Best Laundry Detergents

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 25, 2023
Nowadays, the market is saturated with various laundry detergents that come in different shapes and sizes. To simplify your choice, ...Read more
PROS
Its highly powerful active formula works perfectly at any temperatures and for almost all fabrics!
CONS
It doesn't include softener.
OUR VERDICT
Tide PODS Spring Meadow is an excellent 3-in-1 detergent that not only removes all stains but also enhances colors of bright clothes!
detailed parameters
Type
Detergent 3-in-1 pacs
Use
All temperatures + all colors + all fabrics (except wool), Suitable for all types of washing machines
Action
3-in-1: detergent, stain remover, brightener
Active Formula
HE Turbo technology
Scent
Spring Meadow
Dosage
2 laundry pacs for medium loads, 2 pacs for large loads and 3 pacs for extra large loads
Safety
Phosphate-free
Capacity
81 pacs
Warranty
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS
Due to its scent and high efficiency, the detergent will leave your laundry extremely fresh and clean.
CONS
Pacs should be properly isolated from moisture.
OUR VERDICT
Gain is a pretty efficient and money-saving detergent that will clean your clothes, providing them with nice and fresh fragrance.
detailed parameters
Type
Detergent 3-in-1 pacs
Use
All temperatures + all colors + all fabrics (except leather), Suitable for all types of washing machines
Action
3-in-1: detergent, stain remover, febreze
Active Formula
Oxi boost
Scent
Moonlight Breeze
Dosage
1 laundry pac for small and medium loads, 2 pacs for large loads
Safety
Phosphate-free
Capacity
81 pacs
Warranty
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS
This is a truly eco-friendly detergent that contains few synthetic components. It makes your clothes pretty soft.
CONS
The lavender scent is too accentuated.
OUR VERDICT
All-natural Ecos detergent is an affordable and effective liquid solution that will make your laundry soft, bright and clean!
detailed parameters
Type
Liquid detergent
Use
All temperatures, Suitable for all standard and HE washers
Action
3-in-1: detergent, fabric softener, brightener
Active Formula
2x ultra-concentrated detergent with Enzymes
Scent
Lavender
Dosage
1 oz per load
Safety
Phosphate-free, Chlorine-free, Enzyme-free, Borine-free, Cocamide DEA-free, Dye-free, Free of petroleum ingredients
Capacity
100 Oz
Warranty
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS
It is perfect for people with sensitive skin and allergy sufferers. 10x formula greatly reduces agent's consumption.
CONS
The dispenser might drip after use.
OUR VERDICT
Puracy is an ultra concentrated detergent made of only natural ingredients. Being extremely powerful, it's not hazardous.
detailed parameters
Type
Liquid detergent
Use
All temperatures + all colors + all fabrics, Suitable for all types of washing machines
Action
2-in-1: detergent, fabric softener
Active Formula
Safe & Effective Enzyme 10x formula
Scent
Free & Clear
Dosage
0.25 oz per load
Safety
No phosphates, Sulfates, Petrochemicals, Animal by-products, Chlorine, Perfumes, Dyes, Allergens
Capacity
25 Oz
Warranty
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS
Featuring Acti-Lift crystals and improved formula, this Tide powder attacks even 7 day old stains.
CONS
It's prone to create crust on the agitator in a washer.
OUR VERDICT
If you are looking for a detergent to combat greasy stains, mud, and dirt, Tide HE Turbo powder with Acti-Lift crystals is what you exactly need!
detailed parameters
Type
Powder detergent
Use
All temperatures + all colors + all fabrics (except leather), Suitable for all types of washing machines
Action
the #1 stain-fighting detergent
Active Formula
HE Turbo technology + Acti-Lift Crystals
Scent
Mountain Spring
Dosage
1.4 oz per load
Safety
Phosphate-free
Capacity
95 Oz
Warranty
Amazon's 30-day return policy

