The Best Laundry Detergents, According to Rigorous Testing
These top-tested formulas can remove stains and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
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The laundry cycle never stops. One day your towels and socks are clean and then bam, it's time to wash, rinse and repeat again. The detergent market is golden, soaking up more than $97 billion globally per year. That's a lot of bubbles at (often) champagne prices, and the choices can be dizzying. To find the best, we sorted through liquids, packs, powder and newer detergent sheets; brands in different formulations; and packaging and claims designed to draw the eye. Trust us, we know from decades of extensive testing that no product is a complete miracle worker and that doing laundry the right way matters. No one wants to throw money down the drain.
Laundry detergent is one of the biggest categories we test in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. We evaluate dozens of brands and formulas every year. Almost all claim to be new and improved with better-than-ever performance and cleaning power, so we put them through a battery of tough tests here and in real homes like yours. After staining cotton, polyester and blended fabrics with 20 common, hard-to-remove stains like blood and ballpoint pen ink, we wash the swatches in each detergent on both warm and cold water cycles. After air-drying, every stain is graded for removal when viewed under standard lighting and with a spectrophotometer, and we calculate an overall score for each detergent.
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These are our top selections to tackle every mess and for every load, based on your needs and our testing.
Pros
- Cleans dirt you can't see
- Jumbo pods handle large loads
- Whitens without bleach
Cons
- Pod size may be too large for very small loads
Even when your clothing and bedding look fresh and clean, body oils and stains may still be trapped deep within the fibers. That's where Good Housekeeping Seal star Tide Hygienic Clean can go to work. It's formulated to better penetrate fibers and dissolve and remove body oils you might not be able to see. It also helps brighten clothes without bleach, so it's safe for even the brightest colors.
To prove its performance, we had a consultation with the manufacturer. UV lighting revealed that Tide Hygienic Clean left garments cleaner than regular detergent. In at-home tests, white T-shirts and bedding washed in this detergent emerged whiter than usual. Each jumbo Power Pod contains as many cleaning ingredients as two regular Pods and did an impressive job zapping stains from our Lab swatches. We recommend this for families with frequent large loads of laundry — and athletes in the house. For smaller washday loads, get Tide's regular-sized pods.
Type: Packs | Number of loads per tub: 63 | Cost per load: 43 cents
Persil Advanced Clean Oxi + Odor Power
Pros
- Contains whitening ingredients
- Persil products perform well in Lab testing
Cons
- Some Amazon reviews found the scent strong
Persil liquid products consistently perform well in our testing. One laundry detergent (now out of stock) topped our stain removal tests. It did the best job erasing stains from all of our swatches in cold water. The formula totally chased coffee and beaten egg yolk from all fabrics in all water temperatures. We feel confident the Advanced Clean detergent will be able to handle dirty loads of laundry because it contains oxy ingredients that help with whitening and stain removal.
This detergent also holds the Amazon's Choice badge with a 4.8-star rating across more than 3,000 reviews. Satisfied shoppers raved about the fresh scent and appreciated how little goes a long way. One five-star review even noted, "I rarely need additives for heavy soil or odor, and don’t have to use fabric softener." Caveat: If you prefer a formula with a light scent, this may not be the one for you. Some Amazon reviews noted a strong scent on freshly washed laundry.
Type: Liquid | Number of loads per tub: 82 | Cost per load: 31 cents
Tide Plus Bleach Powder Laundry Detergent
Pros
- Formula contains whiteners and color brighteners
Cons
- The powder clumps from moisture
Powder detergents have been around for decades, and after years of testing, we find they work just as well, if not better, than many liquid detergents. This powder from Seal-holder Tide cleaned our cotton test swatches just as well in cold water as it did in warm. Tide+ with Bleach contains a color-safe bleach and an activating ingredient to help get and keep whites and colors bright. It's safe for washable fabrics and vivid hues because it doesn't contain chlorine bleach. The powder dissolved and worked in both traditional and high-efficiency washing machines in our tests. Like other powder formulas, store it in a dry area. Moisture can cause clumping.
Type: Powder | Number of loads per box: 89 | Cost per load: 26 cents
Krikland Signature Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent
Pros
- Low cost per load
- Works well in cold water
Cons
- Requires Costco membership to buy at a lower price
- Takes up a lot of space
This hard-working detergent comes at a great value, and like most items from Costco, it's big. In our recent laundry test, it tied for first place in getting the most stains out of polyester in cold water. It also did much better than most at removing tea (surprisingly stubborn!) from both cotton and polyester fabric swatches. Lay the extra-large 1.5-gallon jug on its side to dispense liquid into the measuring cap. Note that the detergent is around $15 less expensive when you buy from Costco, but you will need a membership at the retailer.
