We Put 29 Laundry Detergents to the Test—These Are Our Favorites (original) (raw)

Whether you’re a total laundry pro or you’ve never done a load in your life, doing the laundry with the right supplies is essential to keeping your clothes and linens fresh and long-lasting. Laundry detergent is the most important of them all, and while there are dozens to choose from, we narrowed it down through much testing and researching so you can feel assured during even the most hectic laundry day.

“When choosing a laundry detergent, it is crucial to avoid certain ingredients that can be harsh on the skin and harmful to the environment,” says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, dermatologist and host of the Derm Club podcast. These can include fragrances, which can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation; dyes, which can also trigger allergies and irritation; preservatives like formaldehyde that can be irritating; harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that strip the skin of its natural oils and harm marine life; and enzymes, which, although effective in removing stains, can sometimes cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, she says.

Additionally, Dr. Kopelman recommends choosing laundry detergents with a more concentrated level of active ingredients, such as liquid, pods, or tablets, since these are cost-effective and reduce packaging waste and environmental impact due to the lower volume of detergent required.

We tested 29 laundry detergents in The Lab, in addition to researching a few other options. We carefully evaluated tested laundry detergents based on their detergent formula type, skin sensitivity options, odor elimination, great fragrance, and machine type compatibility.

Editor's Note: This story was updated in July 2024 to add brand new testing insights for all 10 of our picks.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

When evaluating overall effectiveness, ease of use, value, and scent, our top contender was Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Plus Aroma Boost. This liquid detergent performed the best in our testing at removing stains and leaving clothes and linens feeling fluffy, lightweight, and clean.

The most standout feature, however, was its refreshing scent that remained on the laundry and can last for up to six weeks. We also like that it’s compatible with all machines. With a median price of 19 cents per load, it’s also an excellent value when the recommended amount is used.

Although we did find this laundry detergent to be the most effective at removing certain stains including chocolate, wine, grass, tomato sauce, and makeup, it fell short when it came to oil stains. Since oil stains are notoriously hard to remove, we don’t see this as much of a drawback and think this detergent has plenty of other great features that more than make up for it.

Form: Liquid | Quantity: From 46 fluid ounces | Number of Loads: From 32 loads | Scent: Original

What We Like

What We Don't Like

If you have a big family that requires you to do laundry constantly, an effective yet affordable laundry detergent is a must. At less than 10 cents per load, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent is definitely the best value laundry detergent.

In our testing, we found that it was easy to use with clear instructions and useful measuring cap, and it was gentle on skin. We like that it’s both hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, and it’s compatible on all washing machines.

However, we did notice that most of the stains we tested remained on the laundry and required a second washing. This is important to keep in mind if you have children, pets, or a lifestyle that may invite more stains than normal (such as athletics or cooking), but if you’re looking for the best value on a laundry detergent and want something for sensitive skin, this is a great choice.

Form: Liquid | Quantity: 50 fluid ounces | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Unscented

What We Like

What We Don't Like

We’re keen on recommending Tide Pods as the best laundry detergent pods, particularly for their convenience and overall performance. During our testing, we liked that these pre-measure pods were easy to toss in the washing machine (and easy to grab from their large storage container), were effective in all water temperatures, and left clothes feeling soft and fluffy with a light scent. We also like that they come in various package sizes, from 16 to 112, and a couple of pleasant scent options.

While we do appreciate these pods’ cleaning power, some stains in our testing like wine, oil, and makeup, required either stain pre-treatment or a second pod in the load. Still, these are a reliable and efficient laundry detergent, especially for those who don’t want to spend time measuring laundry detergent.

Form: Pods | Quantity: From 16 pods | Number of Loads: From 16 loads | Scent: Original, Spring Meadow

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Laundry detergent sheets may not be as common as liquid, powder, or pod detergents, but we think the Ecos Laundry Detergent Sheets are a convenient option. We love their compact, pre-measured shape, making them perfect for travelers and anyone with small laundry storage spaces.

We liked how easy they were to use during our testing, and they left laundry feeling soft and residue-free. Additionally, these enzyme-powered laundry detergent sheets are EPA Safer Choice Certified, have plastic-free packaging, and are hypoallergenic.

Despite not removing any stains except a chocolate one in our testing, we think this is a useful option for anyone who does laundry while they travel, or has a lifestyle wherein tough stains are not common.

Form: Sheets | Quantity: 64 | Number of Loads: Up to 128 | Scent: Unscented

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Powder laundry detergent can often get a bad reputation for being a bit messy. But when it comes to value, we think it's unbeatable. We recommend Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent for its pleasant and classic Gain scent, excellent value, and compatibility with all machine types. In our testing, we liked the handle on the box that made it easy to carry and the included scoop with exact measurements.

We found in our testing that this laundry detergent powder was able to significantly fade most of the stains we tested, particularly the chocolate, grass, and mud stains, but was unable to remove them completely. If you prefer a powder detergent and are looking for a great value, we recommend pairing this with a stain remover for a successful laundry day.

