Laundry detergent: Powder is often superior to liquid or pods

Experts and consumer tests suggest that laundry powder is often a superior choice compared to liquid detergents or pods. Powdered detergents frequently contain bleaching agents that are effective for brightening light laundry and removing stubborn stains, particularly at temperatures of 60 °C or higher. Additionally, powder is noted for being more sustainable as it typically lacks preservatives and can be more effective at cleaning wastewater treatment plants.

Consumer testing by Stiftung Warentest indicates that many brand-name products receive mediocre ratings for cleaning performance. In contrast, private labels from discounters such as Aldi (Tandil) and Lidl (Formil), as well as brands from Edeka (Gut & Günstig) and dm (Denkmit), often perform well while costing significantly less.

To save money and energy, experts recommend precise dosing to avoid waste and suggest lowering wash temperatures from 40 °C to 30 °C, which can reduce electricity consumption by over 35 percent.