Type: Liquid | Number of loads per bottle: 146 | Cost per load: 23 cents
Pros
- Refill cartons are recyclable
- Stylish refillable glass bottle
- Almost entirely removed stains from our test fabrics
Cons
- Cap on refillable bottle can get messy
Cleancult’s refillable laundry detergent is a great performer, and the eco-conscious refillable glass bottle helps curb plastic waste. The paper-based refill cartons are recyclable. The detergent itself was a top performer in our test of 28 laundry detergents and eight stain removers. It almost completely erased all but one stain on our test fabric. It comes in two pleasant scents (plus unscented) and has clear dosage instructions. One tester said, “A little bit really goes a long way compared to my current detergent.” An online user added, "It works even on previously laundered greasy stains. A tablespoon works well on even a large load.
"We found the measurement lines in the bottle's cap a bit hard to decipher. Be sure to rinse the cap after each load to avoid messy drips on the glass. At about 33 cents per regular load, Cleancult is on par with many other liquid detergents on the market, and the automatic refill option saves about 2 cents per load.
Type: Liquid | Number of loads per carton: 64 | Cost per load: 16 cents
Pros
- Only detergent sheet that earned a good rating on spaghetti sauce stains
- No measuring required
Cons
- Pricier per load than other liquid, pack and sheet detergents
Lightweight, compact laundry detergent sheets are convenient for plane and road trips and don't take up much storage space at home. Plus, they're usually single-dose — just toss one in, no messy measuring. When we tested 24 of the most popular detergent sheet brands, EC30 came in first for both stain removal and restoring fabric whiteness. These were the only detergent sheets in our test that even came close to the results we saw with traditional laundry detergent packs.
Use one sheet for a regular load and two for large or heavily soiled loads. Although these were the slowest to dissolve in our Lab tests, they didn't leave any residue on the laundry loads we washed. These sheets cost a lot more per load than any other laundry detergent on this list, but if you subscribe to receive them automatically for one, two or three months, you save about 10 cents per sheet.
Type: Sheet | Number of loads per box: 30 | Cost per load: 97 cents
Pros
- Completely removed chocolate syrup and wine stains from our test swatches
- Removed lipstick stains better than other detergents
- Unscented
Cons
- Not available at many local retailers
When we first tested AspenClean’s liquid laundry detergent years ago, we were impressed with its cleaning performance. When we retested it, the formula earned the highest stain removal score out of the 28 brands we tested, especially nabbing chocolate syrup, lipstick and wine stains.
Our consumer testers liked it too, though a few noted that while they would like to continue to use this detergent in their homes, they didn't know if they would because it is not widely available at their usual shopping outlets. The laundry detergent pods from the brand also performed well in our Lab tests and earned a spot in our guide to the best eco-friendly laundry detergents.
Type: Liquid | Number of loads per bottle: 64 | Cost per load: 45 cents
Persil ProClean Discs Laundry Detergent Pacs + Oxi
Pros
- Removes stains without pretreating
- Well-priced
Cons
- Tub was a bit difficult to open when new
A laundry category winner in a previous round of our Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning Awards, Persil ProClean Discs + Oxi scored a top spot in our tests. They performed well on our Lab-stained swatches and were a favorite with our consumer panel too. One tester said the product removed dried berry and grass stains without pretreating, and another said she was switching to Persil from her regular brand. The colorful discs dissolve easily in all temperatures and the oxi ingredient is safe for colors and whites. In our testing, we found the tub is a bit difficult to open the first time, which is great for keeping children safe but not the most convenient design for adults.
Type: Packs | Number of loads per tub: 38 | Cost per load: 34 cents
Pros
- Removes allergens
- EPA Safer Choice certified
- Has a pleasant scent
- Comes as single-dose packs
Cons
- Scent is too strong for some
Made without dyes and made with EPA Safer Choice certified ingredients, all Sensitive Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent builds on the gentle reputation of traditional all Free Clear but with the addition of a Spring Breeze fresh scent. Now, those with sensitive skin don't have to give up the scent. all found a way to formulate its fragrance so its non-irritating to skin.
This new Good Housekeeping Seal star did a good job in our stain removal tests, erasing set-in stains like crayon, mascara and ketchup even in cold water. For those who prefer the convenience of packs, its available in that form too. Plus, we reviewed data to support that it removes common allergens and irritants, like pollen and dog and cat dander, from fabrics. And while the scent is pleasing to most consumers, some Amazon reviewers found it a bit overpowering.
Type: Liquid | Number of medium loads per bottle: 110 | Cost per load: 18 cents
Caldrea Laundry Detergent
Pros
- Comes in five beautiful scents
- Contains natural essential oils
- Brand has good cleaning power
Cons
- Label doesn't list number of loads
We've tested a range of Caldrea products and love the exotic fragrances and cleaning performance in the Lab. The Countertop Spray Cleaner recently won a 2023 Best Cleaning and Organizing Award, following the line's winning Linen & Room Spray and Dish Soap (in this same Sea Salt Neroli scent). We found the products left a subtle but lingering scent behind.
