Shelves at Costco might soon miss a popular item, according to a recent alarm raised by a laundry expert on TikTok. Zach Pozniak, known online as Jeeves, uploaded a video suggesting that the Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent could disappear or see a change in quality due to a new manufacturer.
In a viral TikTok video, laundry expert Zach Pozniak warned about potential changes to Costco's widely used laundry detergent, Daily Mail reported.
Pozniak initially praised the Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent in his March 17 video, endorsing it for its efficiency and affordability. He also recommended viewers to stock up on the product, anticipating disruptions linked to the upcoming changes in its manufacturing.
This video rapidly attracted attention, garnering around 173,000 views. Many viewers expressed shock and concern, reflecting their reliance on the product and fear of losing access to it.
Distressed reactions poured in, with one TikTok user lamenting, "This is absolutely horrific news to me, thanks for the heads up," and another relating the detergent issue to past experiences where product changes led to dissatisfaction.
Henkel, the initial manufacturer of the detergent under Costco's Kirkland Signature brand, announced a significant shift earlier this year. On February 7, they revealed the completion of Portfolio Optimization Measures, which included selling their Retailer Brands business to an affiliate of First Quality Enterprises in 2022.
With the history of changing manufacturers, for instance, from Kimberly-Clark Corp to First Quality for Kirkland Signature diapers, customers have grown wary. Past changes have drawn criticism from consumers noticing a drop in product quality, exemplified by similar sentiments about the diapers.
Wolfgang Konig of Henkel emphasized the strategic shift towards focusing on branded consumer businesses in North America. "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," he said.
Costco currently sells the Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent at $20 for a 146-load container. Its price-performance ratio has been frequently compared favorably to leading brand Tide, especially noted by users for its pleasing scent.
The looming uncertainty has led some Costco shoppers to worry about future supplies of their preferred detergent. A Reddit user expressed concerns about running out, stating, "Now I'm madly doing the math to figure out when my 5 jugs of Kirkland free and clear will run out."
In conversations both on Reddit and TikTok, users share advice and their stock-up plans, emphasizing the importance of the detergent in their daily lives. Some users feel the change could be as impactful as the past diaper quality issue, predicting the worst with remarks like, "So if they change the laundry detergent, it's going to be so bad."
The tide of concern continues to rise among loyal customers who see the announcement as a potential forewarning of quality degradation. This scenario resonates with those who experienced previous brand alterations, influencing their perception of the upcoming changes.
Costco has yet to comment directly on these concerns or the specifics of the manufacturing change, leaving customers digging for more information and planning how to secure enough supplies.
For now, the retailer continues to offer the detergent, allowing customers to stock up while awaiting further updates on this issue that touches the everyday lives of many.
The unfolding story will be closely monitored by shoppers and experts alike, with updates anticipated from both Costco and the new manufacturer on the future of the ultra-popular cleaning product.
