The best liquid detergents in the UK 2023

Liquid detergent is an excellent alternative for efficient laundry. This detergent has several advantages, including respecting and preserving the colors of your clothes. That said, like all household products, you must choose your liquid detergent carefully. In this guide, you will find all the information and advice you need to use the best liquid detergent.

Ariel Power Alpine Liquid Detergent 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Ariel Power Alpine Liquid Detergent

The best liquid detergent in 2021

Ariel Power Alpine liquid detergent is the best option for removing stains in the first wash. Effective even on white fabric, it leaves a pleasant alpine freshness scent on clean laundry.

20,82 £ on Amazon

This liquid detergent from Ariel stands out for its increased effectiveness against stains, even stubborn ones. Effective at 30°C, whether in the machine or by hand, it does not require pre-washing to remove dirt from your clothes. It is even suitable for white clothes, and this, for all types of fabrics. Best of all, it leaves a pleasant alpine freshness on your clean clothes.

The Ariel Power Alpine liquid detergent is also suitable for both households and communities, as it comes in a 3.5 liter canister, which is the equivalent of 65 washes. It also has a measuring cap for easy use. For the ecological side, the detergent is offered in a refillable container.

L'Arbre Vert Winter Breeze Wash 2
8/10

The best cheapest

L'Arbre Vert Winter Breeze Wash

The best cheap liquid detergent

Are you looking for a liquid detergent that is environmentally friendly? Choose Brise Hivernale by L'Arbre Vert. This product has the European Ecolabel and is classified as hypoallergenic. Thanks to its more concentrated formula, it allows you to save money.

4,17 £ on La Belle Vie

This liquid detergent signed L'Arbre Vert is distinguished by its more concentrated formula to reduce the dose and allow you more savings while reducing the impact of waste on the environment. Indeed, this 1.5 liter bottle is enough to do up to 33 washes, which ensures your laundry for longer.

With the European Ecolabel, this detergent considerably reduces the risk of allergies while preserving the environment. It contains no skin allergens, no dyes, and no MIT. Instead, this liquid detergent contains ingredients of natural vegetable and mineral origin. It is hypoallergenic, ARCAA allergist-approved and even suitable for babies. The liquid detergent also has a light, refreshing scent that is reminiscent of a winter breeze.

Le Chat Sensitive liquid detergent 3
9/10

The best high-end

Le Chat Sensitive liquid detergent

The best premium liquid detergent

Le Chat Sensitive is a hypoallergenic liquid detergent, thanks to its formula made of Marseille soap and sweet almond milk. This detergent is effective even at low temperatures and is packaged in a recyclable bottle.

15,99 £ on Amazon

Certified ECARF (European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation), Le Chat Sensitive laundry detergent is the ideal product for people with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic, this liquid detergent has also been developed and tested with dermatologists and allergists, which guarantees safe use, even for young parents. It also stands out for its pleasant and very light fragrance, offering a lot of freshness to clean clothes.

In terms of efficiency, this Le Chat liquid detergent even works at low temperatures, which ensures good energy savings. It works well on everyday laundry and preserves the colors of your clothes. This time, it comes in a pack of 4 bottles of 1.25 liters each, enough to ensure up to 100 washes.

Maison Verte summer freshness liquid detergent capsules 4
7/10

A great alternative

Maison Verte summer freshness liquid detergent capsules

The best liquid detergent in single-dose capsules

Effective from 30°C, this liquid detergent in capsules combines efficiency and ecology. It ensures the cleanliness of your laundry while remaining respectful of the environment. It is a real concentrate of freshness while being hypoallergenic.

6,46 £ on La Belle Vie

If you prefer liquid detergent in its capsule version, choose this product from Maison Verte. This one is more concentrated and allows a more precise dosage of your detergent. Tested under dermatological control, it also offers the advantage of being hypoallergenic.

But its greatest asset lies in its ecological side, since it has the European Ecolabel, ensuring greater respect for the environment. That said, this detergent remains highly effective even when washed at 30°C. It removes dirt and stains from your laundry, and promises impeccable results on whites while preserving colors. Its formula also includes essential oils that leave a delicate and pleasant scent on clean clothes.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best liquid detergent

Any specific needs?