While we haven’t done a formal stain removal test on this detergent, it has earned hundreds of customer raves online. One five-star Amazon reviewer said, "The product is very high-quality. A little bit cleans quite a bit and will last me a long time." Another consumer said, "It's the best-smelling laundry soap I have ever used and I'm really picky. This smells very clean, not perfumy." The formulas contain essential oils and contain plant-based and readily biodegradable cleaning ingredients.
Type: Liquid | Number of loads per bottle: 32 | Cost per load: 75 cents
Woolite All Darks Laundry Detergent
Pros
- Works for delicate and sturdy fabrics
- Well-priced for special garment care
Cons
- Won't tackle tough stains as well as others
To prevent your favorite black tops and jeans from fading to gray after just a few washes, wash them inside out in cold water with a color-preserving detergent like Woolite All Darks. Its targeted formula pulls color-fading ions from the wash water, smooths rough fibers and helps prevent pilling. At just 24 cents per regular load, it's less expensive than other brands we've tested.
The neutral formula removes light everyday soils from all fabrics and is a GH Cleaning Lab favorite for cleaning and protecting delicate fabrics and dark colors from the abrasive effects of washing. For heavily soiled clothing and items with lots of stains, you may need a stronger stain-fighting formula.
Type: Liquid | Number of loads per bottle: 66 | Cost per load: 24 cents
Pros
- Removes stains well
- Gentle on delicate skin
- Comes in multiple formulas to use as babies grow
Cons
- Formula contains fragrance
Babies' skin is sensitive but their laundry stains can be tough. New parents look for detergents that clean well but don't leave harsh residues behind, and Dreft is a long-time favorite. It contains enzymes to remove protein stains like formula (or poop!). The rest of the family will also like the beloved "Baby Fresh" scent that Dreft delivers. The brand even launched a sister detergent to this Stage 1 formula for when your new bundle gets more active.
In GH Cleaning Lab tests, Dreft cleaned and erased stains as well as traditional detergents did. And the cleaner clothes are, the less irritating they will be to a baby's soft, delicate skin. Dreft is hypoallergenic, so no skin-irritating residues will remain on those onesies or cloth diapers. If your child's skin is super sensitive, consider a plant-based, fragrance-free detergent.
Type: Liquid | Number of loads per bottle: 32 | Cost per load: 31 cents
How we test laundry detergents
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we are in a nearly constant cycle of evaluating detergent brands and formulas. Brands reformulate again and again, and we keep up. Since our last review of 47 detergents, we’ve tested 24 detergent sheets, strips and swatches from 20 different brands. We washed 336 pounds of laundry, applied 480 stains and spent over 48 hours running our Lab’s identical washing machines for fair testing.
For our 2023 Good Housekeeping Cleaning & Organizing Awards, we also tested another 37 detergents and stain removers, applying and grading 333 stains. For every new detergent we test, we first review the labeling for clear, accurate directions and dosages and whether it has safety precautions required by law based on ingredients.
If we can't test a claim in the Lab, we ask the manufacturers to supply us with support documentation to review. We apply a battery of 20 carefully measured stains (including grease, coffee, red wine and more) to white cotton and polyester woven and knit fabrics and allow the stains to set for 24 hours before washing them. In one test, we applied and rated over 2,500 stains!
The next day, we wash the swatches in top- and front-loading machines in hot, warm and cold water cycles with 7 to 8 pounds of additional laundry (towels, T-shirts, sheets and pillowcases) to simulate an at-home load. We add the amount of detergent recommended on the label for a heavily soiled load. When the machine stops, we remove the swatch and allow it to air-dry. Then, in a special dark grading room, under standard industry lighting, we grade the removal of each of the 20 stains on an industry scale of one to five (one is no removal and five is complete removal)
We use a tool called a Digi-Eye (pictured) that measures the reflectance of any remaining stain and then we calculate a soil removal score. We review how neat and easy the detergent is to dispense, the amount of suds it produces and if it leaves any noticeable residue behind on our test loads or in our machines. All of these factors go into earning a spot on our best-washed list.
What to look for when shopping
Most detergents are fine for white clothes, dark clothes, bedding, towels and most other garments, but consider these factors before choosing a brand.
✔️ Formula: Liquid, powder, packs or sheets? Select the most convenient for you and your lifestyle. Do you walk blocks to the laundromat and can't take a heavy bottle? Do you try to use products that reduce plastic waste? All washing machines now have liquid and powder detergent dispensers and some new ones accommodate individual detergent packs. Most single packs and sheets can be used in front and top loaders. Place in an empty tub before the laundry goes in or wherever the directions recommend. For high-efficiency washing machines, be sure to select a detergent labeled HE. Most of today’s detergents are formulated for use in both high-efficiency and traditional washers but check the label to be sure.
