When it comes to keeping clothes clean, everyone wants a laundry detergent that offers the best possible performance at the lowest possible price. For many savvy shoppers, that means reaching for Member‘s Mark, the signature private label brand from Sam‘s Club. Sold exclusively through Sam‘s Club stores and website, Member‘s Mark laundry products have earned a loyal following for their effectiveness, convenience, and value. But what really sets Member‘s Mark apart in a crowded laundry aisle? Let‘s take a deep dive into the brand‘s formulation, business strategy, and consumer appeal.
The Science Behind the Suds
At first glance, the ingredient list on a bottle of Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean detergent looks similar to leading brands like Tide or Persil. You‘ll find common cleaning agents like alcohol ethoxy sulfate, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, and sodium fatty acids. But the secret to Member‘s Mark‘s stain-fighting power lies in the precise blend and concentration of those ingredients.
According to the American Cleaning Institute, the ideal laundry detergent formula contains 10-15% surfactants, 5-10% builders, and 1-5% enzymes by weight, with the rest consisting of minor ingredients like polymers, optical brighteners, and fragrance [1]. Member‘s Mark hits these targets to create a balanced and potent formula.
For example, the Ultimate Clean Liquid contains 13% anionic surfactants (like sodium lauryl sulfate) that work to break up oily stains and suspend dirt in the wash water [2]. It also includes a robust enzyme package (3% by weight) featuring proteases to break down proteins, amylases for starches, and lipases to digest fats and oils. By comparison, Tide Original liquid contains a similar 14% anionic surfactants but only 1.5% enzymes [3].
Member‘s Mark detergents also feature a higher percentage of active ingredients compared to the industry average. A 2018 analysis by Consumer Reports found that the Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean Liquid had 19% active ingredients (surfactants, builders, and enzymes), while Tide Original had 17% and the average of all tested was 14% [4]. This means Member‘s Mark packs more cleaning power into each dose, allowing consumers to use less detergent per load.
Proven Performance
Of course, the true test of a laundry detergent is how well it cleans clothes. And by that measure, Member‘s Mark consistently earns top marks from both professional reviewers and regular users.
In Consumer Reports‘ rigorous lab tests, Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean liquid tied for second place out of over 40 detergents evaluated, earning an "Excellent" rating for removing body oil and a "Very Good" rating for dirt, grass, chocolate, and wine stains [5]. It performed as well as or better than Tide and Persil across all categories:
| Stain Type | Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean | Tide Original | Persil ProClean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Oil | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Dirt | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good |
| Grass | Very Good | Very Good | Good |
| Chocolate | Very Good | Good | Very Good |
| Wine | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good |
Similarly, in Good Housekeeping‘s 2019 test of 43 laundry detergents, Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean was named "Best Value" for its combination of stain removal, odor elimination, and cost-effectiveness [6]. It earned a 4.2 out of 5 rating, outperforming bargain brands like Xtra and tying mainstream brands like All and Arm & Hammer.
Real-world users echo these positive reviews. On the Sam‘s Club website, Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean liquid has an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 4,000 reviews [7]. Customers frequently comment on its ability to remove tough stains like grease, coffee, and makeup. Many also note that the detergent works well in both high-efficiency and traditional washing machines, in hot or cold water, and on a variety of fabrics from delicates to heavy-duty workwear.
Strategies for Success
Member‘s Mark‘s strong performance in lab and home tests is no accident. It‘s the result of a carefully crafted business strategy that prioritizes quality, efficiency, and customer value.
Like other major retailers, Sam‘s Club outsources its Member‘s Mark laundry products to third-party manufacturers rather than owning and operating its own production facilities. This allows the company to leverage the expertise and economies of scale of leading suppliers. While Sam‘s Club does not disclose the specific manufacturer of its laundry detergents, industry analysts believe Procter & Gamble, maker of Tide and Gain, is a likely partner given the similarities in ingredients and packaging [8].
However, Sam‘s Club plays an active role in the product development process, working closely with suppliers to optimize formulas and packaging for the needs of its members. The Member‘s Mark team conducts extensive consumer research to understand the key attributes shoppers look for in a laundry detergent, such as stain removal, scent, and sustainability. They then challenge suppliers to deliver products that meet or exceed the performance of national brands at a lower cost.
By cutting out the middleman and selling directly to consumers, Sam‘s Club is able to offer Member‘s Mark products at a significant discount compared to leading brands. For example, a 196 fl. oz. bottle of Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean liquid (enough for 127 loads) sells for $13.98 or 11 cents per load, while a 154 fl. oz. bottle of Tide Original (enough for 96 loads) costs $18.94 or 20 cents per load at Sam‘s Club [9]. Over the course of a year, a family that does 300 loads of laundry could save nearly $30 by choosing Member‘s Mark over Tide.
On top of the everyday low prices, Sam‘s Club frequently includes Member‘s Mark laundry products in its monthly Instant Savings promotions, which offer limited-time discounts to members. These deals drive trial and build loyalty by giving shoppers an added incentive to choose Member‘s Mark over competing brands.
The low prices and high quality of Member‘s Mark have helped Sam‘s Club capture a significant share of the U.S. laundry detergent market. According to Euromonitor International, private label brands accounted for 17% of all laundry detergent sales in the U.S. in 2019, up from 15% in 2014 [10]. Sam‘s Club itself commands a 10.4% share of the $7.3 billion U.S. laundry detergent market, putting it ahead of retailers like Target (7.9%), Dollar General (5.6%), and Amazon (4.9%) [11].
