Unmasking the Laundry Revolution - Frugal Detergents Triumph in the Cleaning Game
- 2 Min
Efficiency Test of Affordable Laundry Detergents: Surprising Cleaning Power Comparison - Proposal demanded for a harmonized food labeling legislation across Member States by the Commission.
Detergent solutions cater to white and heavily soiled fabrics, available as powders, tablets, or liquid variants. In a recent assessment by Stiftung Warentest, 20 different detergents were scrutinized. Remarkably, budget detergents outperformed their pricier counterparts in the Stiftung Warentest assessment. "After approximately six months, 900 machine loads, and four tons of laundry, the verdict is clear: thrifty brands outshine their pricier brethren," reported the testers.
Thirteen powders, six liquids, and one tablet were put to the test. Ratings ranged from "excellent" to "poor," with environmentally detrimental products containing microplastics in perfume microcapsules receiving adverse attention. Costs fluctuated between 16 and 34 cents per wash, making a monetary comparison worthwhile. Eight detergents received an "excellent" rating - seven powders and one liquid -, seven received "very good" (five powders, two liquids), four "good" (one powder, two liquids, one tab), and one "poor" (one liquid).
Lidl and DM Court Victory in Detergents
DM and Lidl's detergent powders secured the top position with a score of 1.6. At 16 cents per wash, they were among the most reasonably priced options. The most expensive detergents set the consumer back over double that, at 34 cents per wash, and scored 1.6 due to their impressive cleaning performance, thoughtful measuring cup for accurate dosing, and price of 16 cents per wash. DM and Lidl's victory was close, with "Domol" by Rossmann landing in second place with a score of 1.7, also for the modest price of 16 cents.
Among liquids, "Tandil Ultra" by Aldi stood out with an "excellent" rating (score 2.5) at an affordable 16 cents. However, be mindful of the distinction in scores between the top-performing powders (1.6) and this liquid detergent (2.5). "Tandil Ultra" received only a "very good" for cleaning. A well-known liquid detergent utterly failed the test. Powders tend to excel with bleach and enzymes, effectively eradicating graying and stains like red wine or cosmetics, particularly at 60°C. Liquids tend to be gentler but less potent, as they lack bleach. It is advisable to avoid washing colored fabrics with powder detergents, as bleach often causes color damage. The tablet delivered a middling performance.
Conclusion
Economical powders like the front-runners serve admirably for heavily soiled laundry and preventing graying, while liquids are more considerate to textiles. The outcome is predictable, as budget own-brand detergents have also outperformed high-end branded ones in other Stiftung tests. For environmental conservation, the test suggests washing at 30°C with a full load and precise dosing to save energy.
- In the community policy, it's crucial to promote the use of low-cost yet effective detergents, such as those that have been rated 'excellent' during the Stiftung Warentest assessment, like the economical powders from Lidl and DM.
- Vocational training programs could consider incorporating lessons on the efficient use of detergents in laundry, especially focusing on the differences between powders and liquids, and their respective applications for various fabric types.
- Stiftung, a renowned institution for consumer goods testing, has reported a significant shift in the market with budget own-brand detergents outperforming high-end branded counterparts, showing that vocational training in eco-friendly and cost-effective practices can lead to competitive products in the industry.
