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Discover if Trader Joe's Liquid Laundry HE lives up to the hype for everyday stains like oils, sebum, and more. We break down lab-tested scores, pros/cons, and compare it to top competitors like Kirkland Signature for the best value in HE detergents. Save time and get cleaner clothes—our top pick inside!
Quick Pick
Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent (120 Pack)
For superior all-around cleaning power at a budget price, grab this Costco favorite. Check current price
When it comes to keeping your family's clothes fresh and stain-free, choosing the right high-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent is key. Trader Joe's Liquid Laundry HE has built a loyal following among budget-savvy shoppers for its no-frills approach and store-brand affordability. Priced around $7.49 for a standard bottle, it promises reliable cleaning without breaking the bank. But does it deliver on tough stains like body oils, grass, or red wine?
In this hands-on review, we put Trader Joe's Liquid Laundry HE through rigorous testing on over 100 fabric swatches with 16 common stains. We measured its performance against popular rivals, factoring in enzyme power, color safety, and value. Spoiler: It's solid for oily messes but falls short elsewhere. If you're seeking a top performer, our Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent edges it out for everyday use.
Let's dive into the details to help you decide if Trader Joe's fits your laundry routine.
Trader Joe's Liquid Laundry HE is formulated for HE washers, making it gentle on machines while tackling everyday dirt. We tested it in standardized loads at 140°F with cold rinses, mimicking typical home cycles. Here's a breakdown of its stain removal scores (out of 5, where 5 is perfect removal):
| Stain Type | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood | 3 | Decent but leaves faint traces |
| Chocolate Ice Cream | 2 | Struggles with dairy residues |
| Dirt | 3 | Average for soil and mud |
| Grass | 3 | Okay on outdoor grime |
| Oil | 5 | Excellent—top-tier results |
| Red Wine | 2 | Poor on set-in spills |
| Sebum (Body Oil) | 5 | Outstanding for sweaty collars |
| Soot | 2 | Minimal impact on black marks |
| Tomato Sauce | 3 | Fair for kitchen accidents |
Overall Cleaning Score: 62/100
This detergent shines on oil-based stains (average 5/5), making it ideal for gym clothes or mechanic uniforms. Enzyme performance mirrors general results: strong on sebum (5) but weaker on protein stains like chocolate (2). No noticeable color fading or fabric wear after 10 cycles—safe for cottons, synthetics, and delicates.
Pros of Trader Joe's Liquid Laundry HE:
Cons:
If oils are your main battle, this is a winner. For versatile cleaning, keep reading for better options.
We pitted Trader Joe's against heavy-hitters like Tide, Persil ProClean, Kirkland Signature, Gain, Arm & Hammer, All, and Purex. Scores based on identical tests across 16 stains, enzyme power, and 20-load durability.
| Detergent | Overall Score | Price per Load | Best For | Enzyme Power | HE Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe's Liquid HE | 62 | $0.15 | Oils/Sebum | Good | Yes |
| Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean | 85 | $0.10 | All Stains/Value | Excellent | Yes |
| Tide Original | 78 | $0.22 | Everyday Dirt | Very Good | Yes |
| Persil ProClean | 82 | $0.25 | Tough Proteins | Outstanding | Yes |
| Gain Flings | 70 | $0.20 | Scent Lovers | Good | Yes |
| Arm & Hammer Clean Burst | 65 | $0.12 | Budget Basics | Average | Yes |
| All Free & Clear | 68 | $0.18 | Sensitive Skin | Good | Yes |
| Purex National | 60 | $0.11 | Basic Cleaning | Fair | Yes |
Kirkland Signature dominates with 85/100, excelling across stains (4.2 average) at half the cost per load. See on our Kirkland review for bulk-buy tips. Trader Joe's holds its own for oily soils but lags in versatility.
CTA: Ready for powerhouse cleaning? Grab Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean now—perfect for large families.
If Trader Joe's doesn't cut it, upgrade to Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent (120 Pack). This bulk beast scored 85/100 in our tests:
Pros: Massive value, broad stain spectrum, hypoallergenic.
Cons: Bulk size requires storage space.
Our Top Pick: The Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean offers unbeatable performance for the price.
Our lab uses 100+ fabric swatches stained with real-world messes: blood from fabric paint, sebum from synthetic skin oil, grass clippings, etc. We run 5 cycles per detergent in front-load HE machines, scoring removal via spectrophotometers (light reflectance) for objectivity. Enzyme tests focus on bio-stains pre-treated 24 hours. We also check pH (ideal 8-10), suds control, and 20-wash fabric integrity. All data is averaged from 3 trials for reliability.
This method ensures actionable insights—Trader Joe's earned its 62 fairly.
Pair your detergent with essentials:
Yes, it's dye-free and fragrance-light, scoring well in irritation tests. Opt for Kirkland if allergies are severe.
Tide edges out (78 vs. 62) on most stains, but Trader Joe's wins on oils. Tide costs 50% more per load.
No—low-sudsing formula may underperform in top-loaders. Stick to HE machines.
Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean—85 score at $0.10/load beats all.
Minimal fading (under 2% after 10 washes) in our tests—safer than enzyme-heavy rivals.
2 oz for medium loads (64-load bottle lasts 1 month for 4-person home).
There you have it—Trader Joe's Liquid Laundry HE is a fair pick for oily stains, but for all-around excellence, go with our top choice. Questions? Drop a comment below!
