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10 Best Laundry Detergents of 2024

Updated
Top laundry detergents for every situation.

If you spend ages in the laundry aisle wondering what to go for but always end up with something a bit disappointing, you might be stuck in a rut.

With an overwhelming amount of detergents on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 best laundry detergents.

Now, you’ll get clean, fresh, stain-free clothes every time. Whether you’re looking for laundry pods, something for sensitive skin, or something for your HE washer, we have a recommendation for everyone.

We concluded this list based on years of testing different detergents and hours researching real customer reviews, products, and expert advice. Get ready to meet 10 life-changing laundry detergents.

Our Top Picks

We independently assess, research, and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid
Best Liquid Laundry Detergent
Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid
  • Six-week freshness
  • Removes tough stains
  • Cleans pet stains
Product Image of the Tide Pods Plus Febreze Pacs
Best Laundry Pods
Tide Pods Plus Febreze Pacs
  • 10x more cleaning power than leading brands
  • Amazing odor remover
  • Brightens colors & whites
Product Image of the Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Pods
Best for Sensitive Skin
Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Pods
  • Free of dyes and perfumes
  • Removes stains & brightens clothes
  • Works in all water temperatures
Product Image of the Dreft Newborn Hypoallergenic Detergent
Best Detergent for Babies
Dreft Newborn Hypoallergenic Detergent
  • Pediatrician-recommended
  • Tough on stains
  • No added dyes or chlorine
Product Image of the Nellie's Powdered Laundry Detergent
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
Nellie's Powdered Laundry Detergent
  • Four non-toxic ingredients
  • Leaves clothes clean & soft
  • Doesn’t leave a residue
Product Image of the OxiClean White Revive Stain Remover
Best Laundry Detergent for Stains
OxiClean White Revive Stain Remover
  • More whitening power than bleach
  • Color safe
  • Brightens dingy clothes
Product Image of the ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent
Best Liquid Soap
ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent
  • Plant-powered ingredients
  • Built-in fabric softener
  • Preserves your clothes
Product Image of the Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
Best Powder Laundry Detergent
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
  • Eco-friendly & hypoallergenic
  • Removes blood, sweat & poop stains
  • Pre-treats stains
Product Image of the Rebel Green Organic Liquid Laundry
Best for HE Washers
Rebel Green Organic Liquid Laundry
  • USDA Organic Seal
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Four scents to choose from
Product Image of the Rockin' Green Natural Detergent Powder
Best Detergent for Hard Water
Rockin' Green Natural Detergent Powder
  • Great for hard water
  • Natural & plant-based ingredients
  • Works on all clothes types

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, our thorough analysis and hands-on experience in testing laundry detergents allow us to provide you with a trustworthy assessment of the best products in the market. Our professional researchers and reviewers compare various detergents based on criteria such as cleaning performance, stain removal, scent, eco-friendliness, and price to rank and score each product. We evaluate products from a user’s perspective, sharing quantitative measurements and data on their performance and effectiveness. Our evaluations identify key decision-making factors, such as ingredients, safety, and compatibility with different fabrics, while also explaining what sets each detergent apart from its competitors. Drawing from our extensive research and first-hand experience, we aim to help you make an informed decision in choosing the best laundry detergent for your needs.



The Best Laundry Detergents of 2024

We’ve spent hours researching the best laundry detergents. Looking at customer reviews, expert advice, and studies, as well as applying our own insight, we’re here to recommend the 10 best detergents on the market.

Which one will it be? Check out our thorough reviews below!

Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid

Best Liquid Laundry Detergent

If you’re sticking to liquid laundry detergent, look no further than Gain. This laundry detergent removes odors and cleans clothes thoroughly. Plus, it leaves behind an original fresh scent.

This product guarantees six weeks of freshness. The detergent leaves perfume capsules into the fibers of your clothes that release during the day so that you smell good from morning to night.

What’s the scent? A blend of orange, lemon, blossoms, fruit, white floral jasmine, and woody amber. Sounds amazing!

This detergent works in any washers — HE or not — and at any temperature. Just keep in mind it contains enzymes, so it may not be kind to sensitive skin.

