The best laundry detergent should leave your bedding, clothes, and towels smelling fresh and free of stains. But not all detergents work the same way. So, to make laundry day easier, you need a detergent that truly gets the job done, cleaning all your items efficiently.
Doing laundry can feel never-ending unless you’re fortunate enough to have someone else do it for you. But finding the perfect laundry detergent can change the game entirely.
To simplify your search, we tested 30 different laundry detergents. We checked each one for how well it cleaned, how easy it was to use, its scent, and whether it offered good value for money. We also considered how clothes felt after washing and drying, whether any stains were left behind, and how many wrinkles there were. One thing to think about is whether you prefer powder, pods, liquid, or sheets. Each type works well on various fabrics and types of clothing, so it mostly depends on what you like.
If you prefer a quick and easy approach, pods or sheets might be your best bet. But if you want to customize the amount of detergent and avoid potential spills, powder might be better than liquid.
1. Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 65 ounces |
| Number of Loads | 45 |
| Scent | Original |
In our tests, Gain distinguished itself by successfully eliminating stains such as red wine, chocolate, and liquid foundation. The best clean laundry detergent also succeeded in lightening tomato sauce and grass stains, something that many other detergents failed to achieve.
It seems sense that it would not have the same focused strength as a stain remover, but even so, we were amazed with how effectively it removed several difficult stains. Gain made clothes feel wonderfully light, fresh, and silky after washing.
The best aspect? The fragrance! It smells delightful and somewhat sweet with a pleasant floral undertone. We sampled the basic scent, but for those with an even stronger sense of smell, there are other possibilities, such as Apple Mango Tango and Spring Lavender.
As with other liquid detergents, it’s crucial to use the recommended amount by carefully measuring. However, it gives excellent value if you follow the directions. Our findings showed that the average cost per load ($0.19) was less than the detergents’ median price ($0.25).
A longtime brand loyalist, one of our testers, was astounded by Gain’s performance. “It competes well in stain removal and has a beautiful scent… She cried, “I’m considering switching detergents.” We heartily suggest Gain Laundry Detergent to anybody looking for a dependable brand with an amazing scent.
What we like: It smells very good! It cleans and resists stains well, leaving everything feeling supple.
What could be better: There is no unscented choice
2. Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 144.5 fluid ounces |
| Number of Loads | 107 |
| Scent | Unscented |
We like that Arm & Hammer’s Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent, which is our Best Value choice, is not only reasonably priced but also comes in a large container that can wash up to 107 loads! but also has a mild, hypoallergenic composition.
It is safe for sensitive skin since it doesn’t include any colors, fragrances, or preservatives. Moreover, it takes advantage of the strength of the well-known household mainstay Arm & Hammer baking soda.
When we smelled closely while testing, we detected a little chemical odor, but everything smelt clean and new after washing. The bottle’s shape makes pouring and measuring simple with its handy handle and measured marks on the lid.
As with many of the products we tried, its efficacy on stubborn stains was the only drawback we discovered. If there are spills or stains on a regular basis in your home (particularly if there are small children around!), you may want to have an additional stain remover on hand or think about one of our other recommendations that worked better. Nonetheless, this one is absolutely something to think about if you’re searching for a reasonably priced solution with mild cleaning capabilities.
What we like: It is hypoallergenic and devoid of fragrances and colors. Designed for delicate skin. Absent any fragrance
What could be better: Removing stubborn stains is not particularly successful.
3. Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets
| Type | Sheets |
| Size | 32 sheets |
| Number of Loads | 32 |
| Scent | Lavender |
The latest innovation in laundry supplies is laundry detergent sheets, which are definitely worth taking into consideration. Unlike conventional detergents, they are lightweight, small, and often devoid of plastic, colors, scents, and optical brighteners. They’re also convenient to store, which is fantastic for small laundry rooms.
Consider these best laundry detergent sheets from Grove Co. After washing, they not only thoroughly clean your garments but also make them feel softer and fluffier. The lovely lavender and blossom perfume that the best natural laundry detergent emits, derived entirely from plant extracts and natural essential oils, leaves your clothes feeling clean.