Form: Powder | Quantity: From 45 ounces | Number of Loads: From 44 loads | Scent: Original

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Whether you’re sensitive to fragrance and dyes, or you’re looking for a laundry detergent to remove everyday allergens such as pet dander, All Free & Clear 2X Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent is the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin.

In our testing, we also found that this laundry detergent was one of the best when it came to removing stains, which we attribute to its concentrated formula. We also liked the bottle and cap were easy to use, and overall it left laundry feeling soft and smelling clean without the use of fragrance.

Despite being slightly more expensive than other laundry detergents, we think the cleaning power and formula for sensitive skin make this more than worth the price. We also appreciate the label recommendation from dermatologists and pediatricians.

Form: Liquid | Quantity: 82.5 fluid ounces | Number of Loads: 110 | Scent: Unscented

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Most liquid laundry detergents have a thicker consistency, similar to gel, but the HEX Performance Laundry Detergent is a true liquid that pours like water and performs well on strong odors and most stains.

In our testing, we were impressed with how well it got rid of or significantly faded most stains while also neutralizing strong odors. We think this laundry detergent is especially useful for athletic wear, and we like that it has a biodegradable and eco-friendly formula that is gentle on skin. We also like that there are several scent options, including fragrance free.

While we liked the smaller container that’s easy to handle and may be convenient for storing in small spaces, it does mean that there is less product in this standard size compared to other options. However, this laundry detergent also comes in the form of pods and a larger 100 fluid ounce box container with a pour spout.

Form: Liquid | Quantity: From 32 fluid ounces | Number of Loads: From 32 loads | Scent: Citrus Woods, Crisp Linen, Fragrance Free, Fresh & Clean, Lavender Fields

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

For those who love to laundry day just to get a whiff of clean clothes, we recommend Cleancult Liquid Laundry. This laundry detergent is enzyme-powered, biodegradable, and available in two fresh scents.

However, we are partial to the juniper sandalwood scent, a combination of herbal and earthy that is a pleasant deviation from the typical floral, linen, and citrus laundry detergent scents. Luckily, there is a fragrance-free option for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Since the carton is paper-based and recyclable, it’s important to note that it may leak if not stored properly or handled with care. We don’t mind this small flaw too much, though, since you can get their refillable liquid laundry bottle made of silicone and glass, and still keep your purchase plastic-free and your laundry smelling great.

Form: Liquid | Quantity: 32 fluid ounces | Number of Loads: 64 | Scent: Juniper Sandalwood, Wild Lavender, Fragrance Free

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

When it comes to the best eco-friendly laundry detergents, we’ve always been a fan of Seventh Generation. We love these Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent Packs since they are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and artificial brightener, and the bio-enzyme formula is 94 percent plant-based ingredients. We know that plant-based or natural detergents are both gentler on the environment and your skin.

This detergent also has 20 percent more cleaning power and concentration to tackle tough stains. Lastly, to confirm the eco-friendliness of these pacs, they’re an EPA Safer Choice Certified product and have an A rating from the Environmental Working Group.

The free and clear option does not have fragrance, but if you’re looking to add some scent to your laundry, there are three scents to choose from. It’s important to keep in mind that these can be hit or miss when it comes to cold water washing, but they perform well in either warm or hot water. Regardless of the temperature, we still think these are the best laundry detergent for those who want to minimize their environmental footprint.

Form: Pods | Quantity: 42 | Number of Loads: 42 | Scent: Citrus, Citrus & Cedar, Free & Clear, Lavender, Unscented

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Even if you love a subtle scent, it may not always agree with your sensitivities, which is why we recommend Persil Free & Sensitive Liquid Laundry Detergent as the best unscented laundry detergent.

In addition to being unscented, it’s also hypoallergenic, gentle on sensitive skin, and tough on stains. We also like the fabric protection technology that keeps whites and colors bright, and the extra concentrated formula means you don’t have to use as much product compared to other standard detergents.

Despite the possibility of having to hunt this laundry detergent down since it’s not available everywhere, we think it’s worth getting your hands on, especially if you prioritize an unscented laundry detergent. We also think its extra concentration and number of loads per container make it a decent value.

Form: Liquid | Quantity: 82.5 fluid ounces | Number of Loads: 110 | Scent: Unscented

Final Verdict

Our top choice for the best overall laundry detergent is Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Plus Aroma Boost. This liquid detergent performed the best at removing stains and leaving clothes and linens feeling fluffy, lightweight, and clean. If you’re looking for a slightly better value that is also great for sensitive skin, we recommend Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent.

Other Options We Tested

Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent Liquid Free & Clear: Seventh Generation is an excellent brand for those who prioritize free and clear and eco-friendly formulas, and this liquid detergent is just that. While we appreciate the plant-based formulation, this detergent was unable to remove most of the stains during our testing, and it’s also more expensive than other options with better performance. We do appreciate, however, the several scent options.

