The Best Laundry Detergent
1. Tide Original Liquid Laundry Detergent
To experienced launderers, it will be no surprise that the Tide Original Liquid Laundry Detergent is the best choice for the best laundry detergent. It boasts 10x the cleaning power of other products, easily removing stains, and cleans deep, providing a fresh aroma that lasts for weeks, even if this scent might be a little too strong for those with sensitive noses. The suds collapse quickly, ensuring a fast clean and rinse, while the liquid detergent is easy to measure out with the cap to ensure you use the perfect amount every time.
Pros
10x cleaning power
Cleans deep, smells fresh
Easy to measure with cap
Quick collapsing suds for fast cleaning and rinsing
Cons
Scent may be too strong for some
Some concerns overpackaging and leakage
2. Gain Original Scent Laundry Detergent Liquid 2 Pack
If you’re a large household looking for the best value detergents available, look no further than the Gain Original Scent Laundry Detergent Liquid 2 Pack. This long-lasting product means there’s more than enough for consistent washing, allowing you to use it at least twice a week without running out too soon. It is ideal for all washing machines as well as cold water cycles, while the aroma boost provides an excellent scent. Still, it isn’t as powerful as we’d like it to be and it may take a second round to clean one or two stains away fully.
Pros
Pack of 2
Provides six weeks of freshness from wash to wear
Suitable for all washing machines and cold water
Aroma boost for excellent scent
Cons
May not target all stains effectively
Smell may be too strong for sensitive noses
3. All Sensitive Skin Liquid Laundry Detergent
Ideal for anyone whose allergies flare up a little too easily, the All Sensitive Skin Liquid Laundry Detergent is gentle on skin while also being tough on stains to guarantee one of the best and most pleasing results available. It can remove up to 99% of top allergens and the double concentrate gives you 110 laundry loads, although this may differ for bigger households. The bottle is also large and a little heavy which might make it difficult to pour into the cap or receptacle evenly the first few times.
Pros
Pros
Good for 110 laundry loads
Gentle on skin and tough on stains
Remove 99% of top allergens
Delivers 2X more cleaning power with double concentrate
Cons
Large and heavy bottle
Claimed 110 loads may differ for larger households
4. Amazon Brand – Solimo Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
With four scent options, the Amazon Brand – Solimo Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent helps you find something that suits your nose and sensibilities. it is good for up to 1287 loads thanks to the super concentrate detergent, and it is safe for both standard and high-efficiency washing machines to guarantee versatile performance for everybody. Despite this, there are still some things to remember. It could be a little too pricey when compared to Tide pods or Persil Proclean, and you might find it tricky to pour out, which could cause some problems, such as spillage.
Pros
4 scent options
Good for up to 128 loads
Super concentrated liquid detergent
Safe for standard and high-efficiency washing machines
Cons
May be too expensive for anyone on a budget
A little tricky to pour
5. Tide Laundry Detergent Liquid Eco-Box
We have to give the Tide Laundry Detergent Liquid Eco-Box a lot of credit. Unlike other products, it has done all it can (so far) to deliver an environmentally friendly product with a 100% recyclable box and inside ramp that ensures zero wasted detergent. However, these features still need some improvement, but if you want to get on the Tide hype train early, you can enjoy the increased concentration for 30% more cleaning power and an easy-pour tap that hints at the next generation of laundry detergents, and this is exciting.
Pros
Increased concentration for 30% more cleaning power
Easy-to-pour, no-drip tap
Inside ramp prevents wasted detergent
100% recyclable eco-box
Cons
Packaging could use some improvement
A little tricky to get the hang of when first using it
6. Amazon Brand – Solimo Laundry Detergent Pacs
The Amazon Brand – Solimo Laundry Detergent Pacs is safe for all washing machines and dissolves in any temperature, which may earn you plenty of brownie points from stubborn family members when they don’t find that weird goo all over their favorite shirt. Besides this, it also brightens and whitens clothes to ensure dynamic colors. Still, while there are two scent options, the fresh smell is a little lacking after the wash, which might make you wonder whether the detergent has worked or not, meaning you might feel compelled to do a wasteful second load.
