In a stunning blow to household name brands, budget supermarket detergents from Aldi and Lidl have been scientifically proven to wash whiter and brighter than their premium-priced competitors.
The exhaustive tests, conducted by the renowned consumer champion Which?, pitted the discount retailers' products against giants like Procter & Gamble's Ariel Unstoppables and Persil's ProClean Powergems. The results have sent shockwaves through the laundry aisle, proving that a higher price tag doesn't guarantee a cleaner wash.
The Champion of Clean: Aldi's £3.99 Power Performer
Aldi's own-brand detergent, Almat Biological Washing Powder, emerged as a clear frontrunner. Costing a mere £3.99 for a 1.65kg box, it achieved a near-perfect overall score of 77% in the rigorous lab assessment. It excelled in removing a gruelling combination of stains, including egg, grass, and makeup, leaving test fabrics in impeccable condition.
Lidl's Formidable Contender
Not to be outdone, Lidl's Formil Biological Washing Powder put in a stellar performance. Priced identically at £3.99, it scored a highly respectable 74%. It proved particularly effective at tackling tough coffee stains, demonstrating that Lidl is also a heavyweight contender in the laundry ring.
How The Big Brands Washed Up
The real surprise came from the underwhelming performance of the established market leaders. Despite costing significantly more, both Ariel and Persil were left trailing in the wake of the discount detergents.
- Ariel Unstoppables Washing Capsules: Priced at a hefty £13 for just 20 capsules, this premium product managed a score of only 65%.
- Persil ProClean Powergems: Faring even worse, this product scored a dismal 56%, making it one of the poorest performers in the entire test.
What This Means For Your Wallet
The financial implications for UK households are enormous. Switching from a big-brand capsule to a top-rated supermarket powder could save a family hundreds of pounds a year on their laundry bill. This revelation empowers consumers to achieve sparkling clean clothes without the premium price tag, a welcome saving during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
So, the next time you're doing the big shop, you might want to bypass the flashy branded boxes and head straight for the supermarket's own shelf. Your clothes—and your bank balance—will thank you for it.
