I started noticing a pretty big price gap between washing machine detergents. And let’s be honest, as a shopper, you’re always looking for something that’s easy on the wallet but still does a good job.
So, is there really a huge difference between the cheap laundry detergent and the pricey ones? Not really. Most detergents do a decent job at cleaning—after all, you won’t buy a detergent for your washing machine that doesn’t get the job done. The real differences between brands come down to things other than just cleaning power.
Also, keep in mind that detergent is just part of the story. Your washing machine, the type of wash cycle you pick, and even the water quality in your area all play a role. If you’re dealing with hard water, try adding a tablespoon of washing soda to your load, or look for a detergent made for hard water.
Anyway, here’s a ranking of some popular detergent brands in Kenya.
4. Ariel
Ariel is famous for its ability to tackle tough stains in just one wash. But there’s a trade-off: over time, it can cause clothes to fade, making colors look dull.
In my opinion, Ariel is best suited for heavily soiled white clothes—not exactly the gentlest option for your norrmal fabrics. Plus, it’s on the pricier side for what it offers.
So, I’d recommend using Ariel as a last resort. Now, being at the bottom of the list doesn’t mean it’s awful; remember, no washing machine detergent is truly bad. Ariel just ranks last because there are better options out there.
3. OMO
To be honest, there’s nothing particularly standout about OMO, except that it’s the oldest brand of washing powder around. As a washing machine detergent, it’s pretty average—it gets the job done and is budget-friendly.
The downside for me is the smell. I can’t stand it; neither can my family. It’s so strong that it causes nasal swelling and sinus blockages.
So, even if I wanted to, I just can’t love OMO. That said, it cleans well and is reasonably priced. If the scent doesn’t bother you or you’re not sensitive or prone to allergies, it might work just fine for you.
2. Tide
Tide is made by Procter & Gamble, the same company behind Ariel. But you don’t see Tide much in Kenya because Ariel is the go-to choice for this market. Tide is considered more premium than Ariel, which also makes it more expensive.
That’s why it’s pretty rare to find Tide here, and when you do, it’s not consistently available. This is mostly because it’s brought in by individual retailers, not the company itself, so they hike up the price on top of it already being pricey.
Tide does a great job at removing stubborn stains and leaves a nice after-wash scent and produces plenty of foam in the washing. Fun fact: it was actually marketed as the first heavy-duty laundry detergent.
It’s more alkaline than most detergents, which helps with getting rid of dirt, oils, sweat, and stains effectively. It also smells amazing and makes clothes look vibrant, plus you don’t really need fabric softener with it. The only downside? It’s super expensive and hard to find in Kenya.
1. Persil
I personally settled with Persil because it just makes the best all-around washing machine detergent, and nowadays, you can find it pretty much everywhere, even in minimarts. They offer an unscented version too, which is great because most people who don’t like Persil complain about the smell. But let me tell you, it cleans really well.
One of the best things about Persil is that you need to use less per load compared to other detergents, making it the best value for machine washing without sacrificing quality.
Plus, it’s reasonably priced for what you get—definitely the best value I’ve found, and I’m all about that.
Sure, Tide might clean slightly better and smell nicer, but the price difference is ridiculous. And it’s not like Persil doesn’t clean well; the difference is barely noticeable unless you do a side-by-side comparison and nit-pick.
Trust me, if you have kids who love rolling around in the dirt and making a mess, Persil can handle it.
It’s also great for sensitive skin since you use a smaller amount per load and the formulation is gentle. While Persil comes in a few varieties, the scented ones are a bit too strong and perfumy for me. The unscented version is a lifesaver if you’re bothered by strong scents—some people like the smell, others don’t.
Overall, Persil is perfect for everyday laundry, and the clean I get from it is unbeatable. I did struggle with the scent initially but was glad to find the unscented option. Persil ProClean Stain Fighter ranks among the top choices if you want even more powerful stain removal capabilities, as confirmed by Consumer Reports.
Final Recommendations
Here’s my take on the best laundry detergent picks:
- Ariel: Perfect for keeping your white clothes and linens (think white bedding) looking fresh and spotless. It’s a pro at removing stains from heavily soiled whites. But if you’re washing colored clothes, be careful—Ariel has a habit of making colors fade over time.
- Tide: Want brighter colors and don’t feel like using a separate fabric softener? Tide’s your guy. It’s the best all-around option if you don’t mind the big spending. Clothes come out looking vibrant and smelling amazing. Just remember, Tide is pricey and a bit tricky to find regularly in Kenya.
- Persil: The all-around champion in Kenya, no doubt. It’s affordable, super effective, gentle on fabrics, and gives you great bang for your shilling. For daily laundry or tackling those food-stained kids’ clothes, Persil just does the job without costing you everything
- OMO: Sorry, OMO—you’re okay, but there’s nothing special about you.
So, for the best results: Ariel for your whites, Tide for bright colors (if budget isn’t an issue), and Persil if you want the best overall value.
Also Read: The BEST Dish Washing Liquid Soaps in Kenya
Also Read: The 4 Brands of Washing Machines in Kenya: Worst to Best
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