Laundry detergent buying guide

There’s no shortage when it comes to laundry detergent choices. If you’re overwhelmed by your options or are looking for something for sensitive skin or other specific needs, take a look at some of our favorites to find the best fit for your laundry needs.

Compare some of the best laundry detergents

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Type	Size	Washes	Purchase
Tide Original Scent HE Turbo Clean	$11.97	Liquid	2.95L	64	Buy now
Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent	$15.97	Liquid	4.43L	96	Buy now
All Mighty Pacs Laundry Detergent	$9.48	Pods	67 count	67	Buy now
Gain flings! Liquid Laundry Detergent Pacs	$9.48	Pods	67 count	67	Buy now
Arm & Hammer 33200-00109 Powder Laundry Detergent	$9.48	Pods	67 count	67	Buy now
Earth Friendly Products ECOS 2X	$9.48	Pods	67 count	67	Buy now

Laundry detergent types

There are three main types of laundry detergent: liquid, powder and pods/tablets.

How to compare laundry detergent

The right detergent for your needs will depend on your personal preferences, how much you want to spend and what kind of dirt and stains you need to remove. Consider these key factors when making your decision:

• Phosphate-free. While phosphates help to soften water and leave less residue on your clothes, they are harmful to the environment and can cause algae blooms. Unless your water is particularly hard, opt for low-phosphate detergents. A “P” label on laundry detergent means that it has low phosphorus levels (P<7.8g/wash). “NP” means a product contains no or <0.5% phosphorus.
• Greywater safe. For those who are environmentally conscious, picking an eco-friendly detergent lets you recycle washing machine rinse water (greywater) for your garden. Check your detergent’s GreySafe rating to confirm whether it’s safe to use the rinse water on your garden.
• Sodium level. If you recycle greywater on your garden, pick low-sodium detergents to avoid harming plant life. Liquid detergent is generally lower in sodium and phosphates.
• Soiled clothing level. For lightly-soiled clothes, using a cheaper detergent with a good stain remover should work well enough. For heavily-soiled clothing, you may need a more expensive, heavy-duty option to effectively get rid of tough grease, oil, food stains and body odor.
• Hypoallergenic. For those with allergies or sensitive skin, opt for fragrance- and dye-free options.
• Environmental impact. Opt for concentrated models with more washes per pack to create less waste per package. Check out our tips on how to save energy on your laundry to cut back on your overall environmental impact.

Alternatives to laundry detergent

• Laundry balls. Made of plastic with mineral beads inside, laundry balls do not contain any added chemicals, and are cheap and recyclable. However, they are generally low-performance in tackling stains and odors.
• Soap nuts. While this natural alternative costs little and is reusable, its effectiveness is also debatable. As they do not contain surfactants, soap nuts have trouble removing tough stains effectively.
• DIY detergent recipes. While there are many DIY recipes available online, we recommend experimenting with a small batch first and trialling a variety of recipes. Frequently suggested ingredients include borax, lemon juice, grated soap, baking soda and essential oils. While DIY recipes may be cheaper and potentially more eco-friendly, they vary in terms of effectiveness.

Bottom line

There are lots of laundry detergents to choose from, and the best pick for you and your family will depend on your washing needs, budget and personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions

• What can I use instead of laundry detergent?

  Shampoo or baking soda can work in a pinch in place of laundry detergent. Do not use dish soap, as it can cause your washing machine to overflow.

• What is HE detergent?

  High-efficiency (HE) detergents are low-sudsing options that are formulated for use in HE washers that use a low amount of water. HE washers are available as top and front loaders.

• What are the best laundry detergent brands?

  This depends in part on your personal preference, but some of the most popular detergent brands are Tide, Gain, Cheer, Arm & Hammer and Persil.