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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

This page compares powder and liquid laundry detergents, based on expert testing (CHOICE Australia 2024) and independent reviews.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

This page summarises the best laundry detergents for front-loading automatic washing machines, based on independent CHOICE Australia testing.

• Omo Ultimate Powder
  • Scored 86% Expert Rating in CHOICE testing (front loader).
  • Best stain removal overall.
  • Premium choice for the absolute best results.

• Omo Ultimate Liquid
  • Scored 80% Expert Rating in CHOICE testing.
  • Highest-performing *liquid detergent*.
  • Ideal for low-water front loader cycles.

• 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.

This page summarises the best laundry detergents available, based on independent CHOICE Australia testing and current supermarket options.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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*.