✔️ Load sizes and frequency: If you are training a puppy, doing loads of children's wash or living with a family of soccer players, get a brand with good stain-fighting power.
✔️ Fabrics you wash: Read the product label carefully to see if the detergent (including a single pack or sheet) could damage garments. Even an ingredient like oxi bleach, generally considered safe for most fabrics and colors, may not be recommended if a clothing care label says “No bleach.”
✔️ Scent: Most brands come in multiple scents and unscented formulas. Allergy sufferers and those with sensitivities to strong fragrances generally choose unscented, while other consumers love a lingering product scent, a "baby" fragrance or another signature smell. Scent options under the same brand umbrella usually perform the same as long as all other ingredients (except fragrance) remain the same.
What type of laundry detergent cleans best?
Read on to see if you should pick a liquid, powder, pack or laundry detergent sheet.
✔️ Powder detergent was the first kind, and it's typically more cost-friendly per load than liquids and single packs. Powders tend to perform well on outdoor stains like mud, clay or grass, so they're great for sports uniforms and gardening clothes. Some powders may not dissolve completely in cold water washes and as a result, unwanted residue can settle on clothing.
✔️ Liquid detergent is especially good for oil and grease stains. It can double as a spot pre-treater. But be sure to use the suggested amount, following the measuring cap lines. Too much will cause over-sudsing and the soap may not rinse out when the cycle is over. Use too little, and your clothes won't get clean.
✔️ Single-dose packs are very convenient because they are pre-measured but on average do cost a little more. One pack is usually right for average-size loads and two packs are suggested for large or heavily soiled loads. While a single pack may be too much for very small loads, don't try breaking the pack.
✔️ Sheets and swatches are the newest innovation in the market. Concentrated laundry detergent is packed into thin sheets, which eliminates plastic packaging and takes the guesswork out of how much detergent to use in a regular load (one sheet). But they can be tricky to figure out for other load sizes. Most of the sheets we tested did not come close to the performance of liquid, pack and powder detergents. But the sheets do tuck easily into luggage and can be broken apart for hand-washed loads.
Safety Note: Store single-use laundry packets in their original containers and away from children and pets to avoid the risk of ingesting the product or using it for anything other than laundry. We don't recommend placing packs in unmarked decorative jars to leave on display, and we don't stand by single-dose liquid detergents unless they are sold in child-resistant packaging with safe storage and use directions.
How to save money on laundry detergent
Saving money on laundry detergent is tougher as prices soar. It's supply and demand, and we all want clean, fresh laundry. Our best performers here range from $10 sticker price (the cost of one bottle of Dreft Newborn Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent) to $31 (Tide Hygienic Clean Power Pods Free). But that doesn't reflect the bottom line, your cost per load (CPL).
The number of loads is usually listed on the label. The bigger the bottle, the more loads you generally get, but only if you follow the measuring lines on the cap that the manufacturer recommends. (The scant suggested amount usually hovers between 0.65 and 1.5 liquid ounces. For reference, a tablespoon holds a half-ounce.) To calculate CPL (Amazon often lists it), divide the price of the detergent by the number of loads listed on the package. Keep in mind that the number of loads on the package is based on the amount recommended for a medium load. If you frequently wash large loads, you'll use more detergent, and your cost per load will be higher.
In general, liquids and powders cost less per load than packs and sheets. If you prefer to budget a flat amount of money, such as $10 or under, shop sales. Supermarkets and retail pharmacy chains often discount smaller bottles but still, check CPL for the real value.
How much detergent should I use?
Start with the recommended dosage on the label. Brands formulate their products differently, so the amount one requires to get the wash clean may not be adequate for another. Adding more is almost as bad as adding less, our pros have found. Too much might cause over-sudsing and lead to residue that clings to fabric.
Most manufacturers suggest one amount for medium or regular loads and more for large or heavily soiled loads. A medium load means dry clothes fill the tub halfway; a large load fills 3/4 of the tub and an extra-large load hits the top but still allows items to move freely. Add more for extra-large and extra-dirty loads or if your water is especially hard.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Alice Garbarini Hurley has been a lifestyle and consumer writer since a pizza parlor taste test for the Dumont High School Periscope. She wrote about prom dresses and mascara at Seventeen, then about everything that matters at Good Housekeeping as a senior lifestyle writer for 10 years and as a GH freelancer for 10 more. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Coastal Living and InStyle. She has published essays and has blogged at Truth and Beauty since 2010. Writing keeps Alice calm and focused while raising a teenage girl. She loves bluebells and daffodils, Cape Cod, accessories, cream in her coffee and reading cookbooks cover to cover.
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