These sheets may not be the greatest solution for heavily stained areas, but, similar to a lot of other alternatives. They work best, according to our testing, on light to medium-sized loads without stubborn stains.
Additionally, their pricing per load is somewhat higher ($0.40 against $0.25) than the median that we determined. However, we still think they are deserving of the title of Best Sheets, given their general practicality and environmentally beneficial design.
What we like: Simple to store. It uses plant-based, environmentally beneficial components. A light and pleasant smell. Leaves fabrics with a fluffy, fuzzy feeling.
What could be better: Less efficient than certain other detergents.
4. All Free Clear Liquid 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 80.1 ounces |
| Number of Loads | 110 |
| Scent | Unscented |
It’s important to choose a laundry detergent that is effective as well as safe for those with sensitive skin. This is exactly where the All Free Clear 2x Concentrated solution comes in handy. We called it the Best for Sensitive Skin because doctors, pediatricians, and allergists endorse it and because it is free of colors and scents.
Our tests show that it is mild on the skin but very efficient in eliminating stubborn stains and smells. When comparing these best non toxic laundry detergents to other products, it worked really well, particularly on stains like wine, oil, and chocolate that we made in the lab. This recipe was one of the Best Laundry Detergents for Babies and scored well in other areas as well.
It doesn’t have any smell, yet it still has a faint, fresh scent. Although we were aware that the packing might leak, most of the clothing we examined was fluffy and soft, with the exception of one white shirt that felt a little stiff. Additionally, it’s a great deal since each load costs only $0.20, which is less than the $0.25 median price.
What we like: As per pediatricians’ recommendations. Low-allergenic, totally biodegradable and environmentally safe. Removing stubborn stains and smells effectively
What We Dislike: Packaging could spill.
5. Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent
| Type | Powder |
| Size | 172 ounces |
| Number of Loads | 150 |
| Scent | Original |
With its powdered detergent, Gain makes its second appearance on our list. It has received positive reviews for both its affordable price per load and its lovely scent. We discovered that it was successful in fading the majority of stains, including a chocolate stain.
Gain Original Powder Detergent is, in our opinion, a dependable choice for routine washings or when combined with a stain remover for really filthy goods.
A handy plastic handle on the cardboard box packaging facilitates easy carrying, and the measuring cup that comes with the package makes it easy to measure out the perfect quantity of detergent. Depending on the quantity of laundry, regulating the soap level is simple, thanks to indicators for small to extra-large loads. After drying, the tested goods felt soft, with the exception of a linen napkin.
Similar to Gain’s liquid equivalent, the smell was well-received. As soon as we opened the package, we noted the lovely scent. After drying, the fragrance left behind a pleasant, fresh smell; however, it became weaker. Gain’s powdered version is a fantastic option if you’re looking for soft, fresh-smelling garments.
What we like: A pleasant smell. Simple to use and transport. Reading the measuring cup is simple.
What could be better: Less effective in removing stains. Not a choice for unscented options.
6. Tide Pods Laundry Detergent
| Type | Pods |
| Size | 81 pods |
| Number of Loads | 81 |
| Scent | Spring Meadow |
Compared to conventional liquid detergents, pods provide a number of benefits. They do away with the need to measure and pour detergent since you will always use the precise quantity. You won’t have to uncomfortably balance a bottle upside-down to extract the last drop, and there won’t be any nasty spills or drips to worry about.
We tested pods and discovered that they work just as well as liquid or powder versions. Particularly, Tide Pods distinguished themselves from hundreds of rival products with their stain-fighting capabilities. The garments felt softer after washing and they cleaned up well. The nice, subtle scent was something else we enjoyed.
These pods are a terrific deal for the convenience and pre-measured simplicity of use they provide, especially with a median price of $0.25 for each load. That being said, it’s crucial to remember that, although not exclusive to Tide, damp hands may quickly spoil a supply of pods.
What we like: Simple and mess-free with a fresh scent. Competent stain-removal actions. There’s no need to measure.
What could be better: Water entering the container can easily destroy the pods.
