The 9 Best Laundry Detergents of 2024, Tested and Reviewed (2024)

A good laundry detergent should leave your items odor- and stain-free, but not every formula is created equally. So to be more efficient on laundry day, you'll need a reliable detergent that actually cleans your clothes, bedding, towels, and more.

“The most important factor in laundry detergent is the surfactant, as it is the component responsible for getting things clean. You’ll usually find anionic and non-ionic surfactants in laundry detergent,” says Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning expert at Two Maids. “To supercharge the benefits of your laundry detergent, you can add ½ cup of baking soda to your load to brighten whites and colors.”

We acquired 29 popular laundry detergents, including pods, powders, liquids, and sheets, and put them to the test in the Des Moines lab. Over days of rigorous testing, we evaluated each on effectiveness, scent, ease of use, value, and the feel of the clothing post-wash.

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent for its fresh scent, effective cleaning and stain-removing power, and affordable price point. We loved how our laundry felt and smelled after washing, and how easy it was to measure and use this detergent.

Our Testing Process

We tested 29 different laundry detergents and evaluated them on effectiveness, scent, ease of use, and more. To test the detergent's ability to get rid of stains, we stained four different pieces of clothing, including a cotton T-shirt, an athletic polyester T-shirt, a terry cloth towel, and a linen napkin.

We added various stains to each garment to see if the detergents could remove them. On the cotton T-shirt we added jojoba oil, chocolate, wine, and foundation. For the gray athletic polyester T-shirt we swapped out the foundation for chlorophyll. For the terry cloth towel, we stained it with foundation, mud, and chlorophyll, and for the linen napkin we used chocolate, wine, and spaghetti sauce.

We cleaned these dirty garments with the amount of detergent specified by the manufacturer. After they were cleaned we assessed the state of the stains as well as the texture of the garments, including whether they felt soft and fluffy or stiff.

We also noticed if there was a lingering smell of the detergent on the clothes and assessed separately if the smell of the laundry detergent on its own was pleasant. We took all of this into account to come up with the best laundry detergents.

How to Shop for Laundry Detergents Like a Pro

Type

There are plenty of types of laundry detergents on the market, but the most common are powders, liquids, and pods.

• Pods: Powders and liquids require measuring out the detergent for each cycle, whereas pods come in pre-portioned packs that take the guesswork out of how you use them. “Pods are a great, convenient option for families,” says Cohoon. While undeniably efficient, pods are typically the most expensive type of detergent—though their concentrated formula and single-use packs can make your purchase last longer. Another downside is that pods tend to use the most plastic packaging, so if you’re doing laundry with sustainability in mind we suggest another type of detergent.
• Powders: Powder detergents are typically cheaper than liquid or pod detergents—and with impressive results on stained or soiled clothing, this type of detergent can give you the most bang for your buck. You can also tailor the amount of powder you use depending on the load, with less chance of mess than with liquid detergents. The main drawback of powder detergents is that they have to fully dissolve with water to prevent any residue from clinging to your laundry. Depending on the brand, the powder might not dissolve with a cold water cycle, so check the label before you run your delicates.
• Liquids: Unlike powder and pod detergents, liquid detergents are already dissolved, so you can worry less about any residue on your just-washed laundry. While this is a benefit, it also makes liquid detergent the messiest of all three types, especially when you factor in the task of measuring it in the cap. Liquid detergent can also easily double as a pre-treatment on any stains or messes, making it a uniquely multi-use product. “For laundry I prefer a clear, gentle liquid detergent to avoid any staining or discoloration,” says Cohoon.

Formula

If you are sensitive to harsh cleaning ingredients, it might be a good idea to opt for a natural laundry detergent. “I look for detergents that have mild ingredients and nothing too harsh that will damage fabrics or irritate skin,” says Cohoon. “When shopping for detergent I keep an eye out for enzymes and surfactants since these are the ones doing the dirty work. I also look out for any harsh chemicals like bleach and steer clear of detergents that are overly watered down, as that can make them less effective.”

Natural formulas tend to use enzymes instead of harsh chemicals to clean fabrics, which are naturally occurring in the body and less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Luckily, there are lots of eco-friendly and gentle formulas on the market today, like the Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pods, which we recommend for those with sensitive skin. For more options, check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s database of EWG-verified detergents.

Scent

Some laundry detergents come in a variety of scents so that your clothes can smell incredible post-wash. Some brands derive their scents from natural flowers, herbs, and even citrus fruits. But if you are sensitive to fragrance, consider looking for an unscented laundry detergent, like the All Free Clear Laundry Detergent.

More Laundry Detergents to Consider

Ecos Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets: These sheets are ideal for people who want to reduce waste, but we found their lackluster stain-fighting power and high price not worth it.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent: This detergent stands out for being fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and Safer Choice-certified by the EPA. However, all of the stains remained and were clearly visible on our clothing.

Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent: If you like your laundry smelling fresh, get the Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent. The smell was pleasing, but we didn’t like the poor stain treatment.

Questions You Might Ask

How much laundry detergent should you use?

Using too much detergent is one of the most common laundry mistakes. You should always measure detergent rather than pour it directly from the bottle to the machine.

“When it comes to detergent, always follow the instructions on the packaging and don’t overdo it,” says Cohoon. “Too much detergent can leave residue in your machine and on your fabrics that can become a magnet for dirt, not to mention waste money as you’ll need to replace your stash more often!”

For liquid formulas, the amount you should use is typically dictated by the size of the bottle's cap, which brands often use as a measuring cup. Some formulas are more concentrated, so you can use significantly less per load than you'd expect.

For powders, the boxes usually include a scoop that measures out to be around 110 milliliters. Since pods are pre-measured, simply tossing one or two directly in the machine should do the trick. Keep in mind that if you are washing an extra-large load, you may need to increase the amount of detergent.

Does laundry detergent expire?

The short answer is yes, but this doesn't necessarily mean you have to throw out your expired detergents—especially if you've been storing them correctly. The biggest concern about expired detergents is that they might lose some of their effectiveness after their expiration. In general, unopened liquid detergents last about nine months to one year. As for powder detergents, they're fresh until they're exposed to moisture.

Does laundry detergent kill germs?

It might surprise you to learn that laundry detergent doesn't actually kill germs. According to the CDC, washing your clothes with detergent will remove most germs—but for really dirty laundry, like workout clothes, bath towels, or a sick person’s laundry, you might want to add in a sanitizing step to ensure that all bacteria and viruses are removed. If you want that added measure of safety, you can try using a laundry sanitizer.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews writer for Real Simple. We tested 29 laundry detergents in the lab, evaluating them on effectiveness at cleaning and stain removing, scent, ease of use, and overall value. We also spoke to Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning expert at Two Maids, for her expert input on what to look for when shopping for a laundry detergent.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.