Three laundry detergents no better than water - Consumer NZ
Consumer NZ tested 46 laundry detergents and found that three were no better than washing with only water, but some New Zealand-owned brands fared well.
Three laundry detergents sold in New Zealand were found to be as effective as washing with only water, or worse.
Consumer NZ tested 46 detergents. Shotz Laundry Liquid and EcoLiving Laundry Detergent Sheets with lavender scent scored a very low 27 out of 100, the same points level given to washing with only water. Re-Stor Laundry Detergent Sheets fresh linen scent, a product sold at Woolworths, fared even worse under the Consumer NZ testing.
The Shotz brand is owned by the Warehouse and EcoLiving is sold at numerous outlets in New Zealand, including Woolworths and Mitre 10.
EcoLiving Laundry Detergent Sheets with lavender scent, Re-Stor Laundry Detergent Sheets fresh linen scent, Shotz Laundry Liquid.
Consumer
Head of testing at Consumer NZ, James le Page, says he isn’t surprised that laundry sheets had a dismal showing.
“They only weigh a couple of grams, so when you put them in your machine, they’re just not going to do a good job compared with a capful of laundry liquid or scoop of powder, both of which have the potential to contain more active ingredients.
“They’re early in their developmental journey as a product. They’re years behind the other options, so they’re playing catch-up.”
Ryan Murphy, general manager of grocery at the Warehouse - which makes the Shotz range - was surprised by the results as Consumer NZ had previously rated the product higher.
"We regularly hear positive feedback from our customers about Shotz, and have the range independently tested to ensure quality," he said in a statement to RNZ.
"However, the results for this product aren’t the standard we or our customers expect, and we’re treating them seriously.
"We’re going to review the formulation to ensure it delivers the performance our customers expect and deserve."
Re-stor also defended its product in a statement noting that in previous tests, Consumer NZ used half a laundry sheet, less than the recommended amount. However, Consumer NZ confirmed to RNZ that their test records show they used one sheet.
The company says that it conducts independent testing at a lab in Germany on the quality and effectiveness of its products.
It recently rejigged its formula to include four bio-enzymes, which the company said would better break down stains such as mud, oils and makeup.
“This enhanced formulation was not included in the most recent Consumer NZ testing as it
has only just launched in New Zealand.”
The product which Consumer tested spruiks the claim: "New Advanced Formula".
New Zealand-made Laundromate and Ecostore products fared well, earning "Consumer Recommended” status along with eight other detergents.
However, the top three spots went to Persil products, with Consumer NZ finding Persil Ultimate powder to be New Zealand’s most effective laundry detergent. Spots two and three on the podium went to Persil Active Clean powder and Persil 3 in 1 Ultimate capsules.
Ecostore Ultrapower Citrus Fresh was the most economically recommended brand by Consumer NZ at eight cents a wash. It was found to excel at removing grass and tomato stains, and everyday grime.