7. Ecos Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets
| Type | Sheets |
| Size | 51 sheets |
| Number of Loads | 114 |
| Scent | Free & Clear |
Ecos washing sheets are a sensible option for your laundry routine as they are our top choice for environmental sustainability. Their packaging is recyclable cardboard cartons, and their formula is free of formaldehyde, phthalates, and dyes.
Moreover, they are really simple to use—just add one sheet to each washing cycle. The best non toxic laundry detergent is ideal if you have a small laundry room or are looking to reduce your overall area.
Like many of our other selections, they may not be the greatest for stubborn stains, but you can still anticipate pleasant results. The majority of the products we examined had wonderful scents and felt softer after washing. When the sheets were in the package, there was a faint chemical smell, but after washing, it vanished, and the garments smelled clean.
The best eco friendly laundry detergent is less expensive than the average, at around $0.25 per load, which makes them an economical, environmentally responsible, and practical option all around.
What we like: Packaging is biodegradable and recyclable. Composed of components derived from plants. Easy to use.
What could be better: Products may get damaged if the packaging becomes moist.
8. HEX Performance Laundry Detergent
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 2 32-ounce bottles |
| Number of Loads | 64 |
| Scent | Free & Clean |
Hex liquid detergent was the standout performer in an intense category. All of the things we tested felt pliable and soft after washing, with the exception of the washcloth, which turned out to be fluffy and light. Furthermore, this detergent performed somewhat better at removing stains than many of the others we tried.
What we like about it is this: The bottle is compact, making it simple to handle, raise, and pour from. Compared to other detergents on our list, this one is concentrated, so you need less of it.
There is a little chemical odor to it, but it is not very offensive. The dimensions of the cap and the packing differ somewhat, which is something to keep in mind. Whereas the cap reads milliliters, the instructions call for ounces. Though some conversion will be necessary, keep in mind that one milliliter is equivalent to 0.03381 ounces.
We suggest Hex due to its stain-fighting properties and user-friendliness, even with this little inconvenience. Though it costs $0.34 a load, which is a little more than the $0.25 median, we think it is still worth it, particularly if you want to minimize your load when going to the laundromat or conserve space in your laundry room.
What we like: Efficiently eliminates spots. Makes your clothes supple after washing. Pours easily from the bottle; designed with sportswear in mind.
What could be better: There is a difference between directions and cap measurements. Mild chemical odor.
9. Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Powder
| Type | Powder |
| Size | 80.25 ounces |
| Number of Loads | 70 |
| Scent | Unscented |
Molly’s Suds Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder is our choice for the Best Unscented due to its many features, which include a well-thought-out box and ease of use. With only one bag, you’ll receive enough product and uses thanks to the compact scoop and concentrated composition.
It’s simple to take the lightweight package about, whether you’re going to the washing facility or grocery shopping. To protect the contents, it also has a tight seal.
Although it doesn’t do much to combat stains, there are still many positive aspects of the solution. It is suitable for the majority of sensitive skin types, odorless, and dye-free. In addition, it costs less each load—$0.21 as opposed to the $0.25 median.
It routinely outperformed several of our top choices in our tests. It may not be the best at removing specific stains, but it’s still a good detergent for routine washing. Additionally, Molly’s Suds provides a variety of scented options, such as citrus, eucalyptus, and peppermint, in case you find you enjoy the recipe but later decide you want something scented.
What we like: The packaging is light. A strong seal keeps powder safe. Additionally, there are scented variants.
What could be better: The stain-fighting capacity is mediocre.
10. Gain Flings
| Type | Pods |
| Size | 81 pods |
| Number of Loads | 81 |
| Scent | Original |
It should come as no surprise that another Gain product—this time in pod form—has taken the top place on our list of scented detergents. We would not alter a thing about these pods based on our experience using them in the lab. Our test products smelled fresh without being overbearing, and we were pleased with how well they cleaned particularly white surfaces.
Gain Flings’ packaging was praised as well. It’s as simple as tossing a pod into your washing machine, and the lightweight plastic container is easy to use and lift. Usually, you only need one pod.
