First things first - how much detergent should you use?
Don’t always believe what it says on the packaging – believe it or not, you might only need to use half (yes, half!) the recommended dose of your detergent to get a fantastic wash. This can save you money and still get your clothes clean. Tests have shown that top-performing detergents work just as well on all stains at half the dose. So, think of the dosing scoop or cap as a polite suggestion and do your own experiment – you might be surprised at how little detergent you need for a great wash.
Powder, liquid or pods
Choosing the best detergent depends on the type of stain and your personal preference. While detergents used to be specifically designed for top-loading or front-loading machines, most these days are versatile enough for both.
Powder laundry detergents
Powders are fantastic for general soil performance and work best on fresher stains, which are common in everyday laundry. They also handle tough, ground-in stains well. However, they can sometimes leave a white residue if you overdo it.
-
Great for general soil performance and work best on fresher stains (rather than the stuff that’s been under your teenager’s bed for weeks!)
-
Also handle tough, ground-in stains well.
-
Can sometimes leave a white residue if overused.
-
You can turn powder into a liquid by dissolving it in warm water.
-
Offers control over the amount used.
-
Ideal for whites, helping to prevent them from going grey or yellow over time.
Liquid laundry detergents
Liquids are super versatile and can freshen up lightly soiled and coloured clothes. If you have a high efficiency washing machine or use eco programs, a good liquid detergent is your best bet to avoid those pesky white powdery patches on your clothes.
Laundry detergent pods/capsules
Pods are the ultimate in convenience. These pre-measured capsules of liquid detergent are simply dropped into the washing machine.
Like most things, they have their pros and cons:
-
They can include fabric softener or other ingredients.
-
While they eliminate the mess of powders and liquids, you can't adjust the dose for different load sizes.
-
Pods can be more expensive per wash, but some are cost-effective and perform better than their liquid and powder counterparts.
-
Make sure to keep them out of reach of young children, as their bright colours can be mistaken for lollies or treats.
Laundry sheets
Laundry sheets are marketed as eco-friendly alternatives to bottled detergents. They contain concentrated ingredients that dissolve during the wash cycle. However, their performance is still developing. The dosage is much lower than regular detergents, often just adding fragrance rather than cleaning power.
Do laundry balls and soap nuts work?
Generally, they don't perform as well as traditional detergents. Before spending money on these, check how they compare in tests.
Take a look at the Choice reviews of specific laundry products here
.jpg)
