Doing laundry is a never-ending chore. No matter how many loads you do, the dirty clothes just keep piling up. And when standing in the laundry aisle at the store, the number of choices for laundry detergent can seem overwhelming.
How do you know which one to choose?
Two of the most popular laundry detergent brands are Persil and Gain. Both offer a variety of products claiming to give you super clean, fresh-smelling laundry. But which one should you choose?
In this article, we’ll compare Persil and Gain laundry detergents to help you decide which is best for your needs. We’ll look at key factors like stain-fighting power, fragrance, cost, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Persil | Gain |
| Stain Removal | Excellent, powered by enzyme technology | Good, but not as strong as Persil |
| Fragrance | Subtle, light scents | Strong, long-lasting scents |
| Availability | Found at most major retailers | Very widely available |
| Eco-Friendliness | EPA Safer Choice certified, recycled bottles | Reduced emissions, recycled bottles |
| Washing Machine Types | Works in all including HE | Formulas for standard and HE washers |
| Customer Satisfaction | Very high satisfaction | High satisfaction overall |
Also Read: Differences Between Molly’s Suds And Nellie’s Laundry Detergents.
An Overview of Persil and Gain
Persil is a laundry detergent made by Henkel that originated in Germany in 1907.
It was the first self-activated laundry detergent made with silicates as a water softener.
Persil stands out for its stain-fighting power and is marketed with the slogan “Dirt is Good.”
Gain laundry detergent is made by Procter & Gamble and first launched in the United States in 1949.
It is known for its great fresh fragrances and ability to keep clothes smelling good wash after wash. The tagline for Gain is “Love at first sniff.”
Both Persil and Gain offer detergents in liquid, powder, pod/capsule, and single-dose packet forms. They have detergents formulated for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines as well as fabric softeners and scent boosters.
Comparing Stain-Fighting Abilities
One of the most important jobs of a laundry detergent is to get out tough stains like grease, mud, grass, food, blood, etc. So how do Persil and Gain stack up when it comes to stain-fighting power?
Persil uses enzyme technology to help break down and remove many common stains. The enzymes target proteins, starches, fats, and oils. Persil detergents also contain silicates to help break down calcium and magnesium compounds.
This helps prevent dingy graying on clothes over time. Overall, Persil has extremely effective stain-fighting abilities.
Gain detergents contain ingredients like sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate to help activate the cleaning agents and lift stains.
Some varieties also have bleach alternatives added to boost stain-fighting performance.
While Gain does a decent job at stain removal, most users find that Persil has superior stain-fighting capabilities.
If you have kids or frequently get grease, food, grass, or other difficult stains on your clothes, Persil is likely the better choice for maximum stain removal.
Comparing Fresh Fragrances
Scent is an important factor for many people when choosing a laundry detergent. We do laundry to make our clothes feel and smell clean and fresh, right?
Gain detergents are specially formulated to give clothes a appealing, inviting scent. Some of the top fragrances offered by Gain include Original Scent, Island Fresh, Spring Lavender, Fireworks, and Moonlight Breeze.
The fragrances are strong but pleasant and stay noticeable on clothes for weeks.
Persil detergents tend to have lighter, more subtle fragrances. Two of their most popular scents are Fresh and Power-Pearls. The scents are clean smelling but not overpowering. Some people feel Gain has longer-lasting fragrances, while others prefer the lighter scents of Persil.
If you love strongly scented laundry, Gain may be your better choice. But if you don’t like overwhelming fragrances or use fabric softener, Persil’s lighter scents may appeal more to you.
Cost Comparison of Persil And Gain
Of course, cost is always an important consideration when choosing home care products. So how do Persil and Gain compare in terms of price?
On average, Persil laundry detergents tend to cost more than Gain products.
For example, a 100 oz bottle of Persil ProClean liquid typically costs $12-$14, while a similar size of Gain liquid is usually $11-$13.
Persil single dose packets and pods also usually cost a bit more than Gain.
However, Persil often goes on promotion with coupons or offers at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. This helps bring the price down closer to Gain levels. Persil also frequently runs rebate offers directly from their website.
Gain detergents are typically a little more budget-friendly, with regular sales bringing the prices even lower. Gain runs promotions with free product samples and rewards programs for loyal buyers as well.
While there is not a huge price difference between the brands, Gain does seem to have a slight edge when it comes to overall value and price. However, Persil’s frequent promotions help make it more affordable.
Availability of Persil and Gain Detergents
Where can you buy Persil and Gain laundry products? And which one has better availability?
Both Persil and Gain can be found at all major retailers that sell laundry detergent. This includes grocery stores, superstores like Walmart and Target, warehouse clubs, drugstores, and online retailers like Amazon.
However, Gain seems to have a bit of an edge when it comes to accessibility. While most stores carry some variety of Persil, the selection is sometimes smaller compared to Gain. Gain offers dozens of different detergent varieties, while Persil has a more limited product line.
Additionally, Persil may be tougher to find in some smaller grocery or convenience stores, whereas Gain is virtually everywhere laundry detergent is sold. Gain also has a strong online presence with its own website featuring deals.
So if convenience is key for you, Gain may be easier to purchase at many locations. But Persil can still be found at most major retailers, albeit perhaps with fewer choices.
Choosing HE Vs. Regular Detergent
High-efficiency (HE) washing machines require detergents formulated specifically for them. So should you choose Persil or Gain if you have an HE washer?
