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Out of the 37 detergents we tried first-hand, these came out on top.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
But finding the best laundry detergent is a real game changer.
One consideration is whether you choose a powder, liquid, pod, or sheet.
Do you want to throw and go?
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Pods or sheets are probably for you.
What We Tested
We tested laundry detergents foreffectiveness, scent, ease of use, and value.
For more on how we tested laundry detergents, seeour testing processbelow.
The Hex Performance Laundry Detergent comes with a measuring cup, which made it easy to use the recommended amount.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Grant Webster
There may be a slight chemical scent when you get really close to the product.
This is a big win, since not having to pretreat every single stain saves time and money.
It’s easy to pour, likely due to the containers size and shape.
That said, it was fairly subtle and unnoticeable further than 6 inches away.
If youre particularly sensitive to scent, this product comes in an unscented formula as well.
Items came out slightly wrinkled.
If you like the sound of pods with a low-key scent,Gain Flingsare for you.
Though subtle, the pods did leave the clothes smelling clean after washing.
Overall, these pods performed well.
TheAll Liquid Laundry Detergentis tough on stains, but hypoallergenic and free of fragrance and dyes.
Youll notice a slight chemical scent if you smell the liquid detergent up close.
And, bonus, smaller containers are also easier to storeno unsightly jug sitting atop the washer.
The results were impressive for no pretreatment.
Aside from one slightly stiff shirt, all the fabrics were super soft when dried.
Youll need to use a separate pretreatment for stains.
Instead of powder, pods, or liquid,Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheetsmake storage easier and more convenient.
Are you traveling and not sure if your vacation rental will have detergent?
Will you be staying in a camper or perhaps even a cramped apartment?
Just throw a couple of these in your bag.
The cardboard container is recyclable and biodegradable, automatically reducing your carbon footprint without any effort.
Lets hear it for taking out the guesswork!
Still, though, all the items came out delightfully soft without any kind of residue.
We recommendpretreating with a stain removerbefore washing if you use these.
Two items werewrinkle-free out of the dryer, while the linen napkin and white tee had some obvious wrinkles.
All of the laundered items held the pleasant citrusy floral scent of the detergent, which doesnt happen often.
The same formula is much cheaper per load in liquid form.
We also didnt detect any soap residue or stickiness.
The flimsy packaging may impact their texture.
If youre working onlimiting your plastic usage, theTide Evotiles are a convenient option.
Wed primarily recommend them forfans of laundry detergent podswho are trying to cut down on plastic usage.
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The products stain-fighting ability is nothing remarkable.
When you consider the value of an unscented and plant-derived formula, it’s a solid option.
The ease of use is a big pro, too, adding even more to the value.
The Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent comes in a lightweight plastic container.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The all-natural ingredients also make this product ideal for those with sensitive skin.
The packaging provides a great user experience.
The lightweight, resealable bag has specific instructions on the back and a small scoop inside.
One other thing that makes this one of the best laundry detergents?
You get about 70 loads per box, at an overall price of about $15.
None of the items were completely stain-free after washing.
Reminiscent of Wrigleys Juicy Fruit gum, the scent is slightly sweet and fruity with nice florals mixed in.
The linen and cotton textiles came out a bit wrinkled, but thats not unusual.
When it came to stain removal, the results were mixedas they were for every detergent tested.
In this case, chocolate was nearly removed from the white tee, gray athletic shirt, and napkin.
It also got rid of more wine and foundation than almost any other formula.
However, grass, sauce, mud, and oil were still prevalent.
Without pretreatment, the sheets were ineffective on tough stains.
Ec30 Laundry Detergent Swatchesare mess-free and easy, as theres nothing to pour or measure.
There was no leftover coating on any of the fabrics, and only minimal wrinkles on the T-shirts.
Everything came out soft and pliable.
We were also a big fan of the fresh, clean scent that wasnt at all overpowering or bothersome.
AndAll Free Clear Liquid 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergentis a nice choice for sensitive skin.
Our Testing Process
We tested 37 laundry detergents.
After the items dried, we evaluated them for cleanliness, wrinkles, residue, and stiffness/scratchiness.
Value was dictated by all the other factors combined, plus the median price.
That said, there are differences in convenience and control.
Scent
The best smelling laundry detergent comes down to personal preference.
Do you want the scent to linger after drying, or would you find that too overpowering?
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Do you like something floral or fruity?
Number of Loads
When it comes to the number of loads, packaging can be deceiving.
Liquid laundry detergent can vary from unconcentrated to eight times concentrated, Wojenski says.
The All Free Clear detergent comes in a large 82.5 ounce container that can wash over 100 loads.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
While its well-priced, we didnt love the results.
The fabrics did come out soft and pliable, though we noticed a slight residue.
We would consider purchasing if the formula was on sale.
Your Questions, Answered
Does laundry detergent expire?
Not technically, but youll likely see a recommended shelf life date.
Itll probably be safe to use, but it wont be as effective.
Factors such as heat and light can speed up the aging process as well, she points out.
Are pods better than liquid detergent?
How much laundry detergent should you actually use?
You shoulduse less laundry detergentthan you probably think you need.
For small loads, Pozniak recommends 1 tablespoon for light or moderate soil and 2 tablespoons for heavy soil.
She has previously written about carpet spray, tile floor, and laminate floor cleaners.
What Is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
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The Power Pods are larger than Tide’s original pods, so you only need one for a large load.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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The Tide Evo Detergent is similar to a laundry pod or laundry sheet.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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The Molly’s Suds powder comes with a scoop, and the bag is resealable.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
This liquid laundry detergent has a powerful staining-fighting formula and a welcoming scent.Credit: The Spruce
Gain’s Original Liquid Laundry Detergent comes in a variety of sizes. The 65-ounce bottle includes enough detergent for up to 45 loads.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: Ec30
The Ec30 Laundry Detergent sheets work similarly to a laundry pod, just toss in with no measuring required.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
