Best Laundry Detergent

Laundry Detergent

The Tide HE Liquid  is our pick for the best laundry detergent, which is a pack of 2 bottles so you can save more rather than using small packs or bottles. It uses Turbo Clean technology to keep the stains away and its HE technology is different from others, making them easy to rinse.

Our step-up pick is the Tide PODS 4in1 and this laundry detergent is also infused with Febreze for adding softness to your clothes. It can guarantee up to 24 hours of freshness and can keep stains away. You can use these pods in both hot and cold washing temperatures.

The budget pick is the Persil ProClean 2-in-1 and this detergent is formulate for up to 50 loads in your washing machine and contains 100 fluid ounces. You can count on this budget solution for brightening clothes, whitening whites, giving a fresh scent, easy rinsing and fiber care.

A Little Background

A laundry detergent is something you put in clothes so that you can clean them up from stains and dirt. While laundry detergents can be used manually for traditional laundering, they can also be used on washing machines. They usually come in powder form but there are newer ones that come in liquid detergent form, which are slowly being introduced to the market. All laundry detergents are marketed to remove stains and keep your clothes fresh and clean after laundering.

Common brands of laundry detergents all over the world include Tide, Ariel, Breeze, Vanish and many more. In addition to a laundry detergent, some may also market a fabric softener alongside the laundry detergent so that your clothes will not only smell good but also feel softer when you wear them. Using these two in unison can be great for the rainy days because you are helping your clothes not to smell funky due to the damp smell.

Most laundry detergents come with a measuring scoop that can be used when you wash your clothes in a washing machine. All you need to do is to refer to the user's manual on the right proportion of water and detergent and the kilogram or amount of laundry you have for one cycle.

You may also need to add more detergent for certain laundry items that are too bulky. It is important that you use the right proportion for your laundry detergent so that it will be easier for you to rinse your clothes afterwards to get all of the detergent out.

There are pros and cons to powder detergent versus liquid detergents. For instance, powder detergents are usually more common in the market and are more economical because you can just use a little bit each time you launder, compared to a liquid detergent that can be a bit wasteful since they come in liquid form.

On the other hand, most experts agree that liquid form laundry detergents are more concentrated than powder ones because they are usually more fast acting, already dissolved and can easily interact with clothes in water.

Do remember that a laundry detergent is not determined by its product endorsements nor its price - you will have to try the product yourself first before you can actually say that it is a real miracle stain worker. In addition to that, some laundry detergents are also not suitable for certain washing machines, such as those with bleach based chemicals, because they can potentially ruin the internal parts of your wash unit.

You should also remember that laundry detergents can be specifically for certain cloth types or fabrics. For example, some laundry detergents are the best for white shirts but not for colored ones, while others are specifically aimed at colored fabrics. Some are ideal for bulk items like jeans, bed sheets, carpets, curtains and the like, while some are ideal for delicate fabrics. You have to choose accordingly and separate your laundry in batches so as not to damage them.

How We Picked

If you want the best laundry detergent, you have to consider the following factors first:

Liquid or powder form: a laundry detergent can be in liquid form or powder form. Certain companies like Breeze and Vanish already sell liquid detergents while powder detergents are sold by Tide and similar companies. Most high end washing machines will accept liquid detergents while cheaper ones can make use of powdered laundry detergent because they are cheaper and less costly since you can save some for later.

Amount of detergent or size: do consider how often you launder in one month and how much laundry detergent you need. In general, buying in bulk is always better because you can save more. However, if you are tight on budget then it may be best to stick with small retail packs instead. If you don't have a lot to launder, small packs are also the best way to go with.

Colored or white fabrics: take note that some laundry detergents can damage colored fabrics and make them fade, so make sure you get the appropriate laundry detergent for your colored fabrics to retain their vibrant color. For white fabrics, you can just use regular laundry detergents out there for better stain cleaning.

