10 Best Laundry Detergents Reviews (Ultimate Guide)

Ever got tired of using multiple different detergents and yet not being able to find the best laundry detergent that will clean your clothes properly?

Well, I sure did.

With all these different brands of detergents hovering around the store aisles, it’s really tough to figure out the best one among them. Brands are always playing with our minds by putting tons of different information and it only gets harder to choose the one that fit your needs the best.

Sometimes you choose a brand because that’s what your mom used or you like the fragrance. Some has been there in the market for decades and some just arrived a few months back. The real challenge arrives when it’s time to find the which works best for your and expected level of performance.

We have come up with this article to save you the trouble of trying out multiple different detergents in order to find your perfect one.

Well, one detergent will not meet the needs of everyone, so, we have come up with ten best laundry detergents out there in the market so that everyone can find something that suits their requirements.

Let’s take a look at our top picks and their attributes.

Our Top Picks

10 Best Laundry Detergents Money Can Buy

Let’s not waste anymore time and look at the 10 best laundry detergents money can buy today.

Tide Ultra Stain Release Free

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When it comes about laundry detergent, Tide is the name that immediately hits our mind. They have a wide range of laundry products and the Tide Ultra Stain Release Free is certainly one of their best creations.

If you want your clothes to fell fresh as well as clean then the Ultra Stain Release Free will be your best friend. It claims to remove 99% of the stains even the toughest ones without leaving any sort of fragrance which is an absolute blessing for the people with sensitive skin.

The Ultra Stain Release Free is formulated with special ingredients which efficiently removes everyday stains as well as greasy food stains. It works well on both fresh as well as dried down stains.

It has been paired up with the legendary HE Turbo Cleaning Technology 6x cleaning power than other regular detergents in half the time. Also, there are detergents which slow down the machines when it combines with HE cleaning agent due to the production of over-sudsing, however, you’ll face no such issue with the Tide Ultra Stain Release Free as it quickly collapses suds and targets tough stains.

This detergent will also be a great fit for you if you want to give your clothes extra cleaning but you don’t prefer scrubbing and rubbing with hand. It features a Zap Cap which is a unique pretreat cap that comes with scrubbing bristles to bring a deep-down pre-treat option.

Also, this one is a superb option if you don’t want to break the bank and want something that’s very cost-efficient. Each bottle contains 92 oz. of product that can last up to 48 washes.

Key Features:

• Removes tough stains along with everyday stains
• Comes with a Zap Cap with scrubbing bristles
• Budget-friendly
• Lasts up to 48 washes and more
• Effectively removes 99% of the stains

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Seventh Generation – Free & Clear Natural Laundry Detergent

If you’re tired of using chemical induced products and feel like it’s high time to switch to a more eco-friendly option then the Seventh Generation – Free & Clear Natural Laundry Detergent is the one for you.

There are many people out there who don’t prefer the smell that lingers on to the clothes with the other commercial laundry detergents. This product is a godsend for those people as it doesn’t leave any smell or residue on to the clothes.

One of the best attributes of the Seventh Generation Natural Laundry detergent is that it’s two times more concentrated than the regular detergents out there, so, you’ll need a lot less product compared to the other detergents. Each bottle contains 50 fl. oz. of product which will last you for about 32 loads and it’s suitable for high efficiency as well as standard machines.

It’s non-toxic and bio-degradable so if you’re worried about the future of our planet then this will be one of your best choices for laundry detergents as this will not only keep your clothes clean but also help you create a better planet.

The Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural Laundry Detergent is also an outstanding choice for people with sensitivity as well. It does not feature any optical brighteners, no petroleum based cleaners, no dyes or fragrances, and absolutely no phosphates.

Even though it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and features natural ingredients, it effectively cleans the clothes and even the toughest stains. It fights stains with non-animal derived enzyme and it’s safe for septic and grey-water systems too.

