Are all laundry detergents the same or do any of them actually do anything special?

Question

There are so many - is it worth paying more for an expensive one?

Answer 1

There's nothing special and they all use the same basic ingredients. The problem with them is they use a ton of filler to make it look like you're getting your money's worth.

The two "recipes" below show you how to make laundry detergents and you only use 3 to 4 tablespoons per wash instead of a cup or more. Why? No fillers. And you can actually MAKE them for about 1/3 the cost of store bought powders.

Good luck

Answer 2

It's actually worth it. I'll fill you in on all the details!

For one, the more expensive ones are going to be safe on your clothes. The cheaper ones don't always do a great job and can ruin clothes. Also they will protect your clothes from fading etc.

They have lots of different types. For example -

Bleach Alternative
Stain Remover
Cold Water
Downy Infused

All of these are just to offer you a broader capability of laundry.

The Bleach Alternative is going to disinfect both your coloured and whites without ruining them.

Stain Remover is going to help remove the stains on your clothes.

Cold Water was introduced so you could wash all your clothes in cold water and save on power, water etc.

The downy one is if you have really smelly clothes you can wash then in it and it's going to help them smell less. Then if you use softener they shouldn't smell anymore.

They even have ones now from tide that is 3x more concentrated so you use less and get more laundry done for more money.

Answer 3

I would say it is worth it to buy the more expensive brands. I`ve tried everything on the market, and I keep coming back to Tide, or Cheer. Cheaper brands like surf, fade clothing and you end up using more than is recommended because it`s of poor quality or not concentrated. Why pay more?That`s what the cheaper brands ask. It`s because you save more money in the long run, your clothes aren`t faded and you don`t go through a box a week..

Answer 4

There is definitely a difference!
I am not saying you necessarily have to buy the most expensive one out there. There are good detergents that are mid-price range.
In my area Gain is cheaper and is really good. With kids and a car mechanic husband though, I have to go with my Tide! It is the one that fits my needs better. If you do not have kids and do not get very dirty then try them and see which one works best for you.

Hope this helps! Happy washing!!

Answer 5

I've tried them all, and keep coming back to Tide. I worked (very briefly) at a company that manufactured bleaches and soaps. The generics are often made by the name brands but just got a different label slapped on them. My mother always used Tide, and our clothes were spotless. Nothing that I've used since has come close, no matter what they may promise. If you don't have children and don't have stains in your clothes, you can get by with something cheaper. But, I've used cheaper and don't get many stains, and they still don't look as clean as they could. They may smell good for awhile, but they just aren't as clean.

Answer 6

its normally a personal preference..there are detergents that are good for specific things...he deteregents are for he machines..they need less soap cause they use less water. surf and gain to me seem to be about the same if you have alot of skin allergies avoid them the less expensive brands are better for people with sensitive skin..all, sun or even dreft baby detergent. i love wisk personally after years of not being able to use anything other than the cheaper stuff because my daughter has sensitive skin..tide is just ok to me

Answer 7

i personally believe that oxiclean is the worlds greatest. its a laundry booster. use liquid tide along with it and your stuff will look really nice. the old, somewhat faded will look better. if you don't know, start the water 1st, then add detergent, oxiclean. your good to go.

Answer 8

Yeah, seriously, from a staunch anti-commercialist-TIDE is far superior to every detergent. Three of my siblings did the spot test for science-nothing else comes close!!!

Answer 9

I like to use the little ultra-concentrated bottles. They're easier to lug to the laundromat, and they really are super concentrated...that way, a little tiny bit for a spot treatment REALLY does the trick.

And the hypo-allergenic ones (i.e. All "free and clear") are fabulous if you have sensitive skin!

Answer 10

tide digs deeper into your wallet. i like ALL. mid priced, gets stains out and the smell stays with the clothes longer. i found that arm and hammer makes jeans wear out faster, if you want holes in your jeans use that. the cheap ones clean as well i think but they dont smell for very long.