Consumer Reports tests detergents, with surprising result

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Tide is far and away the biggest-selling brand when it comes to laundry detergents. But Consumer Reports just tested several types of Tide along with more than 50 other detergents, and for the first time in years, Tide did not come out on top.

When Consumer Reports' Pat Slaven tests laundry detergents, she doesn't let them off the hook easily. Each detergent is judged on how well it removes tough stains.

"We use swatches that are highly saturated with stains," she said. "Common stains such as blood, wine, dust sebum -- commonly called ring-around-the-collar -- chocolate ice cream and grass."

Among the detergents tested were Wisk, OxiClean, several Tides, and ones from Sam's Club and Costco. And for the first time, three from Persil - a new detergent available at Walmart - also tested.

"Persil is popular in Europe, but it's new to the U.S.," Consumer Reports' Dan DiClerico said. "The company launched the detergents in Walmart, but it plans to expand to other retailers later in the year."

The Persil ProClean Two-In-One turned out to be the best laundry detergent Consumer Reports has ever tested. It surpassed Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release and Tide H-E Plus Bleach Alternative, the other two detergents Consumer Reports recommends.

"They all did a very good job on grass and chocolate, tea stains and ring-around-the-collar," DiClerico said. "But Persil was the only one that was excellent on blood."

Like the recommended Tides, Persil ProClean costs about 25 cents per load. Other good options for far less are Sam's Club Members Mark Ultimate Clean or Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Free and Clear. While they don't perform as well as the Tide or Persil, they still do a very good job and cost half as much.

Be sure to measure your detergent carefully. Consumer Reports says using too much will not get your clothes cleaner. It causes buildup in your machine and leaves residue on your clothes.