Procter & Gamble rolls out Tide Basic powder, a budget-minded laundry detergent

Shoppers at about 100 Walmart and Kroger stores in the southern and southwestern United States are seeing a new Tide laundry detergent on shelves in the cleaning-supplies aisle. Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble has recently introduced Tide Basic, a lower-cost version of its Tide detergents. As its name implies, the detergent claims "Big Value. Basic Clean." (We have not tested this cleaner.)

The powder detergent, which lacks the bells and whistles of other Tides, including fragrances, will sell for 20 percent less than other Tides, according to P&G. The detergent is packaged in a container that's yellow rather than Tide's trademark orange. The introduction comes at a time when more U.S. consumers are switching from national to lower-cost store brands.

Our latest report on laundry detergents (story and ratings are available to subscribers; how to choose a cleaner is free) shows six Tide cleaners among the 10 highest-scoring products. Watch this video on Tide Total Care, a detergent being pitched by designer Tim Gunn, of Project Runway fame.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Learn about Procter & Gamble's concentrated detergents and avoid detergent overdosing. If you need a new washing machine, check out our free buyer's guide.

Comments

[E. Thayer]

I wonder what the cost-per-load is? Or how it compares in cost and effectiveness to using centuries-old tried-and-true borax for washing clothes?

Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is another no-frills, basic cleaning agent that I'd like to see compared in price and performance to Tide Basic.

[home garden products]

Today as we are facing global worming now a days and one of the main reason of global worming is due to the reduction or cutting down of green forests. so we all can play a role in saving the environment for the future and for our children this is the right time to start developing small gardens in our houses back yard as its has become necessity act before its to late.

[L.Houghton]

I use the regular Tide in the red box for HE washers. Quite frankly, I am not satisfied with the regular Tide and I've wondered if they had changed that formula because it is not cleaning as well as I think it should. I always pre-treat stains with products such as "Shout," and after I spray the stained area, I use a small brush on the stained area to get as much out as I can before I put the garment into the machine.
If I have any heavy stains, I set the HE washer for a 54 minute cycle and shut it down after 16 minutes, which is the end of a wash cycle. Then I reset the macine to the "Express," cycle which is 28 minutes. This way, I get a longer time in the soapy modes yet save 10 minutes off of the 54 minute cycle. I just bought a new liquid, ECO friendly product to try which the cost is less than Tide. I would love to use the Express Cycle for all of my laundry, as it saves time/electrical costs as well.