Pros

  • Six-week lasting freshness.
  • Removes tough stains.
  • Great for cleaning pet stains.
  • Works in all washers at any temperature.
  • Made with 100 percent renewable wind power electricity.
  • No phosphates in the formula.

Cons

  • Not suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
  • Includes synthetic fragrances, which can be toxic.

Product Specs

Purpose Clean clothes and add six week’s freshness
Washer Type Any
Water Type Soft water
Toxicity Includes biodegradable surfactants, but synthetic fragrances
Hypoallergenic No

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4.5 / 5
Scent
5 / 5
Sensitivity
2 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

After trying this laundry detergent, I found that it does a great job of cleaning my clothes and has a pleasant scent. The size of the bottles is manageable, making it easy to pour without feeling too heavy. However, I did notice that the scent wasn't as strong as I expected after washing and drying my clothes, even when using more detergent than recommended. It still had a nice smell, just not as powerful as some other products I've used in the past.

Tide Pods Plus Febreze Pacs

Best Laundry Pods

Tide Pods are a top choice for travelers, people who visit a laundromat, or families who love convenience. If you have foul odors from gym clothes or your kid’s outside antics, this is Tide’s #1 odor remover.

It’s formulated to remove odors that are up to a week old. So those clothes that have been sitting in the bottom of your laundry basket? Clean them, no problem.

The freshness lasts up to three times longer than Tide Original. The scent is botanical rain, and it uses technology to release the scent as you move.

In terms of cleaning, these pods have 10x more cleaning power than leading bargain liquid detergents. You can remove odors and stains in one wash with these pods.

Finally, these pods brighten clothes, too. So if your whites look dingy and your colors look dull, why not try these pods?

Pros

  • 10x more cleaning power than leading bargain liquid detergents.
  • Amazing odor remover, even for week-old odors.
  • Beautiful botanical rain scent.
  • Brightens colors and whites.
  • Convenient pod form for easy washing.
  • Dissolves in all water temperatures and conditions.

Cons

  • A few customers said the pods stained their clothes blue.
  • Can’t be used for pre-treating stains.

Product Specs

Purpose Thoroughly cleans clothes and removes odors
Washer Type Any
Water Type Any
Toxicity Moderate concern for people with allergies (1)
Hypoallergenic No

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
5 / 5
Scent
4.5 / 5
Sensitivity
2.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this product has been a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. The Tide Pods have proven to be extremely effective in cleaning my clothes and leaving them smelling fresh. I've found that I'm using less detergent than I did with liquid Tide, and my clothes are coming out cleaner than ever before. However, upon receiving my order, I was dismayed to find that the packaging had leaked and spilled on my other items, which could have been avoided by purchasing in-store. Despite this issue, the quality of the product itself cannot be denied, as it has outperformed other detergents I've tried in the past.

Tide Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent Pods

Best for Sensitive Skin

Tide Free and Gentle Pods are a solution for people with sensitive skin. They’re free of dyes and perfumes. Plus, they’re dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, so if you have allergies or skin concerns, these pods should be gentle.

If you’re after convenience, these pods are easy to use. They are pre-measured, so all you need to do is toss them into the drum before you add your clothes!

These pods have three purposes: cleaning clothes, removing stains, and brightening fabrics. So when you pull your clothes from the machine, they’ll look cleaner and brighter than before!

Tide suggests using one pod for light loads and three for large loads — but you should try testing out one pod per load. They might have enough cleaning power for a big, soiled load, saving you money in the long run.

Pros

  • Free of dyes and perfumes, hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
  • Pods are easy to use.
  • Cleans, removes strains and brightens clothes.
  • Works in all water temperatures.
  • Protect colors from fading.

Cons

  • Using too many pods makes it difficult to dissolve them.
  • The pods don’t deodorize clothes.

Product Specs

Purpose Cleans, removes stains and brightens clothes
Washer Type Any
Water Type Soft water
Toxicity Moderate concern for people with asthma (2)
Hypoallergenic Yes

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4.5 / 5
Scent
3 / 5
Sensitivity
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with these Tide Pods has been pleasantly surprising, especially after switching from Liquid Tide fresh scent. Initially, I was skeptical about trying the free and gentle version, but it proved to be very effective at cleaning normal stains and providing a nice, clean smell without triggering our allergies. The convenience of using these pods, compared to handling a large container of liquid, has been a game-changer for my elderly mother as well.

