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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Some laundry detergents excel at removing tough stains, while others are better at keeping clothes looking bright or tackling everyday dirt. And with liquids, packs, powders, and detergent sheets all competing for space on store shelves, choosing the best formula for your needs can be surprisingly complicated.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Tide Hygienic Clean Power Pods
- Best overall liquid: Tide Original Laundry Detergent
- Best value: all Sensitive Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Best refillable: Cleancult Laundry Detergent Eco Refill
We’ve tested hundreds of detergents over the years in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Each year, we evaluate dozens of formulas by staining cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics with 20 common stains, including blood and ballpoint pen ink. We wash them in warm and cold water, then measure how much of each stain remains to determine an overall cleaning score. These are the detergents that stood out in our testing.
Best Deal
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
Good Housekeeping Seal star Tide Hygienic Clean is formulated to penetrate fibers and break down and remove oils you may not be able to see. It also helps brighten clothes without bleach, making it safe for colorful loads.
To see how it performed, we met with the manufacturer and used UV lighting to reveal residue left behind after washing. Tide Hygienic Clean left garments looking cleaner than those washed with regular detergent, and in at-home tests, white T-shirts and bedding came out noticeably whiter. Each jumbo Power Pod contains as much cleaning ingredients as two regular Pods and did an impressive job removing stains from our Lab swatches. We recommend it for families with large, frequent loads and households with athletes. If you typically wash smaller loads, opt for Tide's regular-size Pods.
| Type | Packs |
| Number of loads per tub | 63 |
| Cost per load | 43 cents |
Pros
- Works well on a variety of stains and in cold water
- Fresh scent
- Works in all types of machines
Cons
- Contains dyes and fragrances
Tide’s liquid detergent was the top overall performer in our Lab tests, earning strong scores across a wide range of stains and wash conditions. It excelled at removing oil, gravy, chocolate syrup, coffee, blood, and ketchup, and outperformed many competitors on tougher stains like grass and spaghetti sauce. We were particularly impressed by how well it performed in cold water, where it continued to tackle grease and protein-based stains.
The concentrated formula works in both high-efficiency and standard machines, including front- and top-loaders. Testers also liked its familiar fresh scent and wide availability. Keep in mind that it contains dyes and fragrances, which may bother some people with sensitivities.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Liquid |
| Number of loads per tub | 64 |
| Cost per load | 20 cents |
Pros
- Removes allergens
- EPA Safer Choice certified
- Has a pleasant scent
Cons
- Scent is too strong for some
Made without dyes and with EPA Safer Choice-certified ingredients, all Sensitive Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent lets you enjoy fresh-smelling laundry without some ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin, though some testers found the fragrance too strong. It also had the lowest cost per load on our list.
The Good Housekeeping Seal star performed well in our stain-removal tests, tackling set-in stains like crayon, mascara, and ketchup—even in cold water. It can also help remove common allergens and irritants, including pollen and dog and cat dander, from fabrics. It’s available in packs, too, if that’s your preferred format.
| Type | Liquid |
| Number of loads per bottle | 110 |
| Cost per load | 19 cents |
Pros
- Refill cartons are recyclable
- Almost entirely removed stains from our test fabrics
- Comes in five scents
Cons
- Carton does not include a dosing cap
Cleancult’s laundry detergent was a top performer in our test of 28 detergents and eight stain removers, erasing nearly every stain from our test fabric. It comes in five pleasant scents, plus an unscented option, and the paper-based cartons are recyclable. One tester also noted that “a little bit really goes a long way” compared with their usual detergent.
About a tablespoon is enough for even a large load, although the carton doesn’t come with a dosing cap, so you’ll need to measure it another way. At about 20 cents per regular load, Cleancult costs about the same as many other top-performing liquid detergents.
| Type | Liquid |
| Number of loads per carton | 64 |
| Cost per load | 20 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 by its cleaning power. In our latest round of testing, it earned the highest stain-removal score among the 28 detergents we evaluated, particularly excelling at removing chocolate syrup, lipstick, and wine.
Consumer testers liked it, too, although a few said they weren’t sure they’d keep using it, because it’s not widely available where they typically shop. AspenClean’s laundry detergent pods 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 | 47 cents |
Pros
- Helps prevent fading
- Smooths fibers and reduces pilling
- Works well on lightly-soiled clothing
Cons
- Won't tackle tough stains as well as others
To keep your favorite black tops and jeans from fading to gray, wash them inside out in cold water with a color-preserving detergent like Woolite All Darks. Its targeted formula helps remove color-fading ions from the wash water, smooths rough fibers, and reduces pilling.
