Best and worst laundry detergents revealed

CHOICE tested powder, liquid and capsule laundry detergents. (Source: CHOICE)

The best laundry detergents for 2023 have been revealed, along with the ones that perform no better than plain water.

Consumer group CHOICE tested more than 70 popular laundry powders, liquids and capsules from well-known brands like Cold Power and Omo, along with major supermarket brands like Coles, Woolworths and Aldi.

The detergents were tested for both front and top loaders to find out which removed stains - including grass, makeup, chocolate ice-cream, blood and baby food - the best.

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Here’s what they found.

Best laundry detergent

The Omo Expert Anti-Bacterial laundry detergent was the winner for front and top loaders. (Source: CHOICE)

Omo was the clear winner this year, with the brand taking out the top four spots for front loaders and top spot for top loaders.

“The Omo Expert Anti-Bacterial Powder laundry detergent was the standout, performing best in both our front and top loader testing,” CHOICE director of reviews and testing Matthew Steen said.

The Omo Expert Anti-Bacterial Powder scored 90 per cent for front loaders and 70 per cent for top loaders. They aren’t the cheapest detergents around, though, costing $29 for a 2kg box and about $1.16 per wash.

Budget laundry detergent

The Aldi Laundrite Laundry Powder is a more budget-friendly option. (Source: CHOICE)

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, CHOICE said the Aldi Laundrite Laundry Powder offered serious value for money at $4.99 for a 4kg box, with each washing costing just 11 cents.

It came in fifth place for front loaders with a score of 79 per cent, and second place for top loaders with a score of 69 per cent.

Worst laundry detergent

The Aldi Laundrite Laundry Liquid was the worst performer for front loaders. (Source: CHOICE)

Despite its cheap price, Aldi also had some of the worst-performing laundry detergents on the market this year.

“If you’re keen to avoid a dud detergent, choose carefully. Our front loader testing found Aldi Laundrite Laundry Liquid from the supermarket giant performed the same as plain water, with a result of 50 per cent,” Steen said.

The Aldi Laundrite Laundry Liquid costs just $1.99 for a 2L bottle, which works out to just 6 cents per wash.

For top loaders, the bottom two performers for liquid and powders were Aldi Green Action Laundry Liquid with a score of 46 per cent and Ecostore 3x Concentrate Laundry Liquid with a score of 47 per cent.

For capsules, four tied for last place with a score of 45 per cent. These were Surf Tropical 30 Capsules 390g, Surf Aqua Fresh 30 Capsules 390g, Ka Pod 4 in 1 Turbocharged Cleaning Power 30 Capsules 480g and Ka Pod 4 in 1 Anti-dust Mites Laundry Capsules 30 Capsules 480g.

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