Liquid vs Powder vs Pods: How to Choose Detergent
Liquid, powder or pods? Consumer Reports rates top liquids and pods best overall and powders best on blood. Match the format to your wash, stains and home.
laundry tips
7 articles on this topic
7 articles
Washing Machine Cycles Explained: Which Setting to Use
Normal, Delicate, Heavy Duty, Quick, Eco, Bedding and Rinse+Spin explained — which washer cycle to use by fabric, soil and load size.
How to Remove Hair Dye Stains from Clothes
Hair dye stains need fast treatment: remove excess, flush cold from the back, pretreat, then use label-safe oxygen bleach or peroxide. Air-dry before heat.
How to Get Smell Out of Clothes (Sweat, Musty, Smoke)
Get sweat, musty and smoke smells out of clothes with a vinegar or baking-soda soak, the right temperature, oxygen bleach and enzymes — and clean your machine.
How Much Laundry Detergent to Use (and Why Less Wins)
Dose to the cap line and load size, not by eye. Many people use more than they need — how much liquid, powder and pods to use, and how to adjust.
How to Remove Set-In Stains After Washing and Drying
A washed-and-dried stain is the hard case. Re-wet it, match the agent to the stain type, soak, then air-dry to check before applying heat again.
Laundry Temperature Guide: 30, 40 and 60 °C Explained
What to wash at 30, 40 and 60 °C, by fabric. Cold for colours and synthetics, 40 for everyday loads, 60 for bedding and towels — with the trade-offs.