The Maximum Efficiency

No wonder, Tide PODS detergent is the #1 best seller in America since it boasts the super efficiency and versatility. Just imagine, only one small pac has all the laundry needs to be clean and fresh. It's a 3-in-1 solution that consists of detergent, stain remover, and brightener. This detergent is so efficient that it will easily cope with coffee, tea, fruit juice, lipstick, and grass stains. But the benefits of Tide laundry detergent do not end here... In addition to its cleaning properties, Tide PODS also takes care of your clothes, gently enhancing their color. As a result, your bright clothes will look brand-new even after numerous washings. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that this detergent works perfectly for all temperature modes, all colors, almost all fabrics, though, it's not advisable to use Tide pacs for woolen clothes, because of its active ingredients, enzymes. Tide completely dissolves in water, leaving no residues or stains on laundry and can be used both for conventional and highly efficient washing machines. Pacs of Tide PODS are very simple in use; all you have to do is toss a pack or two in a drum, add laundry, and start your washer. Note that 1 pac is enough for small loads, while 2 laundry pacs are recommended for medium and large loads, and if you have an extra large machine and want to load it full, use 3 pacs for extra large loads. Needless to say, Tide PODS detergent is quite a cost-effective product for laundry washing. Judge for yourself, you will never overspend it, since three chambers contain just the right amount of liquid. Never before were laundry sessions so effective and simple!

Interesting Fact

Do you know that the well-known expression "a soap opera" appeared thanks to detergents and soap? Earlier, operas were broadcast not on TV but on the radio. During 1920-1930 the radio became extremely popular and such companies as Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and Lever Brothers didn't miss a chance to sponsor some radio programs including operas. Their products were advertised just during opera broadcast and this is where the expression "soap operas" came from. 

More Products to Consider

Consider getting Downy Unstopables Fresh In-Wash Scent Booster Fabric Enhancer to give your clothes the scent of freshness.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $19.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01BUNHFQM

VIDEO

Aromatherapy

Gain Flings Moonlight Breeze is a laundry detergent that can not only easily and efficiently clean your clothes but also provide you with a feeling of freshness and comfort due to its fantastic moonlight breeze scent. Gain Flings Moonlight Breeze comes in convenient gel capsules that include the detergent itself, stain-fighting power of oxi boost, and the odor-fighting freshness of febreze. Due to this composition, you will always get well-laundered clothes full of fantastically sweet and lush flavor. The pods ensure there will be no mess around your washing machine, and you won't have to measure the detergent. Just drop one pac in for a small load or two for large loads and go. There will be no liquid left at the end of the cycle, and your clothing will come out perfectly clean. Note that the pac quickly dissolves in water of any temperature, while its active formula washes the laundry carefully, without any harm even to a very soft fabric. Really, Gain removes stains literally from any fabric, except for leather. It is equally effective for bright and light-colored stuff. Overall, Gain laundry detergent is ideal for everyday washings of any complexity. Be quick, sales might end soon!

"Money Laundering"

In the 1930s, washing machines were accomplices of Italian Mafia. This is when the expression "money laundering" came to use. However, it was widely used after the Watergate scandal in 1973. And only in 1982, the expression was added to a legal terminology of the US dictionaries. But the historical roots of this expression still go to the 30s, when American gangsters legalized cash, obtained by illegal means, through the laundry system. The scheme was pretty simple. The money went through the accounts as the payments for some services like "laundering clothes". 

More Products to Consider

To give your clothes a wonderful scent, we advise you to buy Gain Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster - Moonlight Breeze.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01C307U7A

VIDEO

In Suit with Nature

Earth Friendly Products Ecos are an exception to the rule as they produce absolutely ecological household products. Needless to say, Ecos Liquid Laundry Detergent is 100% natural household cleaner that was made of only plant-based and non-toxic ingredients. To be more precise, it is chlorine-free, enzyme-free, phosphate-free, borine-free, dye-free, cocamide DEA-free, and free of petroleum ingredients. As for efficiency, the lack of all sorts of harmful additives in no way impacts their performance, Ecos laundry detergent cleans to the most exacting standards, quickly removing greasy stains and ground-in dirt. Yet, it is absolutely gentle on fabrics and due to the included coconut softener, it works amazingly even for soft and static-free clothes. Plus! Being very efficient, this earth friendly natural laundry detergent is still a great money saver as it's ultra concentrated and requires only 1 ounce per HE load. The capacity of one bottle is enough for 100 medium laundries or 50 extra large loads. The bonus? You get 2 bottles with an amazing lavender scent in one pack! 

Tough on dirt and kind to clothes!