Dreft Newborn Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent

Best Detergent for Babies

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about what products you use. With the Dreft Newborn Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent, you can rest easy. It’s the #1 pediatrician-recommended detergent, specially formulated for newborn babies.

It’s hypoallergenic, so it’s kind on your newborn’s sensitive skin. For over 80 years, parents have loved using this detergent on their kid’s clothes. It has zero percent added dyes, chlorine, and phosphates.

Although it’s gentle on skin, it’s still tough on stains. So you can clean spit up, accidents, cloth diapers, and much more with this laundry detergent.

Caution

Although it’s pediatrician approved and hypoallergenic, it does contain fragrances and enzymes — so it’s not going to be the perfect solution for every baby (3).

Pros

  • Pediatrician recommended and hypoallergenic.
  • Tough on stains.
  • No added dyes, chlorine, or phosphates.
  • Works on adult clothes, too!
  • Works for HE and standard washing machines.

Cons

  • It does contain some harmful ingredients.
  • The scent is really strong.

Product Specs

Purpose Cleans newborn clothes while being gentle on sensitive skin
Washer Type Any
Water Type Soft water
Toxicity Contains some toxic ingredients (4)
Hypoallergenic Yes

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4 / 5
Scent
2.5 / 5
Sensitivity
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

For our baby's laundry, this product has been a fantastic addition to our daily routine. The gentle scent leaves their clothes smelling fresh and clean, without being overpowering or causing skin irritation. In combination with the Dreft spray stain remover, this detergent not only cleans effectively but also keeps the fabrics soft and comfortable for our little one.

Nellie's Non-Toxic Powdered Laundry Detergent

Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

Nellie’s laundry detergent is an amazing solution if you want something completely free of toxins. This detergent has only four ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Linear Alcohol Ethoxylate, Sodium Chloride, and Sodium Metasilicate.

It’s completely free from SLS, SLES, gluten, phosphates, fragrance, and chlorine. This makes it a wonderful hypoallergenic detergent, great for families!

Despite only four ingredients, this detergent cleans clothes, leaves them soft, and doesn’t leave any residue. Of course, it’s unscented, so it won’t leave a pleasant fragrance. But you can add a few drops of essential oil to the detergent drawer or the drum for a lovely scent.

This small tin of powder does 100 loads of laundry. When it’s finished, you can recycle the tin or reuse it for storage or plants.

Pros

  • Four non-toxic ingredients.
  • Leaves clothes clean and soft.
  • Doesn’t leave a residue.
  • 100 loads per tin.
  • Free from phosphates, fragrance, chlorine, and more.

Cons

  • Might not remove tough odors.
  • Might make clothes look dingy. Doesn’t brighten them.

Product Specs

Purpose Cleans clothes using non-toxic chemicals
Washer Type Any
Water Type Soft water
Toxicity None
Hypoallergenic Yes

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4 / 5
Scent
1 / 5
Sensitivity
5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

This product effectively cleans my clothes, even in a warehouse setting where they get extremely dirty. The non-toxic and vegan formula dissolves easily in water, leaving a pleasant yet subtle scent on my laundry, and a little goes a long way, making it cost-effective. However, I do sometimes need to pre-treat and rewash stubborn stains, especially on my kids' clothes.

OxiClean White Revive Stain Remover

Best Laundry Detergent for Stains

OxiClean White Revive is a fantastic alternative to bleach, especially when removing stains. Although this is formulated for white clothes, it is entirely safe to use on colors.

Keep in mind that it works best alongside a regular laundry detergent. But together, their stain-removal power is unbeatable!

You can add this to every load of laundry or just use it on heavily soiled cycles. Otherwise, you can use it as a pre-soak to treat stubborn stains.

OxiClean works for all fabrics except wool, silk, leather, and dry-clean-only fabrics. But you can use it on linens, synthetics, underwear, sportswear, and much more.

In terms of your white clothes, it has 40 percent more whitening power than chlorine bleach! So you can avoid toxic chlorine bleach while still getting astounding results.