Pros
2 scent options
Safe for all washing machines
Dissolves in any water temperature
Whitens and brightens clothes
Cons
Fresh smell is not apparent enough after the wash
Not ideal for those with sensitive skin
7. Persil Liquid Laundry Detergent
Part of the Persil Proclean range, this Persil Liquid Laundry Detergent boasts a powerful stain-fighting combination that delivers a premium clean that you won’t be able to keep quiet about. This is possible thanks to the 2X concentrated formula, giving you some of the best results per load, and making it ideal for everyday laundry as well as fighting tougher stains. Be careful, though, as the recommended dosage means you might get too many suds and this will affect how easily the clothes rinse, leaving a strong and overwhelming scent that might be too much.
Pros
Powerful stain-fighting combination
Premium clean
2X concentrated formula in every drop
Ideal for everyday laundry and fighting tough stains
Cons
Recommended dosage creates too many suds and makes rinsing difficult
Scent may be too strong for some users
8. Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
The Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent comes with a range of scent options that put other detergents to shame. There’s much more to it than this, though. You can also enjoy the powerful triple-enzyme formula as well as the 96% plant-based ingredients that make it one of the best and more eco-friendly products available. It is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin, but the cap is a little difficult to read to get the right measurements and some clothes might require a second clean after the first one to make sure all stains are gone.
Pros
Range of scent options
Powerful triple-enzyme formula
96% plant-based ingredients
Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin
Cons
Cap is a little difficult to read
Sometimes requires a second wash for more soiled garments
9. OxiClean High Def Sparkling Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent
The OxiClean High Def Sparkling Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent is a product that everybody is familiar with, but that doesn’t mean you know everything. You’re already aware it’s tough on stains, but it also boasts an invigorating fragrance to ensure you feel fresh wherever you go. The formula powers away dirt and persistent odors, too, and this makes it one of the best overall products if you’re looking for a reliable clean. Still, we wish the packaging was a little better to give us more confidence, and there are more affordable options available.
Pros
Created for everyday cleaning
Tough on stains
Invigorating fragrance of flowers and citrus
Powers away dirt and persistent odors
Cons
Packaging could use some improvement
Some cheaper options are available
10. Love Home and Planet Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Arguably the best choice for anyone dedicated to saving the planet, the Love Home and Planet Concentrated Laundry Detergent offers plenty for you to get excited about. It is one that uses plant-based cleansers to ensure a deep and powerful clean without relying on artificial ingredients or animal testing, and the bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic to promote eco-friendly lifestyles. Not everything is perfect, though. The instructions are pretty challenging to read due to the small text, and it’s also tricky to measure out the right amount due to the color.
Pros
Lavender and Rose scent options
94% plant-based cleansers
Bottles made from 100% recycled plastic
Not tested on animals
Cons
A little difficult to measure accurately
Instructions are difficult to read
11. Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple Liquid Laundry Detergent
The best choice if you’re looking for a dependable, tried, and tested budget pick, the Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple Liquid Laundry Detergent is affordable while also being entirely free from unnecessary chemicals but still delivering a no-compromise clean with an active stain remover so that every aspect is sufficiently covered. The gentle fragrance also provides a water softener to ensure comfort, even if it might be too strong for people with allergies, but the box, unfortunately, isn’t as durable as we’d like it to be.
Pros
Free from unnecessary chemicals, dyes, GMOs
No compromise powerful cleaner
Active stain remover
Gentle fragrance with water softener
Cons
Box is not as durable as we’d like it to be
May trigger asthma and allergies
12. Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent
If you’re looking for the premium pick of the best detergents, Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent is a strong case for this. It boasts an effective concentrated formula, but this is still gentle on clothes to prevent an abrasive experience that does more harm than good. It also uses plant-derived ingredients to ensure an eco-conscious clean, while the garden-fresh lavender scent is one of our favorites, even if it washes from the clothes a little too easily. With 64 loads per bottle, it might be a little out of the price range for some, but that’s what makes it premium, after all.
Pros
Effective concentrated formula that’s still gentle on clothes
Plant-derived cleaning ingredients
64 loads per bottle
Garden-fresh lavender scent
Cons
Maybe too expensive for customers
Scent washes away from clothes
13. Earth Friendly Products ECOS 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent
The Earth Friendly Products ECOS 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice if you’re unsure whether you want to splash out so much on products you’ve never used before. The powerful formula removes stains like they are nothing, and it also has one of the most forgiving built-in fabrics softeners around. There are no dyes, brighteners or parabens, while the hypoallergenic and pH balanced formula is dermatologically tested, making it ideal for sensitive skin. However, the powder won’t dissolve as efficiently as liquid detergents do, which may cause washer issues.