Key Features

• ​Environment-friendly product
• Suitable for cleaning harsh stains
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Less product needed as it has 2x more concentration
• Doesn’t contain phosphate or any other harsh chemical

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Method 8X Free & Clear Laundry Detergent

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There are many people who prefer a fresh floral smell to linger around their freshly washed clothes and we can assure you that the Method 8X Free & Clear Laundry Detergent will not only keep your clothes clean but also give a fresh fragrance to it too. It comes in a wide range of different fragrances which gives you the flexibility to pick the one that you prefer the best.

What makes this detergent stand out from the crowd is its plant-based ingredients which enable it to have a mild formula yet which can effectively fight harsh stains. It’s 98% biodegradable and eco-friendly, so, you’ll also be helping the environment as well.

It comes in a no-mess bottle, so, if you’ve been struggling with pouring and storing you other liquid detergents, then, this might be the one for you. All you need to do is to aim the nozzle at your washer’s detergent dispenser and press the pump four times.

The price is slightly on the steeper side compared to the other regular detergents in the market, but you’ll be getting an extra-ordinary wash for sure.

It comes in a bottle of 1.56-liter which will last you up to 39 washes and more. The pump system keeps you from overusing the detergent. This will not help you be more cost-efficient but also help you keep the colors of your clothes vibrant and lively.

Despite being made with plant-based and natural ingredient, it works outstandingly well when it comes about stain removal. It contains ethanol that helps to remove even the harshest stain with little to no effort.

Key Features

• ​Comes in a wide variety of different fragrances
• Thoroughly cleans the clothes
•  Mild formula
• 98% biodegradable
• Concentrated formula

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Tide Plus Bleach Powder Detergent

Tide is one of the pioneers when it comes about laundry detergents. The Tide Plus Bleach Powder Detergent is another great buy from Tide that will make your job a lot easier and hassle-free. If you prefer powder detergent over liquid ones then this will definitely be a great fit for you.

One of the best features of this detergent is that it comes in multiple different sizes such as 21 oz., 32 oz., 39 oz., 56 oz., 95 oz., 144 oz. Therefore, if you just want to get a trial version then you can opt for the smallest one or if you want something to last for a while then you can opt for larger packs.

This detergent also showed an outstanding result for removing stains. It has been tested with multiple different harsh stains such as coffee, oil, ketchup, ink, and blood. It successfully removed all the stains both dried down and fresh ones without leaving any sort of traces.

Another great factor is it comes in both fragrant and HE version. If you prefer your clothes to linger a fresh smell then you may opt for the fragrant version. Also, if you’re sensitive to smell and you prefer the version with highly efficient cleaning agent then you can go for the HE one.

Tide Plus Bleach Powder Detergent can be used in both cold and hot water. However, for harsh stains like blood or grease, it’s better to wash with warm water.  The chlorine bleaching agent that it contains will make your white extra white and give your colored clothes a vibrant look.

Key Features:

• Successfully removes even the harshest stain
• Comes in various different size options
• Cleans dirt quickly
• Easy and hassle-free usage procedure
• Two different option: fragrant and HE
• Suitable for both cold and hot water

Caldrea Laundry Detergent

The Caldrea Laundry Detergent is another superb plant-based detergent on our list which not only gives a tough fight to the stains but also super gentle on our skin. It comes in a liquid form so, if you’re not well-accustomed with powdered detergents then it would be a great fit for you.

Caldrea is widely known for the amazing scent of their detergents. They come in a wide variety of fragrances such as rosewater driftwood, ginger pomelo, basil blue sage, black coriander lime, etc.

The detergent will leave a fresh and subtle smell on to your clothes which will linger for a long time. The smell is subtle so it’ll not be bothersome even if you’re sensitive to smell.

It comes in a 64 fl oz. bottle. The price is slightly on the steeper side considering the number of washes you get per bottle but if you compare with other plant-based laundry detergents in the market then the price seems quite on the line.

Despite the soft and organic ingredients list, it performs outstandingly well even on the toughest stains. It has been thoroughly tested on harsh stains such as oil, coffee, ink, ketchup, blood, juice, etc.

It worked well on all the stains in both hot and cold water condition. Also, it’s one of those very rare detergent brands that removed ink with hot water.

It comes with a cap opening which might be a bit bothersome if you’re not careful enough. The rim of the bottle is slightly wider than the cap which might cause some liquid to spill when you’re pouring down the detergent.

