The 9 Best Laundry Detergents of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Our top pick is the Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent for its stain-fighting abilities, pleasant scent, and low price.
Real Simple / Alli Waataja
A good laundry detergent should leave your items odor- and stain-free, but not every formula is created equally. So to be more efficient on laundry day, you'll need a reliable detergent that actually cleans your clothes, bedding, towels, and more.
We acquired 29 popular laundry detergents, including pods, powders, liquids, and sheets, and put them to the test in our Lab. Over days of rigorous testing, we evaluated each on effectiveness, scent, ease of use, value, and the feel of the clothing post-wash. For expert insight, we tapped Kathy Cahoon, a cleaning expert at Two Maids.
“The most important factor in laundry detergent is the surfactant, as it is the component responsible for getting things clean. You’ll usually find anionic and non-ionic surfactants in laundry detergent,” says Cahoon. “To supercharge the benefits of your laundry detergent, you can add ½ cup of baking soda to your load to brighten whites and colors.”
Our top pick is the Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent, which impressed us with its dependable efficacy, pleasant scent, and fantastic value.
Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus Aroma Boost
Best Overall Laundry Detergent
Who it’s for: People who want a no-frills detergent that’s affordable, nicely fragranced, and tough on stains.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a detergent for sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills laundry detergent, you can’t do much better than Gain. The brand’s Original Liquid Laundry Detergent demonstrated impressive stain-removing power, left garments looking and feeling good, and boasted a smell that we loved getting whiffs of while washing. This detergent was able to completely remove chocolate stains and outperformed other detergents in getting out wine stains. It also tackled the foundation pretty well, a stain that we found extremely difficult to get out without the use of stain removers.
Another positive was that there was no residue left on the washed garments after use. We found our towels to be very nice and fluffy, and all the clothes felt completely clean. With all this detergent has to offer, we were especially pleased that the price ended up being below the median of the laundry detergents we tested. If you prefer liquid detergents, we can’t recommend Gain enough.
Price at time of publish: $17 for 2-pack
Product Details:
Type: Liquid
Scented: Yes
HE-Compatible: Yes
Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent
Best Laundry Detergent Pods
Who it’s for: People looking for a mess-free detergent.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for plastic-free pods.
Laundry detergent pods are a great alternative to powder or liquid because you don’t have to guess how much to put in; the packet has already determined exactly how much you need. They’re also convenient because they eliminate the possibility of any mess, which is especially important if you have wandering pets or kiddos in the house. Gain’s Fling Pods were the best of the detergent pods we tested, as they were able to help lift stains and didn’t alter the texture of our garments in any way after washing.
The stain fighting power wasn’t quite as good as the Gain Liquid’s—each of the stains we put on the garments lessened, but they didn’t go away completely. Even though we weren’t able to completely get out our stains, we still recommend these pods as they clean well compared to other soaps we tested. Plus, after laundering, our clothes didn’t have a detergent smell to them at all, which isn’t always the case with other laundering liquids.
Price at time of publish: $21 for 81-pack
Product Details:
Type: Pods
Scented: Yes
HE-Compatible: Yes
:The 10 Best Laundry Pods of 2023
Molly's Suds Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder
Best Laundry Detergent Powder
Who it’s for: People who want a laundry detergent made with largely natural ingredients.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a detergent with impressive stain-fighting abilities.
This powdered laundry detergent is free from the harsh chemicals that you might find in other laundry detergents. This includes parabens, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and more. In fact, it contains only four ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, and sea salt. As such, this is a great choice for someone who prefers to keep green cleaning products in their home—it even has an A grade from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
For a green cleaning product, this did just as well as other non-natural laundry detergents we tested. It was able to get out chocolate and wine stains completely while others were lightened, including the jojoba oil stain. The detergent was able to remove the smell of the stains from the clothes, yet doesn’t have any kind of scent, which we like. (If you do want a scented detergent, there are fragranced options as well.) We also liked how clean our clothes felt post-wash, and that it was extremely easy to scoop.
