**''see last modified date at base of all pages''** {{:opencart_-_logo-268x50.png?nolink&200|}} ===== Prod - Best for Laundry ===== ---- \\ ===== Laundry Guide: Top Loaders vs Front Loaders / Hot vs Cold Wash ===== This page compares **top-loading vs automatic front-loading washing machines**, and **hot vs cold washing**, based on CHOICE Australia, Consumer NZ, and energy efficiency data. ---- ==== 1. Top Loaders vs Automatic (Front Loaders) ==== === Top Loaders === **Pros:** * Faster wash cycles. * Cheaper upfront cost. * Easier to load/unload (no bending). **Cons:** * Use **~2x more water and energy** than front loaders. * Agitator action can be **harsher on clothes**. * Lower spin speeds → clothes come out wetter, longer drying time. * Lower cleaning performance in CHOICE tests. === Front Loaders (Automatic) === **Pros:** * **Best cleaning performance** in independent lab tests. * **Most water and energy efficient**. * Gentler on fabrics (drum tumbling action). * Higher spin speeds → clothes drier out of the machine. **Cons:** * Longer wash cycles (often 2+ hours, though quick-wash exists). * Higher purchase price. **Verdict:**\\ For **best laundry results overall** → choose a **front loader (automatic)**.\\ For **simplicity and speed** → top loader is acceptable, but less efficient.\\ ---- ==== 2. Hot vs Cold Washing ==== === Cold Wash (20–30°C) === **Pros:** * Saves **75–80% of energy** (heating water = biggest cost). * Gentler on colours, fabrics, and elastic. * Modern detergents are formulated for cold water use. **Cons:** * Slightly less effective at killing bacteria/dust mites. === Hot Wash (60°C and above) === **Pros:** * Sanitises bedding, towels, underwear, nappies. * Best for oily/greasy stains and hygiene washes. **Cons:** * Can shrink/damage delicate fabrics. * Fades colours faster. * Uses much more energy. **Verdict:** * For **everyday laundry** → use **Cold Wash**. * For **hygiene or heavy soils (towels, bedding, illness)** → use **Hot Wash** occasionally. ---- ==== Summary Table ==== ^ Category ^ Best Choice ^ Why It Wins | | Machine Type | **Front Loader (Automatic)** | Best overall cleaning, water/energy efficient, gentler on fabrics. | | Top Loader (Alt. Option) | Faster & cheaper upfront | Convenient, but less efficient and lower cleaning scores. | | Wash Temperature – Daily | **Cold Wash (20–30°C)** | Saves energy, protects clothes, works with modern detergents. | | Wash Temperature – Hygiene| **Hot Wash (60°C+)** | Kills bacteria/dust mites, sanitises towels and bedding. | ---- ==== Bottom Line ==== * **Front loaders** are the best long-term choice for performance and efficiency. * **Cold water** should be your default for most laundry. * Use **hot water only when needed** for hygiene or heavily soiled items. ---- ---- ===== Powder vs. Liquid Detergents ===== This page compares **powder** and **liquid** laundry detergents, based on expert testing (CHOICE Australia 2024) and independent reviews. ---- ==== Powder Detergents ==== **Pros:** * Stronger on **tough stains** (mud, grass, blood, protein-based). * **More cost-effective per wash**, usually the cheapest option. * **Eco-friendlier packaging** (cardboard, recyclable). * Often top performers in **CHOICE tests** (e.g., Omo Ultimate Powder scored 86%). **Cons:** * Can **struggle to dissolve** fully in cold water. * Risk of **white residue** on clothes if not pre-dissolved or when using short cold cycles. ---- ==== Liquid Detergents ==== **Pros:** * Better on **grease, oil, and body stains**. * **Dissolves quickly** in all water temperatures (no residue). * Works well in **septic systems** and hard water areas. * Convenient for **spot-treating stains**. **Cons:** * **More expensive per wash** than powder. * Bulkier packaging = **more plastic waste**. * Easy to **overdose**, wasting detergent. ---- ==== CHOICE Test Results (2024) ==== * **Powders**: Generally scored the highest (Omo Ultimate Powder = **86% Expert Rating**). * **Liquids**: Still strong, but slightly behind (Omo Ultimate Liquid = **80% Expert Rating**). * **Conclusion**: Powders lead in raw cleaning power, but liquids remain excellent for cold washes and oily stains. ---- ==== Summary Table ==== ^ Factor ^ Powder Detergent ^ Liquid Detergent | | Stain Performance | Best on mud, grass, protein stains | Best on grease, oil, body soiling | | Cost Per Wash | Usually cheaper, better value | More expensive per wash | | Dissolving & Residue Risk | May leave white residue in cold water | Dissolves completely, no residue | | Ease of Use | Requires measuring, less convenient | Easy pour, convenient for spot treatment | | Water System Compatibility | Suitable for general use | Better for septic systems and hard water | | Environmental Packaging | Recyclable, lighter | Bulky bottles, plastic waste | | CHOICE 2024 Performance | Top-rated (Omo Ultimate Powder 86%) | High but lower (Omo Ultimate Liquid 80%) | ---- ==== Bottom Line ==== * **Powder = Best choice** if you want **maximum cleaning power** and **lowest cost per wash**. * **Liquid = Best choice** if you wash mostly in **cold water**, tackle **oily stains**, or want **ease of use** with no residue. ---- ---- ===== Laundry Detergent Guide (Automatic Washing Machines – Front Loaders) ===== This page summarises the best laundry detergents for **front-loading automatic washing machines**, based on independent CHOICE Australia testing. ---- ==== 1. Ultimate Best (Any Format, Regardless of Price) ==== * **Omo Ultimate Powder** * Scored **86% Expert Rating** in CHOICE testing (front loader). * Best stain removal overall. * Premium choice for the absolute best results. ---- ==== 2. Ultimate Best Liquid (Regardless of Price) ==== * **Omo Ultimate Liquid** * Scored **80% Expert Rating** in CHOICE testing. * Highest-performing *liquid detergent*. * Ideal for low-water front loader cycles. ---- ==== 3. Best Value for Money ==== * **Aldi Trimat Advanced Concentrate Laundry Liquid** * Scored ~80% (almost top-tier). * CHOICE "Best Buy" for front loaders. * Excellent balance of cleaning power and cost. * **Aldi Laundrite Powder** * Still strong in front loaders. * Budget option with good results if powder preferred. ---- ==== Summary Table ==== ^ Question ^ Recommendation ^ Why It Wins | | Ultimate Best (Any Format) | **Omo Ultimate Powder** | Highest overall score (86%), unbeatable stain removal. | | Ultimate Best Liquid | **Omo Ultimate Liquid** | Best liquid (80%), dissolves well in front loaders. | | Best Value for Money | **Aldi Trimat Advanced Liquid** | Strong results (~80%) at a fraction of premium cost. | | (Alt. Powder Option) | **Aldi Laundrite Powder** | Budget-friendly, still effective in front loaders. | ---- ---- ===== Laundry Detergent Guide (Simpson EziSet 450 Top Loader) ===== This page summarises the best laundry detergents available, based on independent CHOICE Australia testing and current supermarket options. ---- ==== 1. Ultimate Best (Any Format, Regardless of Price) ==== * **Omo Ultimate Powder** * Scored **86% Expert Rating** in CHOICE testing (top performer overall). * Excellent at stain removal and works well in both hot and cold water. * Recommended if you want maximum cleaning power regardless of cost. ---- ==== 2. Ultimate Best Liquid (Regardless of Price) ==== * **Omo Ultimate Liquid** * Scored **80% Expert Rating** in CHOICE testing. * The best-performing *liquid detergent*. * Strong stain removal, good in cold water, and convenient dosing for your Simpson top loader. ---- ==== 3. Best Value for Money ==== * **Aldi Trimat Advanced Concentrate Laundry Liquid** * Scored ~80% (almost top-tier). * Costs far less per wash than premium brands (approx. 13–27c per wash). * Great everyday value. * **Aldi Laundrite Powder (Top Loader)** * Rated **best performer in top-loaders** in CHOICE testing. * Cheaper than Omo/Dynamo, still highly effective. * If you prefer powders, this is the *best value pick*. ---- ==== Summary Table ==== ^ Question ^ Recommendation ^ Why It Wins | | Ultimate Best (Any Format) | **Omo Ultimate Powder** | Highest overall score (86%), top-tier cleaning performance. | | Ultimate Best Liquid | **Omo Ultimate Liquid** | Highest-performing liquid (80%), powerful stain removal. | | Best Value for Money | **Aldi Trimat Advanced Liquid** | Nearly top-tier results at low cost per wash. | | (Alt. Top Loader Value Option) | **Aldi Laundrite Powder** | #1 top-loader performer, great cleaning at budget price. | ---- ----