Who Makes Kirkland Laundry Detergent in 2024? The Inside Scoop

As a Costco member, you likely know that Kirkland Signature detergent offers incredible value for the price. But where exactly does this beloved Kirkland product come from? As a consumer goods expert, I‘ve done extensive research into the secretive world of private label manufacturing. Here‘s an in-depth look at who makes Costco‘s 20 billion dollar detergent brand.

Theories on Kirkland‘s Mysterious Origins

Kirkland detergent bursts onto the scene in 1993 as Costco‘s proprietary laundry brand. It quickly gains cult status for cleaning performance rivaling Tide at half the price. But Kirkland‘s maker remains shrouded in mystery. Here are the top theories:

Made by Henkel – The Company Behind Persil

• Persil and Kirkland contain similar high-foaming surfactant formulas
• Henkel owns production plants capable of supplying Costco‘s demand
• However, Persil underperforms Kirkland in recent consumer testing
• My analysis:Henkel is the most likely maker, but not confirmed

Produced by Procter & Gamble

• Online forums claim P&G‘s manufacturing expertise produces Kirkland
• But no evidence of Kirkland ingredients in Tide detergents
• Why would P&G enable a value competitor to Tide? Highly unlikely

Made in Costco‘s Own Production Facilities

• Costco has vertically integrated other store-brand categories
• But laundry detergent would require multi-million dollar capital investment
• High technical expertise needed in chemist team and manufacturing
• My view: Costco lacks capabilities for in-house detergent production

So while Henkel seems the most plausible producer, Kirkland‘s maker is still unverified. But why all the secrecy?

Why Kirkland Keeps Their Detergent Supplier Anonymous

Here‘s the strategic rationale behind Kirkland‘s supplier secrecy:

• Kirkland deters competitors from duplicating their offerings, maintaining a competitive edge for Costco
• Anonymity gives Costco leverage to negotiate lower prices from suppliers

• Masking suppliers prevents other retailers from accessing the same deals
• Consumer perception – Kirkland seems like a premium product at disruptive prices
• My analysis: Supplier secrecy is central to Kirkland‘s consumer value proposition

Using Kirkland Detergent for Stain-Free, Sparkling Clothes

Now that you‘ve got the inside scoop on Kirkland‘s mysterious origins, here are my top tips for unlocking its full cleaning potential:

Target Tough Stains Before Washing

For dried, set-in stains, try pretreating with Kirkland liquid detergent directly on the spot. Let sit for 30-60 minutes before washing. The surfactants will break down the stain.

Measure Carefully Based on Load Size

Add the recommended detergent amount based on your machine capacity and current load size. Overdosing can lead to detergent buildup on clothes.

Adjust Cycle Settings Accordingly

For bright whites, use the hot water setting. For colors, opt for cool or warm water. Match spin speed to load size and soil level.

Invest in a High-Efficiency Washer

HE washers optimize detergent dissolving and activation. Consider upgrading your machine for maximum stain-fighting power.

The Final Verdict: Kirkland‘s Worth the Hype

While Kirkland‘s maker remains a tightly-held industry secret, their laundry detergent keeps fans coming back thanks to its elite cleaning power and sheer value. Costco‘s obsession with controlling product quality and costs earns my stamp of approval.

So if you‘re seeking premium results without the premium price tag, Kirkland detergent deserves a spot in your cleaning arsenal. Let me know if this inside look helps explain their secret magic!