Both brands offer HE-compatible detergents:
- Persil ProClean liquid, pods, and packets are labeled as “compatible with all washing machines” including HE.
- Gain HE liquid, pods, and powder are “approved for all HE washing machines.”
The HE formulations have low-sudsing formulas that won’t create excess suds or lead to leaking with front-loading HE washers. They also contain enzymes and polymers to aid cleaning performance in HE machines.
Either Persil ProClean or Gain HE should work well for HE washers. It comes down to your preference on stain-fighting power, fragrance, and price point between the two brands.
For non-HE top-load machines, you can use any regular Persil or Gain detergent.
Environmental Impact
For environmentally-conscious shoppers, the sustainability of a laundry detergent is important.
So how do Persil and Gain compare in their environmental friendliness?
Persil was the first major laundry brand certified by the EPA’s “Safer Choice” program for its formulations.
Their detergents avoid dyes, chlorine, and phosphates.
Persil also has concentrated formulas to use less water in production. They partner with TerraCycle to recycle used detergent bottles.
Gain states they are “driven by innovation and environmental leadership.” They have cut greenhouse gas emissions in production by 52% since 2010. Gain bottles contain up to 50% recycled plastic. Through their Give Back Program, used Gain bottles can be recycled into new products.
Both brands are striving for more sustainable practices through eco-friendly manufacturing, products, and recycling programs. Overall, Persil and Gain are relatively comparable when it comes to environmental impact.
Ease of Use
How easy are Persil and Gain detergents to use on a daily basis?
Persil liquid has an easy-pour spout and smooth, free-flowing gel formula. The pods are packaged in an easy-open tub. The packets peel open at the seam for simple dispensing. Overall, Persil detergents are straightforward to measure and use.
Gain also has user-friendly packaging. The liquid spouts, twist-open pod tubs, and tear-open packets allow for mess-free dispensing. Some Gain liquids also have concentrated formulas, so you use less per wash. Gain is very simple to use day-to-day.
Both Persil and Gain detergents are designed for easy, convenient everyday use. Dispensing and measuring is straightforward with either brand you choose.
Performance in Standard & HE Machines
Do Persil and Gain clean equally well in standard top-load and high-efficiency front-load washers?
Users report that Persil delivers excellent cleaning performance in both standard and HE machines. The ProClean formula provides great results without oversudsing in HE washers. Persil gets clothes clean and bright in any washer.
Gain also effectively removes dirt and stains in both types of machines. The original Gain works well in standard washers, while the HE formula is designed not to suds excessively in front-loaders. Some users do report more suds with Gain in HE machines.
Overall, both Persil and Gain will give you super clean laundry. Persil may have a slight edge in stain-fighting while Gain fragrances last a bit longer. But either detergent can be an excellent choice for any washing machine.
Customer Satisfaction
What do actual customers have to say about their satisfaction with Persil and Gain?
Looking at reviews online and talking to users, Persil earns very high marks in customer satisfaction. People praise its cleaning power on stains, pleasant subtle scents, and effective results even in cold water. Many say it outperforms other leading brands.
Users report being extremely pleased with Persil.
Gain also enjoys positive feedback from most customers. They rave about the fresh, inviting fragrances of Gain that last for weeks. Users say clothes come out clean, soft, and smelling amazing. Some do wish Gain had a bit more stain-fighting power. Overall, satisfaction with Gain is quite high.
Both Persil and Gain have many enthusiastic fans who are loyal to their chosen brand. In terms of satisfaction, it’s hard to declare a clear winner – people seem very happy with both detergents.
FAQ About Persil and Gain
Still trying to choose between Persil and Gain? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Persil stands out for its extremely effective stain removal abilities. It uses powerful enzyme technology to dissolve protein, fat, and oil-based stains. Persil also prevents graying and dinginess over time.
Many people consider Persil to be one of the top laundry detergents available. It consistently earns high marks for cleaning performance and stain removal. Persil is comparable to premium brands at a more affordable price point.
There is no definitive “best” laundry detergent. Top brands include Persil, Gain, Tide, All, Surf, and Kirkland Signature. The right detergent depends on your priorities like cost, fragrance, availability, and eco-friendliness. Persil and Gain are both excellent quality brands.
When Persil was originally introduced in 1907, it was the first self-activating laundry soap. It did not directly replace any other brand. Today, Persil provides an effective premium detergent alternative to brands like Tide, All, Wisk, etc.
The Verdict: Persil or Gain?
So when comparing Persil vs Gain, which detergent should you choose?
If powerful stain removal is your top priority, Persil is likely the winner. Persil uses powerful enzyme technology to penetrate and dissolve all kinds of difficult stains.
If you want your clothes to smell fresh and inviting for weeks, then Gain has the edge. Gain detergents are specially designed with longer-lasting fragrances.
On affordability, Gain tends to cost a little less on average. But Persil frequently has promotions and rebates to help with cost.
Both brands are widely available at grocery stores, but Gain offers more variety. For eco-friendly production, Persil and Gain are close competitors.
At the end of the day, it depends on what’s most important to you in a laundry detergent. For amazing stain removal, Persil is a top choice. For heavenly long-lasting scents, Gain can’t be beat. Either brand will leave you with clean, bright laundry you’ll love.
Now that you know the key differences, you can decide whether fabulous smelling Gain or super-cleaning Persil is right for your laundry needs. Whichever you choose, you can feel confident you’re using a quality detergent that smells great and gets your clothes clean.
Happy washing!
