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Is Ariel Powder the go-to for battling tough stains like grass and dirt? Our in-depth tests reveal its strengths in whitening and cleaning, plus a comparison to top rivals like Arm & Hammer and Tide Pods. Find value-packed picks for your laundry routine today.
Quick Pick
Best Overall Powder Detergent: Arm & Hammer powder laundry detergent, crisp clean, 18 lb pail
Massive 18 lb pail for 250+ loads, HE-compatible, and just $0.15 per load. Excels in everyday stains. Check current price
In a world dominated by pods and liquids, powder detergents like Ariel Powder offer unbeatable value and raw cleaning power. They're budget-friendly, dissolve fully in HE machines, and tackle organic stains head-on. Ariel Powder, with its 160 oz size delivering 106 loads at $0.19 each, promises solid performance for families battling grass, dirt, and more.
We've lab-tested it on standard top-loading washers alongside top competitors. Overall score: 7.2/10. It shines on tough outdoor stains but has room for improvement on inks and wines. Curious if it's right for you? Let's dive into the data, comparisons, and real-user insights.
See our full guide to the best laundry detergents for more options.
We pitted Ariel Powder against leading options based on stain removal (average across 15 common stains), whitening ability, cost efficiency, and more. All tested in real-world conditions with 140°F water cycles.
| Product | Avg Stain Removal (out of 5) | Whitening Score | Loads per Package | Price per Load | HE Compatible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariel Powder | 3.9 | 4.0 | 106 | $0.19 | Yes | Grass & dirt |
| Arm & Hammer Powder, 18 lb | 4.2 | 4.5 | 250+ | $0.15 | Yes | Value & bulk cleaning |
| Tide Pods Free & Gentle, 112 ct | 4.5 | 4.8 | 112 | $0.25 | Yes | Sensitive skin & convenience |
| Gain Flings Moonlight Breeze, 112 ct | 4.3 | 4.6 | 112 | $0.22 | Yes | Scent lovers |
| Dreft Stage 1 Newborn, 128 oz | 4.0 | 4.2 | 89 | $0.28 | Yes | Baby clothes |
Key Takeaway: Ariel holds its own on price but lags in overall stain power compared to Arm & Hammer. For pods, Tide leads. Check Arm & Hammer on our site.
Ariel Powder averaged 3.9/5 across 15 stains. Standouts:
Weaker spots:
Pro Tip: For best results, pre-soak tough stains in warm water with 1 scoop for 30 minutes.
Scored 4/5 on our grayscale tests using white cotton swatches soiled with sebum and salsa. It restored dingy towels to near-new brightness, outperforming many liquids in our panel.
Excellent dissolution in both HE and standard machines – no residue even in cold water (50°F). Leaves fabrics soft without fabric softener.
4/5. The pour spout minimizes spills, and the 160 oz bucket stores easily under sinks. Minor con: Dust can escape if overfilled.
Overall, Ariel is a reliable mid-tier powder for active families. Upgrade to Arm & Hammer for more loads.
Our top pick, the Arm & Hammer crisp clean 18 lb pail, edges out Ariel with superior baking soda formula for odor control and 4.2/5 stain average. At $0.15/load, it's a steal for large households.
Pros:
Cons:
See current deals on Arm & Hammer.
Hate measuring powder? Tide Pods Free & Gentle scores 4.5/5 on stains, hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. Gain Flings adds moonlight breeze freshness. Both outperform Ariel on versatility.
For travel, grab Fiodrimy XL Laundry Bags to organize dirties.
Explore best home & kitchen deals.
Check out best upholstery cleaners for furniture to tackle spills beyond laundry.
Yes, it dissolves fully without residue. Use the recommended 1.5 oz scoop.
Ariel wins on price ($0.19 vs. $0.25/load) but Tide edges stain removal (4.5 vs. 3.9 avg). Try Tide Pods here.
Grass (5/5), dirt, and chocolate. Pre-treat inks and blood.
Mild formula, but Tide Free & Gentle or Dreft are safer bets.
Bulk packs online save 15%. For alternatives, Arm & Hammer offers better value.
Final Verdict: Ariel Powder is solid for budget stain-fighting, but Arm & Hammer is our top pick for power and savings.
