A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated Aug. 30, 2024
Have you been using the same detergent forever? It might be time to change things up with these expert-recommended picks for every laundry need and personal preference.
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These days, you can find a laundry detergent that is tailored for every need. There are stain fighters, detergents for sensitive skin, and even scented detergents that basically function like spa-worthy aromatherapy treatments. Then there are liquid and powder detergents, as well as HE detergents and more traditional ones. The bottom line: There are a lot of options out there, and choosing the best laundry detergent isn’t as easy as it may seem.
Of course, first and foremost, you’ll want something that truly gets your clothes clean. You’ll also need to take your specific items into consideration, along with any skin concerns and, of course, your values, notes cleaning expert Melissa Maker, owner of the popular blog Clean My Space. For example, if conserving energy is your main focus, then you’re better off choosing a regular detergent that cleans well in cold water. But if choosing an eco-friendly detergent is more important to you, then be prepared to use more warm water, since, in Maker’s tests, warm water yields better results when using eco-friendly detergents. Similarly, if you have sensitive skin, a fragrance-free detergent is the way to go, according to Elizabeth Mullans, MD, a dermatologist at Uptown Dermatology in Houston.
When it comes to everyday laundry, Maker relies on this hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved detergent. Made without dyes and perfumes, it’s formulated specially for people with sensitive skin. The National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation have even given it their seals of approval. However, it’s anything but gentle on stains and gives your clothes the kind of clean you’ve come to expect from a trusted brand like Tide. Not only that, but this detergent comes in an eco-friendly box that uses 60 percent less plastic than your average laundry detergent bottle.
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Not all clothes are created equal, and some are more delicate than others. Think bras, underwear, lingerie, swimwear, and even athleisure. For these items, Maker recommends keeping one good delicates wash on hand—namely, this powder detergent that’s created with just a handful of plant- and Earth-based ingredients. This gentle detergent rinses clean and doesn’t leave residue. In fact, it will get rid of residue buildup left on your clothes from previous detergents. It’s also septic- and gray-water–safe, soil-tested, and certified cruelty-free. One important note: You’ll need heat to dissolve the powder, according to Maker. That means you’ll want to use this detergent on a warm or hot cycle. Here’s how to hand-wash clothes if you go that route.
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When Consumer Reports rates a product this well, you’d be wise to pay attention. This is one of the best laundry detergents that also happens to be affordable, according to the consumer watchdog, whose experts tested it on everyday stains such as body oil and dirt as well as tougher stains like grass and blood. It received near-perfect scores when it came to removing body oil, dirt, salad dressing, chocolate, and when used to pre-treat stains; it was also determined to be very effective on grass and blood stains. And at just $0.24 per load, it’s definitely the best value.
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This premium liquid detergent also earned a top score on Consumer Reports, and just like Persil ProClean, it got high marks for removing body oil, dirt, grass, and blood stains. The only real difference? Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release performed slightly better when tested with hard water. It’s also a bit more expensive; it can run as high as $0.67 per load. But if cost is not a factor, then this is a great option, especially since it can be found in most stores.
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There are plenty of reasons to dread a trip to the dry cleaner. Apart from the hassle of lugging all of your clothes there and back, there’s the expense and the fact that they might lose your favorite sweater. That’s why Maker recommends having one specialty detergent, like this wool and cashmere shampoo, on hand for your pricier garments or delicates. This specially formulated detergent safely cleans and preserves wool, cashmere, merino, mohair, and other blends. In fact, it does such a great job that tons of reviewers swear it does a better job than the dry cleaner!
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Along with the best laundry detergents, you need something on hand to pre-treat tough stains. Maker recommends this stain remover from Puracy, which is made almost entirely of natural, plant-based ingredients. It contains six plant-derived surfactants and enzymes that dislodge and eradicate stains from just about any type of fabric, from clothes to carpets and even upholstery. And Maker isn’t the only one who thinks that this stain remover is a wonder to behold. One reviewer raves, “This stain remover is the BEST! Better than the harsh brands. It got blood out of a towel immediately without having to soak. I haven’t yet found a stain that it hasn’t worked on.” We’ll take a whole case, please!
