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You are here: Home / Decor / Domestic Details / My Laundry Soap Test-Drive

My Laundry Soap Test-Drive

April 23, 2012 by Jane F 19 Comments

laundry soap test - freshly laundered cotton sheets in my linen closet - AtticmagFor my laundry soap test drive, I washed sheets with six specialty detergents.

Some time ago I began to notice some bed sheet sets didn’t smell fresh even after they were laundered in my new front-loader. I hoped my new machine would correct the problem created by long-time use of apartment house top loaders. So I began a deodorizing campaign using every remedy I could find — from vinegar in the final rinse, to baking soda. I also tried the sanitary cycle that heated wash water to near boiling. Little change.

Perhaps it was the laundry detergent? I’d always used Tide. My Mom used Tide. I never considered changing until a post about a detergent caught my attention. With little effort I then found a number of premium laundry soaps I knew nothing about – each with different features and fragrances. So I decided to purchase six high end brands – liquids and powders — and do a personal test drive to see how each one performed on my sheets. All were recommended for front-loading washers which use less water than top loaders and need less detergent and suds to get things clean. They might cost more than what I’d been using but, hopefully, they would do a better job.

laundry soap test - sheets used for the laundry detergent test drive - AtticmagMost of the sheets used in my wash tests are 100% cotton from Sferra. I selected a hem-stitched top sheet [right] plus a challenging vintage poly-cotton Wamsutta top sheet [left] which hadn’t been used in a long time. That one had yellowed slightly and retained a musty smell. But even after initially washing these two sheets in all the products, I kept using the various soaps on all my sheets over the next weeks and months.

Let me tell you very clearly that this was not, and is not, a scientifically conducted test. It’s simply my experience with this group of laundry soaps which may or may not cost more than supermarket brands per load. What I do know is that they offer a smorgasbord of qualities such as “earth-friendly” ingredients, special fragrances, essential oils vs chemical fragrance, enzyme whiteners, no phosphates, surfactants, optical brighteners, oxygen bleach and a few ingredients that require scientific knowledge to pronounce. I’m not a scientist. Some of the companies go into great detail on their websites to explain what’s in their products to potential users — I’ve linked those below in case anyone is interested. My aim was to find a high-quality laundry soap that would give me clean, soft, fresh-smelling sheets (I later threw towels into the mix).  I’ve never been a fan of fabric softener and haven’t used it for years. This is just about soap.

laundry soap test - contrasting suds levels in my front loader with Mrs. Meyers and The Laundress - AtticmagMost of the tests were done in my Bosch front-loader though I continued to use several of the detergents in the Asko at my house. I wash sheets in hot, 140-degree water, which is said to be optimal. But over time, I found no major differences in results based on either washing machine. As I tested, the greatest variations proved to be in the deodorizing ability, the quality and staying power of the fragrance, whiteness, and softness of the sheets when dry. Some detergents gave me perceptibly better whitening results than others. However, the concentrated liquid soaps produced far more suds with recommended doses than is recommended. A low sudsing level [Mrs. Meyer’s, right] is more desirable for front loaders than abundant suds [The Laundress, left]. I did get more loads than most of the packages suggested. Yet I would not rate any of the soaps below average or even disappointing, though one was less cost effective than the others.

This test includes products that seemed best-known, most available, or recommended at least to me.  I expect there are perhaps a dozen more to test — particularly in the growing eco-friendly/green segment. All the products included in here were purchased at New York area stores or online and paid for by me.

Important update: Since the time of this test, Henkel, the manufacturer of Persil in Germany, has introduced an American version of their Megaperls available exclusively through Walmart. The cost is about half the cost of the imported product tested. American Persil is manufactured by Dial, makers of Purex, an American subsidiary of Henkel).

