Laundry

Laundry is the largest recurring cleaning spend in most homes. This category covers detergent in liquid, powder, and sheet formats, along with stain removers, fabric softeners, and dryer products. We compare cost per load rather than bottle price, look at performance in cold water since more machines now default to it, and note compatibility with high efficiency and front loading machines, which matters more than the label suggests. Fragrance strength and dye content are called out for households with sensitive skin. Recognized ecolabel certifications factor into our ratings. We do not repeat sanitizing or antibacterial claims unless a product carries the registration its market requires, which we cite when present.