Pros

  • 40 percent more whitening power than chlorine bleach.
  • Works alongside regular detergent to remove stains.
  • Color-safe and won’t harm colored clothing.
  • Brightens dingy clothes.
  • You can use it as a pre-treatment or in every laundry load.

Cons

  • It doesn’t work on cold washes.
  • Strong overwhelming scent.

Product Specs

Purpose Lifts stains and brightens clothes
Washer Type Any
Water Type Soft water
Toxicity It does include fragrance. Some toxicity concerns (5)
Hypoallergenic No

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4.5 / 5
Scent
2.5 / 5
Sensitivity
3.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

After accidentally mixing a white shirt with black jeans and turning it grey, I decided to try this product. To my delight, after soaking the shirt for a few hours, it came out looking bright white and like new. This product even works wonders on white socks, removing most stains with ease. I've found that it not only keeps my white clothes white but also revitalizes the colors in my other garments. One unexpected benefit was its ability to restore an old, yellowed down comforter to its original white condition.

ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent

Best Liquid Soap

Laundry soap is a natural but effective way to clean your clothes — and the ECOS liquid soap is a popular choice.

It’s ultra-concentrated, so you get more bang for your buck. You can use less detergent per load.

In fact, one 100-ounce bottle does 100 loads of laundry! The ultra concentration also means that even a little detergent is still tough on dirt.

But because it’s an eco-detergent, it’s still kind on your skin. It’s dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic.

If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you’ll love this detergent. It’s free from dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, or phthalates.

Lastly, it has a built-in fabric softener. Not only does this save you money, but it reduces static cling and softens your clothes.

Pros

  • Plant-powered ingredients.
  • Hypoallergenic — great for sensitive skin.
  • Built-in fabric softener.
  • Preserves your clothes.
  • Two scent options: magnolia and lily, or lemongrass.
  • Made in a climate-positive factory that uses 100 percent renewable energy.

Cons

  • It’s not super effective on heavily soiled clothes.
  • You might need to use more detergent for tough stains.

Product Specs

Purpose Clean and softens clothes
Washer Type Any
Water Type Any
Toxicity Plant powered ingredients
Hypoallergenic Yes

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4 / 5
Scent
4.5 / 5
Sensitivity
5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

Best detergent I've tried in a while! This product has a pleasant, clean smell that is not overpowering, making it a great option for those who prefer a more natural and eco-friendly detergent. It's also hypoallergenic and non-toxic, so it checks all the boxes for a safe and green alternative. While the spout angle made it a bit difficult to pour, the detergent itself cleans just as well as popular brands, and I appreciate that it's better for the environment. Despite some issues with packaging and leakage, I'm overall pretty satisfied with this product and its performance.

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder

Best Powder Laundry Detergent

There are many laundry powders on the market, but Charlie’s Soap is one of our favorites.

First, it contains green ingredients. So you’re protecting mother nature and your family when you choose this detergent. But that doesn’t reduce its effectiveness.

It’s great for a wide variety of dirt and soil on clothes. In fact, if used correctly and promptly, this powder detergent can get out sweat and blood stains. It’s also excellent for cleaning cloth diapers.

It’s a hypoallergenic green laundry detergent, so it’s terrific if you have sensitive skin or allergies. There are no perfumes, fillers, or brighteners in this powder.

Although many powders have a reputation for not dissolving entirely, Charlie’s Soap is different. You won’t find residue build up on your clothes, even if you use this in every load.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly — it even helps clean sewer lines.
  • Hypoallergenic and kind on sensitive skin.
  • Good for removing blood, sweat, and poop stains.
  • Can be used as a pre-treatment for stains.
  • A little goes a long way making it budget-friendly.
  • EPA Safer Choice certified formula.

Cons

  • Doesn’t deodorize or have a scent. So workout clothes might still smell.
  • Clothes might feel rough since it doesn’t include fabric softeners.

Product Specs

Purpose Cleans clothes and removes stains
Washer Type Any
Water Type If you have hard water, it’s best with a hard water booster
Toxicity Natural, eco-friendly, non-toxic ingredients
Hypoallergenic Yes

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4.5 / 5
Scent
3 / 5
Sensitivity
5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This product has exceeded my expectations on multiple levels. Despite my initial skepticism, the small scoop provided is enough to effectively clean even heavily stained laundry, leaving my clothes soft and fresh without the need for fabric softener. As someone with sensitive skin, I appreciate that this detergent doesn't irritate my skin or trigger migraines like other scented detergents. Not only has this product allowed me to be more environmentally conscious, but it also saves me money in the long run.