Price at time of publish: $15
Product Details:
Type: Powder
Scented: No, but scented options are available
HE-Compatible: Yes
Bryt Laundry Detergent Sheets
Best Laundry Detergent Sheets
Who it’s for: People who want a plastic-free detergent.
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want their towels to feel scratchy after washing.
Laundry detergent sheets are a relatively new phenomenon that aren’t as heavy or messy as liquid and powder laundry detergent. Plus, they’re plastic-free and take up way less space in your laundry room. We especially like the Bryt Laundry Detergent sheets, which stand out for their ability to clean as well as liquid detergents. These detergent sheets left no coating on our clothes, and left behind no scent other than a “fresh linen” smell.
One con of these sheets, though, is that they are not great at getting out stains. We found that the detergent was only able to remove about 50 percent of the stains we administered, with only the chocolate stain successfully removed. Should you get these sheets, we definitely recommend spot cleaning with a laundry stain remover prior to washing.
Price at time of publish: $7
Product Details:
Type: Sheets
Scented: Yes
HE-Compatible: Yes
Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent
Best Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
Who it’s for: People who want a laundry detergent that is free of fragrance, dye, enzymes, and other potentially irritating ingredients.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a liquid or less expensive detergent.
The Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods are great for people with sensitive skin. Not only is this vegan detergent free of fragrances and dyes, but it also does not contain parabens, phthalates, phosphates, or optical brighteners. It’s such a gentle formula that it’s safe to use for those with babies and pets, and has an A rating from the EWG.
Like other natural detergents we tested, it didn’t do super well with stains. It successfully removed our chocolate and wine stains from our T-shirts, but all the other stains were only lightened. Still, our garments didn’t have a film from the detergent, nor did some of our T-shirts wrinkle, which can’t be said for other detergents we tested. It’s also higher-priced than other products, but it’s worth the price for the peace of mind of using a highly gentle formula.
Price at time of publish: From $16
Product Details:
Type: Pods
Scented: No
HE-Compatible: Yes
:The 15 Best Natural Cleaning Products for Every Part of Your Home in 2023
HEX Performance Laundry Detergent
Best Laundry Detergent for Stains
Who it’s for: People looking for a powerful detergent that can get rid of stains.
Who it isn’t for: Those looking for a less expensive detergent.
Laundry detergents are part of the first line of defense when fighting stains. If your garments are prone to messes or spills, get yourself the Hex Performance Laundry Detergent. This concentrated detergent was relatively tough on stains and ranked above average compared to other laundry detergents we tested. The chocolate, wine, and notoriously difficult foundation stains all came out completely, while the oil stain was mostly removed.
In addition to tackling stains, the Hex Performance Laundry Detergent left our laundered items feeling light and fluffy, with no stiffness. One downside to the detergent is that we did notice a faint chemical smell on our clothes after laundering, but it wasn’t obnoxious by any means. Despite this, we still recommend this product, especially considering its impressive stain-fighting power.
Price at time of publish: $14
Product Details:
Type: Liquid
Scented: Yes
HE-Compatible: Yes
:The 10 Best Laundry Stain Removers of 2023, According to Our Tests
Love Home and Planet Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Best Scented Liquid Laundry Detergent
Who it’s for: People whose primary concern is scent.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a less expensive detergent.
For some, the scent of their laundry detergent is just as important as its ability to clean. The Love Home and Planet Laundry Detergent is scented with a mix of lavender and Moroccan argan oil, which had our clothes smelling amazing after laundering. And if lavender isn’t your favorite, there are two other fragrances to choose from: Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower and Rose Petal & Murumuru. This detergent is also free of parabens, dyes, phosphates, alcohol, and more.
In terms of performance, results were mixed. No residue was left on our clothes, and everything felt much softer post-wash. However, we weren’t able to get any of our stains out. The only stain that was noticeably different after the wash was the chocolate stain, so you’ll definitely need to use stain removers with this detergent. Also, this detergent is much more expensive than the median. Still, if you’re looking for something fragranced, this is your best bet.
