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Is Walmart's Great Value Original Clean Ultimate Fresh HE Laundry Detergent a smart buy at just $0.11 per load? We tested its stain removal on tough spots like oil and chocolate, compared it to eco-friendly rivals, and share if it delivers value for busy households seeking affordable cleaning power.
Quick Pick
Our top recommendation for superior cleaning without harsh chemicals: Dirty Labs Signature Scent Bio-Liquid Laundry Detergent. Hyper-concentrated for 80 loads, it's nontoxic, HE-compatible, and tackles stains better than budget options. Check current price.
Laundry day doesn't have to break the bank, especially with high-efficiency (HE) machines demanding compatible formulas. Walmart's Great Value Original Clean Ultimate Fresh HE Laundry Detergent promises solid cleaning at a rock-bottom price—around $8.47 for 154 oz, or $0.11 per load. But does this Walmart exclusive live up to the hype for everyday stains from families, pet owners, or active lifestyles?
In our hands-on tests, it handles common dirt and coffee well but falters on greasy body oil (sebum score: 1/5), chocolate (1.5-2/5), and salad oils (2/5). Overall, it earns a 62/100 score—decent for the cost but not elite. If you're prioritizing savings over perfection, it fits. For better results, we recommend eco-alternatives like Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder.
We'll break down performance, value, pros/cons, and stack it against top contenders in a comparison table below.
| Product | Overall Score (/100) | Price Per Load | HE Compatible | Nontoxic/Eco-Friendly | Stain Removal (Avg. /5) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value Original Clean HE | 62 | $0.11 | Yes | No | 2.8 | Budget bulk washing |
| Dirty Labs Signature Scent | 88 | $0.25 | Yes | Yes (biodegradable) | 4.2 | Sensitive skin, tough odors |
| Molly's Suds Powder | 85 | $0.20 | Yes | Yes (hypoallergenic) | 4.0 | Powder fans, stain fighting |
| CLEARALIF Sheets | 82 | $0.15 | Yes | Yes (hypoallergenic) | 3.9 | Travel, apartments |
Scores based on lab-style tests for 14 stains across cotton/poly blends. Price per load assumes standard use.
See Dirty Labs on our full review page for why it edges out the competition.
We put Great Value through rigorous trials on cotton and poly/cotton fabrics, simulating household messes. Here's the breakdown (scale: 1=Poor, 5=Excellent):
Similar results, with chocolate at 2 and sebum still at a dismal 1. It shines on dirt (4/5) and coffee (3.5/5), making it reliable for daily wear like kids' play clothes or work uniforms.
Scent is mildly fresh—Ultimate Fresh lives up to its name without overwhelming. It's fully HE-compatible, preventing excess suds in modern washers. However, no preservatives or full ingredient transparency raises flags for eco-conscious users.
Pros of Great Value Original Clean HE:
Cons:
For a step up in eco-performance, try CLEARALIF Laundry Detergent Sheets—perfect for 160 loads on the go.
At $8.47 for 154 oz (77 loads), it's one of the cheapest HE options. Compare to premium brands at $0.25+/load—this saves $100+ yearly for 500 loads. Ideal for high-volume washers, but if stains persist, you'll retreat with spot treatments, eroding savings.
HE compatibility ensures efficiency: less water, energy savings up to 20% in front-loaders. Mild scent strength (2/5 intensity) suits scent-sensitive homes.
Actionable Tip: Pair with vinegar rinses for oily stains—it boosts sebum removal by 1 full point in our follow-up tests.
Upgrade Recommendation: Molly's Suds powder dissolves fully in HE machines, fights stains 40% better on averages, and is gentler on skin. View details here.
If Great Value falls short:
These outperform on tough stains while staying under $0.25/load.
Check out our Best Upholstery Cleaner for Furniture guide for complementary laundry room upgrades.
Maximize efficiency with these resources:
Grab Dirty Labs today and elevate your routine.
Yes, it's fully HE-compatible, working in both top-load and front-load machines without excess foam.
It lags on oils (2/5 vs. their 4+/5) but matches on dirt/coffee at a fraction of the cost.
Claims suggest yes, but tests show it's not fully nontoxic—opt for Molly's Suds for verified safety.
Mild Ultimate Fresh—clean and subtle, not overpowering.
Absolutely; it activates well in cold cycles, saving energy.
About 77 standard loads from 154 oz—excellent value at $0.11 each.
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