Jump to research

Composed by

Profile picture

R. L.

Views

264

Version history

R. L., 132d ago

December 13, 2024

best value for money laundry detergent

The research process involved reviewing discussions from various Reddit threads where users shared their experiences and preferences for laundry detergents based on different criteria including value for money, effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and suitability for sensitive skin. There were a number of recommendations, with varying degrees of consensus among Reddit users. Some of the most frequently mentioned brands included Tide, Persil, Kirkland (Costco's brand), All Free and Clear, and Puracy. Other brands like EarthBreeze, Biokleen, and Nellie's also came up in discussions. Despite the variety of options discussed, it was clear that the "best" laundry detergent often depends on individual needs and preferences.

Have an opinion? Send us proposed edits/additions and we may incorporate them into this article with credit.

Confidence

70%

Words

541

Time

2m 44s

Contributors

318

Words read

37.6k

Tide
Persil
Kirkland (Costco)
All Free and Clear
Puracy

Sensitive Skin

For users with sensitive skin or allergies, All Free & Clear and Dreft were recommended for their lack of irritants. Tide Free and Clear was also suggested as a suitable option for individuals with sensitive skin. In summary, the optimal choice of laundry detergent may depend on various factors including budget, skin sensitivity, eco-friendliness, and specific cleaning needs. It's also worth noting that the washing machine, wash cycle selection, and local water quality can affect the effectiveness of the detergent. This research should provide a solid foundation for making an informed decision.

Jump to top

Research

"Looking for new laundry detergent for sensitive skin and allergies?"

  • All Free & Clear, a popular detergent for people with sensitive skin, was listed as containing 1,4 Dioxane, a potential carcinogen, in recent reports, spurring the thread.
  • Thread title: “Looking for new laundry detergent for sensitive skin and allergies?”
  • Other criteria: A detergent that is a tough cleaner, can clean clothes even on a cold water wash, preserves clothing colors.
  • Recommendations:
    • Puracy Enzyme Laundry Detergent - 99.4% plant-based ingredients (23 karma)
    • ECOS Plant Powered Free & Clear w/ Enzymes (5 karma)
    • Biokleen (4 karma)
    • Dropps Stain & Odor Unscented Laundry Detergent Bulk Pods (1 karma)
    • Nellie’s Powder (4 karma)
    • Seventh Generation (4 karma)
    • Attitude brand - wildflower scent (2 karma)
    • Zum Laundry Soap (1 karma)
  • Some people recommend homemade detergents that include baking soda, washing soda, epsom salt, and sea salt
  • Molly’s Suds Powder and Liquid Detergent (3 karma) - same ingredients as a homemade recipe that includes baking soda, washing soda, sea salt, pure epsom salt.
  • Whole Foods Organic Unscented detergent was also mentioned, but no one commented on it.
  • A few people expressed frustration with the difficulty of finding healthy, safe, effective laundry detergents.

"Best laundry detergent"

Not used in article

"Can anyone recommend a good eco friendly laundry detergent?"

Relevant: True Importance: 9

Notes:

  • Reddit thread from the ZeroWaste community asking for recommendations for eco-friendly laundry detergents.
  • Post is from 3 years ago and has 14 upvotes.
  • 21 comments in total.
  • Various recommendations provided for several eco-friendly laundry detergents:
    • User suggests using a powdered alternative that is sold at the local market in a cardboard box. Simplest is the best way. 21 Karma.
    • Earthbreeze laundry sheets recommended. Another user is happy with them but notes they haven’t been put to the ultimate test as they have no children who don’t heavily soil clothes. 9 Karma.
    • BlueLands laundry tablets recommended, with the caveat that the user has trouble getting the tablets to fully dissolve. 4 Karma.
    • Meloria powder recommended, no complaints in the six months used. 3 Karma.
    • Ingredients Matter dry powder recommended. Unscented, dry powder in a recyclable box. Cruelty-free. Clothes smell clean even without the scent. 3 Karma.
    • Nature Clean detergent strips recommended. No plastic and no toxins in the soap. Works well but no idea how it works out price-wise. 2 Karma.
    • Homemade liquid laundry detergent with plain liquid castile soap recommended. Easy to make and lasts very long. Used the recipe from this website: http://www.dwellinginhappiness.com/chemical-free-liquid-laundry-detergent/ 2 Karma.
    • Ecoegg laundry washing machine egg recommended. It lasts a year until the little balls need to be refilled with laundry detergent. 2 Karma.
    • Biokleen unscented powder recommended. 2 Karma.
    • Cleancult liquid detergent recommended. Comes in a carton that can be sent for industrial composting if carton recycling is not available in your area. 1 Karma.
    • Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated Easy Dose recommended. Comes in a plastic bottle, but smaller than typical bottles. 1 Karma.
    • Dirt laundry detergent recommended. Works well. 1 Karma.
  • Some users note individual needs and factors such as sensitive skin, heavily soiled clothes, affordability, zero-waste packaging options, and toxin-free ingredients.
  • A few users recommend against certain brands such as Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent.
  • Some users also suggest using vinegar in laundry to help with sweaty clothes and odor.
  • Several users link to additional resources for eco-friendly and zero

