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Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent vs Tide+ Ultra Stain Release

Buy Tide Free & Gentle if anyone in the household has sensitive skin, eczema or fragrance allergies, or if you want a dye- and perfume-free detergent that still cleans like a mainstream brand. Buy Tide+ Ultra Stain Release if stains are the main problem and scent is welcome. Free & Gentle is the gentler, better-reviewed formula; Ultra Stain Release is the stronger stain fighter. Owners rate Free & Gentle higher, and its 3-in-1 formula works in all machines and water temperatures, including cold.

  • Choose the Tide Free & Gentle if you need a hypoallergenic, dye- and perfume-free detergent for sensitive skin, babies or the whole family.
  • Choose the Tide+ Ultra Stain Release if tough everyday stains are your priority and you don't mind a scented formula.

Prices

  • Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent: $28.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Tide+ Ultra Stain Release: $14.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the Tide+ Ultra Stain Release is $13.01 cheaper than the Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent today
Tide
Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

4.7(3,873 ratings)
$28.00at WalmartChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Dye- and perfume-free, hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin
  • Cleans well in cold water
  • High owner rating
  • Works in all machines and water conditions
Cons
  • No fragrance if you like scented laundry
  • Not positioned as a heavy stain fighter
  • Large multi-bottle packs take up storage space
Tide
Tide+ Ultra Stain Release

Tide+ Ultra Stain Release

4.2(882 ratings)
$14.99at WalmartChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Removes up to 99% of everyday stains
  • OXI Boost formula for stubborn marks
  • Fresh scent
  • Works in all machines and cold water
Cons
  • Scented, so not ideal for sensitive skin
  • Lower owner rating than Free & Gentle
  • Not dye- or perfume-free

What separates them

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry DetergentTide+ Ultra Stain Release
Scent and dyesNo added dyes or perfumesOriginal scent, scented formula
Skin suitabilityHypoallergenic and dermatologist recommendedNot marketed for sensitive skin
Stain fightingStrong everyday cleaning, not stain-specificTargets up to 99% of everyday stains with OXI Boost
Water temperatureCleans in cold water and all water conditionsWorks in all temperatures, including cold
Machine compatibilityTop- and front-loading, HE compatibleWorks in all machines
Owner ratings4.7 out of 5 from about 3,900 ratings4.2 out of 5 from about 880 ratings
FormatLiquid, large multi-bottle packsLiquid jug

Price history

$15.35$11.81
Nov 8Nov 10
  • Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent: lowest $12.97 on Nov 10 at Hy-Vee.
  • Tide+ Ultra Stain Release: lowest $11.81 on Nov 10 at Naifeh's Food Market.

Prices at every store

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by ZaidamReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $28.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • Dollar GeneralCheck price at Dollar General
  • Hy-VeeCheck price at Hy-Vee
  • MSC Industrial SupplyCheck price at MSC Industrial Supply
Prices and history →

Tide+ Ultra Stain Release

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $14.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • DoorDashCheck price at DoorDash
  • Sunset FoodsCheck price at Sunset Foods
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecTide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry DetergentTide+ Ultra Stain Release
Load count64 Load22 Loads
Machine compatibilityworks in all machines and water conditionsWorks in all machines
Size105 fl oz154 fl oz
Bottle size92 OZ—
Pack size4 units of 92 OZ each—
Dye freedye- and perfume-free—
HypoallergenicHypoallergenic—
Dermatologist recommendedDermatologist Recommended—
HE compatibleHE—
Formula3-in-1 formula—
Dye and perfumeno added dyes and perfumes—
Multipack Quantity1—
Show all 19 specsShow fewer specs
SpecTide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry DetergentTide+ Ultra Stain Release
colorN/A—
Scent—Original Scent
Stain removal—up to 99% of everyday stains
Water temperature—all water temperatures
Unit size—31 FL OZ
Product form—Liquids
Water conditions—all machines and water conditions-even cold wat…

What reviewers say

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

  • 4.7 / 53,873 ratings

Owners rate it highly for cleaning power without irritation. Most praise it for sensitive skin and tough stains, while a minority find it expensive or wish it had some scent.

What people mention
  • Skin sensitivityPraisedOwners with eczema and allergies say it does not irritate their skin.
  • Cleaning powerPraisedReviewers say it removes everyday stains as well as scented Tide.
  • ScentMixedSome like the lack of perfume; others miss any fresh smell.
  • ValueCriticisedSome buyers say it costs more than other fragrance-free detergents.

Tide+ Ultra Stain Release

  • 4.2 / 5882 ratings

Owners rate it well for stain removal, especially on kids' clothes and workout gear. The most common complaints are the strong scent and occasional fading or residue on dark fabrics.

What people mention
  • Stain removalPraisedOwners say it removes everyday food, grass and sweat stains in one wash.
  • ScentMixedSome like the fresh Original Scent; others find it overpowering and long-lasting.
  • Cold waterPraisedUsers report good cleaning even in cold washes.
  • Color fadingCriticisedA few owners say dark clothes faded after repeated washes.

Questions and answers

Which is better for sensitive skin?
Tide Free & Gentle. It has no added dyes or perfumes, is hypoallergenic and is dermatologist recommended. Ultra Stain Release is scented.
Which removes stains better?
Tide+ Ultra Stain Release. Its OXI Boost formula targets up to 99% of everyday stains. Free & Gentle cleans well but is built around gentleness.
Do both work in cold water and HE machines?
Yes. Both work in all machines and water conditions, including cold water, and both are HE compatible.
Is Free & Gentle worth stepping up to over Ultra Stain Release?
If skin sensitivity or fragrance-free laundry matters, yes. If stain removal is your main concern and scent is fine, Ultra Stain Release is the better fit.
Which do owners rate higher?
Free & Gentle, at 4.7 out of 5 from about 3,900 ratings, against 4.2 out of 5 from about 880 for Ultra Stain Release.

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