Testing reveals best and worst laundry detergents: CHOICE

Aldi tops leaderboard across both front and top loader test.
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Last updated: 5 Aug 2026

Consumer group CHOICE has tested over 40 popular laundry detergents, confirming which products will leave your clothes fresh and clean, plus the ones not worth your money.

CHOICE tests laundry detergents in both front and top loader machines against many different types of stains, including blood, grass, mud, oil, makeup and baby food. 

Read more:
The best and worst laundry detergents from our lab tests

“Omo Active Clean Powder and Omo Ultimate Powder were top scorers in our front loader test, receiving a score of 82%. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Aldi’s Trimat Advanced Laundry Powder Concentrate tied for first place alongside the Omo products, with a friendly price tag of $0.44 per wash,” says CHOICE household expert, Chris Barnes. 

“Over the years, we’ve found top loading machines don’t wash clothes as well as front loaders, resulting in lower detergent scores. If you do have a top loader, we’d recommend purchasing Aldi’s Trimat Advanced Powder, which also received first place in our top loader test,” says Barnes. 

Best and worst laundry detergents for front loaders

Best: 

1. Aldi Trimat Advanced Laundry Powder Concentrate

CHOICE Expert Rating: 82%

Price per wash: $0.44 

1. Omo Active Clean Powder

CHOICE Expert Rating: 82% 

Price per wash: $0.71 

1. Omo Ultimate Powder

CHOICE Expert Rating: 82% 

Price per wash: $1.16 

Worst:

1. Ecostore Laundry Powder Lemon

CHOICE Expert Rating: 57% 

Price per wash: $0.21 

1. Biozet Attack Plus Softener Liquid

CHOICE Expert Rating: 57% 

Price per wash: $0.76

Best and worst laundry detergents for top loaders

Best:

1. Aldi Trimat Advanced Laundry Powder Concentrate

CHOICE Expert Rating: 66% 

Price per wash: $0.44

2. Omo Ultimate Powder

CHOICE Expert Rating: 62% 

Price per wash: $1.16 

3. Cold Power Advanced Clean Laundry Powder

CHOICE Expert Rating: 60% 

Price per wash: $0.65

Worst:

1. Earthwise Sensitive Laundry Liquid

 CHOICE Expert Rating: 47%

 Price per wash: $0.50

2. Earthwise Orange & Eucalyptus Laundry Liquid

 CHOICE Expert Rating: 48%

 Price per wash: $0.50 

2. Active Expert Laundry Capsules

CHOICE Expert Rating: 48% 

Price per wash: $0.33 

Images available: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/144Cpl39SyWIU2AlFDp7Oce4KoFQ-yoT0?usp=sharing

Read more:
The best and worst laundry detergents from our lab tests
Erin Barton
Erin Barton

Erin Barton is the Media advisor at CHOICE. Erin supports the CHOICE media strategy by placing our stories with external outlets to reach the general public. She communicates our work through the media, and promotes the value of CHOICE to make an impact on the Australian community. Erin has a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Technology Sydney.

Erin Barton is the Media advisor at CHOICE. Erin supports the CHOICE media strategy by placing our stories with external outlets to reach the general public. She communicates our work through the media, and promotes the value of CHOICE to make an impact on the Australian community. Erin has a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Technology Sydney.