We tested most products in front loaders, as they all claim to work in front loaders. We re-tested soap nuts in top loaders because the distributor came back to us claiming that they perform best in top loaders.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 

This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

Based on the claimed number of washes per pack and the price paid.

The washing powder is measured in kilos, soap nuts in grams, and balls in units.

This number is based on either claims on pack (e.g. months' use) or the website of the distributor.