The best liquid detergent in 2021

The best cheap liquid detergent

The best premium liquid detergent

The best liquid detergent in single-dose capsules

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best liquid detergents

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Ariel Power Alpine Liquid Detergent 5
9/10
L'Arbre Vert Winter Breeze Wash 6
8/10
Le Chat Sensitive liquid detergent 7
9/10
Maison Verte summer freshness liquid detergent capsules 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Ariel Power Alpine Liquid Detergent
L'Arbre Vert Winter Breeze Wash
Le Chat Sensitive liquid detergent
Maison Verte summer freshness liquid detergent capsules
Ariel Power Alpine liquid detergent is the best option for removing stains in the first wash. Effective even on white fabric, it leaves a pleasant alpine freshness scent on clean laundry.
Are you looking for a liquid detergent that is environmentally friendly? Choose Brise Hivernale by L'Arbre Vert. This product has the European Ecolabel and is classified as hypoallergenic. Thanks to its more concentrated formula, it allows you to save money.
Le Chat Sensitive is a hypoallergenic liquid detergent, thanks to its formula made of Marseille soap and sweet almond milk. This detergent is effective even at low temperatures and is packaged in a recyclable bottle.
Effective from 30°C, this liquid detergent in capsules combines efficiency and ecology. It ensures the cleanliness of your laundry while remaining respectful of the environment. It is a real concentrate of freshness while being hypoallergenic.
Efficiency
Quantity
3,57 L
1.5 L
4 x 1.25 L
20 single-dose capsules
Number of washes
65
33
100
20
Smell
Labels and certifications
-
ECARF, European Ecolabel
ECARF
European Ecolabel

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Buying guide - liquid detergent

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How to choose your liquid detergent

With the many brands of laundry detergent available on the market, it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose the right product to wash your clothes. That said, the following six criteria will help you identify the right liquid detergent for your needs.

#1 - Efficiency

First and foremost, the reason you need a new liquid detergent is to better clean your dirty laundry. So you need this detergent to make your clothes cleaner! It must be said that liquid detergent is known to be less effective on stains than powdered detergent. However, this actually depends on its active ingredients to remove dirt and the type of fabric you are washing. Ideally, choose a liquid detergent that is suitable for your laundry, whether it's delicate fabrics like silk, or heavily soiled clothes, woollens, etc.

#2 - Linen preservation

The ideal liquid detergent should be effective in removing dirt from your dirty clothes, but while avoiding damage. This is especially important when you're dealing with delicate fabrics like satin or silk. Plus, the liquid detergent should be able to preserve the intensity of the fabric's color at the same time.

#3 - Composition

Please also consider the list of components in your liquid detergent. Choose those that have surfactants of vegetable origin that are much more biodegradable, antiscalants that are harmless to health (among others citrate, silicates or zeolites) instead of phosphates, and sodium percarbonate as a bleaching agent. In short, the idea is to use ingredients that are effective, but also safe for both health and the environment.

#4 - Fragrance

In general, the presence of a fragrance will not make your liquid detergent any better than any other, especially since fragrances can increase the risk of allergies. However, it is true that a pleasantly scented clean laundry is a plus! In this case, you should choose a product with a natural or essential oil-based fragrance.

#5 - Dosage

Prefer well-concentrated liquid detergents. Indeed, the concentration guarantees a less polluting product and allowing more savings, because you only need a small amount to wash a lot of clothes. A concentrated detergent that is easy to dose is ultimately among the best.

#6 - Labels

To ensure that your product is indeed health and planet friendly, make sure that it also meets the strict specifications of the various labels. Always read the label and make sure your liquid laundry detergent meets labels like European Ecolabel, Ecocert or Ecodetergent.

How do you effectively dose your liquid laundry detergent?

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Nothing is better than using the right amount of detergent to get clean, quality laundry. Not only is it more economical, but it will also reduce environmental pollution. However, the operation is not done at random and must follow a very precise study, especially according to the following parameters:

The dirtiness of laundry

The ideal amount of laundry detergent is going to depend primarily on how dirty your clothes are. The dirtier the laundry, the more liquid detergent you need to increase the dose to get through it. Therefore, it would be necessary to sort your clothes according to their level of dirtiness in order to define the proper dosage.

  • Little dirty: these are textiles that are worn one day and only require a simple rinse;
  • Normally dirty: these are clothes that have some stains, such as sportswear for example;
  • Very dirty: clothes that have stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. These often require a pre-wash phase or a wash over 40°C.

Water hardness

The hardness of the water also influences the dosage of the liquid detergent. This corresponds more precisely to the calcium and magnesium ion content of the water. This decreases the effectiveness of the detergent. Therefore, the harder the water, the more detergent must be added. Water hardness is classified into 3 categories:

.
  • Mild: 0° to 15 °f;
  • Mild: 15°F to 30 °f;
  • Hard: greater than 30 °f.