laundry soap test - Persil Universal Megaperls Laundry detergent - AtticmagPersil Universal Megaperls
45 load box/6.68 pounds (3.03kg)
Cost: $43.99 (50 oz U.S. Persil about $12 at Walmart)
Suggested dosage: ¼ cup for front loader
Cost per load:  about $ .50 to $1
Fragrance: Pine with a hint of floral.
Claims: anti-graying formula, stain dissolver, built-in water softener, not for silk or wool.
Made: in the EU, exported from Germany.
My Notes: Specifically formulated for European front loader machines and recommended especially for Miele and others, this top German detergent consistently got my whites brighter — likely due to the presence of tiny oxygen bleach granules in the mix. It also deodorized better than other laundry washes, leaving a slightly pleasant pine fragrance. I also got excellent results using half the recommended about per load, which decreases the cost.  I was so pleased with it I began to use it on bath towels and colors. Overall, I felt it gave me the best results. The beadlike Megaperls texture does not produce powder dust and is easy to measure with a 2 Tb. coffee scoop. In comparison, the Persil Univeral Powder, which is similar to the Megaperls, seems slightly less gentle. The Persil Gel liquid (green) was as equally effective at whitening and deodorizing.
Website: Persil Pro Clean

laundry soap test - Caldrea liquid laundry detergent - AtticmagCaldrea
Sweet Pea Laundry Detergent Fragrance No 7
64 fl.oz or 1.9 lt.
Cost: $16
Suggested dosage:  1 capful (about 4 oz.) for average 32 loads; for use in top and front loaders
Cost per load: about $.50
Fragrance: Made with essential oils of jasmine, bergamot, geranium and orange
Claims: “Earth-friendly.” Contains plant-derived sufactants and Borax. Uniquely formulated for the nursery. Mild yet highly effective against stains. Uniquely formulated for babies and children. For all washable fabrics, color safe.
Made: Caldrea, Minneapolis, MN
My Notes: I happened to buy this fragrance because it was the only one stocked at Gracious Home though it is one of 7 choices offered by Caldrea. This detergent was a delightful surprise – for me the strength is in excellent cleaning capability coupled with wonderful fragrance that remains after drying. I quickly came to adore the sweet aroma, especially for bath towels. It would be my first choice consistently for bath towels.  It did not seem to have the same whitening power as Persil, though it was equal, if not better, in terms of deodorizing. It is the only Caldrea fragrance that does not have a companion linen spray, which I do like to use. Easy to measure with the cap.
Website: Caldrea

laundry soap test - The Laundress Signature liquid laundry detergent - AtticmagThe Laundress
Signature Detergent, Classic
32 fl oz/1 litre/3X concentrate
Cost: $20.50
Suggested Dosage: Front-loader  1/8 cup=32 washes; top loader ¼ cup=16 washes
Cost per load: about  $.47 cents based on 44 washes for a front loader; $. 64  based on 32 washes. This is so concentrated I reduced the quantity per load by half, especially for a front-loader. (See notes and photo, above.)
Fragrance: Baby powder/rain. Faint aroma.
Claims: non-toxic, biodegradable, allergen free, OOC-, phosphate, phthalate and dye free. The brand, created by a pair of Cornell graduates with fashion backgrounds, is marketed as a way to wash clothes that otherwise might need dry-cleaning with toxic chemicals.
Made: U.S., based in New York.
My Notes: The Laundress is like a bubble bath mousse for your sheets. The strength of this detergent is leaving sheets with an especially soft, very soft, silky hand. The line offers many special-use laundry products. The signature detergent has a fresh clean laundry-like fragrance, a bit like rain scent, that remains. It is slightly above average deodorizing. It is also highly concentrated and when I used the suggested 2 tbsps In the front-loader I got a gigantic amount of suds – slightly too much – throughout the entire wash cycle. The dose easily could be cut down to 1 tbsp per load or the soap could be diluted slightly which would produce a much higher yield and reduce the cost-per-load. Measuring can be difficult as the bottle has a flip spout and must be inverted so it can be challenging to measure carefully. I like this detergent, especially for towels.
Website & Purchase: The Laundress

laundry soap test - Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent - AtticmagMrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent
Lavender Scent
64 fl. oz/ 1.9 Lt.
2 X concentrate
Cost: $16.85
Suggested dosage: ½- capful for an ordinary load or 2 Tb. 64 loads per bottle /1 oz. per load
Cost per load: about $.26
Fragrance: Essential oils of lavender and orange. One of 8 herbal variations based on the garden of Mrs. Thelma A. Meyer, an Iowa homemaker and mother of 9 who founded the brand.
Claims: Formulated for all washers.  Cruelty-free, never tested on animals and biodegradable. Bottles made with at least 205% post consumer plastic. Aromatherapeutic – lavender has  long been valued for its relaxing scent that is soothing and is believed to relieve fatigue.
Made: By Caldrea, Minneapolis, MN
My Notes: Lavender, also citruss-y – similar to men’s cologne. Pronounced lavender/herbal smell when soap was dispensed and when washer was opened after end of cycle. Since the detergent is 2 x concentrated, only 1 oz per load is recommend. During the wash, more normal “low suds” were present. After drying, one sheet kept a faint herbal fragrance – definitely deodorized and improved. The hand is not quite as good as The Laundress produces but it is still soft and smooth.  Another easy to measure cap, though the color makes it slightly less easy. This is a sister product to Caldrea.
Website & Purchase: Mrs. Meyers