Rebel Green USDA Organic HE Liquid Fresh Laundry Detergent

Best for HE Washers

Rebel Green works in all types of washing machines — and at all temperatures. They don’t suds up, so they’re best for HE washers!

Plus, they use tons of organic ingredients. In fact, they’ve met USDA standards and are known to be animal cruelty-free.

This laundry detergent contains organic soapberries. These are non-toxic and hypoallergenic, ideal for families with sensitive skin, eczema, and allergies.

The liquid detergent is not only eco-friendly but also economical. So for a fair price, you can do over 64 loads of laundry with a 64-ounce bottle.

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Pros

  • Made without harsh chemicals, dyes, toxins, and synthetic fragrances.
  • Great for people with sensitive skin.
  • Four scents to choose from, including unscented.
  • Over 64 loads of laundry per bottle.
  • Qualifies for the USDA Organic seal.

Cons

  • The scent is very subtle.
  • It’s hard to use the measuring cap.
  • Bottles are prone to leaking.

Product Specs

Purpose Clean clothes using 100 percent organic ingredients
Washer Type Any
Water Type Soft water is best
Toxicity 100 percent natural
Hypoallergenic Yes

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4 / 5
Scent
3.5 / 5
Sensitivity
5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this detergent has been fantastic, especially since I have sensitive skin and have been searching for a hypoallergenic option. The mild scent is pleasant, and I noticed no itching or fading on my clothes after using it. Despite not producing any suds, it cleans well, even when hand-washing garments. The only drawback is the container design, as it can be challenging to pour small amounts without spilling.

Rockin' Green Natural Laundry Detergent Powder

Best Detergent for Hard Water

Do you live in a hard water area? Then you know it can be hard to find a laundry detergent that fully dissolves and leaves clothes feeling soft. From our research, the best detergent for hard water is Rockin’ Green Natural Laundry Detergent Powder.

It claims to be the best detergent in the world for hard water. They recommend you use it for daily laundry, bedding, and cloth diapers.

The detergent uses a unique formula of gentle ingredients and water softeners to get your clothes super clean. This plant-based cleaner is great for kids, parents, folks with allergies. It can clean anything from linen bedding to delicate underwear.

Because of its strong formula, you can use less detergent than usual. Many customers found this detergent tackled 60 percent more stains!

Pros

  • Great for hard water.
  • Natural and plant-based ingredients.
  • Works on all clothes types.
  • Amazing on cloth diapers.
  • Four scent options, including non-scented.
  • Budget-friendly per load.

Cons

  • You might need to do an extra rinse to get clothes completely clean.
  • The scent is very subtle.

Product Specs

Purpose Clean clothes in hard water areas
Washer Type Any
Water Type Hard water — if you have soft water, use less detergent
Toxicity Plant-based, all-natural
Hypoallergenic Yes

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4.5 / 5
Scent
3.5 / 5
Sensitivity
5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

This product has been a game-changer for eliminating stubborn odors from my scrubs and workout clothes that persisted even after multiple washes with other detergents. I've also tested it on stained white sheets and, to my surprise, the stains disappeared completely! The Lavender Mint scent is subtle, which I appreciate, as I don't like overpowering fragrances. The only improvement I'd suggest is to include a measuring scoop or cap, as it can be tricky to gauge the right amount to use without one.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Purpose Washer Type Water Type Hypoallergenic
Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Liquid Laundry Detergent Clean clothes & add six week’s freshness Any Soft water No
Tide Pods Plus Febreze Pacs Laundry Pods Thoroughly cleans clothes & removes odors Any Any No
Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Pods For Sensitive Skin Cleans, removes stains & brightens clothes Any Soft water Yes
Dreft Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Detergent for Babies Cleans newborn clothes while being gentle on sensitive skin Any Soft water Yes
Nellie’s Powdered Laundry Detergent Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Cleans clothes using non-toxic chemicals Any Soft water Yes
OxiClean White Revive Stain Remover Laundry Dertergent for Stains Lifts stains & brightens clothes Any Soft water No
ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Clean & softens clothes Any Any Yes
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder Powder Laundry Detergent Cleans clothes & removes stains Any Soft water Yes
Rebel Green Organic Liquid For HE Washers Clean clothes using 100% organic ingredients Any Soft water Yes
Rockin’ Green Natural Detergent Powder Detergent for Hard Water Clean clothes in hard water areas Any Hard water Yes

Types of Laundry Detergent

Everybody has a personal preference when it comes to detergents. We’ll walk through the critical information of each type of laundry detergent.