Scented or unscented: most laundry detergents are not scented. However, there are newer innovations today that mix a laundry detergent with a fabric conditioner, which can be scented with different scents to choose from. This is ideal not just for softening your clothes to keep ironing efforts to a minimal, but also works great to get a fresh smelling scent without the need for perfumes.

Thickness of fabric: some laundry detergents are aimed at thick and bulky fabric such as denim, jackets, curtains, bed sheets and the like. Others are specifically formulated for underwear and thinner fabrics that could get damaged with too much harsh detergents.

Price: while this is the most common thing that normal consumers look for, it should be the last you should consider since a low marketed price does not automatically mean that it is the best. Some brands can be decently good even if they cost a little more.

Our Pick

Our best laundry detergent is the Tide HE Liquid which can help keep tough odors away, has an original scent that’s not very strong, and is ideal for HE or high efficiency washing machines. This trusted brand of laundry detergent gives a consistent cleaning experience.

This detergent can help retain colors while washing stains away and can be great to whites as well. Because it is in liquid form, it's great even in cold water.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

The only concern about the Tide HE Liquid that is not a deal breaker is the fact that since it is a liquid detergent, it can be a little more wasteful than its powder form, which is more ideal for budget savers.

Step-up Pick

The Tide PODS 4in1 is our step-up pick, because it’s a little pricier than the liquid detergent. Pods or packets are a new way to clean your clothes as you don’t have to measure – just drop them like bath bombs onto your laundry load.

You get a total of 61 packets or pods in this pack so you can launder for longer periods of time without the mess.

Budget Pick

The Persil ProClean 2-in-1 is our budget pick, which uses pro-lift technology to keep the stains away from your clothes. It is in liquid detergent form so it is great even in cold water for removing dirt and grime from your laundry.

The cool thing about this detergent is that you can use it in both standard and high efficiency washers like front loaders.

Best Laundry Detergent in Powder Form

The Tide Mountain Spring is designed to wash up to 68 loads and can even clean stains up to 7 days old. It is a less messy detergent in powder form that is less wasteful for those who are in a small budget. It is also HE machine compatible. It has acti-lift crystals for stains.

Best Laundry Detergent in Packet Form

The ArmHammer Plus Oxiclean comes in 40 pods or packs and can also work for HE machines. It can work on either hot or cold water and is great for stain removal. It also has a scent booster within each of the packs.

Best Laundry Detergent in Liquid Form

The Gain Liquid Detergent can do up to 146 loads and contains 30 percent more detergent than other liquid brands, containing 225 ounces. It has an original scent and uses fresh lock technology to keep clothes smelling fresh.

Best Laundry Detergent with a Lemon Scent

The Meyer's CleanDay is an eco-friendly and naturally derived liquid detergent without parabens, chlorine, phthalates, animal derived ingredients and the like. It is pure and concentrated and contains 64 ounces. It is also compatible with HE machines.

Best Laundry Detergent with Herbal Scents

The Presto! 96% Biobased is yet another eco-friendly laundry solution and is USDA certified without petroleum products. It can remove stains and it does not contain synthetic brighteners, fragrances and the like, and it’s never animal-tested. It contains about 96 percent of biobased and plant based ingredients and can be used even on sensitive skin. Because it is concentrated, a little goes a long way with this laundry detergent for cleaning stains.

Best Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin

The Puracy Natural Liquid is applicable for HE machines and has a hand pump for easy application. It contains sandalwood and rose extract that makes it great for linen and similar fabrics. It is the ideal detergent for sensitive skin and contains no perfumes, chlorine, sulfates (SLS), phosphates and animal by-products. You can get up to 96 loads per bottle and it is hypoallergenic, vegan and free from dyes. You can also use it on delicate clothing.

Best Laundry Detergent for Babies

If you want a laundry detergent that is ideal for newborn babies and hypoallergenic then the Dreft Stage 1 may be the best for you. It is also endorsed by Pampers and can last up to 64 loads of laundry. Each bottle contains 100 fluid ounces and you can also use it on HE machines. The delicate skin of your babies won’t be irritated with this unique laundry detergent and its formulation.

