Tide, Wisk, and Kirkland Wash Away Competition in Latest Tests of Laundry Detergents by Consumer Reports

Martha Stewart Clean 2X remains lowest-rated laundry detergent and few green cleaners cut it in tests; Plus, continued concern over pod detergents that look like candy

Yonkers, NY – In Consumer Reports’ latest tests of laundry detergents, products from Tide and Wisk claimed the top two spots in Ratings of almost 80 conventional and high-efficiency detergents.

Products from Just the Basics and All landed at the bottom of the list for conventional detergents, but Martha Stewart’s Clean 2X clung to the lowest score overall for all laundry detergents.

Consumer Reports found that top detergents did best against multiple stains in warm water. For conventional detergents, Wisk Deep Clean and Tide Plus Bleach Alternative Vivid White + Bright, both liquids, were very good overall for cleaning and effective at treating grass stains and collar ring. [Read more]

ShopSmart Scores Deep Discounts on Brand-Name Products at Dollar Stores

What to buy and what to avoid—plus overall safety of dollar store inventory improves

Yonkers, NY – Dollar stores are no longer dusty mazes of shelves filled with shoddy products from off-brands. In fact, consumers can find many brand name products, particularly grocery items, at big bargains in dollar stores.

The September 2012 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, reveals how much shoppers can save on name brand and private-label items at dollar stores, plus which products actually cost more. [Read more]

Consumer Reports Spills the Dirt on Laundry Detergents

Using too much detergent can send products’ benefits down the drain; Easy fixes that can save consumers’ money on laundry costs

Yonkers, NY – Using too much concentrated laundry detergent can wash its benefits away. Consumer reports looked closely at products from All, Era, Purex, Tide and Xtra and uncovered unclear instructions and inconsistent cap measurements that make using too much detergent easy to do and can drive up laundry costs. [Read more]

Consumer Reports tests Laundry Detergent: High Price does not guarantee high performance

Formulas from Tide Deliver Cleanest Clothes, Martha Stewart Detergent Finishes Last in Tests; July Issue Identifies Less Expensive Brands that Offer Comparable Cleaning

Yonkers, NY — Consumer Reports latest tests of more than 50 laundry detergents continue to show that buying a high-priced laundry detergent doesn’t guarantee cleaner clothes. Formulas from Tide topped Ratings of conventional and high-efficiency formulas, but there are other, less-expensive formulas from manufacturers such as Gain that offer comparable cleaning. The full report, which includes six tips for achieving cleaner clothes and buying advice and Ratings of laundry detergents, is featured in the July issue of Consumer Reports and on www.ConsumerReports.org. [Read more]