Pros
2X ultra-concentrated formula
Designed without dyes, brighteners, parabens
Dermatologist-tested hypoallergenic and pH balanced
Built-in fabric softener
Cons
Requires more than recommended volume for sufficient cleaning result
Seems too sticky and hard to dissolve
14. Purex Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
For a safe and friendly option that’s perfect for anyone with toddlers and newborns, the Purex Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent gives you everything you need. Perfect for sensitive skin, it is dye-free and uses a baby soft formula to prevent irritation and itching. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s still an excellent choice that will benefit anybody. There are two bottles included, demonstrating excellent value, but some clothes, such as diapers and spoiled blankets, may need a pre-wash treatment to ensure all stains are fully removed.
Pros
Baby soft formula
Hypoallergenic and dye-free
2 bottles included
2X formula with concentrated cleaning power
Cons
Some clothes may need pre-wash treatment
We’re still unsure how many loads you will actually get from the bottles
15. Gain flings! Liquid Laundry Detergent Pacs
Convenient and powerful, the Gain flings! Liquid Laundry Detergent Pacs boasts a three-in-one formula that covers all bases to ensure clean, fresh, and soft garments whether these are your everyday work clothes or lazy weekend PJ bottoms. They are suitable for cold water and compatible with both standard and HE washers, so you’re guaranteed six weeks of freshness after washing them until you wear them. For larger loads, though, you may need to use more than one pod, and we’re still uncertain about whether these are the best option if you’re looking for something environmentally friendly.
Pros
3-in-1 formula combination covers all bases
Cleans in cold water
Provides 6 weeks of freshness from wash to wear
Regular and HE washer compatible
Cons
You may need to use several pods in a single load
Not as environmentally friendly as other options
16. Amazon Brand – Solimo Super Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
The Amazon Brand – Solimo Super Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent is an effective choice that offers plenty for regular washers to get excited about. It is safe for all washing machines and uses a super-concentrated detergent formula that means the bottle will last much longer than expected. This saves you from buying replacements too often and also shows excellent value for money. It will also remove stains with ease and brighten your clothes, but if you want the (supposed) lavender scent to stick around for a while, keep the load out of the dryer, as this will cause it to fade too quickly.
Pros
Safe for standard and HE washing machine
Super concentrated liquid detergent
Powerfully remove stains and brightens clothes
Excellent value for money
Cons
Lavender scent does not seem accurate
Scent will fade if you use a dryer
Factors To Consider With Laundry Detergents
With such a vast range of the best laundry detergents to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Hopefully, these features to consider will help you make the best decision for your household, hotel, or restaurant.
Animal Friendly
Cruelty-free laundry detergents are something that more and more people are looking for, and some of the best overall detergents will ensure that they are animal friendly. Not only does this give you peace of mind that none were harmed during testing and design, but it also makes you trust the company more.
There are a variety of brands that ensure animal friendly practices when developing their detergents, including the more established brands, such as Tide, but also newer brands, including Amazon products and ECOS. If you're someone who cares about animals and obsessed with removing stains from their clothes, make sure to always look for disclaimers on the label or product description signifying that their practices are animal friendly.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly laundry detergents follow a similar line. Unlike many detergents of the past which didn't really care about ethical and environmentally friendly practices, modern formulas must make sure they are eco-friendly. These include plant-based products that still act as a fantastic stain remover, making them one of the most appealing options around.
Besides the formula, you should also consider the containers and packaging. You don't want a single-use plastic packaging, but one constructed from recycled materials. If this isn't possible, biodegradable boxes are also one of the best options for you to look for, guaranteeing that you are still doing your part for the environment. To take this a step further, make sure to wash clothes in cold water when necessary and use eco-mode rather than full power. You should also only wash in bulk instead of throwing a single item in the washing machine to save you from wasting water.
