Clean sweep for Coles laundry powder in stain-scrubbing test: CHOICE

Alana Mitchelson
Aug 17, 2018, updated Aug 17, 2018

Coles' low-cost washing powder does a better job at removing stains than expensive brands. Photo: Coles

Expensive washing powders may not be giving consumers the best value for money, with low-cost Coles product Ultra named the top-performing laundry detergent in the market.

Consumer group CHOICE tested more than 100 washing powders, with Ultra’s front loader product outranking OMO, Cold Power and Dynamo, among other popular brands.

OMO’s Ultimate, With A Touch of Comfort and Active Clean were a close second.

The Coles product also saves consumers money per washing load. It costs 16 cents a wash compared to the most expensive product tested – runner-up OMO Ultimate Front.

This is significant, as detergent makes up about half of the running cost of a washing machine, according to CHOICE.

The tests evaluated how effective each product was in removing difficult stains, plus which was best for the environment and best value for money.

CHOICE said the best laundry detergents should remove spills such as oils, tomato, and starches from clothing.

A Coles spokeswoman said its research showed the popularity of its own-brand products continued to grow.

She said the majority of Coles customers bought at least one home-brand product in the average shop.