Tide Vs. Gain Laundry Detergent: Compared, Which is Better
Tide and Gain great choices when it comes to laundry detergents. However, both brands have different products that cater to specific cleaning needs.
With over 40% of US households using one of these two detergents, it’s no wonder they’re a top choice.
In this article, we’ll compare both brands regarding product offerings, testing and awards, personal experiences and suggestions, and Prudent Reviews.
Get ready for an in-depth look at Tide vs. Gain laundry detergents!
Tide vs. Gain Laundry Detergent
Comparing two of the most popular laundry detergents can be confusing, but understanding their differences will help you choose the right one for your home.
Tide and Gain are both owned by Procter & Gamble and are the top two best-selling laundry detergents in the US.
Tide is known for its premium liquid detergents that remove tough stains and odors, while Gain is known for removing stains and odors and offering unique fragrances.
Tide is generally more expensive than Gain due to its wide range of options, including 6 fragrance options, while Gain offers 11.
Additionally, Gain offers fabric softener, scent boosters, dryer sheets, and dish detergent apart from its laundry detergents, whereas Tide focuses solely on liquid laundry detergents with 30 separate formulas designed to meet specific cleaning needs, such as standard washers or high-efficiency washers.
| Aspect | Tide | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Options | Liquid Laundry Detergents: 30 | Liquid Laundry Detergents: 11 |
| Laundry Packs/Pods: 10 | Laundry Packs/Pods: 5 | |
| Powder Detergents: 5 | Powder Detergents: 8 | |
| Stain Remover: 1 | Fabric Softeners: 6 | |
| Laundry Boosters: 2 | Scent Boosters: 4 | |
| Machine Care: 1 | Dryer Sheets: 6 | |
| Fabric Care: 1 | Dish Detergents: 10 | |
| Scent Options | 6 different fragrances | 11 different fragrances |
| Hypoallergenic Option | Yes (detergents without dyes and perfumes) | No information provided |
| Packaging Size | Varies by product | Varies by product |
| Cost per Load | Around $0.22 for powder detergents | Around $0.15 for powder detergents |
| Number of Uses per Unit | Liquid detergents: Up to 32 loads | Liquid detergents: Up to 80 washes |
| Powder detergents: Up to 48 loads |
Overview of Tide
Tide is a premium detergent offering powerful cleaning capabilities and a wide selection of fragrances, perfect for removing tough stains and odors. It’s continuously evolving its formulas to meet the needs of households that require extra cleaning power.
Tide offers several types of detergents, such as Tide Original, Cold Water, and Premium Detergent. Its original liquid detergent offers 6 scent options ranging from spring meadow to original scent.
Tide’s cold water formula was designed to clean better in cold temperatures while using less energy. Its premium detergents are designed to be effective even at lower temperatures with a price per load that is comparable or lower than other national brands.
Tests have proven that Tide’s cleaning power out-cleaned 7 other detergents by 14%. This makes it an ideal choice if you’re looking for superior results in your laundry routine.
Overview of Gain
Gain laundry detergent is an affordable option for those looking to remove tough stains and odors.
It’s known for its unique fragrances and variety of products, including fabric softener, scent boosters, dryer sheets, and dish detergents.
Gain also offers 11 liquid laundry detergents that can provide up to 75 loads per unit, making it a cost-effective choice for your cleaning needs.
Cleaning Effectiveness
When it comes to cleaning effectiveness, Tide and Gain offer different approaches for tackling tough stains and odors.
Tide is known for its premium detergents that remove tough stains and odors, while Gain is known for removing stains and odors and having unique fragrances.
Here are a few of the differences between the two:
- Tide offers a wide variety of liquid laundry detergent, powder detergent, packs/pods, stain removers, laundry boosters, machine care products, and fabric care products to meet specific cleaning needs.
- Gain also has a wide selection of liquid laundry detergents, powder detergents, pods/packs, as well as fabric softeners, scent boosters, dryer sheets, and dish detergents.
- Tide’s hypoallergenic formula is designed to be gentler on skin allergies, while Gain serves those who value a fresh scent at an affordable price.
- In product testing conducted by TheWirecutter.com website in 2017, Tide Ultra Stain Release FREE was declared the best overall detergent, with it outcleaning a group of 7 other detergents, including Gain, by about 14%.
Scent
Whether you’re looking for a subtle scent or an intense aroma, Tide and Gain offer a range of fragrance options that will blow your socks off!
Tide offers 6 different fragrances while Gain provides 11, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
For those who want to add an extra layer of freshness, Gain also has scent boosters, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets which can infuse a pleasant scent into your laundry.
If you have sensitive skin or are looking for a more natural option, Tide has detergents without dyes and perfumes so you don’t have to worry about irritating your skin with scented detergents.
Variety
No matter your laundry needs, Tide and Gain have got you covered. With their wide variety of products, you can find the perfect solution for any situation.
| and | Liquid Laundry Detergents | Laundry Packs/Pods | Powder Detergents | Stain Remover | Laundry Boosters | Machine Care | Fabric Care | Fabric Softeners | Scent Boosters | Dryer Sheets | Dish Detergents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tide | 30 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – |
| Gain | 11 | 5 | 8 | – | – | – | – | 6 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
If you’re looking for an affordable solution for regular loads or gym clothes that need a deep clean with hot water to remove grass stains, either brand can meet your needs.
Cost per Load
You’ll find a range of prices when it comes to laundry detergent, with Gain generally being more affordable than other brands.
For instance, according to Prudent Reviews, you can expect to pay around $0.15 per load for Gain powder detergents compared to around $0.22 per load for Tide’s powder detergents.