Lasting Freshness
There's no point in washing your clothes with the best laundry detergents, only for the sweet flowery aroma to dissipate after a few days. What you need is a long-lasting freshness that guarantees that even if you don't wear your favorite shirt for a few weeks, it will still smell fresh out of the laundry, and still feel just as soft.
Anything that provides less than around four weeks of freshness after laundering the clothes is not worth considering, and the longer the clothes stay fresh, the better. You can find some products that provide up to six weeks of freshness after coming out of the washing machine, and some will even offer even more if you're lucky.
Number of Washes
The number of washes you get from your laundry detergent will depend on two factors. These factors are the capacity and concentration. Laundry detergents with 2X concentrate will remove blemishes and clean clothes with half as much detergent per load compared to standard products. This means it should last twice as long, transforming 50 loads into 100, 100 loads into 200, and so on.
The capacity will also give you a decent idea of how long the detergent will last and how many washes you will get out of it. For families, a larger capacity may be the more economical option, whereas those in smaller households are likely to get by fine with smaller products. However, if you want to ensure you always have laundry detergent ready for emergencies, there's no harm in purchasing a bigger product, just make sure not to waste it.
Scent
There is such a vast range of possible fragrances, that it feels almost overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one for you. From flowery aromas to citrus scents, there is something for everybody, and you might even find a pleasant combination that gives you something a little more exciting.
However, you should also remember that some aromas can be remarkably overpowering. So much so, that it makes you feel a little sick and slightly dizzy after pulling the clothes out of the washing machine, and this may earn you a few complaints from the rest of the family, especially those with sensitive noses. You can combat this by looking for a light fragrance, or even using slightly less detergent as long as it still provides exceptional stain removal and cleaning performance.
Stain Removal Power
Speaking of stain removal, this is arguably the most important feature to consider. While some washes will remove stains without using the best laundry detergents, more stubborn stains will demand a product with more bite. Options for this include Tide pods and Persil Proclean, or Arm & Hammer, which come with a reputation considering how long they have been around.
For things like red wine stains, or mud stains (especially if you've got kids), you need the best laundry detergent to tackle the toughest and most frustrating stains. Most of these products will remove stains to make the garment as good as new after one wash, but others may demand a second cycle just to be certain. To get an idea of how effective the stain removal power is, look for brightening agents that will provide a vivid and dynamic color to all sorts of clothes.
Laundry Detergent FAQ
Q: Is it better to use powder or liquid detergent?
Liquid and powder detergent both boast plenty of benefits, and there is not much difference between them. Liquid detergent performs better for grease stain removal, while powder is a better choice for tough stains such as mud and dirt. On the surface, it appears to be more of a preference rather than a hard-and-fast-rule.
Despite this, you've also got to consider which type of detergent is better for your washing machine. This is where you should think about which one you should choose, or at least prefer. While both provide decent cleaning power, powder detergent may not dissolve properly in cold water compared to liquid laundry detergents, which mix better. Failure to dissolve properly can also damage the washing machine, as clumps of powder might block rinse holes.
Q: Is laundry detergent anti bacterial?
Yes, this is part of the entire point of laundry detergent. If it were not anti-bacterial, then you would have germs leftover even after a wash. However, as with all cleaning products, nothing is every 100% antibacterial, even if it will clean away the majority of germs and bacteria, often as much as 99.9%.
You can overcome this by following a few steps to ensure you kill all germs, this includes washing the clothes with hot water rather than cold or warm water, and using bleach. Still, not everyone feels comfortable doing this, whether because of sensitive skin or because they want to be more energy-efficient. Water below 140F (or 60C) cannot kill germs alone, so always make sure to add laundry detergent cleanser along with it to ensure the best and most effective clean.
Q: How are some laundry detergents bad for the environment?
There are plenty of reasons standard laundry detergents are bad for the environment. These reasons include everything from animal testing to dangerous ingredients such as phosphates, which will compound in the environment and eliminate oxygen in the water, starving fish, and destroying ecosystems.
It doesn't stop there, however. As many products also use plastic bottles, these will go into a landfill if they are not manufactured from biodegradable materials. Many users don't consider how to dispose of them responsibly, which causes further issues.
The tide is shifting, however. There are many examples of eco-friendly products. Although they may cost a little more compared to traditional laundry detergents, this could change in the future if the public adapt their shopping habits.