Are more expensive laundry detergents really better than cheaper detergents?

Question

I've been using Dynamo, which I think is one of the cheapest you can find out there. I'm wondering if it cleans as well since my towels tend to regain their 'used' smell after only a short time using them. I always hang up wet towels to dry them, but it seems they get smellier quicker after each wash. I don't seem to have that problem with clothing, but the concept is the same...if my laundry isn't getting clean enough, do I really want to wear it?

Any suggestions aside from trying every detergent out there?

BTW, by 'wet towels' I mean after showering. I always dry them in the dryer after washing them.

Answer 1

The cheaper ones are watered down...

Answer 2

Yes, more expensive detergents work best for me.

I work out a lot in the gym. I have workout shirts I have had for many years and, at times, they will get that sweat smell. I have a lot of newer ones as well. I do laundry a lot. I have used a lot of detergents and have been using that really and truly works and I highly rocommend for my needs:

Tide Lavender, powder
Tide 2X Ultra with Febreeze, liquid. This is concentrated so very little is used. Follow directions to the "tee".

I used to use Tide powder and in addition Febreeze, but found both the above are great and highly recommended.

Answer 3

I have learned over the years...that it is not the detergent, but the softness of your water. We have a water softener and all our clothes come out so much cleaner and smelling a lot better than when they were washed in hard water. There is a water softener additive you can get for your laundry...I think Calgon makes it....I am not sure. But this will soften the water you was cleaning your clothes with and you can continue to use the cheaper detergents.

Answer 4

The more expensive detergents are better and you usually need to use less soap. Good idea to add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the wash as well. If you prefer to hang up your wet towels to dry them, when dry, put them in the dryer under "air" and that will soften them up.
Good luck!

Answer 5

My husband had been buying the laundry detergent and he was buying a Cheaper one. Extra. And it was awful. I refused to use it and bought my own to use. We have a small acerage, and likes to piddle with mechanical things. His clothing wound up smelling like stale oil. After he washed them. And really didn't look very good. I finally put my foot down and said what you are buying is not getting your clothes clean and we CAN afford a better detergent. We now use All and now no more smells and his clothes are cleaner after he washes them.

Answer 6

i am sorry to have to disagree with those that have said that the expensive laundry detergents are better. we all have our own personal experiences and just because a detergent or anything else for that matter is cheaper doesn't mean that it won't work. I happen to use a "cheaper" laundry detergent and use my own homemade fabric softener and it works to my personal liking. my clothes are always fresh. Once again we all have our own preferences.

Answer 7

I find that the less expensive detergents don't work as well as Tide. I love Tide, although there are times when my fiancee grabs something else. I like Tide, because the clothes and towels get a longer lasting scent than the others.

Answer 8

A few years ago, Consumer Reports rated laundry detergents. They found that liquids performed better than powders. I know that Tide had a high rating along with a few others but I don't remember what the other ones were. This is one area where you get what you pay for.

Answer 9

Yes the more expensive detergents are better. I've tried the cheap ones when money was tight and it's not worth the money you save. They just don't clean as well.