The Competition

Other laundry detergents were not included in this list because they lacked in cleaning power and had reports of chalk-like substances that don't really clean and are just fillers. It is important to get the best laundry detergent for your money based on its effectiveness, formulation and actual testing against common stains.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the different kinds of laundry detergents to choose from?

A: A laundry detergent , also known as laundry soap or simply detergent, is a kind of substance used in laundering clothes and fabric items. There are five major types of laundry detergents to choose from:

Powder detergents are the cheapest and the most common of all detergents. You can stack them in bulk and you can buy them at the lowest price possible compared to all kinds of detergents. They are typically found in almost all retail stores around the world and they are more economical for the general public. Here are their pros and cons:

Powder Detergents

Pros

Cons

·         They have a long shelf life so you can order in bulk and use them for the rest of the year.

·         They are very cheap compared to other types of detergents.

·         They are widely available in all supermarkets, groceries or retail stores worldwide.

·         They appeal more to the general public due to their ease of use and familiarity.

·         They are less wasteful when it comes down to using them and then storing them for later, especially if you buy small sachets.

·         Some low quality brands have chalk like substances that don’t really clean your clothes (and are more of a marketing gimmick).

·         They don’t dissolve in water well compared to liquid detergents because they are still in powder form.

Liquid detergents are the opposite of powder detergents, such that they are in completely liquid form, much like fabric conditioners. They can be great for treating stains and are ideal for those who want to really focus on stain removal. Liquid mixes with water very well compared to powder, so they can be better in general. Here are their pros and cons:

Liquid Detergents

Pros

Cons

·         Liquid detergents are the best in stain removal and for stubborn stains.

·         They can be used for pre-treating stains as well.

·         They are the best for washing machines, especially washer and dryer combos and front loading and fully automatic washing machine units.

·         They dissolve quickly in cold water so they can start to work right away.

·         They can be slight pricier than powder detergents.

·         They are also wasteful because you tend to overuse each pack or bottle and end up using more than you should, compared to powder detergents.

·         They're not always available in small retail stores in some countries that often depend on powder detergents.

The homemade or DIY detergent is one that you can make right at the comfort of your home, with your ingredients to choose. Since it is homemade, you can choose to let go of the harsh chemicals that might damage your skin and your clothes. If you are a DIY person or want to make money out of selling your own detergents then this is a good business to try. Here are its pros and cons:

Homemade Detergents

Pros

Cons

·         They can be fun to make for the whole family or as a hobby for yourself.

·         They can be free from harsh chemicals that can ruin or stain your clothes or fabric items during laundering.

·         You decide what ingredients to use for the laundry detergent.

·         You can start a business by making homemade laundry detergents as well.

·         They can be messy to make in general, like wax candle making.

·         You need a lot of time and effort to make them.

·         They may not be as purely effective as commercial brands.

The general purpose or household detergent is often called bleach, and is the earliest form of laundry detergent. Their major downside is that they may contain certain chemicals that are too harsh for laundry items, but if nothing else removes your stains then they can possibly do it. Here are their pros and cons:

Household or General Purpose Detergents

Pros

Cons

·         They are meant for really stubborn dirt, grime and stains that cannot be cleaned by conventional laundry detergents.

·         They are cheaper and widely available in most stores and supermarkets.

·         They contain harsh chemicals that may damage some of your laundry items.

·         They may not be eco-friendly compared to regular laundry detergents.

The nontoxic pod detergent is also a safe detergent to use, much like the DIY or homemade detergent. It is completely free of harsh substances like phosphates, chlorine, dyes and the like. Instead of being in liquid form or powder form, it is in a pod or packed form like marshmallows and is great for the on-the-go person who keeps forgetting the right amount of detergent to use. Here are its pros and cons:

Nontoxic Pod Detergents

Pros

Cons

·         No more measuring is required because they are in packs or pods for you to simply pop into the washer.