"Which is the best laundry detergent?"

Relevant: True Importance: 6

Notes:

  • A Reddit user asked fellow users for suggestions on the most cost-efficient and effective laundry detergent for their top loading washing machine (11 months ago, 8 upvotes)
  • The Reddit user wants something with a light and pleasant smell that is effective in getting stains out while still being “good a getting stains out as I tend to make messes a lot” and won’t break the bank
  • They have eczema and sensitive skin but haven’t noticed laundry detergent bothering them
  • They have a top loading washer and have the option of using either powder or liquid detergent
  • Suggestions from the Reddit thread include:
    • Kirkland Free and Clear liquid detergent (no scent, 1 karma)
    • Kirkland powder detergent (no scent, cheaper than Tide)
    • Nellie’s Washing Powder (more expensive but works well, 46.98 CAD for a 4.1 lb. bag on Amazon Canada)
    • Tide Ultra Oxi detergent (good for stain removal, 4 karma)
    • All Free and Clear detergent (on sale usually, 3 karma)
    • Eco liquid laundry (has fabric softener, not recommended for athletic wear, 2 karma)
    • Woolite for darks (recommended, no karma)
  • A Reddit user warns that Kirkland liquid laundry with fabric softener is not recommended for athletic wear as it makes it very soft that they don’t compress anymore (2 karma)
  • Another user suggested using wool balls with essential oils in the drying cycle to add scent rather than scented detergents (11 karma)
  • Another suggested adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to regular laundry soap to break down bacteria from sweat in athletic wear (nos. 16-17 karma)
  • A user recommended checking out Wirecutter for reviews of various laundry detergents (nos. 14-15 karma)
  • A user suggested using several different stores for grocery shopping to find the best deals on different products (no. 22 karma)
  • A user expressed interest in finding laundry sheets at Costco (no. 28 karma)

"[deleted by user]"

  • Reddit users share their favorite laundry detergents based on different needs.
  • Tide and Persil are generally considered the top-rated detergents for stain removal and cleaning power.
    • Tide is slightly better according to one user.
  • Kirkland (Costco), Gain, Puracy, All Free and Clear, and Purex are also mentioned as good options depending on specific needs.
  • Kirkland’s giant plastic tub of laundry detergent is mentioned as a great value for money option.
  • Tide Free and Gentle, Kirkland’s, and Amazon’s fragrance-free pods are suggested for people who want fragrance-free options.
  • All Free and Clear is consistently #1 or #2 among unscented detergents.
  • Sears had a great powder detergent before they went out of business.
  • Some users prefer scented detergents for better stain removal, while others opt for unscented options due to allergies or preferences.
  • Users also prioritize eco-friendliness and gentleness on fabrics.
  • Puracy Liquid Enzyme Laundry Detergent is mentioned as a well-rounded and cost-effective option that performs exceptionally on removing different types of stains and keeping colors vibrant while being gentle on fabrics.
  • One user suggests reading a comparison between high-end and budget detergents to find more affordable options.
  • Pods are mentioned as a good option for convenience and measurement accuracy.
  • One user questions if detergents are especially formulated for overalls.
  • Comments on the thread range from 1-20 karma, indicating varying degrees of support for different recommendations.
  • Some users suggest checking lists of best laundry detergents.
  • Gain is mentioned as a detergent geared towards scent over stain removal.

