Best Laundry Detergent of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Laundry detergent is an essential cleaning product in every household. It is designed to remove dirt, stains, and odors from clothing and other fabrics. There are different types of laundry detergents available on the market, including powder, liquid, and pods. Powder detergents are the oldest and most traditional form of laundry detergent. Liquid detergents are more convenient to use and often come in a variety of scents. Pods are the newest innovation in laundry detergent and offer a pre-measured amount of detergent for easy and convenient use. Whatever type of laundry detergent one chooses, it is important to follow the instructions on the label for best results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent Cover #TOP 1
Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent Original Scent Cover #TOP 2
Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent Original Scent
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Arm & Hammer Clean Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent Cover #TOP 3
Arm & Hammer Clean Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Laundry Detergent

#TOP 1

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent

033200975816
Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent Cover
Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 128 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 166.5 Fl oz

The Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent cleans 128 medium loads when used as directed. This HE laundry detergent fights tough odors, blasts away stains, and boosts freshness leaving your clothes looking and smelling their best. The laundry stain remover contains OxiClean Stain Fighters that force out stubborn stains and nasty odors such as food, grass, and grease. With trusted ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and an odor fighter, this laundry detergent is formulated to deeply clean clothes and deliver lasting freshness. The Odor Blasters feature fights tough smells like body odor, sweat, and musty towels and leaves clothes with a lasting Fresh Burst scent.

What We Like
Pleasant scent
Effective stain removal
Long-lasting bottle
Gentle on clothes
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Heavy bottle
Strong fragrance for some
#TOP 2

Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent Original Scent

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Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent Original Scent Cover
Gain + Aroma Boost Laundry Detergent Liquid, Original Scent, 107 Loads, 154 fl oz, HE Compatible Laundry Soap with Febreze and Oxi, Gain Laundry Detergent, Liquid Laundry Detergent

Gain Laundry Detergent, with its Original Scent, not only cleans effectively but also leaves your clothes smelling great for up to 6 weeks. This detergent is compatible with all washing machines, even those using cold water. Additionally, it is advised to keep it out of reach of children for safety. Enjoy the convenience of a fresh-smelling laundry that lasts from wash to wear with Gain Laundry Detergent.

What We Like
Long-lasting fresh scent
Effective stain removal
Cost-effective size
Compact and sturdy container
Odor defense technology
What We Don't Like
Can be a bit strong for some
Price has increased recently
#TOP 3

Arm & Hammer Clean Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent

033200975823
Arm & Hammer Clean Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent Cover
Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, 170 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 170 Fl oz

Arm & Hammer Clean Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent is a concentrated HE detergent that cleans 170 medium loads with 2X powerful stain fighters, blended with baking soda, and a just-washed clean fragrance. Its clean-rinsing, low-sudsing formula won't block HE machine sensors, making it an effective choice for both standard and HE washers.

What We Like
Effective stain removal
Fresh, pleasant scent
Gentle on sensitive skin
Long-lasting value
Affordable price

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

80740240
Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent Cover
Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Liquid, HE Compatible, 100 Loads, 132 fl oz, Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin, Tide Laundry Detergent, Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent is a high-quality liquid laundry detergent that offers a deeper clean while being gentle on your skin. It is dermatologist recommended and free of dyes and perfumes, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitive skin. With its deep cleaning power, this detergent is able to remove tough stains and dirt, leaving your clothes fresh and clean. The gentle formula ensures that your clothes stay soft and comfortable, without any irritation. The convenient measuring cap allows you to easily determine the right amount of detergent for your load size, ensuring optimal cleaning performance. Overall, Tide Free & Gentle Detergent is a reliable choice for achieving a thorough clean without compromising on skin sensitivity.

What We Like
Effective stain removal
Hypoallergenic and gentle
Free of dyes and perfumes
Eco-friendly formula
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to other options
Available in limited sizes
#TOP 5

Tide Simply Clean & Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent, Berry Blossom

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Tide Simply Clean & Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent, Berry Blossom Cover
Tide Simply Clean & Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent, Berry Blossom Scent, 89 loads, 117 fl oz

Tide Berry Blossom Detergent offers 2X the power of baking soda to tackle 99% of common stains and odors like food, grass, and wine. With a concentrated formula, you get more cleaning agents and less water, saving money. It works effectively in all machines and water conditions, making it versatile. Additionally, it helps in cleaning musty towels and stained clothes using cold water, ensuring a lasting fresh clean with a pleasant Berry Blossom scent.

