Full laundry detergent test ratings

Using the very best laundry detergents means your laundry will emerge from the machine spotless, with pristine whites and vibrant colours. 

No one else tests as thoroughly as we do. Our independent lab tests mimic the everyday dirt and stains you get on your clothes and linen, so you can be confident that Best Buy laundry detergents really will get your grubbiest washing clean. 

We've put bio and non-bio washing powders, liquids and capsules through our tough cleaning tests so we can reveal the best - and the worst. Our latest tests included brands such as Ariel, Ecover, Fairy, Persil and Surf, and own-brand detergents from supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose.

What type of laundry detergent is best?

For the best results, it's worth considering buying different types of detergent to tackle different laundry loads, as powders, liquid detergents and capsules each have their own strengths. Use our handy visual guide below, based on our extensive experience testing laundry detergents, to decide what you need.

Before you buy, make sure you check our test results for individual products below, as choosing the wrong brand could mean that you don't get the cleaning power you were after, whichever type you choose.

Laundry detergent test results

Below you can see a preview of our results tables. Which? members can log in to unlock the tables below and see the full results of our laboratory tests for bio and non-bio washing powders, capsules and liquid capsules.

Our results may surprise you – the most expensive cleaning products aren't always the best. And as we reveal which laundry detergents are the best value, we can help you save money.

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Liquids and gels

Liquids and gels test results - July 2019
Product	Bio or non-bio	Overall stain removal	Whiteness	Colour-fading	Score
					72%
					72%
					68%
					65%
					64%
					61%
					58%
					55%
					55%
					50%
					50%
					33%

Laundry capsules

Capsule test results - December 2018
Product	Bio or non-bio	Overall stain removal	Whiteness	Colour-fading	Score
					62%
					61%
					61%
					59%
					57%
					57%
					53%
					51%
					47%
					47%
					42%

Washing powder

Washing powder test results - April 2020
Product	Bio or non-bio	Overall stain removal	Whiteness	Colour-fading	Score
					72%
					71%
					70%
					58%
					53%
					52%
					39%