Head to Head: SA8 vs. Tide

We put our preferred brands head to head - let's compare SA8 with Tide!

DISCLAIMER: These product comparisons have been done with the most research possible. Amway and Tide had nothing to do with this independent review. We are biased in our opinions, but honest with our facts (and at least we tell you).

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At first glance, the price tag on Amway Home™ SA8 Laundry Detergent might send most people running. At $52 per unit, it’s easy to assume that a standard detergent like Tide, priced at around $24, is the better deal. The common thought is: “I’m getting the same thing, just cheaper.”

But are you really?

Big business is extremely good at designing ads and products in a way where they can maximize profits and minimize expenses.  Let’s break down the real differences and what they mean for your wallet, your clothes, and your home.

Is it possible to save and get a better clean with a concentrated product? Let's see!

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1. Concentration: The Lie of the Load Count

One of the biggest differences between SA8 and Tide comes down to concentration:

1. Tide advertises 107 loads per bottle (varying based on the product), but if you check the back label, you’ll notice a small star next to that number. The fine print? That’s 100 loads only if you fill the cap to the lowest line—which most consumers don’t do.

   

   The load count and star on a "107" load Tide Bottle

2. In reality, when consumers fill the cap closer to the top (as most people do), Tide’s “107 loads” shrinks to closer to 30 loads.

   

   The load count advertised is only if you fill the cap below the 2nd bar. When did you do that last?

This means that a $24 Tide bottle lasts roughly a month or two before needing to be replaced, depending on how much laundry you do.

How SA8 Compares

• SA8 is hyper-concentrated, requiring only ⅔ of a very small cap for a full-size load.

• A single bottle provides 133 full loads—more than four times the real number of loads Tide gives you.

The Math:

• If Tide gives you 30 loads for $24, you’d need to buy 4+ bottles to match SA8’s 133 loads.

• That means you’re actually spending $96+ on Tide for the same amount of clean laundry that SA8 gives you for $52.

Verdict: The “cheaper” detergent ends up costing you nearly double in the long run.

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2. Preserving Your Clothing: What’s Really in Your Detergent?

Have you ever noticed that your favorite t-shirt starts looking worn out after just a few months? That’s not just normal wear and tear—it’s your detergent breaking down the fibers.

Many mainstream detergents contain harsh chemicals, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrances designed to make clothes smell clean rather than actually be clean. These chemicals break down fabrics over time, causing them to fade, stretch, and pill faster.

• Fragrances & Dyes: Tide and other mainstream brands use synthetic fragrance chemicals that coat your clothes but also weaken fabric fibers.

• Residue Build-Up: Many detergents leave behind a residue that locks in dirt, leading to faster wear and tear.

How SA8 Compares

• Biodegradable & Dye-Free: SA8 cleans without artificial dyes and harsh chemicals, leaving no harmful residue behind.

• Preserves Fabrics: The gentle formula helps keep clothes looking newer, longer—reducing how often you need to replace them.

Verdict: Spending less on detergent today could mean spending more on new clothes tomorrow.

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3. Certifications: Why SA8 Meets Higher Standards

When a product is truly safe, companies make sure it’s certified by independent organizations. SA8 has earned the EPA Safer Choice Certification, meaning it meets the highest standards for health and environmental safety.

But why don’t most mainstream brands, including Tide, carry this certification?

Because meeting those standards costs money, and big brands focus on maximizing sales volume instead.

Instead of making products safer, more concentrated, and more effective, they prioritize:

• Massive advertising budgets to keep you hooked.

• Cheap, diluted formulas that ensure you’ll need to buy more frequently.

Verdict: SA8’s certification means it’s better for your home, your clothes, and your health—something many mainstream brands simply don’t prioritize.

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The Bottom Line: Rethinking “Cheap” Products

Big brands don’t care about saving you money—they care about making sure you buy as often as possible. Tide and other mainstream detergents may have a lower upfront cost, but when you consider:

• How often you have to buy it.

• How much you actually use per load.

• How quickly it wears out your clothing.

…it becomes clear that the real cost isn’t just in the detergent—it’s in your wallet all year long.

Think Before You Buy:

• Do you want to keep replacing detergent every 1-2 months, or invest in something that lasts?

• Do you want to replace your favorite clothes more often, or keep them looking new longer?

• Do you want to trust advertising, or trust real quality?

The choice is yours—but it’s time to start thinking beyond clever marketing tricks and start buying smarter.

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Want to try Amway Home SA8? Get a Home Care Experience Set! We'll give you samples of the entire brand at a fraction of the cost, so you can experience the difference yourself!