When it comes to laundry, it’s hard to know which detergent will give you the brightest colors, remove the toughest stains, and leave your clothes smelling fresh. We’ve done the hard work of comparing the best laundry detergents out there. In this review, we’ll break down which detergents can truly stand the test of stains, smell, and value for money.
Overview of the Competitors
We put several popular laundry detergents to the test, including Tide, Arm & Hammer, Gain, and more. Let’s explore each detergent in-depth and find out which one comes out on top.
| Laundry Detergent | Price per Load | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tide | $0.23 | Excellent stain removal, popular brand | Higher price per load |
| Arm & Hammer | $0.08 | Affordable, effective on tough stains | Scent may be mild for some users |
| Gain | $0.10 | Great scent, good performance | Moderate performance on tough oil stains |
| Persil ProClean | $0.29 | Exceptional stain removal, brightens clothes | Higher cost per load |
| Tide PODS | $0.25 | Convenient, protects colors | Higher price, similar performance to liquid Tide |
| Amazon Basics | $0.15 | Budget-friendly, decent cleaning | Struggled with heavily soiled clothes |
| All Free & Clear | $0.20 | Hypoallergenic, gentle on skin | Average stain removal |
| Molly’s Suds | $0.16 | Eco-friendly, safe ingredients | Struggled with tough oil stains |
| Seventh Generation | $0.28 | Plant-based, concentrated formula | Average on oil stains |
| ECOS | $0.14 | 100% vegan, plant-powered | Not as strong on tough stains |
| Biokleen | $0.12 | Plant-derived, concentrated | Struggled with severe stains |
| Tyler Glamorous Wash | $3.50 | Luxurious scent, specialty use | Very high cost per load, poor on heavy stains |
This table provides a quick comparison of each detergent, highlighting its main strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which is the best fit for your laundry needs.
1. Tide: A Household Favorite
Tide has long been a favorite in many households. Its powerful stain-fighting formula boasts the ability to tackle 100% of common stains.
Key Features:
- Price: $15 for 84 oz, which works out to $0.23 per load.
- Stain Removal: In our tests, Tide performed well against difficult stains like mustard and motor oil.
- Scent: Leaves clothes smelling clean without being overpowering.
View our full collection of detergents here.
2. Arm & Hammer: Affordable and Effective
Arm & Hammer is one of the most affordable brands on the market, costing just $0.08 per load. Despite the low price, it did exceptionally well in several of our tests.
Highlights:
- Stain Removal: Proved highly effective against both oil and dye-based stains.
- Price: $14 for 1.3 gallons, one of the most economical options.
- Best For: Those looking for a good balance of performance and affordability.
Compare Arm & Hammer to other plant-based detergents here.
3. Gain: Great Scent, Great Performance
Gain stands out for its delightful scent. It also performed well on a variety of stains, making it an excellent choice for keeping laundry fresh and clean.
Features:
- Price: $16 for 1.2 gallons, $0.10 per load.
- Performance: Effective on stubborn stains like soy sauce.
- Scent: Known for its long-lasting fragrance.
Learn more about scented detergents in our collection.
4. Persil ProClean: High Performance, Higher Price
Persil ProClean was one of the best performers in our stain removal tests. However, its higher price tag might make you reconsider if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
Main Points:
- Price: $24 for 82.5 oz, around $0.29 per load.
- Stain Removal: Exceptional for oil stains and gear oil.
- Color Protection: Best for keeping clothes bright and fresh.
Check out our premium detergents collection here.
5. Tide PODS: Convenience at a Price
Tide PODS offer convenience, and in our tests, they held their own against liquid detergents.
Features:
- Price: $28 for 93 oz, about $0.25 per load.
- Three-in-One: Cleans, fights stains, and protects colors.
- Ease of Use: Pre-dosed pods make laundry simple.
Explore our collection of detergent pods here.
6. Amazon Basics: Budget-Friendly Solution
Amazon Basics detergent is both economical and efficient, providing decent cleaning at a low price.
Key Insights:
- Price: $17 for 82.5 oz, $0.15 per load.
- Performance: Good for general laundry and light stains.
- Ideal For: Regular, everyday laundry without major stain issues.
View budget-friendly detergent options.
7. All: Great for Sensitive Skin
All Free & Clear is known for its hypoallergenic formula, perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Highlights:
- Price: $22 for 82.5 oz, $0.20 per load.
- Stain Removal: Worked well on oil stains, decent overall.
- Hypoallergenic: No fragrances or dyes, great for allergies.
Explore hypoallergenic detergents here.
8. Molly’s Suds: Eco-Friendly Choice
Molly’s Suds stands out for its focus on eco-friendly ingredients, though it struggled with some tougher stains.
Features:
- Price: $38 for 160 oz, $0.16 per load.
- Composition: Powder detergent with simple, safe ingredients.
- Performance: Worked best on natural, non-oil stains.
Check out our natural detergent options.
9. Seventh Generation: Plant-Based, Powerful
Seventh Generation offers a powerful triple enzyme formula that promises to tackle tough stains while being environmentally conscious.
Main Points:
- Price: $15 for 40 oz, $0.28 per load.
- Best For: Those wanting a greener, safer option.
- Performance: Struggled slightly with oil stains.
Discover more plant-based detergents.
10. ECOS: Plant-Powered Detergent
ECOS detergent is a 100% vegan product designed for those who care about sustainability.
Key Features:
- Price: $27 for 200 oz, $0.14 per load.
- Performance: Effective in removing mild to moderate stains.
- Ideal User: Environmentally conscious individuals.
View our sustainable laundry solutions.
11. Biokleen: Concentrated and Efficient
Biokleen uses plant-derived cleaning agents to tackle tough stains, though it wasn’t the best performer on some of our more challenging tests.
Highlights:
- Price: $35 for 1.2 gallons, $0.12 per load.
- Eco-Friendly: Uses plant-based ingredients.
- Stain Removal: Effective against everyday stains, but struggled with oils.
Check out other concentrated formulas.
12. Tyler Glamorous Wash: For the Luxury Laundry Experience
Tyler Glamorous Wash is not just about stain removal but also gives your laundry a luxury scent. However, it comes at a high price per load.
Features:
- Price: $21 for 16 oz, $3.50 per load.
- Unique Benefit: Leaves a strong, luxurious scent.
- Performance: Decent against light stains but not as effective on tough stains.
Explore more high-end detergents.
Conclusion: Which is the Best Laundry Detergent?
After thorough testing, it’s clear that Tide offers the best overall performance in stain removal, freshness, and brightness retention, albeit at a higher cost. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, Arm & Hammer is your best choice.
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