The neutral formula gently removes light everyday soils and is a GH Cleaning Lab favorite for cleaning and protecting delicate fabrics and dark colors from the wear of washing. For heavily soiled clothes or tough stains, though, you’ll want a stronger stain-fighting detergent.
| Type | Liquid |
| Number of loads per bottle | 66 |
| Cost per load | 50 cents |
Pros
- Removes stains well
- Gentle on delicate skin
- Comes in multiple formulas to use as babies grow
Cons
- Formula contains fragrance
Dreft is a longtime favorite for parents, because it’s designed to clean tough baby stains without leaving irritating residues behind. Its formula contains enzymes that target protein-based messes like formula and poop, while the beloved Baby Fresh scent leaves clothes smelling clean. The brand also offers a Stage 2 formula for when your baby starts getting more active.
In GH Cleaning Lab tests, Dreft removed stains as well as traditional detergents. It’s hypoallergenic, too, making it a good choice for washing everything from onesies to cloth diapers. If your baby has especially sensitive skin, though, consider a fragrance-free, plant-based detergent.
| Type | Liquid |
| Number of loads per bottle | 32 |
| Cost per load | 68 cents |
Pros
- Portable yet highly effective
- Can double as an air freshener
- Plastic-free design and packaging
Cons
- Scent is very strong
Tide evo is a Good Housekeeping Seal holder and performed comparably to our best overall liquid detergent. As the first laundry tile on the market, it offers the portability of a sheet with the cleaning power of a liquid or pod. The pre-measured tiles are easy to toss into a resealable plastic bag for travel, and one GH staffer brings a few along on every trip.
The cardboard box means there’s no plastic bottle to pack or recycle, although you’ll want to keep the tiles protected from moisture. The Original scent is quite strong—enough to freshen a drawer or small closet—but there’s a Free & Gentle version without fragrance or dyes for those who prefer it.
| Type | Tile |
| Number of loads per container | 42 |
| Cost per load | 47 cents |
How we test laundry detergents
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & 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.
We use a tool called a Digi-Eye (pictured) to measure 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 for the best laundry detergents
✔️ Formula: Liquid, powder, packs or sheets? Choose the format that best fits your lifestyle. If you use a high-efficiency machine, look for a detergent labeled HE. Most modern detergents work in both HE and traditional machines, but check the label. Packs and sheets can generally be used in front- and top-loading machines, but it's important to follow the package directions for placement.
✔️ Load size and frequency: If you regularly wash kids’ clothes, have a puppy, or live with athletes, choose a detergent with strong stain-fighting power.
✔️ Fabrics: Check the label to make sure the detergent is safe for the fabrics you wash. Even ingredients generally considered color-safe, like oxygen bleach, may not be recommended if a garment’s care label says “no bleach.”
✔️ Scent: Most brands offer scented and unscented options. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, choose unscented. Otherwise, pick the scent you like best. Detergents under the same brand typically perform similarly across scents.
What type of laundry detergent cleans best?
Liquid, powder, and packs generally clean better than detergent sheets, but each format has its strengths.
✔️ 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, and grass, making them great for sports uniforms and gardening clothes. Some powders may not dissolve completely in cold water washes, leading to unwanted residue settling 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 at the end of the cycle. Use too little, and your clothes won't get clean.
✔️ Single-dose packs are very convenient, because they are pre-measured, but on average, they do cost a little more. One pack is usually sufficient for average-size loads, and two packs are recommended for large or heavily soiled loads. While a single pack may be too much for very small loads, don't try to break it.
✔️ Sheets and swatches are the newest innovation in the market. Concentrated laundry detergent is packed into thin sheets, eliminating plastic packaging and taking 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.
How to save money on laundry detergent
To save money on laundry detergent, focus on cost per load, not the sticker price. Divide the detergent’s price by the number of loads listed on the package to calculate cost per load (CPL). And always follow the recommended dosing, since using too much detergent increases your cost and can leave residue on clothes.
In general, liquids and powders cost less per load than packs and sheets. If you’re shopping on a budget, look for sales and compare cost per load across sizes and brands to find the best value.
How much detergent should I use?
Follow the dosage on the label. Using too much can cause excess suds and leave residue on clothes, while using too little may not clean effectively. Most detergents call for more product for large or heavily soiled loads, so adjust the amount as directed for your load size and water hardness.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté is the former director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab and is a consumer products pro with more than 45 years of experience. With a background in textiles and years of testing laundry detergents and appliances, she knows all the secrets to safe stain removal.
Contributing writer Alice Garbarini Hurley has written about home, food, health, and style for more than 40 years for Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Coastal Living, Brain & Life, and other magazines. Her first paying job with a real paycheck (the first one totaled $17.76) was at a laundromat and dry cleaner in the New Jersey suburbs.
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