Our top pick, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent, combines plant-based ingredients (instead of harsh chemicals) and essential oils in one money- and space-saving concentrated formula. Here are the best laundry detergents. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Detergent has the same sweet smell you know and love in traditional detergents, but it’s plant-derived and scented with essential oils (no artificial fragrances!). This investment in the green cleaning movement and its effectiveness on tough stains make it our top pick. If you fall in love with this detergent, you can also opt to buy other Mrs. Meyers cleaners in the same scent. Our home tester used this product on stained toddler clothes, towels, and bedding. She chose to test the honeysuckle scent, but the brand has plenty of other choices: baby blossom, basil, bluebell, lavender, lemon verbena, and rosemary, for example. Our tester was pleasantly surprised to see the laundry detergent tackle the stains without any pre-treatment while remaining gentle enough for her son’s sensitive skin. The detergent is relatively expensive, but a little bit of the concentrated formula goes a long way—you only need half of a capful for most loads of laundry—so you’ll get a lot for your money. Also, we’ve noticed that some seasonal-leaning scents go on sale at different times during the year, so you can stock up on your favorite summer scent in the off-season. Price at time of publish: $20 Like other great detergents, this one is free and clear, which means it’s free from perfumes and dyes that may irritate—especially in those with sensitivities. As such, this budget-friendly pick is often recommended for babies, young children, and those with particularly sensitive skin. Despite the more specialized formula, this detergent is widely available in stores and online—plus it’s much more budget-friendly than some other “cleaner” detergents. Price at time of publish: $18 This, combined with the ultra-large bottle, ensures you won’t have to buy detergent nearly as often—even if you have a large family. The 4-liter container is huge, too. It holds enough detergent for 89 large loads of laundry. Because of that, the container is too heavy to pour the detergent, but that’s where the brilliant design comes in. The jug is designed to sit on a shelf on its side and dispense the detergent through a little spout and into the included clear measuring cup. Once you’ve poured the detergent into the washing machine, simply snap the measuring cup over the spout until you’re ready to use it again. Our tester said it’s a mess-free, convenient process and noted that there were clear instructions on the amount of detergent to use per size of your load of laundry. Price at time of publish: $25 It’s plenty versatile, too. The detergent can be used in front-loading, top-loading, or high-efficiency washing machines. Our tester found it can even be used to safely clean hunting gear and military uniforms. Price at time of publish: $15 They’re just as effective, too—even this more natural version. In tests, these pods effectively cleaned just about everything from smelly gym clothes to grass-stained toddler clothes and food-smeared bibs. The scent is perfectly balanced, too. Because the pods are scented with essential oils like lavender, patchouli, and eucalyptus, the fragrance isn’t overpowering but still leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean. Price at time of publish: $20 Still, it has incredible stain prowess and can handle everything from food stains to grass stains. And don’t worry: The package includes plenty of help, complete with directions for regular washes, as well as stain treatments. Though it may seem pricey, the formula is incredibly concentrated. You’ll get approximately 120 loads with just one bag. Price at time of publish: $15 The pods come tucked in recyclable and compostable cardboard boxes in quantities of 36, 64, 160, or 240. The pre-measured pods, which contain a gentle liquid formula, don’t contain dyes, phosphates, or chlorine—only eco-friendly, and biodegradable ingredients, like earth-derived glycerin and other plant-based surfactants. Still, the product is known for its effectiveness, especially when combined with the brand’s companion products. Think oxi booster for brightening power and wool dryer balls for a faster, wrinkle-free dry. Price at time of publish: $16 This versatile detergent is available in three different sizes (8, 32, and 64 ounces) and can be used to both wash and pre-treat clothes. Price at time of publish: $16 Though you can purchase the concentrate on its own, we recommend the laundry kit, which includes the concentrate (just one bottle tackles 192 loads of laundry!), 2 pounds of the company’s stain-removing Oxygen Boost (another laundry must-have!), and a reusable plastic laundry bottle.Despite the powerful whole-house clean you’ll get from using Branch Basics, the formula is free of preservatives, fragrances, and GMOs. Price at time of publish: $69 Detergent sheets have many benefits—they’re lightweight and compact, plus they’re plastic-free. They also have the added bonus of being easy to store, making them perfect for cramped laundry rooms. The biodegradable, dissolvable sheets by Grove Co. are made with plant-based ingredients and are free of optical brighteners, dyes, or fragrances. Still, they have a pleasing lavender aroma that comes from 100 percent natural essential oils and plant extracts. Price at time of publish: $13
What to Look for in a Laundry Detergent
Type
Laundry detergent powders, liquids, pods, and sheets all effectively clean your clothes, says Angela Bell, cleaning expert and Grove Guide at Grove Collaborative. It’s largely a matter of preference. “Liquids and powders are the more traditional forms that many people are familiar with,” she says. “Pods or powder packs are great options for people traveling to a laundromat, as they are super portable.” Laundry detergent sheets, a newer option in the laundry world, are also great—they’re lightweight and compact, plastic-free, great for the environment, and save space. “These sheets, similar in appearance to dryer sheets, dissolve completely in the drum of any machine, even HE, and get clothes as clean as anything else,” she explains.
Washing Conditions
Most modern detergents are designed for both traditional and high-efficiency (HE) machines, says Bell. Still, it’s worth checking the label because HE machines do need a detergent that doesn’t produce excess suds, adds Marilee Nelson, cleaning expert, environmental consultant, certified building biologist, and co-founder ofBranch Basics. In some cases, the dosage varies, too. “If using pods or sheets in a HE machine, it is best to place the pod or sheet in the drum of the machine, rather than in the detergent compartment. This ensures it will dissolve completely during the cycle.” Beyond form (pods versus liquid, for example), there are many different types of laundry detergent—stain-fighting, fragrance-free, etc. But all types of detergent effectively clean your clothes when used properly, says Bell. More importantly, take note of the care instructions. Different fabrics require different temperatures and sometimes require hand washing or dry cleaning, says Bell. “To prolong the life of your clothing (and save energy), use cold water and a laundry detergent that tackles stains even in cold water, when possible,” says Nelson. You should also wash all delicate fabrics on a shorter, less agitated cleaning cycle.
Scent
Laundry detergents also come in many different scents, from florals to fresh linen. Just note: Artificial fragrances can irritate those with allergies or especially sensitive skin, like babies. In these instances, look for a laundry detergent scented with essential oil or a free and clear version, which won’t contain any synthetic fragrance.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has written and edited hundreds of buying guides, from laundry products to kitchen appliances. To make this list, she considered each detergent’s safety rating, plus considered other accolades like whether or not the product has stain-busting properties. Importantly, Brigitt also consulted industry experts to ensure the efficacy of all products on the list. All of the options featured here are safe, highly rated, and are sure to get your clothes clean. She combined her research with our testers’ insights to make this list.