Key Features:

• Comes with a variety of different smells
• Plant-based ingredient
• Gentle on skin
• Works well on harsh stains
• Suitable for both cold and hot water

Ultra Purex Powder

If you’re running low on budget and looking for something that will clean your clothes properly and not break the bank then the Ultra Purex Powder is your guy. It one of our most affordable options in this review and it’s a superb choice if you’re a student or on a budget.

Despite being so affordable, it works splendidly well on the clothes. It cleans the clothes properly and removes all sorts of stains and mark from them. Also, it’s one of the most cost-efficient detergents as well since you need a very little amount to thoroughly clean the clothes. It leaves no powdery residue on the clothes and leaves them smelling fresh for hours.

Often time people have trouble with the powdered form of detergents as they often leave residue and an unclean feel on the clothes. You’ll face no such issue with the Ultra Purex Powder as the powder is finely milled and it evenly distributes with the water which ensures that no residue will be left at all.

You can use Ultra Purex Powder on any sort of water temperature. There are many people out there who prefer a certain temperature to wash their clothes and if you’re one of them then you’re in for a treat as it works well on both cold and hot water.

However, for extra harsh stains such as dried down stains of ink, juice, mustard or coffee, we recommend using hot water as that will provide a better result more quickly.

Key Features

• Light and subtle smell
• Very affordable
• Doesn’t leave any residue
• Works well on both cold and hot water condition
• Powders are finely milled
• Removes harsh stains effectively

Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent

Kirkland is undoubtedly one of the best laundry detergents out there and their Signature Ultra Clean is one of the best in the market. As the name suggests, it does give a premium cleaning experience since it contains powerful cleaning agents with ingredients that are gentle on the skin.

The best part is, even though it has premium offerings but it comes with a very affordable price tag.

This detergent comes in a 90-oz. container which will last you up to a whopping 120 loads. It has a 2x concentration which means you’ll need half the product for each wash than you’d generally need with regular detergent.

Kirkland vows that their product is guaranteed to meet or exceed the expectations of their customers. It has a fresh smell which will linger around the clothes without being too overpowering.

Also, if you had trouble pouring the detergent in your washer then you can take a sigh of relief. It features a push button that enables super easy pouring without spilling or putting extra detergent on the washer.

You don’t need to lift up the detergent bottle to dispense the products, however, occasional cleaning of the nozzle will help to pour out the liquid in a smoother way.

It can effectively remove all sorts of stains be it strong or light, it’ll remove it all. It works splendidly well on both hot water and cold water. There have been multiple tests done on various types of stubborn stains such as ketchup, coffee, ink and it succeeded on them all.

Key Features:

• Premium quality
• 2x concentration
• Requires less product than other regular detergents
• Works well on all sorts of stains
• Lasts for 120 loads
• Comes with a push button to dispense the product
• Nice fresh smell

ARM & HAMMER Clean Burst HE Liquid Laundry Detergent

ARM & HAMMER has been ruling the detergent market for ages and they have a number of outstanding ranges of detergents and cleaning products. The Clean Burst is an amazing creation by them which not only cleans well but it’s also suitable for High-Efficiency washers, therefore, you’ll be saving both water and energy at the same time.

The wide availability and the mid-price range have made it one of the top choices among the users. It contains biodegradable enzymes, baking sodas, and surfactant so, it’s environment-friendly as well.

It includes oxygen bleach which helps to whiten and brighten the fabrics while retaining their quality. The only demerit of this detergent is its container lid as the measuring lines are hard to see. This can be a bit problematic to determine how much detergent you need per load.

Also, if you prefer your clothes to have a fresh smell then this is a must buy for you as it comes in six different scents such as Fresh Scent, Cool Breeze, Clean Meadow, Fresh burst, Sparkling Water, and Free & Clear.

The Free & Clear version is suitable for the people who’re sensitive about the smell and don’t prefer fragrance on their clothes.

The ARM & HAMMER Clean Burst detergent can be used both cold and hot water condition. It performs extremely well even with the most stubborn stain and removes them effectively without leaving any traces.

