if many companies change their mixtures every year, Do digital members of your site receive updated rankings? I would like to contribute by signing up but just wanted to know if you guys update the rankings every year or if you have clear markings of how current the rankings are

[@dair805]

I don’t know why people go for Persil but I have used a lot and I don’t see any different between a top notch detergent vs a jabón Zote specially the pink one 😅

[@Peppermint1]

Original Tide powder

[@observingrogue7652]

And all of these are ok with broiling water washing? For boosted cleaning and actual sterilization.

[@bmatt64]

Powder detergent is better They can't water it down like they do the liquid detergent.

[@arianayoung7537]

SUNLIGHT POWDER IS NOT GOOD. IT MAKES MY ENTIRE BODY ITCHING. EVEN THE ARM AND HAMMER TOO NOT GOOD FOR ME?

[@armanimitchell6227]

Persil And Oxy Clean Hand's Down

[@xavierjones9777]

Tide is good at getting ride of tough stains but it fades your clothes

[@CupcakeAssasin]

Yeah it fades clothes big time

[@vampgrrl]

Right now I use old dutch scent free,it says it's hypoallergenic,seems to work good. Was maybe $5

[@rejoyce318]

I use Hex.

[@aakozanoglu]

The best laundry and dish soap is the one that contains phosphates.

[@heatherjenson6120]

Please test Tandil (Aldi) brand

[@parphael6435]

cool

[@arianayoung7537]

Now I am using the no name so far its ok for now?

[@Bennetts3044]

Front load washer doesn't clean good anyway

[@MaiBui-s1q]

Whodaf chocolate down

[@MaiBui-s1q]

Blood

[@asahraf9851]

جميل وراحة نافذه

[@repairdrive]

Where are they getting this "body oil" from?

[@consumerreports]

The body oil stain is oil to simulate sebum (oil excretions from the skin) and dirt.

[@meese9140]

Where’d y’all get the blood from 🤨

[@Steven-gv1ke]

Any meat market will have blood. Animals have blood. The meat you eat came from something living.

[@ReaperDawg102]

Gain💪

[@GREGORPRODUCTIONS]

Anything in a huge plastic bottle is not acceptable for any purpose

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

WTF is this

[@daveclark8337]

clickbait trash.

[@DanIiban-z3l]

PERSIL IS THE BEST BY FAR