Washing-up liquids are a staple in many a shopping basket, their purpose being to dislodge food remnants and other detritus, while their antibacterial properties ensure our dishes, cutlery, and mugs remain spotless. However, I found myself taken aback by the escalating prices of branded options during my less frequent essential shops.
Historically, I’ve been a Fairy devotee, but I decided to give supermarket own-brand washing-up liquids a try, assessing their foaming ability, efficacy in removing dirt and grime, and ultimately, their cost-effectiveness. The supermarkets under scrutiny were Lidl, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose, Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer.
Lidl – 65p
The Lidl washing-up liquid boasted a pleasant aroma, with a subtle fragrance that wasn’t too overpowering. However, it fell short on the foaming front, which is a quality I value in a washing-up liquid, as it ensures a longer-lasting effect. Given its affordability, though, I wouldn’t rule out giving it another go.
Score: 5/10
Aldi Premium washing-up liquid – 95p
Although I’m not particularly fond of the packaging, this washing-up liquid delivered a commendable performance, emitting a delightful scent and producing ample bubbles. It managed to tackle grime reasonably well, although a few items required soaking, which isn’t typically necessary.
Score: 8/10
M&S – 70p
Marks & Spencer’s washing-up liquid was impressive, although the bottle and packaging didn’t quite meet my expectations. Aesthetics aside, it excelled in the foaming department, producing a generous amount of bubbles that enhanced the product’s mileage. Despite its higher price tag, this washing-up liquid didn’t quite meet my expectations, and I wouldn’t be in a hurry to repurchase it.
Score: 5/10
Fairy – £1
As a dedicated Fairy user, I assumed I’d easily spot the difference between this brand and supermarket alternatives. However, I was surprised to find that I couldn’t, reinforcing my belief that store brands can hold their own.
Sainsbury’s – 65p
Sainsbury’s emerged as the champion of washing-up liquids in my test, much like many of their other own-brand products. It ticked all the boxes for what you’d want from a washing-up liquid, and considering its price, I deemed it the best value for money. I chose the original scent, as I usually do with most supermarkets, but the apple variant is equally delightful.
Score: 10/10
Tesco – 65p
Tesco’s version performed on par with Sainsbury’s, and I struggled to discern any significant differences between the two; even their fragrances were strikingly similar.
Given their identical pricing, I suggest trying both to determine your personal favourite.
Score: 10/10
Asda – 62p
Having used Asda’s washing-up liquid previously, I’ve noticed a slight increase in its price over the years. Nonetheless, at 59p for 500ml, it remains a budget-friendly option.
While it didn’t produce as much foam as Sainsbury’s, Tesco or Fairy, it was still a commendable product that I’d happily use again.
Score: 7/10
Waitrose – 75p
Waitrose’s washing-up liquid was among the pricier options, and I had to opt for a citrus fragrance as the original was out of stock.
The washing-up liquid was impressive, albeit the fragrance was somewhat too intense for my liking. I would consider using this again, but I found myself favouring the less expensive options in the test.
Score: 6/10
