OT: Do brand name laundry detergents work better?

I guess the title says it all, but...I will go on anyway ;)
As I was cleaning the grass and dirt off of clothes today, I was wondering if brand name detergents do a better job getting clothes clean. I am currently using the Costco brand dye free stuff. Mostly because it seems to be a good deal, not because it is the dye free stuff. I have certain things that I must buy brand name (like ketchup, macaroni and cheese, american singles) and have to have Downy Lavender and Vanilla fabric softener (I will go insane if they ever stop making it...). But detergents I have no brand loyalty at all...
So, do they work better and if so, which one should I buy? Summer is coming and I would like all the help I can get.
Thanks guys.

[cdlamis]

The Queen of Clean says that Purex works just as well as the higher end detergents. That is what she uses and so do we! :)

HTH~

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6-13-02
and Isabella 12-18-04

Thanks!!
I've seen that before, I just might have to try it!
I am sure that I will out myself for not knowing this, but who is the Queen of Clean (obviously not me!! ;) )

[maestramommy]

Consumer reports says that Tide works well, but Kirkland (the Costco brand) is a best buy. We're currently using Tide Cold water liquid. Hope it works better than the TJ's, which didn't do anything.

Awesome, thank you!!

[g-mama]

I am a Tide user but tried the Costco brand a while back. I couldn't figure out why stains were not coming out until I realized it had to be the detergent. I went back to Tide with much better success, so in my mind, there is a difference. I'm not typically all that brand loyal and will buy generics and store brands but not with my detergent anymore.


~Kristen

Paolo 11-00
Benjamin 8-03
Marco 12-05

[trumansmom]

The best laundry detergent I ever used was Fred Meyer powder with bleach. I bought it because it was cheap and I was single and broke, but I literally had co-workers asking me how I kept my whites so white! I felt like a cheesy commercial! I miss Fred Meyer so much!!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[trumansmom]

The best laundry detergent I ever used was Fred Meyer powder with bleach. I bought it because it was cheap and I was single and broke, but I literally had co-workers asking me how I kept my whites so white! I felt like a cheesy commercial! I miss Fred Meyer so much!!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[bubbaray]

I actually have better success with the Kirkland/Costco brand than most others. I think it depends a bit on your water, though. I have found brands like Tide or other name brands give us rashes or are hard on the clothes.

DD has super sensitive skin and seems fine with the Kirkland brand.

However, I'm considering trying the Ecover brand. I've heard good things about it and its supposed to be "greener".


Melissa

Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[bubbaray]

I actually have better success with the Kirkland/Costco brand than most others. I think it depends a bit on your water, though. I have found brands like Tide or other name brands give us rashes or are hard on the clothes.

DD has super sensitive skin and seems fine with the Kirkland brand.

However, I'm considering trying the Ecover brand. I've heard good things about it and its supposed to be "greener".


Melissa

Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]