A laundry expert explained why one of Costco’s most popular products could be removed from shelves.
Zach Pozniak, who goes by jeevesny on TikTok, praised the warehouse store chain’s item in a video on March 17 before advising shoppers to ‘stock up.’
The product, Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent, is highly rated item that will be made under a new manufacturer.
‘Kirkland is a great detergent that I recommend because it cleans really well and it’s really well priced,’ the TikToker said.
The panic has since left TikTokers ‘terrified’ about what to do if the laundry detergent is taken off shelves due to its manufacturing change.
The video has racked in nearly 173,000 views and more than 100 viewers were shocked and asking what laundry detergent they should use instead.
‘This is absolutely horrific news to me, thanks for the heads up,’ a commenter responded to the video.
The highly praised detergent is still available to buy for now at Costco, and its 146-load container costs $20.
Multiple shoppers who purchased the product claimed it was similar to Tide detergent and complemented its scent.
It’s also been praised by Reddit users who were reacting to the news of its possible store removal, which one person insisted was ‘depressing.’
‘Now I’m madly doing the math to figure out when my 5 jugs of Kirkland free and clear will run out,’ a shopper wrote on a Reddit post.
The mayhem began after Kirkland Signature’s detergent manufacturer Henkel confirmed in February 7 press release that it finished making Portfolio Optimization Measures.
The company’s Consumer Brands business had already sold its Retailer Brands business to an affiliate of First Quality Enterprises in 2022, which includes detergent, fabric finisher, and dishwash brands sold in North America.
Henkel had been working to make the optimization measures to help in making business ‘successful in the future’ before signing the agreement.
‘As we are sharpening our portfolio in North America, the world’s largest laundry & home care market, we underpin our ambition in this attractive market with our branded consumer business,’ said Wolfgang Konig, Executive Vice President Consumer Brands at Henkel.
‘With a more focused Consumer Brands portfolio comprising leading and trusted brands such as all, Snuggle, Dial, Schwarzkopf and got2b, we will further strengthen our ability via focus on our branded portfolio to serve North American retail partners and consumers, drive a focused innovation pipeline and fuel profitable growth through our iconic national brands in this important region.’
The manufacturing change came to light in the US in 2024 after Costco confirmed it would switch manufacturers for its Kirkland Signature brand diapers.
First Quality took over manufacturing duties from Kimberly-Clark Corp, which makes Huggies diapers.
The switch became noticeable in January, and TikTokers who watched Pozniak were not afraid to compare the potential detergent change to the diaper situation.
‘This is like the diapers all over again,’ a TikTok user wrote.
‘They changed the Kirkland diapers and now the diapers suck,’ another shopper commented.
‘So if they change the laundry detergent, it’s going to be so bad.’
Daily Mail has reached out to Costco for comment regarding its popular laundry detergent.