In a world of fancy liquid detergents and trendy laundry strips, could an old-school powder detergent be the answer to your laundry woes? After using (Amazon affiliate links used) this detergent for two rounds (about 4 months each) with weekly washes, I can confidently share my real experience with this powerful cleaner.
⚡ Quick Take
TL;DR: A powerhouse powder detergent that delivers exceptional cleaning performance at an unbeatable price point, especially effective for gym clothes.
Rating Category Score
Effectiveness. 9/10
Value 10/10
Reorder Index 9/10
Claims Accuracy 9/10
Overall Satisfaction 9/10
The Essentials
Product Overview
The Arm & Hammer 33200-01001 Powder Laundry Detergent comes in an 18lb pail, delivering approximately 288 loads of laundry. Usually around just 13 cents per load, it’s remarkably cost-effective. The sturdy pail is reusable too, adding extra value.
Brand Background
Arm & Hammer has been a household name for 170 years, building trust through their commitment to quality and purity. Their signature baking soda-based products have been a staple in American homes for generations.
Unique Selling Proposition
The detergent combines deep-cleaning capabilities with a gentle formula, featuring a special ingredient that traps dirt in wash water to ensure a thorough rinse. It’s particularly effective on gym clothes and athletic wear.
Real Usage Experience
Actual Usage Details
- Duration: Two 4-month periods
- Household Size: 2 people
- Washing Frequency: Weekly loads
- Standout Performance: Exceptional with gym clothes
- Container: Reusable pail
Real-World Performance
- Consistent cleaning power throughout use
- Particularly effective on workout wear
- One pail lasts approximately 4 months with weekly washing
- Sturdy container can be repurposed after use
The Honest Scoop
Daily Use Experience
- Easy to measure and use
- No messy liquid spills
- Fresh, non-overwhelming scent
- Effective in regular washing machines
Hidden Benefits
- Extended product life (4 months for 2 people)
- Reusable container
- Excellent on athletic wear
- Works in all water temperatures
- Cost-effective solution
Maintenance Reality
The powder format means no drips or spills to clean up, and the pail is easy to store and handle.
Perfect Match Analysis
Ideal For:
- Small households doing weekly laundry
- Active people with lots of gym clothes
- Budget-conscious consumers
- Those who like to reuse containers
- People who prefer unscented or lightly scented detergents
Not Recommended For:
- Those who strongly prefer liquid detergents
- People with limited storage space
- Users who need heavily scented products
Pro Tips From Experience
- Store in a dry place to prevent clumping
- Keep the pail for storage after use
- Especially effective for gym clothes
- Great value for weekly washing routines
- Keep measuring cup dry between uses
Verdict & Takeaway
Based on real experience over two purchase cycles, this Arm & Hammer powder detergent delivers exceptional value while maintaining strong cleaning performance. It’s particularly impressive with gym clothes and athletic wear, and the reusable pail is a nice bonus.
Final Recommendations
Buy If:
- You do weekly laundry for a small household
- You have lots of gym clothes to clean
- You appreciate reusable containers
- You want reliable, deep cleaning
- You’re looking for great value
Skip If:
- You strictly prefer liquid detergents
- You need heavy fragrances
- You have very limited storage space
This detergent proves that sometimes traditional solutions are the most effective, especially for active households looking for reliable cleaning power at a great price point.
Based on over 8 months of personal use.

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