Copyright: picture alliance / dpa / dpa-tmn
Stiftung Warentest has tested several detergents again this year, including washing powder, liquid detergents and gel pillows.
How do I wash my clothes properly? Which means I get the best, cleanest result – washing powder, heavy-duty detergent, or gel pad? Stiftung Warentest tested 22 heavy-duty cleaners.
Berlin. The choice is almost endless. But what’s the cleanest way to get my laundry done? You don’t need colored liquids, fancy gel pads, sheets, and the like for a really clean wash.
What many already know has been confirmed again at Stiftung Warentest: washing powder simply washes better than liquid or new combination detergents. Ordinary washing powder does this too – it even works best at Stiftung Warentest. 22 heavy-duty cleaners tested, including 13 powders, 5 liquids, and 4 formulated products (“Test” 11/2021).
Aldi, Lidl, Penny and Netto: washing powder from the vacuum device in the test
- Aldi Nord Tandil Ultra Plus Heavy Duty Cleaner: Good (1.8)
- Aldi south Tandil Ultra Plus powder: Good (1.8)
- Benny “Shetlan Vollwaschmittel SuperCompact”: GUT (1.9)
- Lidl Formil Ultra Plus: GOOD (2.0)
- Net Brand Discount: Good (2.0)
Washing powder test with brands of dm, Rossmann, Rewe and Edeka
- d m “Consider using SuperCompact Heavy Duty Cleaners”: Good (1.9)
- Rossmann Domol Heavy Duty Cleaner: Good (1.9)
- edica “Good, very cheap, heavy-duty cleaner”: Good (2.0)
- Rewe Yes! Ultra Durable Compact: Good (2.0)
Heavy Duty Detergent Test: A drawback that can also be an advantage
What could be a drawback in terms of washing is an advantage elsewhere. Stiftung Warentest criticizes, among other things, that many good powders are unrecognizable as heavy-duty detergents at first glance. Because it is combined with bleaches and optical brighteners, it is not well suited for colored laundry. Here the colors can fade after several washes. This risk does not arise with liquid products.
According to Stiftung Warentest, bleaching agents cannot be incorporated into liquid detergents in a chemically stable manner. Therefore, surfactants and washing enzymes alone should deal with this – an obvious drawback compared to powders, especially at lower temperatures.
Stiftung Warentest rates heavy-duty liquid detergents and gel pads
- Aldi Nord Tandil Heavy Duty Cleanser: Satisfactory (2.6)
- Aldi south Tandil Heavy Duty Cleanser: Satisfactory (2.6)
- parsley Global Power Gel Excellence: SATISFACTORY (3.0)
- Lenore 2-in-1 Cleaner: SUFFICIENT (3.9)
- edica “Strong, Inexpensive 3-in-1 Active Heavy Duty Covers”: SUFFICIENT (3.7)
- Net “Reduced Priva Branded Mega Cleaners 3 in 1 Active Lids”: SUFFICIENT (3.7)
Why are liquid detergents and gel pillows weak?
Stiftung Warentest says the main reason is poor washing performance. While the powders remove dirt from laundry and prevent gray haze, competitors fail an endurance test. Even on tough challenges like dry ketchup or jam, the powders — thanks to the bleach — remove more dirt from the fibres.
Auxiliary doses could be better, according to Stiftung Warentest
In terms of dosage, Stiftung Warentest sees room for improvement. Positive: Well-tested powders naturally wash and clean soiled clothes in the recommended amount. Cons: Dosage instructions are often difficult to read. The exact dosage is important. On the other hand, because detergents also soften the water and thus prevent the device from calcifying. On the other hand, it avoids wasting detergent.
Tip: manufacturers’ measuring cups, which can often be ordered free of charge, can help here. To avoid plastic waste, it is no longer in the package.
Bad dose of tampons, pods, and tablets
Liquid detergents are easier here. Their lids are often used as measuring cups. There are criticisms of caps, horns and discs. It’s hard to eat. For testers, in addition to poor washing performance, there is another reason not to use them.
Stiftung Warentest is a non-profit consumer organization that conducts about 200 comparative product tests each year. The foundation is funded by tax revenue, but it is also funded by the sale of magazines, books, and advertising licenses. (sai/dpa)