 

The Evolution of Washing Machine

Engineers from all over the world needed about 100 years to create the washing machine we use today. Let's trace the path of its evolution.

  • The first washing "machine" was just the washboard invented in 1797.
  • In 1851, James King patented the first washing machine with a drum. However, the drum was hand-powered.
  • Hamilton Smith patented the first rotary washer in 1858. 
  • In 1874, an American William Blackstone invented the machine that washed away dirt from clothes and could be used at home. It was a birthday present for his wife. 
  • In 1906, some inventors managed to connect the drum to the electric motor. But only in 1908, the first electric-powered washing machine was introduced in Chicago, Illinois. It was called the Thor, mighty Thor.
  • Since that time the washing machine has been improved a lot and nowadays, modern washers even have access to the Internet, which makes it possible to program it from the other side of the world.

More Products to Consider

If the laundry is heavily soiled with tough dirt such as coffee, blood, grease, you may additionally use Finish All in 1 Powerball for the best results!

Last updated price $27.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B004OUTAFI

Cares of You and Your Laundry

Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is the #1 choice among the US customers! It is a somehow unique liquid laundry detergent since its main task is to take care not only of your clothes but of your health as well. Puracy is a safe fragrance-free laundry detergent developed by doctors and made from plants and natural minerals. In its composition, you won't find phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals, chlorine, animal by-products, dyes, perfumes, and allergens. Thus, it's the best choice for allergy sufferers or those with sensitive skin. It's not strange that mothers worldwide choose this detergent for baby's clothes as Puracy liquid is gentle to fabric and skin. Powered by 3 Plant-Based Enzymes, Puracy provides maximum comfort and softness. What makes this detergent a more attractive option for most customers is that it combines the cleaning properties of two washing agents. On the one hand, Puracy dislodges stains, eliminates odors and removes residues, on the other hand, it is a perfect softener leaving your laundry naturally soft and fresh. With all this, the laundry detergent is the most concentrated laundry detergent on the market, thus, is very economical: one small load takes just 0.25 oz or 2 pumps. So, if you do the laundry twice a week, one bottle will last for 11 months. Agree, only a few detergents can boast such efficiency. The Puracy natural laundry detergent is ideal for cleaning absolutely all kinds of fabrics and shows excellent results when cleaning coffee, blood, oil, tomato stains. A great deal!

Interesting Fact

If you have worn your dress for 1-2 times, you should wash it. This is because of the fact that light electrolyzed fabric pulls dust particles, and the ability of synthetic fibers to absorb skin secretion leads to rapid contamination of the inner surface. And here are some tips on how often you should wash your clothes:

  • Workout clothes. We advise you to wash your workout T-shirts, shorts, bras, socks after every wear. And don't forget about a gym bag, it's better to wash it once a month. 
  • Office clothes. Suits can last for 4-5 wears and button-down shirts - for 3-4. 
  • Off-duty clothes. Sweaters and pants need to go in the wash after 4-5 wears. T-shirts and Sweatshirts can stand 1-2 wears. Jeans are workhorses of any wardrobe and need occasional washes. 
  • Private stuff. It goes without saying that you need to wash your underwear and undershirt after every wear. As for pajamas, they can withstand 4-5 wears.

More Products to Consider

You can also buy a dishwasher detergent from the same brand, Puracy Natural Liquid Dish Soap - Sulfate-Free - THE BEST Dishwashing Detergent - 4th Generation Formula - Extra Suds - Will not Dry Your Hands Out - Quick Rinsing.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $12.91
Stock In stock
ASIN B00NGLIZSE

The Best Stain-Fighting Detergent

If you need the maximum cleaning power removing the toughest stains and ground-in dirt, you should definitely choose Tide Mountain Spring HE Turbo Powder laundry detergent. This powder can effectively cope with such dirt as oil, wine, coffee, blood, crayon, egg, gravy, mud, mascara, cola, grape juice, tea, etc. Even if the fabric got dirty 7 days ago, Tide high-efficiency laundry detergent can remove all the stains without any problems, regardless of water temperature. Such a cleaning power is provided by the addition of Acti-Lift crystals which consist of a cleaning polymer (to break up and lift dry stains), cleaning enzymes (to deep clean), and a whiteness booster (to brighten fabrics). Due to such a perfect formula, no spot can resist Tide detergent. We would like to stress that liquid detergents are considered to be more effective fighting greasy stains, while powdered detergents are better at removing dirt, mud, and other soils. A mind-boggling fact is that 1 dose of Tide laundry detergent in quick cycle equals 6 doses of the liquid detergents in a normal cycle. So you will surely appreciate this money-saving powder detergent designed for 68 load cycles. In other words, having bought Tide Mountain Spring HE powder, you can forget about buying laundry detergents for at least two months!

