Buzz
In the early days, laundry detergents were primarily soap bars used with washboards and washtubs. With the rise of modern washing machines in the 1950s, powders and liquids emerged as the preferred cleaning agents.
Nowadays, the options for washing clothes are vast: powders, liquids, pods, sheets, homemade solutions, and even traditional bar soaps (like one that dates back to 1894). But how do you decide which one suits your laundry best? Consumer Reports (CR) conducted tests to provide answers. Here’s their expert advice.
Testing Methods for Laundry Detergents
Each detergent excels in specific areas, so to determine their effectiveness, the CR specialists cleaned fabric samples stained with substances like blood, body oil, chocolate, coffee, dirt, grass, and salad dressing. The detergents were rated higher if the stains appeared lighter after washing.
Selecting the ideal detergent for specific stains
Following extensive testing of numerous laundry detergents, here’s the advice from CR experts:
For tackling grease stains and body soil
If you’re not familiar with the term, “body soil” refers to the mix of body oils, dead skin, and sweat that clings to our clothes. To effectively remove this buildup and grease stains, CR testers recommend using liquid detergent.
For stains from outdoor activities
Powder detergents are particularly effective at eliminating dirt, clay, and mud stains.
For cold water laundry
As expected, liquid detergent dissolves more readily in cold water compared to other forms. However, if you prefer powder, there’s a solution: Dissolve the powder in a small amount of warm water before adding it to a cold wash cycle.
For eco-friendly laundry solutions
In general, laundry sheets performed the weakest in stain removal among all tested products. However, they are the most environmentally friendly option. For lightly soiled laundry, sheets can still do the job effectively.
For multi-purpose use
Liquid detergents not only work as regular cleaners but can also function as pre-treatment solutions for tough stains.
For ease of use
CR testers found that detergent pods are highly effective at stain removal and offer unmatched convenience. However, this convenience often comes at a higher price.