Price at time of publish: $24
Product Details:
Type: Liquid
Scented: Yes
HE-Compatible: Yes
Tide Pods Spring Meadow Laundry Detergent
Best Scented Laundry Detergent Pods
Who it’s for: People who want a convenient, easy to use laundry detergent.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer to tailor the amount of laundry detergent they use depending on the load.
You might not look forward to doing laundry, so products that make the task more efficient are always appreciated. Tide Pods take the guesswork out of measuring your laundry detergent—just toss a pod in and press start. In terms of ease of use, these pods are a clear frontrunner.
We found the spring meadow scent to be fresh but not overpowering, ideal for those who want clean-smelling laundry without it being overly fragrant. After washing, the items had no residue and felt softer, with the exception of the towel, which felt a bit stiffer. Though we recommend this product for its convenience and overall efficacy, it did not successfully remove the stains from our laundry. After washing, we found that all of the items still had one or more visible stain—so if you opt for this detergent we recommend pre-treating any spills first.
Price at time of publish: $21 for 81-pack
Product Details:
Type: Pods
Scented: Yes
HE-Compatible: Yes
All Free Clear Laundry Detergent
Best Unscented Laundry Detergent
Who it’s for: People who want an unscented detergent with excellent stain-fighting powers.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for an unscented detergent that’s also eco-friendly.
Some people can’t stand any scent that comes from laundry detergent. If you’re one of those people, we recommend the All Free Clear Laundry Detergent. This detergent has a very light “clean” scent that is barely noticeable, and it contains no perfumes or dyes.
The All Free Clear Laundry Detergent has a highly concentrated formula that excels at getting stains out. Our chocolate, mud, and wine stains came out of our T-shirt easily, while the oil stain was almost completely removed. After washing, our towels felt fluffy and our clothes felt soft and pliable, with the exception of one T-shirt which felt slightly stiff. Still, we highly recommend this detergent for its above average stain-fighting powers and affordable cost.
Price at time of publish: $18
Product Details:
Type: Liquid
Scented: No
HE-Compatible: Yes
Final Verdict
Overall, we recommend the Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent for its nice scent, effective cleaning and stain-removing power, and affordable price. We loved how our laundry felt and smelled after washing, and how easy it was to measure and use this detergent.
Our Testing Process
We tested 29 different laundry detergents and evaluated them on effectiveness, scent, ease of use, and more. To test the detergent's ability to get rid of stains, we stained four different pieces of clothing, including a cotton T-shirt, an athletic polyester T-shirt, a terry cloth towel, and a linen napkin. We added various stains to each garment to see if the detergents could remove them. On the cotton T-shirt we added jojoba oil, chocolate, wine, and foundation. For the gray athletic polyester T-shirt we swapped out the foundation for chlorophyll. For the terry cloth towel, we stained it with foundation, mud, and chlorophyll, and for the linen napkin we used chocolate, wine, and spaghetti sauce.
We cleaned these dirty garments with the amount of detergent specified by the manufacturer. After they were cleaned we assessed the state of the stains as well as the texture of the garments, including whether they felt soft and fluffy or stiff. We also noticed if there was a lingering smell of the detergent on the clothes and assessed separately if the smell of the laundry detergent on its own was pleasant. We took all of this into account to come up with the best laundry detergents.
How to Shop for Laundry Detergents Like a Pro
Type
There are plenty of types of laundry detergents on the market, but the most common are powders, liquids, and pods.
Pods: Powders and liquids require measuring out the detergent for each cycle, whereas pods come in pre-portioned packs that take the guesswork out of how you use them. “Pods are a great, convenient option for families,” says Cohoon. While undeniably efficient, pods are typically the most expensive type of detergent—though their concentrated formula and single-use packs can make your purchase last longer. Another downside is that pods tend to use the most plastic packaging, so if you’re doing laundry with sustainability in mind we suggest another type of detergent.
Powders: Powder detergents are typically cheaper than liquid or pod detergents—and with impressive results on stained or soiled clothing, this type of detergent can give you the most bang for your buck. You can also tailor the amount of powder you use depending on the load, with less chance of mess than with liquid detergents. The main drawback of powder detergents is that they have to fully dissolve with water to prevent any residue from clinging to your laundry. Depending on the brand, the powder might not dissolve with a cold water cycle, so check the label before you run your delicates.