Interesting Fact

Two Spanish inventors, Eduard Segura and Andres Diaz, try to raise interest among consumers with their innovative automatic washing machine for pets. The device, called Lavakan, was designed for washing, rinsing and drying dogs and cats of any sizes. Its operation is very simple: firstly, you choose the size and breed of your pet on a display, then put your pet in a special cabin where he/she is splashed with water and shampoo! Thereafter, the dirty water flows down through a drain hose just like in all conventional washing machines. The inventors assure that pets behave themselves even more relaxed than when they are washed in a bath. The Lavakan saves time, electricity, shampoo, water, and manpower.

More Products to Consider

To make your clothes and linen not only clean but also soft, nice and pleasant to touch, get one of the laundry softeners we've picked for you.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $29.67
Stock In stock
ASIN B009XRKWIG

What is a Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is an indispensable household product used worldwide. It is the laundry detergent that we should thank for clean clothes every day. A good detergent not only removes all stains from clothes but also extends their life. Detergents are available as powders, liquids, and single-use packs, that's why you should select the one that will work its best for your washing machine. The right detergent will be able to remove all the stains, brighten your clothes and even soften them.

In order to maintain seamless functioning of your dishwasher, it's important to regularly clean it with dishwasher detergents.

What Features to Compare

Type and Use

Identical at first glance, detergents vary in their type and purpose. By type, they may be either liquid (gel), powder or single-use liquid packs. Liquid laundry detergents have a gel structure, and mostly are very concentrated for economical consumption, while powders have a classic structure and are maximally active at high temperatures. The majority of powders do an excellent job fighting the toughest grease stains. As for gel pacs, they easily dissolve both in cold and hot water and their main advantages are efficiency and ease of use.  As a rule, pacs consist of 3 separate chambers with different cleaning solutions, for example, detergent itself, softener and stain remover, and all you have to do is toss this all-in-one solution in a drum before you add clothes. Easy breezy! But old habits die hard, so many people still prefer using time-proven powders.  

All laundry solutions can be divided into universal and specific. The former can be used for virtually any fabric except for wool and silk, whereas the latter are intended for one specific fabric only.

Practicality

Developing special formulas, all manufacturers try to achieve the best results. That's why lots of modern laundry solutions combine multiple actions. For instance, a laundry detergent may boast refreshing, softening, or brightening abilities. Taking these features into account, you can buy a wonderful one-bottle solution that will meet all your expectations. Consumption and dosage also affect practicality, and here the liquid detergents are absolute efficiency winners due to their concentration and ability to dissolve fast.

Safety

Modern detergents MUSTN'T contain harmful components such as phosphates which were used for water softening. Not only the environment but also a human body are subjected to its harmful impact.

One more rather harmful component is aggressive surfactants in their pure form, therefore it is advisable to choose more secure nonionic surfactants, the main advantage of which is a beneficial effect on our skin and 100% biodegradability. Keep in mind that nonionic surfactants show low foaming abilities.

Yet, in recent years, instead of non-ionic surfactants, manufacturers are using A-surfactants. An absolutely safe detergent should contain no more than 7% A-surfactants.

Sources:

1. Matthew Steen How to choose the best washing powder or liquid, choice. April 20, 2016.

2. Choosing the right laundry detergent, Yellow Pages.

3. Mary Marlowe Leverette How to Choose a Laundry Detergent, About. July 13, 2016.

4. Adam Dachis Does It Matter What Laundry Detergent I Use? Lifehacker. August 13, 2013.

5. 3 Tips for Washing Your Premium Dress Shirts, Real Men Real Style.

6. Thorin Klosowski How Often You Should Wash Your Clothes, According to Science, Lifehacker. February 10, 2015.

7. Mary Bellis History of Washing Machines, About.

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