·         They are nontoxic and safe for you and the environment.

·         They are safe for clothes due to lack of harsh chemicals.

·         They are not widely available in supermarkets and retail stores worldwide yet.

·         They are still less popular than regular detergent types.

·         They may be more expensive.

·         They may not easily dissolve in water like powder detergents.

Q: What are the different factors to consider when you want to choose the best laundry detergent?

A: For the best laundry detergent , there are many factors that can potentially affect your decision, such as the following:

Who will wear the clothes can matter for your detergent choice. Some detergents are so harsh that they can cause skin allergies and are not meant for the youngsters and the babies. In this case, choose a detergent that is both powerful and mild on your skin. Many newer detergents today are skin-friendly and are hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists.

The type of washing machine matters when you choose a detergent. Most liquid detergents are used for high-end and fully automatic washing machines but you can also use pods or packets for them. A top load washing machine may benefit from any of them, but pods or packets may not be a good idea because they might not dissolve properly if the machine is not powerful enough on its spin.

The speed of your washing machine can make the detergent produce too much foam, so make sure it's not too concentrated. Take note of the average or top speed of your washing machine before you buy a laundry detergent that is just the right formulation for your washer. Like we said above, pods or packets might not work well for washers with a spin that is too low.

Being eco-friendly for a laundry detergent is important today because most have been containing harsh chemicals in the past, and we are entering the era of climate change and global warming. Most companies today are now manufacturing eco-friendlier solutions for laundry detergents that do not contain too much harsh chemicals and instead, turns to nature for solutions such as essential oils and extracts to make your clothes softer and smelling good.

How often you launder can also matter for choosing a laundry detergent. It can be a big pack or bottle of laundry detergent for larger families or a smaller pack for those who are simply individuals or with a small family or group. Buying in bulk may be great for getting more savings but consider your budget first before you buy any laundry detergent.

Whether you like it scented or unscented is up to you. Some laundry detergents are incorporated with fabric conditioners so you don't have to pour them separately, especially if you have a washer and dryer combo. These fabric conditioners may give scents for your clothes to smell like being drenched in natural perfume that isn't off-putting.

Q: Which is better: laundry pods/packs, liquid or powder detergents?

A: That depends on various factors  such as your budget, your washing machine, the availability and your typical laundry load. Here is a comparative chart to know the pros and cons of each of these detergent types as compared to each other:

Criteria

Powder Detergent

Liquid Detergent

Pod/Pack Detergent

Measuring

Often comes with a measuring spoon, so measuring can be easy.

Can be hard to measure unless you have a measuring spoon.

Just toss them in the washer and you’re all set. No need for a measuring spoon for that.

Cleaning stains

Great for cleaning most stains and dirt.

The best for cleaning stubborn stains and dirt.

Can be just as good as powder detergents.

Eco-friendliness

Some are eco-friendly but not all of them.

Some of these can have less harsh chemicals but not all of them.

Can be eco-friendly, depending on the ingredients and the price.

Price

Usually cheaper and widely available.

Usually more expensive.

The most expensive.

Wastefulness

Does not waste a lot because you can save some powder for later.

Really wasteful since it’s not in powder form.

Can be less wasteful but it depends on the size of the pod or pack.

Residue

Has a tendency to leave chalk residue if you purchase low quality brands.

Can leave little to no residue at all.

Can leave residue but it depends on your water and wash cycle.

Water temperature

Only for warm water for it to dissolve properly.

Best in all water temperatures, even really cold water.

The pods or packets also need warm water to dissolve properly.

Washing machine type

Great for most top load washers and some front load washers.

Great for all washer types.

Ideal only for heavy duty washer types.

Q: What benefits can you gain and what potential problems can arise from using detergents?

A: When you use detergents  for laundering clothes and the like, there can be some problems that you might encounter, such as the following:

Powdered detergents can leave chalk residue if they're of low quality. A laundry detergent that comes in powder form can be susceptible to this problem because of their cheap price. Make sure you know which brands have mostly chalk residue and which brands truly have cleaning powder that actually work for your clothes and laundry items. This chalk residue can not only make your laundry detergent appear low quality, but it might also damage your clothes and fabrics.