Powder

Powder is a popular choice for many families. It’s one of the cheaper options. It also cuts down on plastic waste as it usually comes in a cardboard or tin box.

Many people prefer it because it works super well for extra-dirty laundry loads. It usually has a higher pH level, which can effectively tackle stains and odors.

Pros

  • It’s more affordable than other types.
  • The containers are recyclable.
  • If you want oxygen bleach, many powdered detergents contain it (6).
  • There are many eco-friendly options.
  • Powder detergent can remove tough stains.

Cons

  • If the cardboard box gets wet, it can start to leak.
  • Pre-treating stains takes longer than liquid.
  • Some brands leave behind a filmy residue on clothes.
  • Works best in warm cycles.

Soap

Laundry soap is another term for a more natural laundry detergent. It usually comes in a liquid form, but you can also get natural bars and powders. If you’re going green, this is a suitable option.

Pros

  • You can buy it or make it yourself.
  • It uses natural and biodegradable ingredients.
  • It’s eco-friendly.
  • Usually kind on sensitive skin.
  • Uses fats and oils to clean clothes (7).

Cons

  • Might not be as effective on tough stains.
  • More expensive.
  • Many come in a plastic bottle, which adds to plastic waste.

Liquid

Liquid is one of the most popular types of laundry detergent. This is largely down to the fact that there are many options.

Most brands make liquid detergent. You can find fragrant liquid detergents in various scents, purposes, and prices.

Pros

  • It’s easy to pre-treat stains.
  • Many options for different types of clothes, including darks, delicates, whites, etc.
  • Dissolves easily in all temperatures.
  • It’s very effective on grease stains.
  • The bottle won’t break or leak if it gets wet.
  • It comes in a range of scents.

Cons

  • Liquid is more expensive than powder.
  • The bottles are typically plastic.
  • They don’t always come with useful measuring units.

Pods

Laundry pods are great for laundry newbies, travelers, and those who have to commute to shared laundry spaces. They’re pre-measured, so all you need to do is pop one or two in the machine. Personally, we prefer these as there is zero mess and they are easy to use.

Pros

  • Pre-measured for convenience.
  • Great for traveling as you can take the amount you need.
  • No mess.
  • Many have multiple purposes such as stain removal, color brightener, and odor removal.
  • The coating is biodegradable.

Cons

  • You can’t pre-treat stains with pods.
  • They’re expensive.
  • They’re hazardous to ingest. Many children and pets might mistake them for food or candy. Always keep them out of reach of young kids and pets.
  • You can’t adjust the pod size for smaller loads.

HE Washer Detergents

If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, you’ll need an HE washer detergent. Since HE washers use less water, HE detergents have low-sudsing properties.

f you use regular detergent, it will create too many suds that your HE washer can’t wash away. Thankfully, most detergents on the market work in HE washers — but always double-check.

Pros

  • There are many options on the market.
  • They work in standard washers, too.
  • They reduce mold and odor in your machine (8).
  • You can use less product than regular detergents.
  • They come as liquids, powders, soaps, and pods.

Cons

  • You need to always check for the HE symbol.
  • If the detergent doesn’t clean clothes, you shouldn’t add more. Instead, it’s best to just switch to a better quality brand.

Enzyme-Based Detergents

Enzyme-based detergents, known as biological detergents, are fantastic for breaking down tough stains (9). Many biological detergents can altogether remove the stain, even if the stains are set in.

Pros

  • Enzymes can remove stubborn stains.
  • Works well at all temperatures.
  • Great at removing blood, grass and food stains.
  • Brightens whites.

