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The Best Laundry Detergent

Last updated on November 5, 2023

Our Review Process

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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 child’s grass stains after soccer practice or the ketchup that they accidentally spilled on their favorite dress? Tide Pods 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent, 81-Count is an excellent example of a detergent that does just that. Tide uses 10 times the cleaning power to get clothes cleaner than other brands.

Next, determine how well the detergent fights strong odors and how long it keeps clothes and linens smelling fresh. Consider a bottle that contains baking soda, an ingredient that is known for its ability to tackle unpleasant smells. Then there’s Gain, 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.

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.

Our Picks For The Top Laundry Detergents

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Product Overview
Our Take
  The Best Overall

Tide Pods 3-In-1 Meadow Scent Laundry Detergent, 81-Count

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Tide

Pods 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent, 81-Count

With 10 times the cleaning power, you can't go wrong with this laundry detergent. Your brights will stay bright and you're whites will stay white. It also comes in pod form, so all you need to do is pop one in the wash and you're good to go.

Overall Take

No Measuring RequiredThis laundry detergent comes in pod form, which means you won't have to take the time to measure the detergent before you start the wash.

 Best Natural Option

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Plant-Derived Laundry Detergent Pods, 45-Count

Mrs. Meyer's

Clean Day Plant-Derived Laundry Detergent Pods, 45-Count

These biodegradable laundry detergent pods contain ingredients made from plants. They have a mild and refreshing citrus scent. The pods are gentle on clothes but effective on dirt.

Overall Take

Biodegradable IngredientsThese laundry detergent pods are made with ingredients derived from plants.

 Best Seller

TYLER Diva Glamorous Wash Laundry Detergent

TYLER

Diva Glamorous Wash Laundry Detergent

Glamorous is the best word to describe this laundry detergent. The detergent features a luxurious fragrance with a blend of fruits, florals, chocolate and amber. It's designed to be tough on dirt and stains, yet gentle on your clothing, keeping your garments looking their best for many years to come.

Overall Take

Never Tested on AnimalsUse this quality laundry detergent in high efficiency washers.

  The Best Value

Gain Eco-Box Phosphate-Free Laundry Detergent

Gain

Eco-Box Phosphate-Free Laundry Detergent

This two-pack of high-efficiency laundry detergent works in all washing machines and boasts a clean, fresh scent. Enjoy up to six weeks of freshness, thanks to the included AromaBoost, as well as amazing dirt removal properties.

Overall Take

Two High-Efficiency DetergentsTry this two pack of great-smelling, high-efficiency laundry detergent.

What to Look For

  • 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.
  • When comparing the price of laundry detergent, you’ll need to divide the cost by the number of loads. Tide Pods 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent, 81-Count is on the higher end at approximately $.25 per load. In the middle, you’ll find detergent packs that cost $.17 a load. On the lower end are detergents that cost just $.10 per load.

More to Explore

Up until World War I, traditional soap was used to clean clothes and linens. During the war, soap became scarce. This led to the invention of laundry detergent. It wasn’t until the first washing machine was manufactured in the 1940s, however, that laundry detergent became a regular item on household grocery lists. In fact, by 1953, the United States sold more laundry detergent than it did soap. Laundry detergent has undergone many changes over the years with the most recent changes leading to the replacement of harsh chemicals with more environmentally friendly ingredients.

More to explore