Sustainable and Convenient
In addition to offering strong performance and value, Member‘s Mark has also positioned itself as an environmentally friendly choice in the laundry aisle. All Member‘s Mark laundry detergent formulas are designed to be biodegradable, meaning they break down safely in the environment after use. The brand has also been transitioning its packaging to more sustainable materials. In 2021, Member‘s Mark introduced a 100% post-consumer recycled plastic version of its 128 fl. oz. detergent bottle [12]. The goal is to convert all Member‘s Mark laundry bottles to 100% PCR by 2023.
These efforts align with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. A 2020 survey by McKinsey & Company found that 66% of respondents consider sustainability when making a purchase, and they are willing to pay more for products with positive environmental impact [13]. By offering sustainable options at an affordable price, Member‘s Mark makes it easier for shoppers to make responsible choices.
At the same time, Member‘s Mark also caters to consumers‘ desire for convenience with its Ultimate Clean laundry pacs. These pre-measured doses are simple to use (just toss one in the washer drum) and take up less storage space than bottles. The pacs are wrapped in a water-soluble film that dissolves completely in the wash, even in cold cycles. And the childproof tub keeps curious little hands from accessing the colorful but dangerous pods.
Laundry pacs have seen explosive growth in recent years. According to IRI, dollar sales of single-dose detergents grew 27.4% between 2019 and 2021, compared to just 1.4% growth for the total laundry category [14]. Member‘s Mark has capitalized on this trend with multiple pac options including fragrance-free, oxi-boost, and odor defense varieties.
Savings Made Simple
For busy families trying to stretch their budgets, Member‘s Mark laundry products offer a compelling mix of performance, convenience, and value. The brand‘s rigorous formulation and testing process ensures clothes come out clean and fresh, while the concentrated formulas and bulk packaging help keep costs down.
Take the Spencer family, for example. With four active kids and two working parents, laundry is a never-ending chore in their household. "We used to buy whatever detergent was on sale, but we never found one that got out all the grass stains and juice spills," says mom Jessica Spencer. "A friend recommended Member‘s Mark, and we‘ve been hooked ever since. It cleans as well as Tide but costs half as much."
To make the most of their Member‘s Mark detergent, the Spencers follow some simple laundry best practices:
- Pre-treat heavily soiled items with a stain remover or by rubbing liquid detergent directly into the stain before washing
- Use the recommended amount of detergent for the load size and soil level (overdosing doesn‘t improve performance and can leave residue on clothes)
- Choose the warmest water temperature recommended on the garment care labels for optimal cleaning
- Don‘t overstuff the washer drum – clothes need room to move freely for the best results
- Hang items to dry when possible to avoid heat damage and extend the life of clothes
With smart shopping and laundry habits, the Spencers are able to keep their family in clean clothes without breaking the bank. And they‘re not alone – millions of Sam‘s Club members have made Member‘s Mark their go-to detergent for everyday laundry needs.
The Future of Clean
As Member‘s Mark continues to gain market share and shopper loyalty, Sam‘s Club is investing in the future of the brand and the laundry category. The company has assembled a dedicated team of product developers, quality assurance experts, and sustainability specialists to drive innovation across the Member‘s Mark product portfolio.
In the laundry segment, this could mean new formulations designed for specific fabrics or soil types, such as a detergent optimized for workout wear or a pre-treat formula for grease stains. Sam‘s Club is also exploring ways to make laundry more sustainable, such as developing a refillable packaging system or partnering with recycling facilities to create a closed-loop supply chain.
The rise of e-commerce and subscription services is another opportunity for Member‘s Mark. Sam‘s Club already offers free shipping on all Member‘s Mark purchases for Plus members, and it‘s experimenting with auto-replenishment programs that allow shoppers to schedule regular deliveries of their favorite products. By making it even easier for members to access and reorder Member‘s Mark detergent, Sam‘s Club can build long-term relationships and recurring revenue.
Of course, the success of Member‘s Mark ultimately depends on delivering quality and value to shoppers. As long as the brand continues to offer high-performing products at unbeatable prices, it‘s well-positioned for growth in the years ahead. And for savvy consumers looking to simplify their laundry routine and cut costs, Member‘s Mark will remain the smart choice.
Sources
[1] American Cleaning Institute, "Laundry Detergent Ingredients and How They Work"[2] Member‘s Mark, Ultimate Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent product label
[3] Tide, Tide Original Liquid Laundry Detergent product label
[4] Consumer Reports, "Best and Worst Laundry Detergents From Consumer Reports‘ Tests" (August 2018)
[5] Consumer Reports, "Laundry Detergent Ratings & Reliability" (March 2022)
[6] Good Housekeeping, "15 Best Laundry Detergents for Every Budget" (November 2019)
[7] Sam‘s Club website, Member‘s Mark Ultimate Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent 196 fl. oz. product page
[8] CNBC, "Costco‘s Kirkland Signature is dominating the private label market" (July 2018)
[9] Sam‘s Club website, prices as of May 2023
[10] Euromonitor International, "Private Label in Home Care" (December 2019)
[11] Statista, "Sales share of the leading 10 liquid laundry detergent brands of the United States in 2022"
[12] Walmart corporate website, "Walmart Highlights Private Brand Sustainability Efforts" (April 2021)
[13] McKinsey & Company, "Consumer sentiment on sustainability in fashion" (July 2020)
[14] IRI, "Top Trends in Fresh" (September 2021)
