A recent test conducted by consumer group Choice has revealed that several popular brands of laundry detergent sheets are not as effective as plain water when used in front loading washing machines. In fact, one brand was found to be less effective than water.
Laundry detergent sheets, which are usually advertised as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional detergents, do not seem to deliver as much detergent in each dose.
Choice tests detergents annually to identify the best and worst products for front and top loading washing machines. A score above 70% for front loaders and above 60% for top loaders is what the experts recommend for an effective wash. Front loaders have longer wash cycles, which means they can wash clothes more thoroughly.
For the second year in a row, Omo products took the top spots for front loaders. Omo powder scored 81%, followed by Omo Ultimate 3 in 1 capsules and Omo Ultimate 3 in 1 Sensitive capsules with scores of 77% and 76% respectively.
However, laundry sheets did not perform well in front loaders and top loaders. Skipper’s laundry detergent sheets scored 46% and Lucent Globe’s scored 45%. Restor’s Fresh Linen laundry detergent sheets scored 44%. Water alone was ranked at 45%.
A Restor spokesperson responded to the score, saying, “We have conducted extensive independent testing on Restor laundry detergent sheets, where the new formula demonstrated incredibly strong performance in both cleaning power and stain removal.”
A Skipper spokesperson said, “The testing focused on stain removal of specific soiling types, not whether the products remove oils and bacteria to keep clothes hygienic and fresh.”
Comparing our sheets to plain water makes for a catchy headline, but it does not reflect their everyday utility in the household.”
Aldi’s Green Action laundry liquid concentrate was the next lowest non-sheet detergent for front loaders, scoring 45%.
For top loaders, Aldi’s Trimat Advanced Laundry powder concentrate emerged as the most effective, with a score of 66%, beating Omo Powder Ultimate by one point.
While Omo’s top-scoring products cost upwards of $0.83 per wash, three products with scores between 71% and 74% cost less than $0.30 per wash: Active Expert laundry powder, Aldi’s Trimat Advanced laundry liquid concentrate, and Coles’s Ultra Concentrate laundry powder.
While a better washing machine might be a more sensible use of money than spending more on detergents, consumers should still do their homework to see what the cost per wash is – it can be quite surprising.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/24/all-suds-no-substance-some-laundry-detergent-sheets-no-better-than-water-for-stain-removal-choice-study-finds