What We Like
Effective stain removal
Fresh, pleasant scent
Affordable price point
Long-lasting formula
What We Don't Like
Occasional cap measurement issues
Possible leakage during shipping

Dapple Baby Lavender Laundry Detergent

DLDetLav2x50oz
Dapple Baby Lavender Laundry Detergent Cover
Baby Laundry Detergent by Dapple Baby, Concentrated & Hypoallergenic, Powered by Plants, Stain Removing Natural Ingredients, Lavender, 50 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)

Dapple Baby Detergent is a lavender-scented laundry solution designed specifically for your little one’s messes. It effectively tackles tough stains like spit-up, diaper leaks, and food spills, making laundry day easier for you. Being plant-powered and hypoallergenic, it is gentle on sensitive skin, ensuring your baby stays comfortable. This detergent is safe for both standard and high-efficiency machines, providing flexibility for your laundry needs. Plus, with natural lavender essential oil, you can enjoy a lovely scent without any synthetic additives.

What We Like
Effective for sensitive skin
Unscented, clean formula
Concentrated, lasts a long time
Safe for baby clothes
High-quality ingredients
What We Don't Like
Packaging can be difficult to open
#TOP 7

Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Original, 100 loads, 146 fl oz, HE Compatible

80740247
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Original, 100 loads, 146 fl oz, HE Compatible Cover
Tide Laundry Detergent Liquid, Original Scent, HE Compatible, 100 Loads, 132 fl oz, Tide Laundry Detergent, Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tide Liquid Detergent is America's #1 detergent brand that offers deep cleaning and fresh scent. With its powerful formula, Tide Liquid Detergent can clean, freshen, whiten, and brighten your clothes to make them look new again. Its Original Scent is infused to provide you the fragrance you love. This detergent is also HE compatible, which means it is safe to use in high-efficiency washing machines. Tide Liquid Detergent is perfect for those who want to keep their clothes clean and fresh without compromising quality and convenience.

What We Like
Effective stain removal
Fresh and invigorating scent
Concentrated formula
Cost-effective large size
Reliable cleaning power
What We Don't Like
Container size varies
Possible confusion on load count
#TOP 8

Tide Simply Liquid Laundry Detergent

30772120712
Tide Simply Liquid Laundry Detergent Cover
Tide Simply Liquid Laundry Detergent, Refreshing Breeze, 168 oz, 128 Loads, Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Laundry Soap

Tide Laundry Detergent is a powerful cleaning solution that effectively tackles 99% of common stains and odors like food, grass, and wine. Its concentrated formula ensures more cleaning agents in every drop, providing an affordable clean for your toughest clothes. You can save money by using it with cold water to clean musty towels and stained clothes. The Refreshing Breeze scent leaves your laundry smelling fresh and fights tough odors like sweat and mustiness. Compatible with all machines, including HE washers, it offers a convenient solution for all your laundry needs.

What We Like
Powerful cleaning performance
Affordable price point
Fresh, pleasant scent
Easy to use
Eco-friendly formulation
#TOP 9

Tide Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap

037000752646
Blue
Tide Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Cover
Tide Ultra Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, HE Compatible, 59 Loads, 84 fl oz, Tide Laundry Detergent, Laundry Detergent Liquid

Tide Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap is a high-efficiency liquid laundry detergent that provides 59 loads in a 92 fl oz bottle. It includes built-in pre-treaters that help remove even the toughest stains, and the more concentrated formula has more cleaning agents and less water in every drop. The cap measures the perfect amount of detergent for medium, large, or HE full loads. Additionally, it helps tackle tough set-in odors.

What We Like
Powerful stain removal
Fresh scent
HE-compatible
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to alternatives
May require more detergent for tough stains
#TOP 10

Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry 105oz Perfume & Dye Free dual HE

033200002673
Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry 105oz Perfume & Dye Free dual HE Cover
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, 105 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 105 Fl oz

Arm & Hammer Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic detergent that is gentle on sensitive skin while being tough on stains and odors. With no perfumes or preservatives, this dye-free detergent is certified 100% by SkinSAFE, making it worry-free for those with skin allergies. This HE detergent is formulated with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda to deeply clean clothes while being gentle on skin. The concentrated formula contains 2X powerful stain fighters in every load versus leading value detergent, making it effective and efficient. One 105 fl oz bottle cleans 105 medium loads, providing convenience and savings.

What We Like
Effective for sensitive skin
Free from dyes and perfumes
Good cleaning power
Cost-effective option
Concentrated formula
What We Don't Like
Large bottle may require storage
Potential fishy smell noted
Buying Guide Image

Choose the Best Laundry Detergent for Your Needs

The Importance of Choosing the Right Laundry Detergent

When it comes to doing laundry, choosing the right detergent can make all the difference. Not only can it affect the cleanliness of your clothing, but it can also have an impact on the health of your skin and the environment. So, how do you choose the best laundry detergent for your needs? Here are some tips to consider:

Determine Your Laundry Needs

Before you start shopping for detergent, it's important to think about your laundry needs. Do you have a lot of heavily soiled items that require extra cleaning power? Do you have sensitive skin that requires a hypoallergenic detergent? Do you want to use an eco-friendly option that is biodegradable and safe for the environment? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your options and find the best detergent for your specific needs.