Cons

  • Not suitable for people with skin allergies or eczema.
  • Enzymes aren’t always gentle on a baby’s skin.
  • They don’t leave your clothes as soft.
  • Harder on colors, so it can cause fading.
  • Not suitable for delicate clothes.

How To Choose the Best Laundry Detergents

These factors will help you find the best detergent for your home and clothes.

Purpose

Most importantly, think of the purpose of the detergent. Consider whether you want it for baby clothes, removing tough stains, deodorizing, brightening clothes, or something else entirely.

Washer Type

Most detergents work in any kind of washer, but if you have an HE washer, look out for the HE symbol.

Water Type

If you live in a hard water area, you’ll need a specialized detergent that works in hard water. Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of many detergents.

We’ve got a few suggestions for hard water homes. If you don’t have hard water, most detergents will work for you.

Toxicity

Many laundry detergents contain toxic ingredients, such as fragrances, formaldehyde, ammonium sulfate, and much more (10). Many people won’t experience any adverse effects since these ingredients are diluted. However, lots of people experience headaches, and respiratory and skin problems.

If you’re on the road to removing all unnatural ingredients, we have many natural and non-toxic options to share with you.

Allergies

If you have allergies, you’ll want a hypoallergenic laundry detergent. It should be free of common skin irritants.

We have an option, especially for people with sensitive skin, but many other detergents are designed to be hypoallergenic, too. If you have a newborn, it’s crucial you choose a hypoallergenic detergent.


Laundry Detergent FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Laundry Detergent?

It depends entirely on the brand. Many laundry detergents are sold at a lower price because the company can afford to do so. Whereas smaller family-run businesses that make eco-friendly products must sell their products at a higher price to cover business costs.

On another note, more expensive detergent might end up being cheaper in the long run. Often, it’s more concentrated, so you can do more loads with one bottle.

Always check the number of loads a detergent can do. The best way to tell if a brand is worth the money is to read customer reviews and check the ingredients.

Is It Better To Use Liquid or Powder Laundry Detergent?

This comes down to personal preference. Many people prefer liquid because it works well in all temperatures and is good for pre-treating stains. Powder detergent is popular because it cuts down on plastic waste, and it often contains oxygen bleach, which is awesome for removing stains.

Are Laundry Pods or Liquid Better?

Laundry pods are better for people who are on the move. If you use a laundromat, it’s a top choice. Plus, they’re pre-measured for convenience, saving you time when doing laundry.

The liquid is better for various load sizes. You can adjust the amount per load, meaning your liquid detergent lasts longer, especially if you do smaller load sizes. Plus, liquid detergent is generally cheaper than laundry pods.

What Happens if You Use Too Much Laundry Detergent?

Using too much laundry detergent can have adverse effects on laundry day, including:

  • Build-up: It can build up on your clothes, leaving a strange texture and irritating your skin.
  • Dirty clothes: The water can’t remove the detergent, so your clothes actually appear dirtier.
  • Bacteria: It can lead to bacteria build-up on clothes (11).
  • Dirty machine: With HE washers, it can make your machine dirty.
  • Odors: Leftover residue can cause bad odors.

Bottom Line

Always use the recommended amount of laundry detergent — or less.

How Much Laundry Detergent Do You Really Need To Use?

Each brand is different, so always read the package instructions. It will tell you the exact amount to use depending on the size of your laundry load.

However, when it comes to pods, one is usually enough. Some brands suggest two pods per normal load, but this is often a marketing ploy to increase sales. Try one pod and see if that works. If not, then increase to two pods.

Something To Note

The American Home Shield suggests one tablespoon of detergent per load of laundry (12). They note that measuring cups often suggest 10 times that amount. Experiment with less detergent to see if it still cleans your clothes. You could end up saving a lot of money.

How Can I Make My Laundry Smell Last Longer?

Use fabric softener, dryer sheets, and always store clothes in a cool, dark, ventilated area. Always remove your clothes from the washing machine quickly so they don’t garner that musty, damp smell. Air dry clothes where possible — this can keep the laundry detergent scent in the fibers.

Finally, make sure your home, closets, and drawers are clean and odor-free. Nothing can kill the beautiful scent of fresh laundry quicker than a dirty home.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!