The Best Laundry Detergents in 2023, According to Our In-Depth Testing

Discover the best products for the freshest laundry

Choosing a laundry detergent isn’t an easy task. How do you find one that removes stains from clothes, works in cold water, is gentle on skin, and leaves a lovely odor at the same time?

And most of us want to whiten our whites and brighten colors without damaging the fabric. So it’s a lot to think about for something you use all the time.

Luckily, we’ve trialed and researched loads of products to see how they perform. Keep reading to discover the best laundry detergents on the market right now.

A great laundry detergent leaves your clothes feeling fresh while also tackling stains. And that’s exactly what we found with this Persil Proclean.

It’s packed with enzymes to boost stain-fighting power, so we could literally throw our messiest clothes in the machine and let the detergent get to work.

Grass stains on our favorite jeans? It wasn’t a problem for us.

We also tested it at low temperatures. And this liquid detergent got deep into the fibers to remove most stains. And best of all, it cut through odors and left our laundry smelling super fresh.

Get ready to enjoy bright whites, crisp colors, and fresh-smelling laundry. Those stubborn stains won’t know what’s hit them!

Pros

Gets Rid of Blood and Other Protein Stains

Blood stains are famously tricky to get out of fabrics. But the Persil Proclean manages heavily soiled loads with ease.

Users love how easy it is to restore their clothes back to their fresh state with a simple wash. No need to worry when your dog cuts their paw and leaves its favorite blanket peppered with bright red stains.

Clothes Feel Soft

We love when our clothes feel soft against our skin, and that’s how Persil Proclean leaves fabrics. Whether it’s the comforter from your bed or your fluffiest bathroom towel, it’s like wrapping yourself in a cloud.

Fresh, Natural Scent

Persil has a lovely natural and light scent. It’s so refreshing and much nicer than the smell of chemicals you get with other detergents.

You can pick the level of scent you prefer, as there’s an intense range or even a fragrance-free detergent if you wish.

Cons

The Bottle Leaks

Leaking is always a risk with liquid laundry detergent, and some users experienced issues with this. It’s mainly an issue when it’s delivered, so check the package when you receive it.

Read Full Review: Tide Pods Liquid Laundry Detergent Pacs Review

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Is there any better feeling than popping on freshly washed clothes that look as good as they smell? In our tests, we were seriously impressed with the performance of these Tide Pods.

Colors look bright and crisp, and the smell is amazing. The whole kitchen was perfumed with the Spring Meadow scent as items were left to air dry.

Tough stains disappear in warm water without the need for expensive hot washes. And they’re super simple to use.

There’s no need to measure out liquid or scoops of powder. Chuck a pod or two into your washing machine and you’re done.

Pros

You Can’t Use Too Much

Since the pods contain a pre-measured dose of detergent, you can’t put too much in by accident. So you don’t waste money by over-using, or leave your clothes clogged down with residue

The Packaging is Safe

Ok, some people find the packaging a little tricky to open. But that’s good! It means it’s a safe choice if you have children or pets in your home.

You Don’t Need to Pre-Treat Most Stains

The stain removal power of Tide pods is strong. The detergent removes stubborn stains in one wash without them needing special attention.

You may sometimes find pre-treating stains is necessary if you’ve got something like an oil stain, but this isn’t a regular occurrence.

Cons

The Pods Don’t Dissolve

Some users had issues with the actual pod not dissolving and found the casing stuck on their dried clothes. Make sure you follow the instructions to avoid this.

Finding the right powder laundry detergents for sensitive skin isn’t always easy. So let us introduce you to this skin and environment-friendly option.

It uses natural ingredients, but don’t let this fool you into thinking it won’t handle tough stains. Because Molly’s Suds still packs impressive cleaning power.

It just happens to be kind to sensitive skin at the same time as leaving your laundry clean and fresh. And it’s safe to use on most delicate fabrics seeing as there aren’t any harsh chemicals or fragrances.

This mega pack handles up to 120 laundry loads, so you won’t run out anytime soon.

Pros

It’s Cruelty-Free

Users love this eco-friendly detergent that is 100% cruelty-free. It’s kind to the planet and all the creatures living on it, so you can enjoy clean clothes and peace of mind.