There's always the threat of detergent poisoning, so make sure you hide it from the kids. Remember that a responsible parent will hide toxic chemicals such as laundry detergents from the youngsters and label them properly so that no one would be victim to laundry detergent poisoning. Keep them in hard to reach areas such as high cupboards and the like.

Some detergents can be really harsh in chemical composition. There are a majority of laundry detergents today that have chemicals that can clean clothes but can cause irritations to the wearer. In this case, you may need to opt for an eco friendly solution instead of going through the conventional laundry detergents out there. Some special laundry detergents, despite being more expensive, contain less chemicals that hurt your skin and clothes.

If you pick the wrong detergent, your red shirt might turn pink. Choose a laundry detergent that has some sort of color locking technology so that it will retain the colors of your shirt or item of clothing, as well as bed sheets if any. Choosing the right detergent for the right type of clothing or fabric is highly important so that you won’t damage its fabrics with your laundry detergent. Keeping colored laundry from fading is an important task.

However, there are also good sides to using detergents, such as the following:

They're better than simply washing laundry through water and soap. They are mostly made of calcium and magnesium which can act to dissolve grease, oil and stains so they can say goodbye to your fabrics. Look for laundry detergents that are fast acting in their formulation but do not give out too much harsh chemicals that can damage your skin or fabrics. Some laundry detergents can be cheaper but don’t really clean that much, so it’s important to test brands.

Cleaning clothes with detergents can help eliminate bad bacteria, germs, viruses and the like, that can potentially harm your health. When we sweat or go through the day, potential germs and bad bacteria can form on our clothes as well, so it’s a good way to wash your clothes regularly so as not to gather sickness causing germs in the long run the next time you wear your favorite shirt.

Q: What common misconceptions do people have with laundry detergents?

A: There are a couple of misconceptions  that most people might make with laundry detergents, such as the following:

"Scented detergents are a great 2-in-1 cleaning solution" - this is not always the case since this type of laundry detergent can be potentially harsh to sensitive skin or to sensitive fabrics. Make sure that the laundry detergent, if it is scented, should not contain synthetic chemicals, or better yet, avoid them if they cause allergies.

"All laundry detergents work the same" - not necessarily true, since some brands can actually remove stains more efficiently than others. It is not always with the price of the laundry detergent, but more on the choice of ingredients as well as the actual cleaning power when you test it on your laundry. You will never know the efficiency of any laundry detergent unless you try it for yourself in your washing machine.

"DIY detergents lack in cleaning power" - this depends on many factors. First, the laundry detergent should have high cleaning ingredients instead of just eco-friendly products. You have to measure the ingredients carefully to balance the efficiency of the laundry detergent against dirt and stains and the soft, cuddling feeling for your clothes and for your skin. While hard at first, but once you get the right formulation, a DIY laundry detergent can be just as powerful as commercial ones.

"All detergents work for every washing machine" - not necessarily true, as some HE or high efficiency laundry detergents are meant for high efficiency washing machines that spin your clothes differently from conventional washers. Regular laundry detergents are not ideal for HE washers since they can make it harder to rinse the soap from the laundry.

"Adding more detergent helps clean my clothes better" - definitely not true, because you actually need less or just the right amount of laundry detergent to clean your clothes. Don't go overboard with the laundry detergent because it might not only disturb your skin but also potentially damage your fabrics. The best way to go is to use higher concentrated laundry detergents and then use little so that it goes a long way.

Q: How is a fabric conditioner different from a laundry detergent?

A: A fabric conditioner  is different from a laundry detergent. Here are their differences:

A laundry detergent takes care of stains and cleans your clothes and other laundry items from dirt, buildup, grime and other stuff that get stuck within the fabrics. They go into your washing machine instead of your dryer.