Liquids: Unlike powder and pod detergents, liquid detergents are already dissolved, so you can worry less about any residue on your just-washed laundry. While this is a benefit, it also makes liquid detergent the messiest of all three types, especially when you factor in the task of measuring it in the cap. Liquid detergent can also easily double as a pre-treatment on any stains or messes, making it a uniquely multi-use product. “For laundry I prefer a clear, gentle liquid detergent to avoid any staining or discoloration,” says Cohoon.
Formula
If you are sensitive to harsh cleaning ingredients, it might be a good idea to opt for a natural laundry detergent. “I look for detergents that have mild ingredients and nothing too harsh that will damage fabrics or irritate skin,” says Cohoon. “When shopping for detergent I keep an eye out for enzymes and surfactants since these are the ones doing the dirty work. I also look out for any harsh chemicals like bleach and steer clear of detergents that are overly watered down, as that can make them less effective.”
Natural formulas tend to use enzymes instead of harsh chemicals to clean fabrics, which are naturally occurring in the body and less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Luckily, there are lots of eco-friendly and gentle formulas on the market today, like the Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pods, which we recommend for those with sensitive skin. For more options, check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s database of EWG-verified detergents.
Scent
Some laundry detergents come in a variety of scents so that your clothes can smell incredible post-wash. Some brands derive their scents from natural flowers, herbs, and even citrus fruits. But if you are sensitive to fragrance, consider looking for an unscented laundry detergent, like the All Free Clear Laundry Detergent.
More Laundry Detergents to Consider
Ecos Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets: These sheets are ideal for people who want to reduce waste, but we found their lackluster stain-fighting power and high price not worth it.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent: This detergent stands out for being fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and Safer Choice-certified by the EPA. However, all of the stains remained and were clearly visible on our clothing.
Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent: If you like your laundry smelling fresh, get the Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent. The smell was pleasing, but we didn’t like the poor stain treatment.
Questions You Might Ask
How much laundry detergent should you use?
Using too much detergent is one of the most common laundry mistakes. You should always measure detergent rather than pour it directly from the bottle to the machine.
“When it comes to detergent, always follow the instructions on the packaging and don’t overdo it,” says Cohoon. “Too much detergent can leave residue in your machine and on your fabrics that can become a magnet for dirt, not to mention waste money as you’ll need to replace your stash more often!”
For liquid formulas, the amount you should use is typically dictated by the size of the bottle's cap, which brands often use as a measuring cup. Some formulas are more concentrated, so you can use significantly less per load than you'd expect.
For powders, the boxes usually include a scoop that measures out to be around 110 milliliters. Since pods are pre-measured, simply tossing one or two directly in the machine should do the trick. Keep in mind that if you are washing an extra-large load, you may need to increase the amount of detergent.
Does laundry detergent expire?
The short answer is yes, but this doesn't necessarily mean you have to throw out your expired detergents—especially if you've been storing them correctly. The biggest concern about expired detergents is that they might lose some of their effectiveness after their expiration. In general, unopened liquid detergents last about nine months to one year. As for powder detergents, they're fresh until they're exposed to moisture.
:The 9 Best Washing Machine Cleaners to Tackle Grime and Odor
Does laundry detergent kill germs?
It might surprise you to learn that laundry detergent doesn't actually kill germs. According to the CDC, washing your clothes with detergent will remove most germs—but for really dirty laundry, like workout clothes, bath towels, or a sick person’s laundry, you might want to add in a sanitizing step to ensure that all bacteria and viruses are removed. If you want that added measure of safety, you can try using a laundry sanitizer.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews writer for Real Simple. We tested 29 laundry detergents in our Lab, evaluating them on effectiveness at cleaning and stain removing, scent, ease of use, and overall value. We also spoke to Kathy Cahoon, a cleaning expert at Two Maids, for her expert input on what to look for when shopping for a laundry detergent.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
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