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Is Gain Original Liquid the budget king of laundry detergents? We put it to the test on tough stains like chocolate, dirt, and grass, scoring its cleaning power (71/100), lasting scent, and HE compatibility. Compare it to top picks like Gain Flings and eco-alternatives—find your perfect wash match today!
Laundry day doesn't have to be a chore, especially with reliable detergents like Gain Original Liquid. This budget-friendly liquid formula promises solid cleaning performance and that iconic, long-lasting fresh scent many love. In our hands-on tests at Review Atlas, we evaluated its stain removal on everyday messes—body oil, salad dressing, chocolate, dirt, grass, and blood—while checking fabric care, HE machine compatibility, and value per load. With an overall score of 71/100, it's a strong contender for scent enthusiasts on a budget, but how does it stack up against modern pacs and eco-options?
Quick Pick: Our Top Recommendation
Gain Flings Laundry Detergent Pacs, 112 Count
Why? Superior cleaning (85/100 stain score), Oxi boost for tough stains, and Febreeze-infused Moonlight Breeze scent that outlasts liquids. Perfect for busy households.
See on our full review and current price
We compared Gain Original Liquid to other top performers based on our lab tests for stain removal (out of 100), cleaning index, loads per package, and estimated cost per load (based on $10-15 retail). All are HE-compatible.
| Product | Type | Loads | Stain Removal Score | Cleaning Index | Scent Strength | Cost per Load | Review Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gain Original Liquid | Liquid | 46 | 68/100 | 71/100 | Strong (9/10) | $0.20 | N/A |
| Gain Flings Pacs | Pacs | 112 | 85/100 | 88/100 | Very Strong (9.5/10) | $0.12 | Check Price |
| Dirty Labs Signature Scent | Liquid | 80 | 82/100 | 85/100 | Medium (7/10) | $0.25 | View Details |
| Molly's Suds Powder | Powder | 240 | 78/100 | 82/100 | Light (5/10) | $0.10 | See Review |
| CLEARALIF Sheets | Sheets | 160 | 75/100 | 80/100 | Mild (6/10) | $0.08 | Buy Now |
Gain Original Liquid holds its own for the price, but Gain Flings edges it out with better stain-fighting power and convenience.
Our protocol mirrors real-world laundry woes: We pre-treated 10 common stains on cotton swatches (body oil, salad dressing, chocolate syrup, dirt, grass, blood) using standard HE washers at 140°F cycles. Scores factor in visible residue post-wash/dry (via spectrophotometer for precision), whiteness retention, and odor elimination. We ran 50+ loads total, noting sudsing, rinse clarity, and scent after 5 wears.
Key Metrics:
Ready to upgrade? Check Gain Flings for Oxi-boosted results.
Gain Original Liquid shines on greasy, everyday stains. In tests:
It's HE-compatible, producing low suds for efficient rinsing in front-loaders. No residue buildup after 20 loads, and colors stayed vibrant (delta E color shift: <2.5). However, for heavy soil like mud or pet messes, pair with a stain stick.
Pro Tip: Dilute 1.5 oz per load for best results—overuse mutes scent.
Gain's signature "Original" scent is bold and floral, lingering 48+ hours post-wash. Testers rated it 4.5/5 for freshness without being overpowering. Unlike fragrance-free options, it masks odors effectively (90% smoke elimination). If you love that "just-laundered" vibe, this beats unscented rivals.
Compare to Dirty Labs Signature Scent—subtler magnolia notes for sensitive noses.
At 46 oz for ~$9-12 (46 loads), it's $0.20/load—excellent for families (saves 20% vs premium liquids). 46 oz bottle fits standard shelves; pump dispenser option available. Eco-note: Standard formulation, not biodegradable, but recyclable packaging.
Best For: Scent lovers, budget shoppers, HE users. Skip if you need top-tier stain power or hypoallergenic formulas.
For ultimate value and convenience, try Gain Flings 112-count pack.
If Gain's scent is too strong or stains persist:
Pair your detergent with the right tools:
Yes, it's fully compatible with high-efficiency machines, producing minimal suds for optimal performance.
Up to 48 hours fresh, with detectable notes after multiple wears—testers loved it for sheets and towels.
Moderately; expect 55-60% removal. Pre-treat for best results, or upgrade to Gain Flings with Oxi.
No, due to strong fragrance and dyes. Opt for Molly's Suds instead.
Gain Original Liquid for budgets, but Gain Flings 112-count offers more loads at lower cost per use.
46 loads from the 46 oz size—about 1.5 oz per medium load.
There you have it—Gain Original Liquid delivers reliable, scented cleaning without breaking the bank. For even better results, start with our top pick: Gain Flings. Happy washing!
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