These 12 Laundry Detergents Are All You Need
Have you ever felt overwhelmed walking down the detergent aisle? Us too.
Laundry is an intimate chore, and there's a reason there are so many options for detergent available. What you need for laundry with a new baby is different than what your marathon-running neighbor requires. So, we created this list with all the laundry variables in mind.
We chose the best detergents for each need, from fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options to tough odor-fighting products. If we didn't think a detergent was worth the hype, we left it off the list entirely.
1. Arm & Hammer – Best Overall
For the last 170 years, Americans have used Arm & Hammer baking soda-based products for a variety of household uses, and every good housekeeper knows baking soda is a must-have tool.
So, it's no wonder that Arm & Hammer laundry detergents are a top choice. They're inexpensive, powerful, and come in several varieties, including hypoallergenic, fragrance-free options.
2. Persil – Best Stain Fighter
If you have young kids or happen to do laundry for any other stain-attracting humans, you might want to consider Persil Laundry Detergents. Their Advanced Clean Oxi + Odor Power is particularly good at getting rid of stains.
Whether you're washing your clothes in hot or cold water, Persil works well. It's also phenomenal at nixing strong odors from sweaty gym clothes and sports jerseys.
3. Tide – Most Powerful
According to Statista, Tide controlled over one-fifth of the American laundry detergent market in 2022. There's a good reason for this; it really works.
We're particularly fond of Tide Pods Spring Meadow Laundry Detergent. The scent is perfectly fresh without being overpowering. The formula was made with environmentally friendly cold water washes in mind.
4. Earth Breeze – Best Eco-Friendly Brand
Speaking of environmentally friendly products, Earth Breeze is one of the best detergents you can use if you're watching your environmental footprint. Their eco sheets save the cost of shipping heavy detergent, which is mostly water anyway.
Earth Breeze laundry detergent is hypoallergenic and free of dyes, bleach, and fragrance, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It's also relatively low in cost, and the company offers considerable discounts if you sign up for a subscription.
5. All Free Clear – Best For Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin who don't want to use detergent sheets should consider All Free Clear detergents. Their laundry soaps avoid fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients that might irritate skin, but they're still incredibly powerful.
The All Free Clear 2x Concentrated formula is our top pick. It doesn't take much to get rid of stubborn stains and smells. Plus, it leaves sheets and towels soft and pliable.
6. Grove Co. – Best Essential Oil Powered Brand
If you want your laundry to smell nice without caving to artificial fragrances, try Grove Co. Their laundry detergent sheets are powered by essential oils, so you get scented detergent without the added chemicals.
This all-natural detergent isn't the strongest stain fighter on our list, and it may be best for adult households running smaller loads. If you love the natural fragrance but need to tackle stains, you could always pair it with a separate stain-fighting product.
7. Love Home and Planet – Best Eco-Friendly Liquid
Love Home and Planet's concentrated laundry detergent is a great environmentally friendly choice for those who want a convenient liquid option.
It's 94% plant-based and offers a fragrance that's not too overpowering. Plus, it comes with an auto-dose cap, making pouring the detergent easy. It contains no parabens, dyes, or phosphates that can irritate sensitive skin.
8. HEX – Best For Activewear
If you're willing to spend a little more, HEX Performance Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice. Its stain-fighting powers are unmatched, and it leaves clothes soft after washing.
This detergent is specifically formulated for activewear and is tough on stubborn odors. However, you could use it for all of your laundry without any issues. Its lightweight bottle and extra-concentrated formula also make it easy to store in your laundry room.
9. Gain – Best Scent
Gain is the second most popular laundry detergent brand in the U.S., and we know why. Their original formula has a scent that many adore. It's also incredibly powerful.
Available in liquid or powder form, Gain detergent effectively removes everything from mud to chocolate. It's also relatively inexpensive. Though it's not the lowest-priced detergent on this list, it's far from a luxury item.
10. Kirkland Signature – Best Value
Value hunters know Kirkland brand items are the way to go, and Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent is no exception. This economically-priced detergent is available in liquid or pod form.
It offers a clean scent and strong stain-fighting capacity. Plus, like other Kirkland products, it's likely made by a big-name brand. Though Costco isn't open about who manufactures its Kirkland brand detergent, rumor has it it's the same company that makes Persil.
11. Seventh Generation – Best Low-Cost Eco-Friendly Brand
If you need a low-cost detergent option that doesn't include fragrances or any other potential skin irritants, Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent Liquid Free & Clear might be a good choice.
Its stain-fighting capabilities aren't as good as some of the other detergents on this list, but in conjunction with a stain-fighting pre-treatment, it works really well. Seventh Generation also makes detergents that feature essential oils if you want a little fragrance for your clean clothes.
12. Blueland – Best Plastic-Free
If you're concerned about the rising rates of plastics and PFAS in our environment, you're not alone. The FDA states that exposure to some PFAS is linked to serious health risks. Unfortunately, PFAS and plastics are common ingredients in laundry detergents.
If you want to avoid them, try Blueland products. They're not the cheapest laundry detergent options available, but they work remarkably well and are PFAS and plastic-free.