laundry soap test - Method Free and Clear Laundry Detergent - AtticmagMethod
Squeaky Green Laundry
Free + Clear
3 X concentrated
20 fl. oz
Cost: $15.49
Suggested dosage: 4-5 pumps for 50 loads
Cost per load: about $.31
Claims: Tough on stains, biodegradable, plant based formula, Phosphate free, dye free and hypoallergenic  Triple concentrated.
Made: U.S.  – Based in San Francisco.
My Notes: I purchased Method at Duane Reade drugstore which offered only the non-fragranced free + clear at the time. There are 5 additional fragrance choices in the line. Against the line- up of similar products I was testing, however Method impressed me as average. It did its job but not stand out for any particular quality. While concentrated it did not produce more than usual suds. It is interesting to note that the pump-top bottle offers less value than the non-pump 34 ounce package which does 85 loads for $19.99 or $.23 per load. Fragrance notwithstanding, this may prove to be the value pick among all these brands.
Website: MethodHome


laundry soap test - Le Blanc Linen Wash - AtticmagLe Blanc Linen Wash

A Fine Specialty Cleanser
32 fl oz.
Cost:  $19.
Suggested dosage: ¼ cup or 2 oz.
Cost per load: about $1.18
Fragrance: Slightly medicinal and not unlike grape-flavored cough syrup
Claims: Not tested on animals. No bleach, caustics, phosphates. Neutral ph, Biodegradable. Removes stains such as lipstick, red wine, grease. HE friendly. Recommended for cold-water washes.
Made: Tampa, Fla.
My Notes: Le Blanc requires more than any other detergent per load. It presents itself more as a stain remover than a regular laundry detergent so it may be limited to specialized uses. The sheets came out of the dryer with an exceptionally smooth, silky hand and brightly white — smoother than with any other detergent. LeBlanc did not, however, remove tiny old blood stains from a pillowcase I threw into one load.  It needs a measuring spoon or other device for dispensing. I didn’t find the result/cost ratio to be especially in its favor nor did it seem to have any different effect on bed linens than the others. I found the fragrance oddly medicinal and not thoroughly pleasant.
Website: Linenwash

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Filed Under: Domestic Details Tagged With: are expensive laundry soaps worth the cost, Atticmag, Caldrea, comparing premium linen washes, laundry room, laundry soap testing, Le Blanc linen wash, Method, Mrs. Meyer's, Persil Megaperls, The Laundress

Comments

  1. Nancy says

    April 23, 2012 at 5:14 am

    Jane,

    I could not sleep and have been reading through some of your posts. I’m so glad I read this one though I’d skimmed over it to begin with because I wanted to look at some of your kitchen
    posts.

    I’m so glad I read this through. I am placing an order for the Caldrea Sweet Pea detergent now. I’ve experience the very same thing with laundry, especially notable with the sheets, that doesn’t smell fresh even after laundering it.
    I am anxious to try this out.

    Thank you for such an in depth review of these products! I am going to let them know that I found them through your blog.

    Nancy

    Reply
  2. Jane F says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:39 am

    Glad you found it useful Nancy. I know I learned a lot. Hope you will like the Sweet Pea. I just ordered some yesterday with 3 of their linen sprays to test. Caldrea has free shipping for Earth Day — last day is today (Monday).

    Reply
  3. Jordan@the2seasons says

    April 23, 2012 at 10:14 am

    I have been making my own detergent for a couple years and overall I have been happy with the result. But I am going to have to get some linen spray I think that will be a nice little touch.