A fabric conditioner goes into your dryer instead of your washing machine. Think of it as a hair conditioner, but for clothes. It helps to reduce fuzz, piling and color fading on your clothes and other fabric items so that they stay soft and breathable.

Some special laundry detergents are already combined with fabric conditioners, just like shampoo and conditioner combos for your hair. They can either be scented or unscented, but most of them will have a special scent so your clothes will smell good, clean and fresh. They can be used on combo washer and dryers as an all in one solution.

Q: What are the benefits of using fabric conditioners?

A: A fabric conditioner  can have the following advantages:

Reduce tangles: you can keep your clothes looking newer and fresher by conditioning its fibers.

Reduces time: you don't have to iron some clothes anymore thanks to the fabric conditioner!

Scents: most fabric conditioners have lovely scents that are not too strong that smell like perfume. They usually smell naturally and some can be made with natural ingredients.

Reduces irritations: when properly formulated, some fabric conditioners can help soften the harsh effects of your laundry detergent for your skin, since they may contain natural ingredients to help soothe your skin.

Q: What are the downsides to using fabric conditioners after your laundry detergent?

A: A fabric conditioner  can have the following downsides:

They can make towels less absorbent. Depending on the formulation of the fabric conditioner, you should consider one that does not have too much harsh chemicals so that your clothes and your fabric won’t get this effect. Don’t worry, because you can remedy this with vinegar in case your towels become less absorbent in the end.

Some formulations can irritate sensitive skin. Make sure you only buy a fabric conditioner that is made with eco-friendly and skin friendly ingredients so that they don’t damage your skin or make it itchy. Most often, those fabric conditioners with super strong smells have a lot of harsh chemicals so you should stay away from these and use fabric conditioners that have a not so strong smell.

Since they are in liquid form, you may tend to use a lot more than you intended to, making it wasteful. Like with liquid detergents, a fabric conditioner can be more wasteful because it is not in powder form so you may end up having to buy more and more, which can cost a lot, especially if you’re buying sachets instead of large containers.

Q: How do I keep my clothes from fading when washing them?

A: When you launder your clothes  or wash them, there are things you can do to prevent the colors and designs from fading:

Use the correct laundry detergent. Some clothes and fabrics are not okay with your current laundry detergent so it is best to use a color safe laundry detergent for those with colors and designs. This is why colored laundry is separated from white laundry.

Flip your clothing, especially denim jeans. Most laundry detergents will always take its toll on denim jeans and other rich colored laundry items so it's the best to turn them inside out when all else fails. In fact, it works best to hung your jeans dry while turned inside out so that the sun doesn't make the jeans fade.

Cold washing works well to prevent fading. This is because cold water does not do anything to absorb your fabric's colors and designs, whether the label says it's meant for hot water or not. However, for cold washing, you need liquid detergent, which can be wasteful, but will be fruitful if you need to preserve colors on your clothes and fabrics.

Reading the label of the shirt or fabric is important. It helps you determine the best washing and drying settings for your laundry item. Some can indicate the cycle speed and whether you can machine wash them or only hand wash them. If your washing machine or dryer has a steam option, do know that some laundry items don't allow for steam cleaning.

Delicate items should go in the gentle cycle. Most underwear items, undershirts and thin fabrics that are colored can potentially fade easily with harsh laundry detergents and really fast cycles or spinning, so it's best to leave them in the delicate cycle, if your washer has one.

Going for a fabric conditioner along with your laundry detergent can help. The benefit of a fabric conditioner is to help soften your clothes and also retain their color. Some brands also have some sort of color locking technology that keeps your colored clothes from fading under the sun or from excessive washing with laundry detergents.

Q: What should I do if my fabrics often stretch in the washer?

A: To prevent stretching  while in the washing machine, you should consider the following:

Use a salad spinner instead of wringing it with your hand. This can make your clothes less damaged and less stretched.

You should also read the label on proper care for the item of clothing so that you don't make it stretch or shrink too much.

