16 Costco Kirkland Brand Home Items That Customers Say Aren't Worth Buying

Costco's Kirkland brand has garnered a mostly positive reputation for offering cost-effective alternatives to popular name brands that are comparable in quality but lower in price. From a wide selection of food and beverage offerings to Kirkland brand cleaning products that are worth the money, some household items save you money when purchased from Costco. However, according to some dissatisfied customers, certain Kirkland brand products simply miss the mark, proving that buying cheaper isn't always better — even from trusted bulk retailers like Costco. 

It's important that you feel confident you're not wasting your hard-earned money when trying out a new brand of essentials, especially considering many Costco products are sold in bulk. A great way to determine if a new product is worth your time and dollars is by turning to online reviews from verified buyers that have firsthand experience testing the item out and can vet for the overall quality, or warn against unsatisfactory results. From toilet paper that falls apart to cleaning products that underperform, here are sixteen Costco Kirkland-brand home items that aren't worth buying, according to unimpressed reviewers (as well as better-rated alternatives to consider adding to your cart instead during your next Costco run). 

Recent consumer reports suggest that Kirkland's brand of bath tissue might be one of the worst on the market in terms of quality and comfort. Many loyal Costco shoppers agree and claim that over the years, the quality of Kirkland brand of toilet paper has continued to decline and is best avoided. One of the biggest concerns surrounding the toilet paper is that it tears easily, has a linty texture, and can clog toilets due to not dissolving well. Charmin Ultra Strong Bath Tissue is a comparable alternative from Costco with a near perfect rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Like the brand's bath tissue, some Costco shoppers claim that the Kirkland paper towels have declined in quality. Some shoppers also suspect the newer version of Kirkland paper towels is thinner and includes fewer sheets per roll compared to the product from previous years. Several stated that they have now switched back to Bounty, which is comparable in price, more durable and absorbent, and rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Costco's website.

One common complaint about the Kirkland brand of dishwasher pods is the mess that the detergent leaves behind. Some reviewers say that their pods don't properly disintegrate and leave behind a sticky mess, while others claim the detergent leaves behind stains and residue on their clean dishes. Shoppers also mentioned the strong scent that lingers on dishes after using the pods. Consider Finish Powerball Quantum Dishwasher Detergent Tabs instead. 

Kirkland's scented trash bags are another unpopular item with many Costco shoppers. Not only is the smell reportedly unpleasant and overpowering (multiple reviewers stated they would prefer the smell of actual trash instead), but the overall quality and durability of the bag is apparently not up to par either. If you're looking to save your nose, Kirkland's unscented trash bags are the exact same price, $19.99, and have a solid rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. 

Kirkland signature alkaline batteries are a hot topic on many online forums, where Costco shoppers are quick to air out their grievances with the product's overall performance. One of the most recurring complaints is that the batteries are prone to leaking, which can damage your electronics and render them unusable. This issue is common regardless of the size or voltage of the specific battery. Costco also sells a selection of Duracell batteries that are similar in price and have overall higher ratings compared to the Kirkland brand.

Kirkland's bar soap is another product that some shoppers found unpleasant. If you are someone with sensitive skin, some customers warn that the Costco bar soap has a tendency to pull at the skin and leave it feeling dried out or irritated. Some also complained that the soap isn't particularly moisturizing, and the scent is less than pleasant. Others, however, noted that they didn't have any issues with the discounted product. If you're looking for an alternative, Costco also sells the highly rated Dove bar soap.

If you have a sensitive scalp, you may want to reconsider Kirkland's shampoo and conditioner options. Some shoppers say that the generic brand of hair care can dry your hair out or irritate the skin. In general, Kirkland hair products have decent overall reviews, but some buyers warn it might not be for every hair type, particularly dry or color treated hair. Costco also sells the Nexxus Advanced Therappe Shampoo and Humectress Conditioner Set , which is affordable with a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Kirkland's plastic wrap is the more affordable option when shopping at Costco, but some shoppers believe the quality of the cheaper alternative isn't as reliable as that of name-brand competitors. While the Kirkland brand can still get the job done, some shoppers think the plastic wrap isn't as clingy, strong, or reliable compared to other options. Other buyers noted that the product was not always consistent, and the quality of manufacturing varied. Instead, you may be able to find inexpensive and durable alternatives at restaurant supply stores. 

The Kirkland Signature diapers were previously a fan favorite, but recent changes in manufacturers have disappointed new parents and tarnished the brand's reputation. Shoppers say the quality has gone down significantly, and the new diapers are thin, unreliable, and prone to leaking. There are also some concerns that the lack of absorbency can leave little ones feeling uncomfortable. The item has a low rating online of 2.3 out of 5 stars. Luckily, Costco also sells Huggies, which are highly rated and similar in price.

Contact solution is one essential where it's better to be safe than sorry. Some customers complain that the Kirkland brand of multi-purpose disinfection contact solution left their eyes feeling dry and irritated. One consumer report even suggests that the off-brand contact solution might trigger styes in more sensitive buyers. Instead, shoppers stated that they opt for more reliable brands like Opti-Free or BioTrue when it comes to eye care.

Clothing is at the top of the charts for most frequently returned items at Costco, but this could partly be because the stores lack changing rooms, leading to shoppers having to buy without trying. Quality and feedback vary depending on the specific item, and while some Kirkland clothing items are high-quality, you can never know for certain if an item is perfect for you without trying it on. Costco is generous with returns, but if you don't want the hassle, you might want to avoid.

Even though picking up a box of the Kirkland brand facial tissues might save you a few bucks, customer feedback shows there may be some better options out there worth exploring. Some shoppers say that in a pinch, the tissues will suffice, but they are thin and tear easily, which could be problematic if you are sick and prefer a more durable, comfortable solution. Costco stores also sell more reliable brands like Kleenex that come in more soothing or moisturizing varieties, compared to Kirkland's brand, which are pretty cut and dry. 

Kirkland's daily facial wipes are another product that shoppers say has significantly gone down in quality recently. The product has a subpar rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, and loyal buyers say that the recent change in manufacturing has ruined the product for them. Some think that the new wipes are greasier, irritating to the skin, and inefficient at removing makeup after a long day. Other reviewers complained that the wipes have a strong perfume smell that they find unpleasant. The Neutrogena wipes Costco sells have a higher 4.7-star rating.

The flushable wipes from Costco's Kirkland brand are another product that's received mixed reviews from shoppers. Specifically, some buyers take issue with the design of the product's packaging and the fact that it's hard to keep the item sealed after initially opening. This can lead to the pre-moistened wipes becoming dried out and uncomfortable to use on the skin. Some Costco shoppers suggest switching to brands like Cottonelle, which they think are worth the extra dollars. Others suggest using Kirkland brand baby wipes, but strongly advise against flushing them. 

Kirkland's fabric softener sheets have received generally positive feedback, but some shoppers warn that they leave behind a greasy residue on clothing and have a tendency to get trapped in the dryer vent. Others say that the dryer sheets have a really strong scent, which can be overwhelming. Multiple Costco shoppers reported switching back to the Bounce brand of dryer sheets after giving the Kirkland brand a shot. While some loyal shoppers are fans of the fragrant dryer sheets, they're not for everyone according to reviewers.