Fairy has reigned supreme in the world of washing-up liquids for 75 years, but with a plethora of alternatives available in supermarkets, which ones truly measure up?
Parenting Editor Zoe Chamberlain from BirminghamLive took on the task, purchasing own-brand washing-up liquids from seven different supermarkets - Asda, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
To ensure fairness, she chose products from the standard ranges, rather than budget options.
Fairy's old slogan 'Hands that do dishes can feel soft as your face' is likely due to the low level of anionic surfactants in the detergent, which, according to Science Direct, can potentially harm the skin.
This contrasts with some supermarket own brands which contained 15-30% anionic surfactants.
Cost: £2 for 654ml at Morrisons, equating to £3.06 per litre.
While most supermarket own brand liquids are available in 450 - 500ml bottles, Fairy is sold in either a smaller 320ml bottle or a larger 654ml one. Zoe opted for the larger option, as it offered slightly better value.
Anionic surfactants: 5-15%
Environmental considerations: No Information
Verdict: A small amount of the liquid, with its distinctively fresh and zingy aroma produced an impressive amount of long-lasting bubbles that left Zoe's dishes sparkling clean in no time.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Cost: Aldi's Magnum Washing-up Liquid is priced at 69p for a 500ml bottle, which equates to £1.38 per litre.
Environmental considerations: Bottle made from 100% recycled materials. The label claims it has 'Grease cutting power' and is 'Cruelty free'.
Anionic surfactants: 5-15%
Verdict: Zoe enjoyed its apple fragrance and found that a little went a long way in getting dishes clean.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Cost: Morrisons Apple Washing-up Liquid costs 62p for a 450ml bottle, which also works out to £1.38 per litre, matching Aldi's price.
Environmental considerations: Bottle is made from 50% recycled materials. The detergent carries the Cruelty Free International logo.
Anionic surfactants: 5-15%
Verdict: Zoe found that she needed to use a lot of the liquid to clean pots and pans as it didn't produce many bubbles. The apple fragrance was barely noticeable.
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Cost: M&S Original Washing-up Liquid, retailing at £1 for 500ml (£2 per litre)
Environmental considerations: The bottle carries the Cruelty free logo but warns against use on clothing and fabrics. However, it doesn't specify if the bottle is made from recycled materials.
Anionic surfactants: 5-15%
Verdict: According to Zoe, this product was disappointing with a lack of scent and bubbles that disappeared almost instantly. The dishes didn't feel as clean as when using Fairy liquid.
Despite being more expensive than other store brands, it wasn't as effective. The only positive was its squirty lid, which was less messy than a flip top.
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
Cost: Asda Original Washing-up Liquid costs 69p for 500ml, translating to £1.38 per litre.
Environmental considerations: There's no information about whether the bottle is recycled or if it's cruelty-free.
Anionic surfactants: 15-30% - significantly higher than Fairy and many of the others.
Verdict: A small amount produced a good amount of bubbles which lasted well and cleaned the items effectively, but there was little fragrance.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Cost: Sainsbury's Washing-up Liquid, priced at 69p for 500ml (£1.38 per litre).
Environmental considerations: The bottle doesn't specify if it's recycled, but it does state that the product is 'Cruelty free'.
Anionic surfactants: 5-15%
Verdict: Claims to 'cut through grease and grime' but is 'not suitable for use on clothing or fabrics'. The liquid dispenses quickly, resulting in more usage each time.
However, it bubbles well and they last, easing the cleaning process. It has a fresh scent similar to Fairy, but the bottle depletes rapidly.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Cost: Tesco Original Washing-up Liquid also costs 69p for 500ml (£1.38 per litre).
Environmental considerations: There's no information about whether the bottle is recycled or if the product is cruelty-free.
Anionic surfactants: 5-15%
Verdict: The label promises it's 'Tough on grease, leaves a sparkling finish', but warns it's unsuitable for clothing or fabrics.
This washing-up liquid performs adequately, provided you use a generous amount. It doesn't have a particularly pleasant smell and runs out quite quickly.
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Cost: Lidl W5 Original Washing-up Liquid is priced at 69p for 500ml, equating to £1.38 per litre, similar to Aldi and many other own-brand detergents.
Environmental considerations: None mentioned.
Anionic surfactants: 15-30% - considerably higher than Fairy and many of the others.
Verdict: Loads needed to be used to create bubbles and there was next-to-no fragrance. Zoe felt like she had to scrub the dishes to remove the dirt and was not impressed.
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
When it comes to 'Fairyconomy', we must question whether cheaper actually equates to better value. Some supermarket own-brand liquids were effective, but the detergent vanished quickly.
In contrast, Fairy seemed to last indefinitely due to the minimal amount required each time. If it indeed lasts twice as long, it would effectively cost £1.53 per litre, compared to most others at £1.38.
Zoe concluded that while "it's marginally more expensive", it was "a lot more powerful and easier to use", leading her to choose Fairy Liquid in the future.
The 'best alternative' was Aldi's Magnum washing-up liquid, which had a pleasant scent, produced plenty of bubbles, and performed well at a lower price without draining as quickly as some others. It also came in a 100% recycled bottle.
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