If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Cleaning & Organizing Laundry & Linens The 12 Best Laundry Detergents on the Market, According to Experts From powders to pods, these laundry detergents will leave your clothes cleaner. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines and Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a veteran freelance lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Ariz. with over 10 years of experience. She covers home, wellness, beauty, and travel for outlets such as Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Insider, TODAY, Bustle, TripSavvy, The Zoe Report, and others. Whether ruminating about interior design with the influential leaders in the industry, on the ground at NYFW talking trends with beauty and fashion pros, or venturing to a new corner of the world, she’s always eager to report on the latest and greatest. Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 11, 2024 10:40AM EST Photo: Courtesy of Earth Breeze, Attitude, Walmart Laundry detergent is arguably one of the most essential household supplies—we just can't feel clean without it. It'll brighten your clothes, remove pesky stains, and eliminate lingering odors, but to accomplish these laundry tasks, the formula you choose needs to live up to its promises. Considering how many options there are to choose from, a detergent that truly does it all can be hard to find. To help make the decision easier, we asked experts to share their thoughts on the best detergents on the market. From pods and powders to liquids and sheets, these expert-approved options will leave your clothes looking (and feeling!) noticeably cleaner. The Right Way to Use Vinegar in Laundry—and Why You Should 01 of 12 Blue Land Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Tablets Courtesy of Blueland If you’re seeking an eco-friendly laundry detergent that minimizes waste and works like a charm, check out Blue Land’s Laundry Detergent Tablets. “Its commitment to sustainability and ability to effectively clean various garments, from everyday wear to delicate items and baby clothes, makes it a standout choice,” says Nicola Davies, a cleaning professional and founder of Tranquil Home. The convenience of its compact tablet form and the thoughtful inclusion of a reusable tin in its packaging design add to its appeal. $20 at Blueland.com 02 of 12 WIN Sports Detergent Courtesy of Amazon Workout apparel is notoriously difficult to clean and often benefits from being laundered with a specialized detergent. "I only use WIN detergent when cleaning exercise and sports-related clothing,” says Jane Abrahams, cleaning professional and founder of Jane's Addiction Organization. "WIN is specially formulated to remove odor and sweat while preserving the fit and fabric of garments. It's a must-try and game changer for your workout wardrobe.” $15 at Amazon 03 of 12 Aspen Clean Unscented Laundry Pods Courtesy of Amazon Those with sensitive skin may find it tricky to find a detergent that doesn’t cause irritation. Using a natural, unscented laundry detergent is often your best bet, and Aspen Clean’s Unscented Laundry Pods deliver. “They have become our top choice for clean, natural results,” Davies says. “These pods are practical and color-safe, hypoallergenic, and safe for babies and pets, aligning perfectly with our dedication to providing our clients with a healthy and top-quality cleaning experience.” $18 at Amazon 04 of 12 Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty Liquid Laundry Detergent Courtesy of Target Looking for a detergent that stands up to stubborn stains? This detergent from Tide will be your new go-to. "It's been designed to remove the dirt and soils we can and cannot see," says Melissa Maker, a cleaning expert and the founder of Clean My Space. With 10 concentrated cleaning actives, this perfume- and dye-free detergent was clinically tested to be gentle on sensitive skin. $13 at Target 05 of 12 Young Living Thieves Ultra Concentrated Laundry Soap Courtesy of Amazon This lemony fresh detergent is formulated with pure essential oils and powerful enzymes to clean your clothes. Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home, says it's one of her favorite options for sensitive skin. "Thieves Laundry Soap by Young Living leaves clothes smelling incredibly fresh and clean without the use of conventional harsh chemicals and is ideal for infants, as well," she says. $48 at Amazon 06 of 12 Attitude Home Essentials Laundry Detergent Courtesy of Attitude Formulated with naturally sourced ingredients, this refillable laundry detergent is vegan, cruelty-free, and contains zero irritating enzymes. "I have been a longtime fan of the Attitude brand and what they do," says Maker. "They have a fantastic refillable product line, and their products are gently scented with essential oils. Their refills come in cardboard boxes with dispensers, and for every product purchased, they plant a tree." $30 at Attitudeliving.com 07 of 12 Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder Courtesy of Molly's Suds With just five earth-and-plant-derived ingredients, including sea salt and essential oils, this option from Molly's Suds is free of potentially irritating additives. $23 at Mollyssuds.com 08 of 12 Tru Earth Platinum Hypoallergenic Detergent Sheets Courtesy of Amazon While some detergent sheets don't perform as well as liquid, powder, or pod iterations, there are a few options on the market that clean clothes effectively. "I have had a good experience with Tru Earth Platinum laundry detergent sheets and am happy to recommend those for someone looking for a sheet," says Maker. The hypoallergenic squares are biodegradable, so they break down in the washing machine as they clean your clothes. $25 at Amazon 09 of 12 Tide Power Pods Laundry Detergent Soap Packs Courtesy of Walmart Tide power pods remove both visible and invisible dirt from your garments, leaving you with clothes that feel as clean as they look. "Power pods are large enough to handle a medium load and deliver incredible stain and odor-fighting results," says Maker. $27 at Walmart 10 of 12 EarthBreeze Laundry Detergent Eco Sheets Courtesy of EarthBreeze These laundry detergent sheets dissolve within seconds in hot or cold water and can even be used when hand-washing your garments. They're free of irritating ingredients, like parabens, dyes, fragrances, and phosphate, so they're ideal for people with sensitive skin. The sheets come in an eco-friendly cardboard package that is biodegradable and conserves space in your laundry room. $14 at Earthbreeze.com 11 of 12 Tide Powder Laundry Detergent Original Courtesy of Amazon The classics are classics for a reason, and this original powder detergent from Tide is a testament to that fact. Formulated with special technology, this detergent gives you more cleaning power in the quick cycle compared to some other brands. $22 at Amazon 12 of 12 Persil ProClean Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent Courtesy of Walmart Eliminate stains in one wash with Persil's liquid detergent, which has a power-boosted formula designed to fight tough stains. This detergent is commonly used for kids' clothes, exercise clothes, cleaning rags, and other items that typically encounter stains like sweat and oil. $13 at Walmart Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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