    Reply
    • angie says

      August 21, 2012 at 1:36 am

      add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (Lavender is nice and relaxing) to a spray bottle with some water and a few drops of alcohol….and you have your own non-toxic linen spray. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    April 23, 2012 at 10:27 am

    I’ve always used a front loader, but haven’t ever had trouble with odor. My husband works for a company that sells soap to commercial laundries and restaurants, so I use whatever he orders from his company. I’m currently using one of his product that is pre-measured and you just throw in. Love the convenience of that! I use a softener that goes along with his product, although it’s called a “sour”. When I’m doing sheets I like a lavender scented product from the grocery store and I hang my sheets to dry in our garage with the door open. Makes the place smell wonderful!

    Reply
  5. Design is... All in the Detail says

    April 23, 2012 at 11:29 am

    What a gorgeous blog – I just stumbled upon you and have fallen in love! Thanks so much for sharing… I will be back because I am now your newest follower! Have a great day. Jalon

    Reply
  6. RHome410 says

    April 23, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    I’m amazed. I thought Tide was expensive! LOL Nice that you could do this test and let everyone know what you liked and why, so they can choose to spend on those things that are most important to them. It’s so frustrating to look at a whole array of products and not know which to try first… and be ‘stuck with’ for awhile if it isn’t the right one, or just a waste of money.

    Reply
    • Jane F @ Atticmag says

      April 23, 2012 at 3:08 pm

      Tide IS expensive and I didn’t think it was doing a very good job. I’m much happier with the alternatives.

      Reply
  7. Krista says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:25 pm

    I was also going crazy about the laundry soap and I go through a ton of it.
    I had a front load washer and hated it. I got rid of it at the first opportunity. My clothes never seemed to come clean and they smelled.
    I started reading up on laundry detergents and made up a batch of my own and I am pretty pleased with it. Next time I will not use the purex softener, not thrilled with the scent.
    I will check out the Persil though.

    This is the link to the soap I made.

    http://needalattemom.blogspot.com/2011/12/homemade-laundry-soap.html
    Thanks
    Krista

    Reply
    • angie says

      August 21, 2012 at 1:42 am

      no need to buy fabric softeners, esp do not use dryer sheets, they can be toxic!!
      Use vinegar in the rinse cycle of your washer or put some in a Downy ball, the smell will rinse out of the softening stays :))
      Try using dryer balls (even dead tennis balls work great) will eliminate static on clothes. I have about 5 balls in my dryer at all time. They really work!
      I try to share my knowledge when I can.

      Reply
      • Jane F @ Atticmag says

        August 21, 2012 at 11:03 am

        Hi Angie,

        I totally agree about dryer balls. I got some rubber ones at the grocery store that really do a great job and no smell.

        The whole point of my piece and upscaling the laundry soap is to completely avoid any type of fabric softener. People do say to add vinegar, which I’ve done, but I don’t see any result. Just my observation. I also don’t find it deodorizing at all — again why I went to detergents with essential oils. But everyone’s machine and water is different so that also can account for the variations, I suspect. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
  8. Jane F @ Atticmag says

    April 24, 2012 at 8:28 am

    Will look at your soap Krista — that’s so ambitious!

    Reply
  9. soofriver says

    April 27, 2012 at 9:08 am

    Thanks for info! I don’t even have a linen closet. When we built, I left out a linen closet in MBath. I keep them in an open screened pie safe type cabinet. I noticed through the years in my former houses, the linens took on a certain smell. I can’t wait to try the Caldrea. I have their lotion in Ginger and like it.

    Reply
  10. Lisa says

    April 27, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Interesting review. Thanks. I almost choked when I saw the cost of the Persil. I would think adding oxygen bleach or some borox to the Caldrea would make it as effective as the Persil. Also a good presoak in oxygen bleach now and then helps.

    Reply
  11. Jane F says

    April 27, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    I’m with you on the Oxy Clean Lisa. Thing is with the Persil, you don’t need it — but no question it’s more.

    Reply
  12. Sayde says

    April 28, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing the results of your test with us, Jane. I have been using Caldrea dish soap and lotion for a while and now just ordered the laundry product based on the strength of your review.

    Reply
  13. Jane F @ Atticmag says

    April 30, 2012 at 3:16 pm

    Do hope you’ll enjoy the Caldrea. I just ordered some myself.

    Reply
  14. Mary Robinson says

    May 18, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    I have been using Meyers ‘Clean Day’ for quite sometime now. I think it works well. I add a small amount of baking soda as well to the load.

    Reply

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