These pods may not totally replace your preferred stain remover, even though they significantly reduced stains like many other detergents we tried. But for routine washings, they performed a good job and left our towels feeling soft.
Gain Flings outperformed numerous other products, with a price tag that was roughly in the middle of the evaluated items ($0.25 per load). They are available in many smells, and refill packs allow you to use the plastic container as much as you’d like.
What we like: The fragrance is nice but not overpowering. Easy to use with sparkling whites
What could be better: Stain removal effectiveness is lower.
11. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
| Type | Sheets |
| Size | 60 sheets |
| Number of Loads | 60 |
| Scent | Scented |
A lot of us are making an effort to be more environmentally conscious, and picking the best smelling laundry detergent that minimizes waste is one simple way to help. This detergent comes in sheets rather than conventional powder, capsules, or liquid, which makes storing easier.
Are you planning a trip and wondering whether your lodging will provide detergent? Do you have a little apartment or a camper? Just throw a couple of sheets in your suitcase. As the cardboard container is biodegradable and recyclable, you can instantly reduce your carbon impact without doing anything additional.
To avoid confusion (it’s typical to use too much detergent), the container clearly indicates how many sheets to use according to the size of the load. Cheers to doing away with the guessing!
Without pre-treatment, these laundry detergent sheets didn’t work as effectively in removing stains. Other stains were still apparent, in addition to the chocolate stains, which had almost disappeared. Still, everything turned out very soft and residue-free.
Two of the articles had not wrinkled after drying; however, some garments had very apparent creases. It is unusual that the lovely citrusy, flowery scent of the best organic laundry detergent persisted in all of the washed clothes. With all the benefits and drawbacks taken into account, $0.27 per load seems like a fair price for such a useful tool.
What we like: It smells of luxury and is ideal for travel.
What could be better: For stains, a different preparation is required.
12. Bryt Laundry Detergent Sheets
| Type | Sheets |
| Size | 50 sheets |
| Number of Loads | 50 |
| Scent | Fresh Linen |
Compared to liquid and powder detergents, laundry detergent sheets are a more recent choice that is lighter and less untidy. They also take up a lot less room in your laundry area and are devoid of plastic.
The Bryt laundry detergent sheets are very impressive; they clean just as well as liquid detergents. These sheets smell faintly like “fresh linen” and don’t leave any residue on clothing.
One drawback is that they don’t do a great job of eliminating stains. Only the chocolate stain was totally removed, according to our testing, which indicated that they could only remove around 50% of the stains. If you decide to use these sheets, we advise using a laundry stain remover first before washing any stains.
What we like: These plastic-free sheets leave no trace behind and give garments a clean, fresh linen scent.
What could be better: For stubborn stains, they are not the most effective.
13. Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent
| Type | Pods |
| Size | 36 pods |
| Number of Loads | 36 |
| Scent | Unscented |
For those with sensitive skin, the Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods are ideal. This vegan best laundry detergent for sensitive skin has no phosphates, parabens, phthalates, optical brighteners, no perfumes or colors. Because of its extreme gentleness, it’s safe to use around infants and pets—the EWG even gave it an A grade.
Similar to other natural detergents we tested, its stain-removing abilities were mediocre at best. While some stains were only somewhat lessened, it was able to eliminate stains from wine and chocolate on our T-shirts.
Nevertheless, unlike other detergents we tried, our clothing didn’t feel filmy after washing, and several T-shirts didn’t wrinkle. The peace of mind that comes from using such a delicate mix makes the best baby laundry detergent worth the price compared to other solutions.
What we like: Fragrance, enzymes, color, and other potentially irritating substances are absent from the pods.
What could be better: Their efficacy in eliminating stains is low.
14. Love Home and Planet Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 23 ounces |
| Number of Loads | 66 |
| Scent | Lavender & Argan Oil |
For several individuals, the smell of their laundry detergent has equal significance to its cleaning efficacy. With each wash, your clothing will smell fantastic thanks to the delicious combination of lavender and Moroccan argan oil mixed into Love Home and Planet Laundry Detergent.
If you don’t like lavender, you may also get it in Rose Petal & Murumuru. In addition, this detergent doesn’t include any alcohol, phosphates, colors, or parabens.
