Best Laundry Detergents of 2023

Laundry detergents account for billions of dollars in annual American spending. The majority of consumers will choose a detergent based on how it smells, what features it has, or, let’s be honest, whether it is on sale.

We compared the most popular liquid cleansers to determine which detergent is the best for your badly filthy clothing in order to locate the best laundry detergent. Persil ProClean triumphed in the end. For eliminating stubborn stains, ProClean has the best stain-removing abilities.

We also looked into and evaluated various environmentally friendly laundry detergents, and the results showed that Tide Purclean is the best choice. Plant-based alternatives are a great choice if the chemicals in optical brightening products worry you.

BEST OVERALL

Despite only being available in the United States since the middle of 2015, Persil has long been the most popular laundry detergent in Europe. Across all of our tests, our photospectrometer found that Persil detergents typically removed 2% more spots than Tide detergents.

Even if that change can’t be seen with the naked eye, it does matter after numerous washings, which is how Persil managed to defeat a longtime favorite.

However, Persil is more expensive than Tide, our bargain selection, at the majority of stores. Although there isn’t much of a difference, using Persil ProClean power liquid for a year’s worth of washing can cause it to increase.

Our internal poll and analysis of online comments also reveal that many consumers believe Persil has a “sweet” odor, which could be off-putting. Persil is still the clear victor if stain removal is important.

Pros

• Best stain removal of tested detergents

Cons

• Expensive
• Sweet smell may be a turnoff

BEST VALUE

Sometimes you’re more interested in finding the best value laundry detergent than the very best detergent.

Since its debut in 1946, Tide has been regarded as one of the leading brands in this industry. In our stain-fighting test, this more contemporary formulation lagged slightly behind Persil, but it competed with or outperformed it in every other area.

The Tide that we examined was Tide Original, a high-efficiency laundry detergent. Currently, it is the most popular liquid laundry detergent on Amazon. Not a regular Amazon user? No issue; it’s accessible through almost all major retailers.

By as much as 14%, Tide outcleans rival detergents. Tide is so widely used that the smell of it has permeated every aspect of American culture.

Of all the laundry detergents currently available to Americans, Tide has a reputation for being exceptionally effective at cleaning and provides the best value.

Pros

• Great cleaning power

Cons

• Not great for sensitive skin

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

In our comparison of different sensitive skin detergents, Persil ProClean Sensitive Skin came out on top.

We were not surprised by the results because normal Persil currently retains the top slot in this ranking.

In fact, we like this version’s scent better than the regular ProClean. Thank goodness, there was a very faint aroma when we opened the Sensitive Skin bottle.

We also value the fact that it was designed to function in cold water. Cooks will appreciate that Persil performed best in our tests against red wine and protein stains.

Even while testing indicated that it’s a fantastic cleanser, we did have some reservations about a few of the chemicals.

The use of sodium borate, often known as borax, which can irritate skin, was particularly noteworthy.

Propylene glycol raises some concerns as well because prolonged exposure to it may result in contact dermatitis.

Between the usual selection of laundry detergents and the hypoallergenic ones we’ve been used to for years, Persil Sensitive Skin occupies a middle ground.

In exchange for the product having harsher components than the bulk of free-and-clear detergents, you receive a better clean.

Pros

• Superior stain remover
• Neutral scent

Cons

• Contains known irritants

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY

Our tests on eco-friendly detergents revealed that Tide Purclean removed the most stains and came out on top.

Our tests verified Tide Purclean’s claim that it cleans just as effectively as regular Tide. In fact, it is by far the most effective eco-friendly detergent for cleaning that we tested.

Purclean only contains 75% plant-based ingredients; some of the other substances are petroleum-based. Purclean is now a hybrid detergent as a result.

If you want to clean your clothing while also doing a little bit of good for the environment without sacrificing performance, Purclean is the best choice.

Pros

• Best cleaning eco-friendly detergent
• 75% of ingredients plant-based

Cons

• Higher cost than most other eco-friendly detergents

---

Other Laundry Detergents We Tested

Kirkland and Tide were in a dead heat for our top value pick. In the end, Tide prevailed because it is widely available, whereas Kirkland products are only sold at Costco stores and infrequently online.

Our tests showed that the detergent offers a wonderful compromise between price and effectiveness.

It also has a scent that is fresher and lighter than Tide’s, though you’ll notice that less of it will linger on your clothes after washing than when you use Tide or our top selection.

Compared to Persil and Tide, the Kirkland detergent cleaned stains 6% and 4% less slowly, respectively.

We adored the container’s design; it had a no-mess dispenser. Our impression of the aroma was that it was average.

Pros

• Affordable
• No-mess dispenser

Cons

• Limited availability with best deals available only at Costco

Gain is most well-known for its enticing aroma. Additionally, it does a respectable job of eliminating stains.

Gain had the best aroma and scent retention of all the detergents we tried, with its bouquet strongly translating to our laundry.

Gain outperformed inexpensive detergents, but it fell short of our top picks. It was around 10% less efficient than Persil.

If you’re a normal urbanite who doesn’t get too dirty, Gain will leave you with a more pleasant-smelling washing experience, though.

Pros

• Pleasant scent

Cons

• Weak on stain removal

Because it is inexpensive, Purex is well-liked. According to our testing, this product is an example of getting what you paid for.

In tests for stain removal, it came in second-to-last. We were startled by the results considering that Purex is created by the same company that makes Persil, our top performer.

In terms of price to performance, we believe Purex is a good fit. Anyone on a tight budget looking for an affordable detergent with cleaning power may choose Purex.

