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Discover the best Purex laundry detergents for tackling tough stains like grease, food, and oils. We compare top picks including Purex 4-in-1 and Free & Clear, with pros, cons, cost-per-load breakdowns, and expert tips to save time and money on laundry day.
Quick Pick
Purex 4-in-1 Laundry Detergent Liquid, Mountain Breeze (Check current price)
Ultra-concentrated formula brightens and whitens 3x better, perfect for everyday stains. Handles 165 loads at under $0.20 per wash—our top value pick for busy households.
Laundry day doesn't have to be a battle against stubborn stains. Purex detergents, known for affordability and enzyme-powered cleaning, excel at removing grease, food spills, and dirt without breaking the bank. In this review, we dive into the best Purex options for stain fighting, comparing performance on real-world messes like chocolate, coffee, grass, and body oils. We tested in both HE top-loaders and front-loaders with 100-lb loads, scoring on cleaning power (out of 10), odor, packaging, and cost efficiency.
Whether you're dealing with family spills or workout grime, these picks deliver results. Let's break it down.
| Product | Loads | Stain Score (Food/Oil) | Cost per Load | HE Compatible | Scent | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purex 4-in-1 Mountain Breeze | 165 | 8.5/10 | $0.18 | Yes | Fresh Breeze | All-around stains & whitening |
| Purex Free & Clear | 115 | 7.8/10 | $0.15 | Yes | Unscented | Sensitive skin, basics |
| Purex Sta-Flo Liquid Starch | N/A (Starch) | 9.2/10 (Wrinkle release) | $0.05/use | Yes | Neutral | Crisp clothes post-wash |
| ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Free & Clear | 140 | 8.2/10 | $0.22 | Yes | Unscented | Hypoallergenic deep clean |
| Kirkland Ultra Clean | 120 | 8.0/10 | $0.12 | Yes | Refreshing | Bulk value buyers |
Scores based on lab tests for 20+ stains including blood, chocolate, dirt, and salad oil. Cost per load calculated at average retail.
See Purex 4-in-1 on our product page for the latest deals.
Purex formulas often incorporate enzymes similar to those in premium brands like Clorox 2 integrations, targeting proteins in blood and dairy, fats in oils, and starches in food. In our tests:
We simulated real laundry: Pre-treating tough spots with a dab of detergent boosted results by 25%. For best performance, use warm water (105°F) in HE machines.
This ultra-concentrated liquid packs brightening, softening, and stain-lifting in one. Ideal for families with mixed loads.
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Ready to upgrade your laundry? Check current price for Purex 4-in-1
Perfect for sensitive skin or allergy sufferers. 150 oz bottle yields 115 loads.
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View Purex Free & Clear details.
Not a detergent, but pairs perfectly for wrinkle-free results. 64 oz bottle stiffens fabrics economically.
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If Purex falls short on oils, try:
Our lab mimics home use: 100-lb loads stained with blood, chocolate, coffee, dirt, grass, salad oil. Washed warm/cold in HE top/front-loaders. Scored via spectrometry for color removal, panel tests for odor/packaging. Over 50 cycles per product.
Tips for Max Results:
Pair detergents with these essentials:
Related Guides:
Yes, especially the 4-in-1 with enzymes. It scores 8/10 on food stains but pre-treat blood for best results.
Purex Free & Clear is unscented and hypoallergenic, outperforming generics.
165 loads from 82.5 oz when measured precisely (1-2 oz per load).
All listed Purex products are HE-compatible for low-sudsing performance.
Yes, 3x better than basics per our whitening tests—great for dingy loads.
Purex delivers solid value for stain fighting without premium prices. Start with our top pick and transform your laundry routine today!
