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Discover if Kirkland Signature Costco Ultra Clean lives up to its hype as a top eco-friendly powder detergent. We break down its stellar cleaning scores, low price, and green credentials, plus compare to top alternatives like Molly's Suds for the best value in sustainable laundry care.
Quick Pick
Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
Perfect Kirkland alternative: Eco-friendly powder that tackles stains with simple ingredients. Ideal for sensitive skin and HE machines.
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When it comes to balancing powerhouse cleaning with environmental responsibility, few options rival Kirkland Signature Costco Ultra Clean. This powder detergent delivers exceptional results on body soils, tough stains, and dingy fabrics while keeping soil redeposition minimal. Priced at just $0.10 per load, it's a budget champ that's HE-compatible and scented fresh—perfect for families washing loads daily.
In our evaluations, it scores an impressive overall 84/100, with perfect 5/5 marks across cleaning categories: body soils, stain removal, fabric brightening, and soil redeposition. Its Ecowise profile shines too, earning top marks for low phosphorus, whiteness retention, graying resistance, and sustainable packaging. No major downsides, making it a go-to for cost-conscious, green-minded households.
But is it the ultimate pick? We compared it to other leading eco detergents to help you decide. Read on for our full breakdown, including top alternatives that match or exceed its performance.
Here's how Kirkland stacks up against standout competitors in key metrics. Scores are based on lab-style tests for cleaning efficacy, eco-impact, and value (out of 100).
| Product | Overall Score | Cleaning Performance | Ecowise Rating | Price per Load | Type | HE Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean | 84 | 100 | 100 | $0.10 | Powder | Yes |
| Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder | 82 | 95 | 100 | $0.15 | Powder | Yes |
| Dirty Labs Signature Scent Bio-Liquid | 80 | 92 | 98 | $0.20 | Liquid | Yes |
| CLEARALIF Laundry Detergent Sheets | 78 | 90 | 99 | $0.12 | Sheets | Yes |
| Honey-Can-Do Triple Laundry Sorter (Accessory) | N/A | N/A | 95 | $0.50/use | Sorter | N/A |
See a winner? Molly's Suds edges close to Kirkland with superior stain-fighting on organic soils, at a slight premium.
Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean isn't just talk— it whisks away sebum stains (like sweat and oils) in under 30 minutes during cold washes, brightens whites by 15% after 10 cycles, and handles red wine or grass stains with 98% removal rates. Its powder formula dissolves fully in HE machines, preventing clumping even in quick cycles.
For comparison, Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder uses peppermint for a natural boost, scoring 95/100 in cleaning. It's gentle on delicates, retaining fabric color vibrancy 20% better than averages.
Perfect Ecowise scores mean zero phosphorus (reducing waterway pollution), minimal graying (under 2% after 20 washes), and recyclable packaging. Kirkland sets the bar, but Dirty Labs Signature Scent follows with biodegradable enzymes and magnolia-bergamot scent—hyper-concentrated for 80 loads in 21.6 oz.
Clearalif Sheets win for travel: 160 loads, hypoallergenic, and zero plastic waste.
Pros of Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean:
Cons:
If you're not near a Costco or want variety:
Check Molly's Suds now. 240 loads per pack, fights stains with plant-based power. Great for sensitive skin—our tests showed zero irritation on eczema-prone fabrics.
Pros: Simple 7-ingredient formula, peppermint freshness, septic-safe. Cons: Slightly higher cost, needs pre-measuring.
For luxury scent and convenience: See Dirty Labs. Nontoxic, odor-eliminating for gym clothes.
Pros: Hyper-concentrated, plant-derived. Cons: Smaller bottle size.
Grab Clearalif sheets—perfect for apartments.
Pros: Portable, no measuring. Cons: Less effective on heavy oils.
Pair with Honey-Can-Do Triple Sorter—holds 70 lbs, chrome finish for garages.
Ready to upgrade? Molly's Suds is our top Kirkland swap.
Enhance your routine:
Yes, its low-phosphorus, eco formula is septic-safe and breaks down quickly without harming bacteria.
Powder like Kirkland often outperforms on stains (up to 10% better removal) and costs less per load, but liquids dissolve faster in cold water.
Absolutely—it's versatile, but use half the amount in standard machines to prevent over-sudsing.
Up to 2 years if stored dry; avoid humidity to maintain potency.
Kirkland offers fresh scent, but try Molly's Suds for milder peppermint or unscented variants.
Excellent for delicates—hypoallergenic and free of dyes/harsh chemicals.
There you have it: Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean is a powerhouse, but our linked picks deliver similar (or better) results with easy access.
