We test a range of liquid, powder and capsule laundry detergents. Note that the results for capsule detergents cannot be directly compared to the results for liquid and powder detergents.

Whether we tested the detergent in a top loader or front loader washing machine. If the detergent claims to be suitable for both, we test in both. You'll find the scores under the requisite machine type.

We recommend liquid and powder laundry detergents in front loaders with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%, while liquid and powder top loader detergents must get at least 60% to be recommended. Top loaders typically don't wash as well as front loaders, hence the decreased criteria. Capsule laundry detergents must have a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 70% in either front or top loader machines to be recommended. 

There are some laundry detergents that offer great value for money, but don't quite meet the criteria to be recommended. These products become our Best Buys. For front loaders, a laundry detergent must have a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 70% and cost under 30 cents per wash. For top loaders, a laundry detergent must have a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 60% overall and cost under 30 cents per wash.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), perspiration stains (20%), grass/mud stains (15%), olive oil stains (6%), make-up stains (4%), mineral oil stains (4%), chocolate ice cream stains (4%), baby food stains (4%), aged blood stains (4%) and tomato stains (4%). All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

General detergency is a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash water and prevents them from being redeposited on your clothes. It's also a measure of how effective enzymes are at removing protein-based stains, and how effectively a detergent removes oil. Differences of 8% or more in general detergency and soil removal are visible to the human eye.

A measure of how well a detergent removes perspiration stains from your clothes. Differences of 8% or more are visible to the human eye.

Differences of 1% or more are visible to the human eye.

Differences of 8% or more are visible to the human eye.

Differences of 4% or more are visible to the human eye.

A visible difference to dirt removal from the fluid make-up swatch is hard to pick due to uneven soil removal.

Differences of 1% or more are visible to the human eye.

Differences of less than 1% are visible to the human eye.

Differences of 10% or more are visible to the human eye.

Differences of 7% or more are visible to the human eye.

This is the price we paid for the pack size tested. The cost per wash is based on this price, so if you can find it cheaper, your cost per wash will be cheaper as well.

This is calculated based on the price we paid, the pack size we used, and the dose we measured based on the manufacturer's directions, not the claimed number of doses per pack. If you can find a product cheaper instore, or a more economical pack size, your cost per wash will reduce accordingly.

Using the pack size tested, and based on the measured dose.

This is the pack size of the products we bought and tested, in grams or millilitres.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

Company that owns the brand name.

As claimed on the packaging. This generally means the detergent is low in phosphorus and sodium, and your greywater would be safe for plants.

A green tick indicates the detergent is claimed to be safe for septic tanks if used as directed. The claim is usually based on the detergent having no chlorine bleach or phosphates. While detergents generally don't have much of an effect on the septic tank's treatment capabilities, a high sodium load can cause problems with the soil over time as it's released into the subsoil trenches.

As claimed on the packaging. Phosphates help soften the water and keep extracted dirt in suspension. But high levels of phosphorus can lead to excessive growth of blue-green algae in inland waterways.

Where the product is made, according to the packaging.

A green tick indicates the product claims to be 'sensitive' on the pack.

A green tick indicates the product claims to be 'dermatologically tested' on the pack.

As claimed on the packaging. Enzymes target protein, starch or biological-based stains such as grass or blood. Different enzymes target different stains. Enzymes are known to cause irritation, so should be avoided by people with sensitive skin.

As claimed on the packaging. Optical brighteners coat the fabric with fluorescers that absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as blue light, making the clothes look whiter and brighter even though they don't actually remove any dirt. They help minimise greying of whites. Products with brighteners are best avoided by people with sensitive skin.