The detergent has been tested on various different harsh stains such as dried down ink, mustard, tea, etc. and it has successfully removed all of them.

Key Features:

• Oxygen bleach gives a vibrant whitening effect
• Removes all sorts of stains
• Suitable for both cold and hot water condition
• Six different scent option
• Suitable for HE washers

Dreft Baby Detergent

Dreft Baby Detergent is a concern of Procter and Gamble which is one of the most trusted companies out there. There are two different variants on this detergent. Procter & Gamble has come up with Dreft Stage One which is suitable for newborns and Dreft Stage Two which is suitable for active babies.

Babies are very sensitive and the perfumes and dyes in regular detergent can be very harmful to them. Therefore, this baby detergent is a must have if you have babies in the house as this will properly clean their clothes and not have any harmful effect at the same time.

If your baby suffers from eczema or has any other sensitive skin issue then make sure the detergent has no scent or dye to it as that will have a damaging effect on the baby’s skin.

This detergent has a very subtle scent and it’s hypoallergenic which means the babies will have no allergenic reaction to it. While being very mild on the skin, the ingredients it contains such as propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, and sodium hydroxide give a tough fight on the stains.

It effectively removes all sorts of food stains and others without being harsh on baby clothes.

One of the great benefits of the Dreft Baby Detergent is that even though it’s targeted towards babies, it’s also suitable for adult clothing items. It works well on both hot and cold water temperature, however, for tough stains, try to soak them beforehand and wash with hot water to achieve the best result.

Key Features:

• Suitable for babies
• Hypoallergenic
• Has a subtle scent
• Mild yet powerful reaction on stains
• Suitable for adults clothing as well
• Works well in both cold and hot water

Persil ProClean Power Liquid Laundry Detergent

Persil is one of the most popular detergent brands in Europe and Latin America. In 2015, Walmart started stocking Persil detergents and now they’re quite a common face across the store shelves in the United States.

Well, Persil is a heavy-duty detergent with a price that slightly on the steeper side which made it a direct competition of Procter & Gamble’s Tide.

The Persil Pro Clean comes in a liquid form that has high consistency, therefore you’ll require a lot less product than the other regular detergents. It comes in multiple different bottles sizes ranging from 40 to 170 fl. oz. and they can be used for 25 to 110 loads.

Also, it comes in a wide variety of scents such as intense fresh, extra fresh linen, stain fighter, odor fighter, sensitive skin, and original scent. These multiple variants will be handy which will enable you to pick the one which suits your specific needs.

The Sensitive Skin variant is hypoallergenic and it’s free of dye and fragrances which makes it an excellent choice for people who’re sensitive to smell and colors.

One of the best features of this detergent is that it’s compatible with HE washers. If you’re tired of looking for a detergent which is compatible with HE washers and provides excellent cleaning properties, then this might be your match made in heaven.

It’s suitable for both cold and hot water condition. However, if you soak the clothes a little bit beforehand then it’ll deliver a better result more quickly.

Key Features:

• ​Widely available on stores
• Has high consistency
• Little product is required for each load
• Liquid consistency
• Comes in various sizes
• Multiple different scents available
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• The detergents perform well on both hot and cold water

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Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean 3-In-1 Power Paks

We have saved the treat for the last. Arm & Hammer is known for their revolutionary laundry products and their Oxiclean 3-In-1 Power Paks is one of a kind.

This pod combines Arm & Hammer’s Freshness with Oxiclean technology to give it a unique blend that will fight the toughest stains. It’ll make your whites even whiter and give the colors a more vibrant look.

You need to follow a very easy and simple usage procedure with this laundry pod. Just toss the pod with the load and you’re done. It has a super thick consistency so you only need a single pod to do a large load.

Despite being a well-known brand, the Arm & Hammer OxiClean Pods are very cost-effective. It features baking soda which removes the toughest and the most stubborn stain without any hassle.

It works exceptionally well on all types of water condition, be it cold or hot, the result will remain the same. It features a three-chamber pak that dissolves quickly as it comes in contact with water.

They are also suitable for all types of washers, so even if you have a HE washer it’ll work fine with it.

