We Tested 6 of the Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents—These Are Our Favorites (2024)

Doing a load of laundry doesn’t just clean your clothes, it fills your home with a fresh scent. That’s why picking the best-smelling laundry detergent is key. However, what smells good to you may smell not so great to others, which is why we rounded up the most popular scents and gave our honest opinion (spoiler: we love them all). From clean and simple to herbal and vivacious, there are a lot of detergents out there, so choose wisely because some will last you up to 64 washes.

Plus, our list is well-rounded including options from big brands you’ve used since childhood to new names from overseas. One of our recent tried-and-true favorites is Thrive Market’s brand Rosey boasting a gentle lavender scent that is as luxurious as its retro-looking container. A close second is Tangent Garment Care’s Yuzu detergent which is made in Sweden. Aromas aside, every single bottle on our list is so beautiful that you will probably want to store your pick away in a cabinet or drawer.

So if you’re running low on this laundry essential or simply in the market for something different, consider our recs. Overall, when it comes to the best-smelling laundry detergent on the market, you can’t go wrong with any of these. Don't worry, there's also an all-natural detergent with a soft scent or a bolder option that’s tough on stains. We guarantee your laundry days will never be the same!

Available in a two-ounce bottle or a gallon, The Laundress's best-selling laundry detergent is what started it all. It whitens and brightens, without dulling color. Of course, it also removes stains. Use The Laundress's signature detergent on even your gentlest garments. As for the scent, the creatives behind the brand were going for that "clean laundry smell" and we have to admit that they nailed it.

Mrs. Meyer's has blown up over the last few years. The famed brand sells everything from hand soap to surface cleaning spray, but our favorite product is the liquid laundry detergent. It's biodegradable and infused with essential oils, which explains why it smells so good. It also comes in a variety of scents, but the sweetest has to be the honeysuckle. At the same time, if you're not into fruity vibes, this one may not be for you.

Seventh Generation is an eco-friendly brand. If you're prone to over-loading the detergent tray, you won't have any issues with this easy-dose bottle. Plus, the detergent is a gentle lavender scent that's so light, it's like a perfume for your clothes.

It's not hard to believe that Tide is America’s number-one detergent brand. After all, it came onto the market in 1946! The original scent is a familiar one that smells of, well, fresh laundry. It's a classic, which earns it a spot on our list.

If you're a Thrive Market member, be sure to add a Rosey product to your next shipment! Not only are they all sustainable and chemical-free, but they smell amazing. Our favorite is the lavender, which literally smells like a lavender plant, not a lavender-flavored product.

Fact: This is the trendiest minimalistic bottle of detergent you've ever seen. Tangent Garment Care's detergent is crafted in Sweden using natural ingredients including yuzu—which is where it gets its rich scent.

Any scents made from essential oils tend to last the longest because the oils infuse into fabrics.

Most artificial fragrance certainly won't harm you, but be sure to read the ingredients list because some can be made with known carcinogens. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid artificial fragrances, as they can cause unwanted irritation.

As shopping editors, we are always on the hunt for the best of the best, and when it comes to laundry detergent, we won't settle for anything less than perfect. After all, we use it so frequently, we want to make sure it's above par!