If you really need to hang your clothes, make sure your hanger fits your item well and don't use hangers that are either too big or too small so as not to stretch your item.

Properly folding your shirts or items of clothing can help reduce stretching. This is a better alternative to hangers.

Heavier clothes should not be hung, such as denim jeans. Instead, lay them flat when drying them. You can invest in a laundry screen for that.

When you leave your button shirts unbuttoned, you might actually make them stretch as well.

Fabric conditioners can also help reduce stretching so that your clothes fit properly.

Q: What other uses can I make a laundry detergent for?

A: A laundry detergent  can also be used as the following:

·         Dilute it with water for keeping pests away from your home.

·         Remove stains from carpets and the like.

·         Use it to clean dirty toys.

·         It can help to get rid of moss and weed in your pathway.

Q: How do I prepare laundry items before going into the washer?

A: Before going into the washer, you need to:

·         Keep zippers zipped

·         Empty pockets

·         Keep buttons unbuttoned

·         Velcro secured

·         Tie up strings and sashes

·         Separate delicate items like underwear, handkerchiefs and socks

Q: How much water do laundry washers often use?

A: There are two kinds  of washing machines, the top load and front load, and each of them require different levels of water:

·         Top load (common): 20 to 25 gallons

·         Front load (heavy duty): 40 gallons

Q: What factors can affect how much detergent you should use?

A: You need to consider  the following factors:

1.       How stubborn is the stain on the clothes?

2.       How much do you need to launder?

3.       What's the water hardness in your area?

Q: How do I know if my washing machine is at full load, small load or medium load?

A: The load on your washing machine  can vary depending on these factors:

Full load

the pile of laundry is close to the top of your machine

Medium load

the laundry items fill half of the drum or machine

Small load

about 1/4 of the machine is filled with laundry

Q: How do I add laundry detergent based on my washer type and detergent type?

A: Depending on your washing machine type , you need to add your laundry detergent differently:

Powdered detergents:

·         Top loader: measure then add the powder first to the agitator then the clothes.

·         Front loader: same procedure but put it in the dispenser.

Liquid detergents:

·         Top loader: measure then add the powder into the agitator before the clothes.

·         Front loader: same procedure but add it to the dispenser.

Note: never pour detergent directly onto clothes to avoid messing up their colors and fibers.

Q: Why should I measure my detergent before pouring?

A: Measuring your detergent  before pouring into your washing machine is important because it will help make your clothes easier to rinse later on and will give the right softness for your clothes or laundry items. If you lack time to measure, use pod packs instead.

Q: Can sunlight make my colored shirts fade?

A: Absolutely , so after you wash your colored items, make sure you line dry them in shady areas so their colors don't fade easily.

Q: Are there ways to brighten white clothes and fabrics without bleach?

A: Using homemade solutions  can help you brighten your white shirts and clothes, such as the following:

Sunlight: you can line dry your white clothes in sunlight and they will definitely whiten in no time, instead of getting them into the dryer all the time.

Peroxide: this is also a handy household item that can help your clothes whiten even more.

Vinegar: the good old classic household item that is not just for making salads, but also for making dull white shirts white again.

Lemon: this is another great classic household item you can use to whiten your clothes and remove dark marks. Not to mention, lemons smell good.

Salt: you can use this for stains, much like with vinegar and lemon.

Baking soda: much like vinegar, it’s also a household favorite for stains and whitening.

Q: How do I sort my laundry items for washing?

A: You can sort laundry in four ways:

1.       Separate colored from non-colored items.

2.       Separate delicate from heavy items.

3.       Separate badly stained ones from not-so-dirty ones.

4.       Separate household items like blankets, bed sheets and rugs from clothing.

Wrapping It Up

In the long run, we think that the Tide HE Liquid  is our best laundry detergent that comes in a pack of 2 bottles and is efficient for HE machines, easy to rinse off your laundry and can take care of both whites and colored items. After all, Tide is a worldwide trusted brand in stain removal that is hard to beat by other brands out there.