These pods will not only clean your clothes but also leave a fresh scent that will linger around for a long time giving you a super refreshing feeling. The smell is soft and subtle enough to ensure that it doesn’t become a bother to the people with sensitivity issues.

Key Features:

• Oxiclean technology gives a rigorous cleaning
• Budget-friendly
• Makes the color more vibrant
• Compatible with HE washers

Things to Consider Before You Buy Your Laundry Detergent

Just because detergent is a consumer good, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to consider some factors before purchasing it. With a gazillion of different brands in the market, it’s quite daunting to find the right one for you and your family.

There are multiple different factors that you ought to take into consideration so that you get the best cleaning effect without breaking the bank.

Also, people who have sensitivity issue should have a keen eye on the ingredient list to make sure that all the ingredient listed are suitable for them and they’ll not cause any irritation.

We have come up with a couple of important factors that you need to consider to get your hands on the best laundry detergent out there. Let’s take a quick look.

Amount To Use

Determining the amount that you need to use depend on the type of detergent you’re using. The consistency of the detergent has a role to play in this sector because if the consistency of the detergent is higher then you’ll need less detergent for each load.

Each of the laundry detergents that we reviewed provides an estimated number of usages depending on the number of loads they can be used for.

However, if you decide to handwash the clothes then decide based upon your own judgment and the type of fabric of the clothes.

HE Detergent

We have used the term HE for multiple times in this review. HE stands for high-efficiency and these type of detergents are compatible for HE washers which are designed to use less water and less energy which makes them a lot more efficient than the regular washer.

The HE compatible laundry detergents include ingredients which can work well under these conditions and generate a good result.

Water Temperature

Many detergents work well on certain water temperature condition. However, most detergents that we reviewed in this article performs well on both hot water and cold water condition. You can cut down the cost by using cold water.

Many detergents come with enzymes which are triggered on cold water. Also, for a better result with stains, you can soak the clothes with hot water as that will help to clean out the stains more easily.

Powder Detergent

Powder detergent offers exceptionally well for removing stains. They work well on both fresh and dried down stains. As we mentioned before, for stubborn stains you should soak down the clothes for around 15 minutes to achieve the best result.

However, be careful about pouring the powders as they might leave a white cast on the clothes due to excessive use. So, don’t go overboard while using powder detergent products.

Liquid Detergent 

Liquid detergents are more eco-friendly and they have a better rate of recycling compared to powdered detergents. Hence, if you prefer using environment-friendly products then you should opt for liquid detergents.

Also, they’re easier to wash out and they’re an excellent fit for HE washers as they’re easily washable. They leave no white cast on the clothes even if you mistakenly use an excessive amount.

Plant-Based Ingredients

The dyes and scents used in laundry detergent can have damaging effects on people with sensitive skin. If you prefer products with natural ingredients, then you’re in luck as we have included multiple plant-based detergents in our review which is excellent for sensitive skin.

Also, people with sensitive skin should opt for hypoallergenic products to make sure that it doesn’t contain harmful perfume or color.

Scent And Color

Laundry detergents come in a wide variety of different smells. Many people prefer detergents whose smell will linger around throughout the day. However, there are also some people who’re sensitive about the smell and they prefer products that come with no smell at all.

Also, the color contained in detergents can be harsh for sensitive skin too. If you have an allergy, eczema or other sensitive issues then you should definitely go for a product without any fragrance or dye.

Enzymes

Enzymes are a biological catalyst that speeds up any reaction. Enzymes are a common ingredient in laundry detergents that help to speed up the cleaning procedure.

Manufacturer target various type of different enzymes such as protein-based, starch-based, etc. However, enzymes can irritation too, so, if you have sensitive skin then it’s better to avoid detergents with an enzyme.

Final Thoughts

Laundry detergent is something that we all need in our lives. There are countless different brands out there and choosing the right kind is nothing short of a nightmare. New brands are continuously entering the market and there are multiple brands that have pioneered in the industry.

In this review, we picked ten best laundry detergents that will clean your clothes effective and make your job a lot hassle-free. We made our picks considering various different price ranges and chemical composition so that everyone can find the one that they need.