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Is there anything worse than when your favorite LBD becomes your old little blackish dress? For bright colors that bleed or when dealing with delicate fabrics, Dr. Mullans recommends washing with cold water, in addition to using the right detergent. This Woolite formulation, which has more than 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, can be used in hot or cold water, and it’s specially formulated for dark clothing. It works by collecting loose color particles from water to prevent accidental bleeding, removing metal ions that cause color change, and smoothing rough fibers to keep clothes from fading. Here’s more on how to choose the right washing machine temperature for your clothes.
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Bleach that’s safe on colors? Yup! That’s because this detergent uses an oxygen-based bleach alternative that will brighten your whites while protecting your colors. It also has six times the cleaning power of its competitors, making it a super-charged stain fighter. Plus, it can clean in half the time! Just one dose of this detergent in the quick wash cycle will do the trick, according to reviewers. By the way, this is how much laundry detergent you should use, in general.
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New parents are obsessive about what they use on their babies, and for good reason—that skin is delicate! They also want to keep harsh chemicals far from their little ones. Dreft is a tried-and-true favorite among both moms and pediatricians because it’s hypoallergenic and specially formulated for newborns. Just how beloved is it? It has more than 28,000 glowing five-star reviews on Amazon. Bonus: As your baby grows, you’ll need something stronger but still gentle. That’s where the Stage 2: Active Baby detergent comes in. It removes tough stains like grass and baby food but is still gentle on skin.
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All Free & Clear is the most-recommended laundry detergent for sensitive skin by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians. It’s hypoallergenic and completely free of dyes and perfumes, which makes it safe for everyone, even babies. It also promises to remove 99 percent of everyday and seasonal allergens, dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, and grass and tree pollen. Plus, it’s safe to use in all washing machines, including HE washers, at any temperature. For really tough stains, you can even rub a small amount of detergent directly onto the stain before washing.
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Some stains are just more stubborn than others. If you need to step your stain fighting up a notch and love the idea of keeping things neat in your laundry room, these Tide pods may be your new favorite things. This detergent actually gets between the fibers to clean clothes at the microscopic level—in fact, one of these power pods is stronger than two regular Tide pods. They’re also safe for use in all washing machines and effective in either hot or cold water. Ninety-one percent of Amazon users who tried these pods gave them five stars, raving that they get rid of blood and other icky stains in one quick wash. One happy customer sums it up simply: “They smell great, clean well, and leave the clothes feeling soft.” Sold!
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Need to tackle musty towels or dirty dog blankets? Whether you’re looking to get rid of tough odors or simply want your laundry to smell good, Dr. Mullans recommends this fresh-scented detergent. Bonus: It’s powered by OxiClean, so it eliminates tough stains, as well. Wondering about other ways to keep your laundry smelling fresh? Proceed with caution, warns Dr. Mullans: “Adding a lot of extra elements to your load of laundry can cause skin irritations. A lot of these products can be filled with chemicals and can easily irritate sensitive skin.”
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Dr. Mullans is a big fan of this affordable detergent for people with sensitive skin. She points out that not only is it specifically formulated for sensitive skin, as well as dermatologist-tested, but it’s also rated 100 percent SkinSAFE since it doesn’t contain the top recognized allergens. Plus, of course, it gets the job done, according to reviewers, who says that it effectively removes both stains and odors for a lot less than other detergents.
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If you’ve been using hot water or sanitize cycles on your washing machine in an effort to sanitize your clothes, stop. According to Maker, hot water ages your clothes. Not only that, but your clothes don’t need to be sanitized on a regular basis. Of course, certain professions or accidents might warrant it, and if that’s the case, Maker suggests using this laundry additive along with your regular detergent. Just add the recommended dose in the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine and it will kill 99.9 percent of bacteria that your detergent leaves behind—including cold and flu viruses and COVID-19. So while this isn’t one of the best laundry detergents, per se, you’ll definitely want it in your cleaning arsenal.