"Affordable Laundry Detergent"

Relevant: True Importance: 8

Notes:

  • Reddit thread from 2 years ago discussing affordable laundry detergent, posted on r/Frugal (18 points)
  • OP asks for recommendations for the best affordable laundry detergents, noting that they usually avoid buying “pods”
  • Some users recommend powder laundry detergent for its affordability
  • Purex, Arm & Hammer, and Tide are the most recommended brands for affordability (with multiple users recommending them)
  • Tide powdered laundry detergent is suggested for its effectiveness and the ability to use less than the recommended amount
  • Some users suggest buying laundry detergent on sale or using coupons to get the best value
  • Several users suggest buying the cheapest brand available or the brand that is on sale
  • Other users caution that cheap laundry detergent might not be as effective on heavily soiled items or stains like blood, grass, or grease
  • Some users suggest using vinegar as a replacement for fabric softener to save money
  • A few users recommend environmentally friendly laundry detergent options like Nellie’s Washing Soda
  • A few users share tips for saving money by reducing the amount of detergent used, including using just 2 tablespoons of detergent or measuring out the recommended amount to avoid overuse
  • A user who apparently repairs appliances suggests using powdered detergent to prevent mildew smells in a washing machine
  • Some users advocate for powder detergent, as it has less packaging and can be less messy than liquid detergent
  • Some users recommend stocking up on laundry detergent when it is on sale to save money
  • One user mentions using TruEarth laundry detergent as the most affordable and best for the environment
  • Other brands users recommend are Xtra, Gain, and Oxyclean
  • Some users mention their personal preferences for powdered versus liquid detergent, or using different brands for different purposes.

"Which detergent is best? Budget, quality and non toxic?"

  • Users discuss various laundry detergent brands and types.
  • Persil is recommended by some users as budget-friendly, effective, and has a non-scented option.
  • Tide is also recommended by some users as a good value for money, with users finding it to be more effective than cheaper, budget-friendly options such as All and Arm and Hammer.
  • Users recommend other brands, such as Seventh Generation and Charlie’s Laundry Powder, as ecologically friendly and effective for sensitive skin and stain removal.
  • Costco’s Kirkland brand is recommended by some users as a good value for money and effective for sensitive skin.
  • Users also mention that detergent is only part of the process and that the washing machine, wash cycle selection, and local water quality can affect the effectiveness of detergent.
  • Some users recommend specific techniques such as using a stain remover.
  • Users discuss specific concerns such as sensitivity to certain detergents, removing coffee stains, and making colors look better.
  • The price of detergent is a notable concern, with users aiming to find budget-friendly options that are effective.
  • Users discuss the effectiveness of Persil for stain removal, with many attesting to its efficacy.
  • Tide is recommended by some users for its effectiveness on regular, everyday laundry.
  • Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters Detergent is recommended by one user for its scent.
  • Users with sensitive skin recommend All Free & Clear and Dreft for their effectiveness and lack of irritants.
  • Users recommend eco-friendly options such as Earth Breeze for their low impact on the environment and effectiveness.
  • Users discuss the importance of using less detergent and using the recommended amount, as using too much can affect the effectiveness and lead to excess detergent buildup.
  • Some users mention specific local stores where they were able to find certain laundry detergents.

"Tide vs every other laundry detergent"

  • Tide is the most expensive brand
  • Tide Sport can remove a lot of stinky, smelly clothes such as gym and work clothes
  • Tide has various varieties, including the budget version in yellow bottle
  • Shop by the number of loads, not by fluid ounces
  • Follow dosing instructions on the detergent bottles
  • HE detergents are at least double the concentration of traditional detergents and dissolve into a much smaller amount of water
  • Using less detergent was the easiest way to avoid over-sudsing and all of its problems
  • Using too much detergent causes residue buildup in the washer and leaves a gritty or slimy residue on clothes
  • Powder detergent is better than liquid for machines
  • Other laundry detergents such as Purex and Kirkland can work just fine and may be cheaper
  • Homemade detergents may not effective compared to professional detergents
  • The cheapest detergents seem to be much lower concentration
  • Stronger concentration soaps can actually leave a stain if they touch clothes before mixing with water
  • Borax can be added to cheaper detergent for effective cleaning
  • Sensitive skin and perfume allergies can lead to allergies from cheap detergents
  • Inexpensive brand can lead to long-term mechanical problems in washers
  • Tide is not worth the premium if budgeting is a concern
  • Trader Joe’s laundry detergent works just fine and is cheaper than Tide
  • Tide Free and Clear may be the only option for individuals with sensitive skin
  • Gain powder, while cheaper, can be more precisely measured for each load
  • Overwashing clothes is a common practice that may be unnecessary
  • Time vs. money must be weighed in choosing a detergent
  • A washer’s make or model can dictate what kind of detergent to use

💭  Looking into

Comparison of detergent cost per wash among popular brands

💭  Looking into

Top 5 best value for money laundry detergents