The performance results were inconsistent. After washing, our garments felt considerably softer and had no residue. You will undoubtedly need to use stain removers in addition to this detergent since we were only able to remove the chocolate stain from our clothes. It costs a lot more than the typical detergent as well. But this is the one to choose if you’re looking for something fragrant.
What we like: It leaves garments with a lovely scent of lavender and argan oil and feels considerably softer.
What could be better: For stubborn stains, you’ll need to apply an additional stain remover.
15. Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 8.6 fluid ounces |
| Number of Loads | 32 |
| Scent | Signature (Magnolia, Bergamot, Cedar) |
Depending on the amount and size of dirt in the load, this detergent comes in a screw-top container with a silicone cup that is marked to measure out 6, 12, or 16 ml. When using regular liquid detergents, we found it easy to add more, so watch out if you have the inclination to use more than is required.
Between usage, we cleaned the silicone cup outdoors and let it air dry in the restroom, which caused me to misplace it when we went to do another load. On the other hand, cleaning the cup and replacing the cover is simple.
The powerful enzyme cleaning technology in the composition targets stains and smells while maintaining skin-friendly properties. It performed a respectable job of cleaning my garments without giving them an overwhelmingly scented look. However, we found that this best liquid laundry detergent costs more than usual without providing a noticeably better experience.
What we like: Concentrated concoction and enticing scent.
What could be better: Extra cleaning is necessary for silicone cups. Costlier than alternative liquid detergents
Final Verdict
Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Plus Aroma Boost is the best laundry detergent, in our opinion. It’s affordable, has a pleasant scent, and cleans nicely. But there are many other great alternatives out there, including Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Laundry Detergent. Its mild baking soda-based recipe is pleasant to your skin, and it’s not just reasonably priced.
What to Look for in a Laundry Detergent
1. Type
Laundry detergent is available in several forms, such as liquids, sheets, pods, and powders, and each one cleans your clothing rather well. Selecting one is mostly a matter of taste. The more conventional choices, which most people are acquainted with, are liquids and powders. Because they are portable, pods or powder packs are useful for those who often visit laundromats.
A more recent addition to the laundry world is laundry detergent sheets, which are also quite good. They conserve space, are lightweight, devoid of plastic, and favorable to the environment. These sheets, which resemble dryer sheets, completely dissolve in any machine’s drum, even HE (high-efficiency) models, and they clean clothing just as well as other types.
This list includes two laundry sheet options: Ecos Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets, which are our best option for eco-friendliness, and Grove Co.’s Laundry Detergent Sheets, which is our recommended option for the best sheets.
2. Washing Conditions
Most modern detergents perform well in high-efficiency (HE) and conventional washers. But it’s crucial to read the label since HE machines need a detergent that doesn’t produce an excessive amount of suds.
The dose may also change from time to time. Put pods or sheets in the drum of the HE machine rather than the detergent compartment if you’re using them. This guarantees their total dissolution during the cycle.
Laundry detergent comes in different forms, such as liquid or pods, and different qualities, such as fragrance-free or stain-fighting. However, Bell claims that when used properly, all sorts clean your clothing adequately. It’s important to follow the care instructions because different fabrics might need different temperatures and/or hand washing or dry cleaning.
Using cold water and a washing detergent that successfully removes stains at any temperature can help your clothing last longer and save you electricity. Just be careful to use a shorter, less vigorous cleaning cycle when washing sensitive clothes.
3. Scent
Laundry detergents are available in a variety of fragrances, from flowery to crisp linen. Our testers gave several of our selections rave reviews for their scents, including Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent, which was our #1 pick for best scented, and Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Plus Aroma Boost, which was our overall winner.
But it’s crucial to remember that synthetic scents may aggravate delicate skin, including that of infants, or cause allergies. In these situations, go for laundry detergents perfumed with essential oils or choose a clear, free variant that doesn’t include any artificial fragrance.
We suggest Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Powder, which is the best unscented alternative, and All Liquid Laundry Detergent, which is the best for sensitive skin, for those with sensitive skin.
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