Washing-up liquids are an essential item in many people’s food shops. Designed to lift food particles and other debris, its antibacterial properties help to keep plates, cutlery and mugs clean. However, while I wasn’t buying the essentials every single week, I was noticing how expensive branded ones were getting.
I’ve always purchased Fairy in the past, but I decided to put supermarket own-brand washing-up liquids to the test to see how much it foamed, if they were any good at removing dirt and grime, and ultimately, how affordable it was. The supermarkets in question were Lidl, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose, Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer.
Lidl – 65p
The Lidl washing-up liquid smelled great, with a subtle fragrance that wasn’t too overpowering. However, I didn’t find it foamed up well, which is what I love in a washing-up liquid, as a little goes a long way.
For the price, however, and being affordable, I wouldn’t be against using it again.
Score: 5/10
Aldi Premium washing-up liquid – 95p
Although I am not a huge fan of the packaging, this washing-up liquid performed well, had a lovely scent, and formed lots of bubbles.
It did a decent job removing grime, but I did have to soak a few items, which I wouldn’t usually need to do.
Score: 8/10
M&S – 70p
Marks and Spencer’s washing-up liquid was great, although I wasn’t really a fan of the bottle or packaging. Besides looks, it foamed well and produced lots of bubbles, which helped the product go further.
It still wasn’t my favourite, though. Being one of the more expensive products in the test, I wouldn’t rush back to buy this washing-up liquid.
Score: 5/10
Fairy – £1
Being a loyal Fairy customer, I thought I would be able to tell the difference between this liquid and some supermarket versions, but I really couldn’t, proving to me that supermarket own brands can work just as well.
Sainsbury’s – 65p
Sainsbury’s topped the leaderboard of washing-up liquids for me, as have many of their own-brand products. It was everything you wanted a liquid to do, and for the price, I thought this was the best.
I opted for the original scent, as I have in the majority of other supermarkets, but the apple scent is also incredible.
Score: 10/10
Tesco – 65p
Tesco’s performed similarly to Sainsbury’s, and I couldn’t tell much of a difference between them; even the scent was very similar.
The prices were the same, so I’d recommend trying out both to decipher which one you prefer.
Score: 10/10
Asda – 62p
I’ve used Asda washing-up liquid in the past, and although the price has risen in recent years, I still think 59p is very affordable for 500ml of liquid.
It didn’t foam as much as Sainsbury’s, Tesco or Fairy, but it was still a very decent product and I’d definitely use it again.
Score: 7/10
Waitrose – 75p
One of the more expensive washing-up liquids was Waitrose, and I also had to buy this in a citrus scent as the original one wasn’t available.
It was a great washing-up liquid, although the scent was a little too overpowering for me. I would use this again, but I preferred the cheaper ones in the test.
Score: 6/10