More than 54,000 Amazon reviewers sing its praises, including shopper Stephanie Miles, who writes, “Dear God, please don’t ever stop making this liquid nectar from the heavens! If you have kids, pets, a weakened immune system, or just enjoy having incredibly clean towels, sheets, or clothes, this stuff is the stuff to do it!” Here are more secret ingredients you should be adding to your laundry.
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While pods are super convenient, you might worry about the potential chemicals in them, especially because they’re so concentrated. Not if you use Dropps! These tiny but mighty pods use natural enzymes to fight stains and odors. They’re also fragrance-free, dye-free, phosphate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, meaning they’re safe to use if you have sensitive skin. And let’s talk for a minute about how obsessed people are with them: Reviewers say that these little pods stand up to even the stinkiest, most soiled laundry, and they also adore the pods’ compostable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. They’re also HE-compatible, so you can use them in a variety of washing machines. Before you use them, check out this info on how to use laundry pods the right way.
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Though plant-based detergents are good for the environment, they’re often not as good at getting rid of dirt and germs, says Dr. Mullans. Plus, she adds, many aren’t formulated properly for washing machines. Her solution? Opting for an organic laundry detergent rather than a plant-based one. This non-toxic detergent by GO is made with organic ingredients and doesn’t contain any dyes. It’s also great at penetrating stains and removing dirt, grease, and grime while protecting colors. Of course, even the best laundry detergents will only get you so far. Next, learn how to separate clothing for the cleanest, brightest clothes.
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With so many detergents and formulas to look for, there are a lot of things to think about—the first of which is cleaning power. For a detergent that can obliterate stains and odors, check for labels that indicate effectiveness against specific stains like grass, coffee or wine. From there, you’ll want to focus on formulas built for your specific needs. Looking for something gentle enough for delicate or sensitive skin? Opt for a detergent labeled hypoallergenic or fragrance-free. What about those eco-friendly shoppers? Keep an eye out for biodegradable formulas made with clean ingredients. Read customer reviews once you find a few options that pique your interest.
The Reader’s Digest team is dedicated to finding the best products for every part of life, including your chores. Marisa Hillman, a seasoned journalist specializing in retail and shopping content, curated this list. Not only did we scan the web for well-reviewed, beloved options, but we also interviewed a few professionals to share their expert advice. While Melissa Maker of Clean My Space offered her thoughts on the best detergents, Uptown Dermatology‘s Elizabeth Mullans, MD shared which formulas are skin-friendly, too.
These aren’t your grandmother’s detergents, says Maker, and that’s a good thing. Companies are now formulating them differently as washing machine technology and consumer needs have changed. But, of course, that can make it tricky to figure out what’s truly the best—and also the best for you. To help you sort through the plethora of products on the market, we spoke with cleaning and skin experts, as well as scoured website reviews of detergents with five-star ratings. Just keep in mind that while you might have one overall favorite, you may need to pick up a few different options for your various laundry needs, from your everyday whites to your delicates. Of course, choosing the right detergent is just one part of the equation, so make sure you read our guide on how to do laundry for everything else you need to know.
Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference. While pods offer a lot of mess-free convenience—just pop one in, and you’re good to go!—a liquid detergent gives you more control. (Simply put, you can add more or less based on your load and amount of dirt.) Since both are good options, it boils down to what fits best into your laundry routine and lifestyle.
While laundry pods offer convenience and simplicity, they come with a few potential drawbacks. In addition to being expensive, the plastic around most detergent pods is not recyclable and is ultimately wasteful. Plus, due to their bite-sized construction and colorful design, it can be easy for kids and pets to mistake it as something edible—making accidental ingestion a real and present threat.
While some ingredients are made with harsh, irritating ingredients, a new slew of eco-friendly, skin-friendly formulas are here to make the laundry process much safer. Check out Reader’s Digest‘s list of safe laundry detergent formulas to add to your cart.
Tide and Persil might be tried-and-true brands that have withstood the test of time, but there are so many great options on the market right now. Fortunately, our list has a mix of traditional and emerging brands you’ll love.
Originally Published: September 22, 2021
