Which laundry detergent works best? You probably ponder this as your child slides into home plate, or dives into the end zone in white baseball or football pants, or as your toddler spills cherry drink on her new party dress. It's a thought that all moms have at one time or another.

If you find yourself wondering this same question, here are some answers for you.

Best laundry detergents

Spending extra money and buying the detergent that is going to get those red clay and grass stains out of those white baseball pants? Only it's disappointing when you pull them out of the washer and the stains are still there.

What should you do? Try a different detergent? Buy a spray stain remover to get the stains out? The answer to these questions isn't a simple one. When tested, it was found that one detergent might be good at getting out one particular stain and not another.

SA8 Premium is best at getting out grass and tea stains and ring-around-the-collar.

Gain 2X was best at getting out chocolate and clay stains.

Of course, no one purchases a bunch of different detergents for different stains. The best detergent for getting out stains overall was Tide 2X Ultra Concentrated with Color Clean Bleach Alternative (High-Efficiency detergent) and Cheer 2X ultra Concentrated Color Guard for High Efficiency.

When choosing your detergent, keep in mind a detergent made for your type of washer. Manufacturers recommend HE or high-efficiency detergents for front-loading washers and HE top loading machines.

Don't let the name "HE" trick you. With a name like high-efficiency, you think that it's the best and you should buy it no matter what type of machine you have. This isn't true.

HE detergents are made for HE washing machines. If you use a HE detergent in a conventional machine, the detergent will be too weak and won't get your clothes clean.

Your next step in choosing your laundry detergent is deciding which one works best for the least amount of money. The less-expensive and effective detergents are Cheer 2X, Gain 2X, Tide 2X, and Gain 2X. You will get the most bang for your buck with these detergents but remember choose one made for your washer.

The next time you wonder, "Which detergent works best?" remember it depends on if you've bought the right detergent for the right stains and the right type of washing machine. Follow these guidelines to help get your clothes as clean as possible and next time your child slides into home plate, you can relax.