Pros

• Affordable

Cons

• Weak on stain removal

The only detergent on our list that isn’t produced by either Henkel (Purex, Persil, and All) or Procter & Gamble is Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, which is made by Church & Dwight.

It is renowned for its inexpensive cost and tied for third place in stain-fighting.

Although this detergent could appear to be a decent buy, we weren’t convinced after using it because of its inferior stain removal capabilities.

It may require several washes before a garment is clean because it doesn’t remove stains as well as the other detergents in this guide.

This detergent also left a strong, lemony smell on the laundry that some people might not like.

Pros

• Affordable

Cons

• Weaker on stain removal
• Sharp citrus smell

The fragrance- and dye-free detergent All Free & Clear tied for third in our cleaning competition.

We noticed that it has a distinct medical smell while being perfume-free, which is a result of the lack of any additional aromas to cover the natural odors of its constituents.

The smell does not, however, contaminate the laundry.

Although the aroma can be an issue if you’re attempting to get rid of an odor from your laundry, this detergent is still a top pick for people who are sensitive to colors and perfumes.

A handful of the perfume-free detergents we tested scarcely cleaned any better than using none at all.

Compared to other perfume-free options, All Free & Clear has proven to be miles ahead.

Additionally, considering that this detergent is intended for a more specialized market of persons with sensitive skin, its cost per load isn’t too bad.

Pros

• Perfume- and dye-free

Cons

• Strong medicinal scent

How We Tested Laundry Detergents

The Tester

The senior lab manager at Reviewed is me, Jon Chan. I’ve probably tested anything you use to clean your house.

I’ve tested dozens of laundry detergents over the years, including environmentally friendly detergents and detergent substitutes.

I’m mainly concerned about cost-effectiveness and stain removal when it comes to detergents.

The Tests

To replicate the messes you would find in the garden or on the soccer field, we uniformly placed grass and soil stains to white T-shirts.

• Step 1: We used manually colored swatches that had been covered in sweat, oil, pig blood, red wine, and chocolate to make sure the testing was fair. The Maytag MVWC565 top-loading washer was used to test every detergent, with warm water and the regular cycle selected.
• Step 2: In addition to the stains that were produced automatically, we also made our own stains. In our testing, we dragged a coworker through some dirt and grass while using tomato sauce, dirt, and fresh red wine!
• Step 3: Standardized loads of laundry were done using our stain samples. Each weighed eight pounds and contained sheets, towels, and pillows. We repeated the method, placing the swatches in specific locations within the washing machine.
• Step 4: We let the swatches dry overnight after putting them through a typical cycle. Then, we utilized a photospectrometer—a tool made to detect color changes—to determine how much of the stain each detergent was able to remove empirically.

How to Choose the Right Laundry Detergent for You

What is the Best Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin?

Manufacturers are not obligated by law to disclose the components of their fragrances.

It might be challenging to determine whether you are allergic to a particular substance. Even items with the label “unscented” can have perfumes in them.

However, businesses like P&G have committed to be more open about the ingredients used to create the fragrances of their products.

If fragrances worry you, check for products with the EPA’s Safe Choice label.

Marketed for persons with sensitive skin, there are a lot of laundry detergents available. They use words like “hypoallergenic” and “free-and-clear.”

Hypoallergenic items, as the name suggests, have less allergens.

How Much Laundry Detergent Should You Use?

Contrary to popular belief, using too much detergent really makes your laundry dirtier.

This occurs because the basic detergent ingredients operate at particular amounts. If those concentrations are too high, unpleasant laundry accidents may happen.

The more detergent you use, the more suds there will be. Modern washing machines have sensors that scan the suds for any traces of filth.

It is assumed that you used the proper amount of detergent when configuring smart washers.

You’ll get too many suds if you use too much detergent. These additional suds won’t remove any filth and will mask the fact that there are still stains to be taken out.

If the sensors only pick up clean suds, the washer will assume the load is finished and end the cycle early.

Additionally, overdosing on detergent can harm your washer. Unwashed detergent condenses as residue within your washing machine.

When detergent is used excessively over time, residue accumulates and finally causes clogs.

In a nutshell: Read the directions on the detergent bottles carefully because they will contain the most helpful advice for the particular detergent you are using.

Beyond that, we suggest never filling the cap for a typical load of washing more than a third of the way. Up to halfway on the cap should work for larger loads.

Does Laundry Detergent Expire?

In the same manner as food expires, laundry detergent does not. Laundry detergents do, however, carry a “best use by” date.

Large amounts of water are present in liquid detergents, however this water can evaporate over time and leave behind a gummy, clumpy mess.

The opposite is true of powder detergent, if moisture gets in, it can turn the detergent into a difficult-to-use rock.

Is Laundry Detergent Toxic?

The short answer is no, but you should be careful. And you should never intentionally ingest laundry detergent.

OSHA has a thorough system for identifying chemical dangers. A variety of chemicals are combined to make laundry detergent.

The majority provide cleaning assistance; others add color and aroma. Some components are toxic if consumed and irritate the skin or eyes. Even in little doses, toxic substances have serious negative effects. Laundry detergents are not harmful by this definition.

Splashes of liquid detergent can sting the skin or eyes, although rinsing takes care of this problem most of the time. The risk of long-term harm is low.

The situation is essentially the same for everyone who has ever gotten soap in their eyes, but laundry detergent is more potent than shampoo or body wash.

“Free-and-clear” typically refers to a lack of dyes and perfumes, which can cause irritation. It also usually means that the detergent lacks any optical brighteners.

We object to the use of optical brighteners because they use a real optical illusion to make clothing appear cleaner without actually removing any stains.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API