
20 November 2020
Full laundry detergent test ratings
The best washing powders and laundry detergents blitz stubborn stains. We compare the best and worst to help you find your ideal laundry detergent.

In this article
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.
If you’re not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access to this and all the reviews on our website
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% |
Which? members canlog innow to unlock the tables. Not yet a member?Join Which? to reveal all our laundry detergent test results and access all our online product reviews.

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