The Best Laundry Detergent

• Pay attention to the “best used by” date on the detergent container. While most laundry detergent doesn’t expire, it can lose its effectiveness. That means it may not remove tough dirt and stains or leave your clothes smelling as fresh as it once did.
• Store powder detergent in a dry location, as it is highly susceptible to moisture. Liquid detergent, on the other hand, is sensitive to high temperatures, so you’ll want to store that type in a room with temperatures that range between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Always place any form of laundry detergent on a high shelf or lock it in a cabinet where children can’t access it. Some ingredients within the laundry detergent are toxic when consumed.
• Be careful not to get any of the detergent in your eyes. The detergent contains chemicals that may irritate your eyes. In the event that you do get some in your eyes, it is recommended that you rinse your eyes with water for 15 minutes.
• Check to see if the detergent you like in the scent you desire has a matching fabric softener or dryer sheet in the same scent. Competing scents may or may not combine well.
• Individuals who have sensitive skin will want to look for detergents that have a USDA Certified Biobased formula. The product label will also point out that the detergent is gentle on skin.
• When comparing the price of laundry detergent, you’ll need to divide the cost by the number of loads. Tide Original Scent HE Turbo Laundry Detergent is on the higher end at approximately $12 for 64 loads, which comes out to about $0.20 a load. Presto! Liquid Laundry Detergent is also $.20 per load at $20 for 106 loads. In the middle, you’ll find Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent at $10 for 64 loads, which comes out to $0.15 per load. On the lower end is Arm & Hammer Clean Burst HE Liquid Laundry Detergent. This detergent costs $7 for 100 loads for a total of $0.07 a load.

Keeping your clothes clean, bright and free of dirt and grime not only extends the life of your garments, but also boosts your confidence as you get ready to tackle a busy day. In other words, you’re going to need a laundry detergent you can rely on to look and feel your best. There are a few things you need to look for when choosing the best detergent for your family.

Perhaps the biggest and most important feature is the laundry detergent’s cleaning power. Will it get out your son’s grass stains after soccer practice or the ketchup that your daughter accidentally spilled on her favorite dress? Tide Original Scent HE Turbo Laundry Detergent is an excellent example of a detergent that does just that. Tide uses HE Turbo Clean technology to get clothes six times cleaner than other brands.

Next, determine how well the detergent fights strong odors and how long it keeps clothes and linens smelling fresh. Arm & Hammer Clean Burst HE Liquid Laundry Detergent contains baking soda, an ingredient that is known for its ability to tackle unpleasant smells. Then there’s Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent, which leaves your laundered items smelling fresh for as long as seven weeks.

Check to make sure that the detergent works with your traditional or high-efficiency washer. Then look to see if it minimizes the amount of suds, as too many suds make it harder for your clothes to rinse clean.

Take into consideration how environmentally friendly the laundry detergent is. Presto! Liquid Laundry Detergent is EPA Safer Choice Certified and made up of plant-based enzymes, making it a greener option.

Once you have a winning detergent, you’ll need to pick a scent. Of course, you can always change the scent to match the season. You may opt for a burst of citrus or a hint of lavender. Some brands even offer that “fresh off the line” smell.