For each of these stains, the detergents earned a score based on where they fell in line from worst to best, with the goal being to earn the most points possible. If a detergent was worst at removing the ketchup stain, it earned 1 point in that category. If the same detergent was best at removing chocolate, it earned a 6 in that category and so on. The final determination was made based on total score.
Some detergents were really great at removing a certain kind of stain and really bad at others. For this reason, in addition to the overall score, we have listed out which detergents were best and worst at which stains below. We learned that just about every detergent was good at getting the ketchup out but that nothing was good at removing the mustard stain! Surprisingly, mud was rather difficult to remove too. You would think most detergents would work really well on mud and dirt since they are so common…
The homemade recipe we used is the one readily available on Pinterest that uses Borax, Fels Naptha Soap and Washing Soda. You can find the recipe I used here if you’re interested in giving it a try!
Without further ado here is the line up in order from worst, to best overall!
Interesting! I am down to about 5 loads a week (kid clothes, workout gear, work clothes, towels/sheets). I am a devoted Costco gal, and a big fan of the Kirkland brand free and clear detergent. It works out to between 8 and 9 cents a load. Do yall have a Costco near you? The bulk sizes and Kirkland brand items are great deals, and our membership pays for itself in gas savings alone.
Hi Heidi! We actually don’t have a Costco near by! We are really out in the boonies over here! I’m thinking about doing a second round battle including Purex and a couple others. I might just have to find a friend with membership and make a road trip! Thanks for the suggestion!