The filling of the machine

The dose of detergent should be according to the weight of laundry loaded in your machine. As a rule of thumb, for a 5-8kg load in the machine, you need between 35-50ml of liquid detergent.

To help you, here are examples of formulas you can adopt for a dosage of 4 to 5 kg of laundry:

  • If your water is soft and your clothes are not very dirty: 50 ml;
  • In the case of hard water and very dirty clothes: 150 ml.

The different types of liquid detergents

Depending on the packaging method, there are three main types of liquid detergent: liquid detergent in bottles, liquid detergent in cans and liquid detergent in capsules.

Liquid detergent in bottles

The detergent bottle is available in an average quantity of 1.5 L to 2 L. This is usually enough for about 40 machine washes. This is a great option for households, as you will have enough liquid detergent for one to two months depending on how often you wash or how much dirty laundry you have.

It also offers the advantage of being easier to handle than liquid detergent in a can. Indeed, you can pour the necessary quantity of liquid detergent more easily into the dedicated tub of your washing machine. And you'll avoid overdosing (which is known to be as bad for the laundry as it is for the machine).

Liquid detergent in cans

Liquid detergent in cans is available in larger quantities. In fact, a canister can contain from 5 to 20 L of liquid detergent. This is an excellent option if you have a washing machine with a larger capacity. It is also much more economical and efficient, especially if you need to wash large colored blankets.

Because of its quantity, liquid detergent in a can is suitable for both domestic and industrial use. It is the best option for cleaning laundry in communities such as hotels or laundries.

Liquid detergent in capsules

This pre-applied liquid detergent is suitable for households that use short-cycle programs more frequently. These capsules contain liquid laundry detergent in a high concentration, but it is a detergent that dissolves quickly for greater effectiveness. In addition, its single-dose feature makes it easier to use, as you won't have to worry about dosing.

This liquid detergent is equally effective on a 20°C, 30°C or even 40°C program. That said, you'll need to be careful when using it, especially if you have children. Their beautiful color and fragrance can make them want to ingest them. Therefore, always keep your liquid detergent capsules out of their reach and in their original packaging.

Liquid or powder detergent?

Liquid detergent and washing powder are the two most commonly used types of detergent. But which one is the most effective? Let's find out!

Liquid detergent

For washing colored clothes, liquid detergent is the ideal product. With this type of product, your fabrics, regardless of their material, will not lose their beauty and color. Moreover, this detergent is easy to use, as it is effective even in water at low temperature. It also offers a wide choice of fragrances and is available in more ecological versions.

Powdered detergent

Laundry powder stands out from other detergents thanks to its impeccable washing efficiency. When used in the right amount and at high temperatures, it can remove all kinds of stains from even the most stubborn clothes. In addition, this type of product contains bleaching agents that will allow your white clothes to regain their shine without ever turning gray.

Verdict

Liquid and powder detergents are both essential products for cleaning clothes. Their difference lies in the way they are used and their effectiveness. If the liquid version is to be preferred for colors, the other is more appreciated in terms of bleaching. In any case, the liquid detergent remains the best alternative to gain in comfort of use and keep the quality of your clothes intact.

Why choose a liquid detergent?

There are many reasons why consumers love liquid laundry detergent so much. Here are five of them that will probably convince you to use it to clean your clothes.

1- It is perfect for preserving colors

The main advantage of a liquid detergent is its color-friendliness. Some models even have the ability to revive colors that are a bit dull or faded! Liquid detergent is also known to prevent white streaks from appearing after washing.

2- It works with cold water

Liquid detergent is always effective, whether you wash by hand or in a washing machine, and regardless of the temperature of the water. It is even more efficient with cold or warm water, with a temperature lower than 40°C. This also guarantees energy savings!

3- It does not require a pre-wash phase

When you use a liquid detergent, you don't even need to choose a program with a pre-wash, unlike powdered detergent. In addition, with liquid detergents, you will have to choose a program above 60°C to avoid soap residue on the fabrics. This will never be the case with a liquid detergent.

4- It is suitable for delicate fabrics

Liquid detergent is even recommended for this type of fabric because it is softer and dissolves faster in water. It is also considered hypoallergenic, so it is perfect for the laundry of toddlers and people with recurring allergies or sensitive skin.

5- It's great against greasy stains

Although liquid detergent is not suitable for stubborn stains, it is very effective against greasy stains because of its surfactant content. For a daily and effective maintenance of your clothes, the liquid detergent remains ideal. To get rid of stubborn stains, reinforce the action of your detergent with a stain remover or by soaking your clothes beforehand.