Blueland Laundry Starter Set at Blueland: Similar to liquid pods, powder tablets like these Blueland tablets are convenient since they are pre-measured. Although we like the plastic-free packaging, refillable option, and plant-based formula of this detergent, these tablets did not perform as well as other eco-friendly options on our list. If you’d like to wash laundry that doesn’t have stains and prefer an eco-friendly powder tablet, these may work for you.

Love Home and Planet Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent: One of our favorite features of this laundry detergent during our testing was the auto-dose cap—simply pop the cap, flip the bottle, squeeze firmly once for a medium load and twice for a heavy load. Despite this unique and convenient feature, this laundry detergent only slightly faded most of the stains. However, we did appreciate the pleasant lavender scent that transferred to the laundry and made it smell fresh.

How We Tested Laundry Detergents

We tested 29 laundry detergents in The Lab. We tested these laundry detergents on a towel, linen napkin, and a t-shirt and stained them with chocolate, red wine, foundation makeup, grass, mud, tomato sauce, and jojoba oil.

In general, we found that most of these laundry detergents struggled at completely eliminating every stain, which led us to assume a second washing or pre-treatment with a stain remover might have been helpful. However, every laundry detergent worked in some way, whether it was neutralizing odors, softening laundry, or it was convenient to use.

For all the laundry detergents we tested, we evaluated them on a handful of important factors:

Testing Laundry Detergents for Type and Scent

When Buying Laundry Detergent, Look For

Detergent Formula Type

The ‘detergent versus pods versus powder versus sheets’ laundry debate is nothing new, but it can still be a challenge figuring out which is best for your household’s needs. Dr. Kopelman explains that different formula types offer varying levels of convenience and effectiveness.

“Liquids are easy to measure and work well in cold water, pods or tablets are pre-measured and may reduce waste, sheets are compact and great for travel, and powders are often more cost-effective and have a longer shelf life,” she says.

If you’re looking to prioritize cold water washing, opt for detergents such as our best overall pick, Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Plus Aroma Boost, or our pick for best liquid, HEX Performance Laundry Detergent. If you like to do laundry on the go, or want a compact option, our best sheets pick Ecos Laundry Detergent Sheets is a must-have, while our pick for best powder Gain Original, Powder Laundry Detergent at Walmart is a great value that leaves behind a fresh scent.

Can laundry detergent expire?

Surprisingly, yes, laundry detergent does expire! Laundry detergent will grow less effective after the expiration date, so it’s ideal to use it up before or shortly after. The oils in many fragrances, especially natural essential oils, can lose their scent or become rancid-smelling over time, and certain ingredients will break down, leaving your clothes less than clean.

Skin Sensitivity Options

According to Dr. Kopelman, those with sensitive skin should choose detergents labeled as hypoallergenic or dermatologist-tested. This is crucial to avoid irritation and allergic reactions, she says.

“I recommend looking for hypoallergenic formulas specifically designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions,” she says. Opt for fragrance-free options to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation, and choose dermatologist-tested products that have been approved for use on sensitive skin, she says. Additionally, detergents with minimal ingredient lists are often better, as fewer ingredients generally mean fewer potential irritants.

Our pick for best value, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent, is labeled as both hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, while our pick for best for sensitive skin, All Free & Clear 2X Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent, is labeled free of dyes and perfumes, as well as recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians.

The Spruce / Ashley Ziegler

Odor Elimination and Fragrance

Certain fabrics, such as workout clothes, cling to odors so getting rid of them is essential. Some laundry detergents are specifically formulated for these clothes, while others have fragrance, either synthetic or natural, which can also help neutralize strong laundry odors.

Beyond form (pods versus liquid, for example), there are many different types of laundry detergent—stain-fighting, fragrance-free, etc. But all types of detergent effectively clean your clothes when used properly. More importantly, take note of the care instructions. Different fabrics require different temperatures and sometimes require hand-washing or dry cleaning.

To prolong the life of your clothing (and save energy), try using cold water and a laundry detergent that tackles stains no matter the temperature. Just be sure to wash all delicate fabrics on a shorter, less agitated cleaning cycle.

Compatibility With Machine Type

Washing machines come in two types: front-load and top-load. While all front-load washing machines are high-efficiency (HE), not all top-load washing machines are. HE machines require HE detergents, which produce less suds and therefore require less water. “Using the correct detergent type ensures optimal performance and prevents damage to your washing machine,” says Dr. Kopelman.

Most laundry detergents are formulated to work for both HE and standard machines, including our pick for best pods Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Soap Pods, and our pick for best eco-friendly, Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent Packs.

The Spruce / Katie Begley

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for The Spruce with several years of experience writing about cleaning and other home topics. To make this list, Alvarez analyzed the testing insights for laundry detergents. She also reached out to Dr. Hannah Kopelman, dermatologist and host of the Derm Club podcast.

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