When considering the cost of laundry detergent and environmental impact, there are several factors to consider.
| Detergent Type | Cost | Packaging/Storage Convenience | Compatibility with Washing Machine | Bulk Purchase Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid | Higher cost | Convenient packaging and storage | Compatible with standard and high-efficiency washers | Potential discounts when purchased in bulk |
| Pod-based | Higher cost | Convenient packaging and storage | Compatible with standard and high-efficiency washers | Potential discounts when purchased in bulk |
| Powder | Lower cost | Packaging and storage may be less convenient | Compatible with standard and high-efficiency washers | Potential discounts when purchased in bulk for some brands (e.g., Gain) |
Number of Uses per Unit
You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to laundry detergents, and one important factor to consider is how many loads of laundry you can get from one unit of detergent.
Remember that the exact impact of each factor may vary depending on the specific detergent, washing machine, and individual circumstances.
Factors Affecting Laundry Detergent Usage
1. Water Hardness
2. Soil Level
3. Load Size
4. Detergent Concentration
5. Detergent Type
6. Machine Efficiency
7. User Habits
8. Detergent Quality
9. Stain Type and Severity
10. Water Temperature
Difference between Tide and Gain
Knowing the differences between these two iconic brands can help you decide which one is best for your laundry needs.
Tide is known for its premium detergents that remove tough stains and odors, while Gain offers a more affordable option with similar stain-fighting abilities.
Tide typically costs more than Gain, but it also has 6 fragrance options compared to Gain’s 11.
In addition, Tide is designed specifically for laundry cleaning needs and has continuously been evolving its formulas while expanding its product portfolio.
On the other hand, Gain serves those who value a fresh scent at an affordable price and infuses fragrances into other household items like fabric softener, dryer sheets, and dish detergent.
Ultimately both brands offer great options when it comes to stain removal and odor control, but each has their own unique features that make them appealing to different types of customers.
What does Tide Specialize in
Tide specializes in premium cleaning power that tackles the toughest of stains and odors, making it a go-to choice for households needing extra help with their laundry.
Its formula continuously evolves to offer a range of solutions for different types of fabrics, washers, and soils.
Tide offers 6 fragrance options as well as 30 liquid detergents, 10 laundry packs/pods, 5 powder detergents, 1 stain remover, 2 laundry boosters, 1 machine care product, and 1 fabric care product.
This makes it easier to find the right solution for any type of soil or load size. It also provides a variety of products specifically designed for high-efficiency (HE) washers.
While Tide is pricier than Gain detergent, its superior cleaning capabilities make it worth the investment if you need extra help with tough stains and odors.
What Does Gain Specialize in
Gain is the go-to choice if you’re looking for a fresh scent at an affordable price.
Gain offers 11 liquid laundry detergents, 5 laundry packs/pods, 8 powder detergents, 6 fabric softeners, 4 scent boosters, 6 dryer sheets, and 10 dish detergents.
Gain infuses fragrances into their other household items to give them an extra boost of freshness.
It’s important to note that Gain doesn’t just focus on laundry detergent as Tide does; instead, they offer fabric softener, scented booster and dryer sheets, and dish detergent.
This allows users to clean and freshen up their entire home with one brand.
Additionally, Gain makes sure their products are affordable so that customers can take advantage of the same great scent without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tide and Gain detergents safe for sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, Tide and Gain laundry detergents may be a good choice for you. Both are designed to help remove tough stains and odors while being gentle on fabrics.
Tide Ultra Stain Release FREE is specifically formulated for people with sensitive skin, as it’s free of dyes and perfumes.
Meanwhile, Gain offers fabric softener that can help reduce friction between clothes and your skin.
Additionally, they both offer low-sudsing formulas that won’t irritate sensitive skin or overwhelm your washing machine.
Ultimately, both options provide excellent cleaning power without sacrificing the comfort of your skin.
Do Tide and Gain detergents work well in cold water?
You can trust both Tide and Gain laundry detergents to work well in cold water, as both brands are specifically designed for the purpose.
But Tide has an edge over Gain when it comes to stain removal and odor elimination, making it a symbol of mastery for those who desire cleanliness.
Plus, its innovative formulas have been continuously evolving over time, giving you a better cleaning experience with each wash.
So if you’re looking for a powerful detergent that works even in cold water, then Tide is your best bet!
Are there any special instructions for using Tide and Gain?
When it comes to laundry detergents, Tide and Gain offer different instructions for different fabrics.
For delicate items such as wool or silk, Tide recommends using its free and gentle liquid detergent on a cold wash cycle.
However, if you’re in need of extra cleaning power, their Ultra Stain Release FREE is designed to remove tough stains without damaging the fabric.
Gain’s detergents are also formulated to tackle tough stains while protecting colors from fading.
They recommend using their Coldwater Liquid Detergent for best results on delicates and suggest using their Active Fresh Scent powder detergent for whites.
It’s important to read the labels carefully when selecting a laundry detergent, as each type may have specific instructions that should be followed in order to ensure your clothes stay looking their best!
The Takeaway
Your laundry is an important part of your home, and you want to make sure it’s clean. When deciding between Tide and Gain, take into account the differences between their products and specialty items.
Tide has a wide range of products that provide excellent cleaning power, while Gain offers special scents and fabric softeners to give your clothes a luxurious feel.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which detergent will work best for your needs—it’s like choosing between apples and oranges!
But one thing’s for sure: no matter if you go old-school with Tide or modern with Gain, you can rest assured that your clothes are in good hands.