The best brands of liquid detergents

In our opinion, the best brands of liquid detergents in 2022 are :

Le Chat
Ariel
L’Arbre Vert
Dash
Super Croix
Maison Verte

Founded in 1853 in Marseille, the soap and detergent brand is one of the most appreciated for its excellent quality/price ratio. It is particularly well known for its hypoallergenic detergents. But this Henkel group brand is also one of the pioneering brands in terms of ecological detergents, notably by removing phosphates from its formulas well before legislation.

The brand was created in 1968 by the American company Procter & Gamble and was one of the first to integrate enzymes into its products to limit washing temperatures. It began marketing liquid detergents around 1990. And it must be said that it is often at the top of the rankings as the favorite brand of detergent of the French, with different ranges adapted to all budgets.

The brand of ecological detergent was born in 2003. With the Ecolabel, L'Arbre Vert offers liquid or powder detergents that are free of allergens, phosphates, parabens, and substances of animal origin. Very accessible, its products are therefore suitable for people with sensitive skin, and for babies.

The brand is a bit like Ariel's big sister, as it was developed by Procter & Gamble a few years earlier. With a promise to always wash whiter than white in one wash, the laundry brand is a hit with Belgians, Swiss, Germans, and Austrians.

The brand was launched by Henkel in 1971 and developed its first liquid laundry detergent in 2009. It stands out especially for the exotic scents of its products that invite travel to Bora-Bora, Morocco or even Japan. With a fair price, its detergents are also effective from 30°C.

The brand was born in 1990 with the vocation to offer only environmentally friendly detergents. As an ecological brand, it meets the requirements of labels like Ecolabel and the needs of people with sensitive skin, and young parents. It has won the hearts of consumers thanks to this concept, but also to its very accessible prices.

What is the price for a liquid detergent

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
3 £ to 4 £
Mid-range
4 £ to 7 £
High-end
more than 7 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Don't overuse your liquid detergent

With liquid detergent, it's sometimes tempting to pour a little more than you need into the tub, especially thinking that the more you put in, the more effective it is. However, overdosing can ruin your laundry or your washing machine. Always be sure to follow the dosage guidelines to avoid these problems.

Keep your liquid detergent out of reach of children

Liquid laundry detergent often has a pleasant scent and a nice color. This can attract the attention of children. They will want to taste it or even ingest it, which could cause health problems. Place them in a high place, away from moisture.

Don't use the wrong bin

Your liquid laundry detergent will lose its effectiveness if you put it in the wrong tub. Normally, the detergent goes into tub II. In the case of liquid detergents in capsules, they are put directly into the drum. Read the instructions for your liquid detergent to find out how to use it.

Try your dirty laundry

No matter which products you use, you should always sort your dirty laundry before putting it in the machine. Don't wash colored and white clothes together. Wash linens and bedding separately. Put your jeans and black clothes inside out, and place your lingerie in the net.

Think of the environment

Be eco-responsible when using your liquid laundry detergent, already by opting for a product that respects the environment, but also by making sure you don't throw the bottle or canister away willy-nilly. There are also models that are eco-refillable, allowing you to reuse the packaging.

FAQ

Is it possible to put the liquid detergent directly into the drum?

Yes, it's possible. And that's even the way liquid detergents in single-dose capsules are used, which you should pour into the bottom of the drum before putting your laundry in. If your liquid detergent comes with a laundry ball, you can also put it in the drum.

What is the shelf life of a liquid detergent?

Normally, liquid detergent does not expire. However, it can gradually lose its effectiveness over time if it is stored improperly. Therefore, make sure to recap the bottle or can after use, and keep your liquid detergent in a cool place, away from humidity and light.

How to make liquid detergent?

Pour 50 g of Marseille soap shavings into a liter of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then add a tablespoon of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of vinegar. Let stand for one hour before adding 10 drops of essential oils of your choice. Mix to avoid solidification and store your liquid laundry detergent for up to six months in an airtight container.

Is liquid detergent more environmentally friendly?

Today, the risk of pollution is pretty much the same for the different types of laundry detergents (powder, liquid or capsule). Moreover, with the current trend, brands are constantly making their products more environmentally friendly. One example is the ban on phosphates in detergents since 2007.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Ariel Power Alpine Liquid Detergent 9
Ariel Power Alpine Liquid Detergent
L'Arbre Vert Winter Breeze Wash 10
L'Arbre Vert Winter Breeze Wash
Le Chat Sensitive liquid detergent 11
Le Chat Sensitive liquid detergent
Maison Verte summer freshness liquid detergent capsules 12
Maison Verte summer freshness liquid detergent capsules

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