Country Save HE Laundry Detergent Powder

February 2009. Country Save laundry detergent isn't included in formal tests at Consumer Reports or elsewhere. However, we found a huge number of user reviews for this inexpensive powdered laundry detergent. Many fans of Country Save started using this soap for laundering cloth diapers, then began using it for all of their laundry. Country Save can be used in either standard or high-efficiency washers (you use half as much for HE washers than standard washers). That makes it one of the least expensive detergents for HE machines. Owners like that Country Save powder is free of fragrance and dyes, and it contains no phosphates (which can harm marine life). That makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. The packaging is made of recycled and recyclable materials. The downside? Country Save is hard to find in stores; it's available in some Whole Foods stores and online. An easier-to-find alternative is Seventh Generation Free & Clear (*est. 26 cents per load), which is also fragrance and dye-free, but costs more.

Country Save has not been included in comparison testing, but it has a very strong fan base, as evidenced by reviewers at Amazon.com and other sites.