Consider the Type of Detergent

There are several types of laundry detergents to choose from, including liquid, powder, and pods. Each type has its own pros and cons, so it's important to consider which one will work best for you.

Liquid detergents are easy to measure and can be added directly to the washer. They are also less likely to leave behind residue on clothes. However, they can be more expensive and may not be as effective at removing stains as powder detergents.

Powder detergents are generally more affordable and effective at removing stains, but they can be more difficult to measure and may leave behind residue on clothes if not dissolved properly.

Pods, or detergent tablets, are convenient and easy to use. They also tend to be more expensive and may not be as effective at removing stains as other types of detergents.

Look for the Right Ingredients

In addition to considering the type of detergent, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients. Some common ingredients to look for include enzymes, which help break down stains, and surfactants, which help lift dirt and oil from fabrics. You may also want to look for detergents that contain brighteners, which can help improve the appearance of clothes, and fragrances, which can leave clothes smelling fresh and clean.

It's also a good idea to avoid detergents that contain harsh chemicals, such as phosphates, which can be harmful to the environment and may cause skin irritation. Instead, opt for natural ingredients like plant-based oils and enzymes, which can be just as effective at cleaning and are better for both your skin and the environment.

Read the Label

Before making a purchase, be sure to read the label on the detergent bottle or box. This will give you important information about the ingredients, recommended usage, and any special instructions or warnings. It will also tell you how much detergent to use based on the size of your load and the water hardness in your area.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Ultimately, the best laundry detergent for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Don't be afraid to try out different brands and types of detergents to see what works best for you. Just be sure to follow the recommended usage guidelines and pay attention to any adverse reactions or issues you may experience. With a little bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect detergent for your laundry needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What not to use laundry detergent?

It is best to avoid laundry detergents that contain nonylphenol ethoxylate, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), phosphates, dyes, optical brighteners, 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, and chlorine bleach. These ingredients can be harmful to the environment and may cause skin irritation or other health issues.

2. Does it really matter what laundry detergent you use?

The choice of laundry detergent is largely a matter of personal preference. The difference between different brands and types of detergent is often superficial, such as scent. It is suggested that you can choose the cheapest detergent that meets your needs.

3. Is liquid or powder detergent better?

Both liquid and powder detergents are effective for laundry. Powder detergent may offer a lower cost per load and is packaged in recyclable cardboard. Liquid detergent, on the other hand, can be directly applied to clothes as a pretreatment for tough stains without the need to mix with water.

4. Is any detergent okay to wash lead out of clothes?

To wash lead out of clothes, it is recommended to use a general detergent that contains surfactants. Additionally, using a phosphate-rich detergent can help ensure that no lead particles are left in the machine, which could potentially contaminate other clothes.

5. Why you shouldn't use a lot of laundry detergent?

Using too much laundry detergent can result in excessive suds, which may not effectively pick up dirt and can interfere with the washing process. The excess suds can lead the machine's sensors to detect the wash as clean, prematurely ending the cycle and potentially leaving stains on clothes.

Editor's Notes

During our laundry detergent research, we found 24 laundry detergent products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,006,622 customer reviews through our big data system to write the laundry detergent list. We found that most customers choose laundry detergent with an average price of $18.10.

The laundry detergent are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of laundry detergent, including Arm & Hammer, Gain, Tide, Dapple. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Laundry Detergent Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Arm & Hammer Gain Arm & Hammer Tide Tide Dapple Tide Tide Tide Arm & Hammer
Item Form Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Scent Fresh Burst Original Clean Burst Free & Gentle Floral, Spring/Floral Lavender Original Floral, Other Original Unscented
Unit Count 166.5 Fluid Ounces 154.0 Fluid Ounces 170.0 Fluid Ounces 132.0 Fluid Ounces 117.0 Fluid Ounces 50.0 Fluid Ounces 132.0 Fluid Ounces 168.0 Fluid Ounces 84.0 Fluid Ounces 105.0 Fluid Ounces
Material Type Free Phosphate Free, Ammonia Free, Bleach Free, Aluminum Free Phosphate Free Phosphate Free, Ammonia Free, Bleach Free, Aluminum Free Dye Free, hypoallergenic - - Phosphate Free - Phosphate Free No Fragrance Added, Dye Free, Hypoallergenic, Bleach Free
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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