It Clears Mold and Mildew Smells

So many of us suffer from musty smells in our washing machines, but this powder detergent helps to get rid of them. So your machine leaves laundry feeling and smelling cleaner without the need for whipping out the chlorine bleach for some mold removal.

Works Well for Eczema Sufferers

If sensitive skin is an issue in your home, it’s worth keeping a stash of this in the laundry room. Loads of reviewers say this is one of the best laundry detergents for people with eczema thanks to the natural ingredients.

Cons

Not the Best for Grease Stains

While Molly’s Suds does leave clothes clean, some users had issues with removing body oil and greasy stains. It’s not easy to remove them with the powder alone, so you may find you have to add an extra splash of stain removal solution.

Laundry detergents aren’t always cheap, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get decent results. This Kirkland detergent combines great performance with a purse-friendly price tag.

Each bottle handles a whopping 120 washes, so you can take on more stains than ever before. And seeing as it’s one of the least expensive detergents, it’s worth keeping a bottle to hand.

Especially if you like your clothes to have a lovely light fragrance to them. The fresh scent wraps into fabrics, giving off a delicate perfume that smells like spring flowers.

It’s one to consider if you’re budget-conscious but don’t want to lose out on cleaning power.

Pros

Gentle on Sensitive Skin

If you struggle with skin irritation, this detergent is a good pick. Loads of reviewers like how the gentle formula doesn’t aggravate sensitive skin.

That said, if you’ve had reactions in the past then make sure you trial a small or medium load first to see how you get on.

No Compromise on Quality

Cheap doesn’t have to mean poor quality! The Kirkland range is still effective at removing dirt while allowing shoppers to save a bit of money.

If you’ve got a busy home with a washing machine that never seems to stop, you know how important it is to strike the right balance between cost and quality!

The Smell Isn’t Overpowering

We rate liquid laundry detergents that leave a beautiful fragrance without assaulting your nostrils. And that’s a balance that Kirkland has got right.

The Scent lingers on clothes in a way that leaves them smelling fresh without taking over the whole room.

Cons

Works Best With a Fabric Softener

If rough fibers aren’t your bag, it’s worth looking at getting some fabric softener to go with your Kirkland detergent. Some users were disappointed by the lack of softness when using the regular detergent on its own.

When life gets messy, you need a detergent to take on the toughest stains. You know the ones, where you think it’s easier to just throw the shirt away and start again? Not any more thanks to Tide’s heavy-duty liquid.

It’s specially formulated to squeeze in between fibers, and it really does remove embedded stains. And not just visible stains, like the drips of salad dressing from a messy lunch.

We were impressed with how Tide washed away hidden dirt, too. Things like body oil and other marks that only show up under a UV light.

And it’s even available as Power Pods if you want a more convenient stain fighter.

Pros

Users Love It

With over 13,000 positive reviews, you know Tide products stand the test of time. Some people have used them for over 30 years!

Effective Stain Removal in Cold Water

If you’ve got delicate fabrics that you need to wash in cold water, I’ve got some great news for you. Users love how Tide is effective at removing tough stains when used with a cold wash.

No Dull Colors

With all the dyes and perfumes in liquid detergents these days, it’s easy for clothes to dull after a few washes. But it seems people stick to using Tide because it doesn’t cause colors to fade.

Cons

One of the More Expensive Detergents

The price tag for Tide is a little higher than most detergents, so it’s not ideal if you’re on a budget. But it does give you bright colors while removing dirt, so lots of users think it’s money well spent.

If you find yourself longing for that fresh garden smell you get with line-dried linen, then Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is just what the Dr. ordered.

Infused with essential oils and a honeysuckle scent, it felt like it brought sunshine to our homes.

The concentrated formula may smell sweet, but it still packs a punch on dirty laundry. As it tumbled through our washing machine, it left clothes smelling fresh while also removing stains.

Red wine on your favorite pants? No problem. Body oil making your shirt feel grimy? Consider it done.

Swap the stains for sweet smells with one of our favorite plant-based detergents.

