Use our results to save money by switching from a pricey branded detergent to a great-value own brand that doesn’t compromise on cleaning power.

Coming in at fifth place is Aldi Laundrite Laundry Powder, which, although just missing out on being recommended by our experts, offers some serious value for money at only 11 cents a wash. Heat, detergent and good laundry hygiene habits all play a role in killing germs when you’re washing clothes, sheets and other linens. So, how does heat kill germs on clothes, and does a dryer kill germs as well as a washing cycle does? We’ve answered some common questions below about how you should dry your clothes to reduce the risk of germs spreading: Washing with an effective detergent like Persil Bio is also important to make sure your clothes are properly clean.Yes, clothes and towels can spread germs. There are 3 main ways that germs are spread by clothes and towels: UNILEVER STANDARD TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR PRIZE DRAWS AND COMPETITIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN / THE UK / REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Want to know if your detergent is a winner or a wash-out? We reveal the best and worst cleaners from our tests below. Our testing revealed plenty of dud detergents that rated below 50%, including some big name brands.

The performance of the Aldi powder in our tests goes to show that you can get a great wash for a fraction of the cost of the leading brands," says Matthew.With that in mind, choosing a high performing detergent is even more important for people with top loaders," says Matthew.

You may think that washing on the highest temperature setting is the only way you’ll get a thorough clean, but doing so may actually damage your garments and their colours, plus it’s also costing you more in energy. Read More As part of an overall general hygiene routine, it is also recommended to do a monthly maintenance wash to clean the washing machine: A hot wash at 60Cº, or preferably 90Cº with no clothes and a standard dose of powder detergent containing active-oxygen bleach. See the user manual of your washing machine for more guidance or read our washing machine care tips. From blue antibacterial Fairy washing-up liquid to Carex hand wash and Dettol detergent, you'll see lots of hand wash, washing-up liquid and laundry products that claim to kill bacteria. Typically they're pricier than standard cleaners, but are they worth it? Standard washing-up liquids will also kill bacteria, just in the same way hand wash and soap does. So there's no need for a special antibacterial washing-up liquid if you're worried about COVID-19 or salmonella.Carex claims its antibacterial liquid hand wash is formulated to 'effectively' kill 99.9% of bacteria. This is based on the European Standard Test, where it was shown to reduce E.Coli on the hands of panellists by an average greater than 99.9%.