Pros

You Don’t Need to Use Much

Reviewers loved how easily this removed stains without needing to use loads of detergent. With liquids, even the best detergents are easy to over-pour and use too much. So it’s best to start small and build up the quantity if you need to.

You Can Pick Your Favorite Scent

We’re focusing on the Honeysuckle scent, but there are other fragrances to choose from. All of them take inspiration from the garden, so look out for things like Basil and Lemon Verbena.

It’s Plant-Based

More and more people are choosing plant-based products over their chemical counterparts. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also entirely cruelty-free! No bunnies were harmed in the washing of these clothes.

Cons

Lingering Musty Smell

It seems some people experienced a musty smell from their washing machines and clothes after using this. Make sure clothes are fully dry before hanging them in your closet, and wipe the rubber seal around the machine after each use.

Newborn babies are so cute and precious, you want to do everything you can to protect their sensitive skin. And Dreft liquid detergents are designed to do just that.

The hypoallergenic formula is super gentle, so clothes feel soft and clean without causing irritation. Plus, they’re left with a gentle floral smell that makes babies even more snuggable!

And seeing as babies somehow magic up more washing than any adult, the cap makes it easy to measure how much you need without any faff.

For extra peace of mind, it’s one of the laundry detergents recommended by pediatricians and Pampers. So wash away without fear.

Pros

Clothes Keep Their Smell

Clothes don’t always keep that freshly-washed smell for long, which is disappointing. But the Dreft scent stays put, making the closet and dresser smell beautiful!

It’s Gentle

Babies need gentle products, and Dreft is free from added chlorine, dyes, and phosphates. So it’s suitable for the most sensitive skin.

You Can Get Different Types

The regular detergent is ideal for newborns, but you can get Dreft to suit different ages and stains. At the point of weaning? Try the food stain removal product. Or swap over to a plant-based formula if you love eco-friendly detergents.

Cons

Different Scent

The newer formula has a different smell, which some users don’t like as much. It’s more floral than the older baby powder scent and isn’t as gentle on the nose.

Read Full Review: Method Concentrated Laundry Detergent Review

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Why choose between awesome smelling clothes and eco-friendly detergent when you can have both? Method has found the sweet spot that gives you the best of both worlds.

And by sweet spot, we’re not just talking about the incredible range of scents they have available. We’re also talking about what a great stain fighter it is.

Sure, the fragrances transported our minds around the globe, but the detergent also left our clothes clean. It passed all of our stain removal tests with flying colors.

But if you are faced with a particularly stubborn stain, you can up the cleaning power with the stain remover from their impressive range of products.

Pros

The Best Range of Smells

There are seven delightful scents to choose from with Method detergents. And each one sounds more tropical than the last!

If you prefer fragrance-free detergents, the Free + Clear isn’t loaded with any smell at all.

Pretty Packaging

Not only does the detergent work well, but it looks good too. Users love how appealing Method looks in their home thanks to the modern packaging and range of pretty colors.

It’s a Green Product

If you want to steer away from harsh chemicals and focus more on “green” products, Method is one to try. Loads of users love the natural element of this detergent.

And as an added bonus, you don’t need to use much for a medium load, so one bottle goes a long way.

Cons

Leaky Lid

Not everything has come up smelling roses for Method, with the leaky lid coming top of the grumbles list. The detergent itself is a thick liquid, so a lot of it lingers in the lid and drips down the bottle.

What to Look For in a Laundry Detergent

Before we go too far, let’s run through some of the main things you should consider when choosing a laundry detergent.

Our Laundry Detergents Testing Process

We put detergents through some vigorous testing to bring you the very best products on the market. So here’s what we do.

Firstly, we check out the labels to make sure all the required information is on there. Think safety labels, directions, and how easy it is to find all the details.

We then put the detergents to use in our homes and trial a mix of stains. Mud, coffee, and greasy fingerprints are just a few we go through! And these are on various garments, like towels, bedding, and clothes.

We wash swatches using differing amounts of detergent based on how soiled it is. And then air dry them rather than tumble drying.

After all of this, we think about how easy the detergent is to dispense, how well it cleans, and how items feel afterward. We then compile all of this together to bring you our very favorite products!