The Only 8 Laundry Detergent Brands Consumers Can Really Trust

Companies and Brands

Published: May 10, 2024 12:10 pm

Laundry is a chore that never ends. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or have a large family, there’s always laundry to do. It often feels overwhelming, especially when cheap and untrustworthy products mean you’re washing the same load several times to make sure it’s actually clean.

Thankfully, while some products out there aren’t great and don’t do much to make your clothes clean, there are brands out there you can put your trust in. These products don’t often contain fillers or harsh chemicals, but they manage to do their one job extremely well. They’re also not as expensive as you might imagine and some are readily available at your favorite store.

Don’t keep trusting companies just looking to make money from unwitting consumers. Instead, take a look at these eight products below. They offer results you can see and feel, and their numerous reviews prove that their claims are true. To make this list, reviews and recommendations were pulled from sites that the average person uses, like Reddit and Amazon. Additionally, Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping’s cleaning experts played a huge part in determining which products to add to this list.

The eight below are in no particular order, so read carefully through each one to determine the product or products that will meet your needs.

Why Does This List Matter?

Stack of clean bedding sheets on blurred laundry room background — Everyday products like laundry detergent are becoming more expensive, making it harder to save money and build personal wealth.

It’s no secret that prices are increasing, and companies are starting to use fewer good ingredients in their products. Sometimes, it’s hard to know which brands to trust or which are worth a steep investment. Everyone has to buy laundry detergent, and in 2023, sales for these products totaled up to over $6.4 billion. Knowing which products are more trustworthy allows you to save money on products that don’t work, and helps you to do your part for the environment.

Persil Pro Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent Key Features

Henkel Produces Persil Detergent — Persil detergent is one product made by the parent company Henkel.

Variety: Different strengths, styles, and soil levels
Readily available: Available in almost every store
Choose your favorite type: Persil is available as pods or liquids

The Standard for Laundry Day

Persil detergent is available in most basic grocery stores.

Persil is from a large and trustworthy parent company called Henkil. In addition to this laundry detergent, Henkil also owns Dial, Soft Scrub, Purex, and Snuggle. Being such a well-known brand, Persil is available in most standard stores where you would find other laundry detergents like Walmart and Target. While you don’t have to go online to buy this product, it is also available there.

Persil works well for most households due to the numerous different types available. For one, it comes in a liquid or a pod version to suit your preferences. Then, you can choose from formulas like stain-fighting, sensitive skin, fresh scents, and odor-fighting.

Pure Suds Hypoallergenic Detergent Key Features

Cropped shot of man showcasing the waterproof topper for white orthopedic mattress. Male unzipping hypoallergenic foam matress protector. Close up, copy space, top view, background. — This product is safe for sensitive skin and free of harsh chemicals.

Ingredients you can trust: All-natural ingredients
Mild product: No harsh chemicals
No smells: Fragrance-free

Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

Pure Suds is safe for baby clothes because of the all-natural ingredients.

Pure Suds is an all-natural laundry detergent for those who want to use the safest and cleanest items in their home. The ingredients are natural and gentle enough for sensitive skin and even baby clothes and sheets. Despite being natural, this mineral-based products is free of all common allergens.

For those wanting to help the environment, Pure Suds is sustainable and free of preservatives, phosphates, harsh brighteners, and GMOs. Yes, the cost is a little higher, but because you don’t have to rewash your clothes several times and there are no fillers, a little goes a long way.

Tide Plus Ultra Oxi Key Features

Tide is a detergent brand that has been around for decades.

Dual purpose: Is useful as a pre-treatment or for regular washing
Strong: Works on older and difficult stains
Several versions: Comes as tiles, pacs, powder, and liquid

Stain Removal and Great Value

Pile of dirty used towels on the hotel bathroom floor. Housekeeping replace only the used towels on floor with clean ones. Saving water, soap, energy as a green policy.

Source: FotoHelin / Shutterstock.com

While Tide is a decent brand, it’s this one product specifically that is worth investing in. Tide Plus Ultra Oxi works well for stains of any kind, up to two weeks old. It even has a built-in pre-treatment so you don’t have to remember to spray the fabric and let it sit before washing.

Most of the time, it’s available through standard grocery stores and even Dollar General. However, if you’re struggling to find it in your area, Amazon also carries this Tide product. It’s available as a powder, a pac, a tile, or a liquid.

Earth Breeze Detergent Sheets Key Features

Earth Breeze makes detergent sheets that are ideal for traveling.

Unique packaging: The detergent comes in easy-to-use sheets
Mess-free: No powder spills or soapy liquid to clean up
Good for sensitive skin: No harsh ingredients

“Sudstainable” Laundry Sheets

Consumers care about a company’s commitment to eco-friendliness when it comes to laundry detergent.

Many of the most trustworthy laundry detergent brands out there are ones that are dedicated to helping people and the environment. Earth Breeze is one such company. Because it doesn’t have phosphates, parabens, bleach, or dye, it’s one of the safest options for rivers and oceans and it’s great for those with sensitive skin.

Its design is more eco-friendly too. It comes in a box full of detergent sheets that take up less space and use less water than more traditional detergents. They’re also better for your home, as they don’t leave behind powdery messes or spills. These sheets are so small and easy to use that they’re perfect to take with you no matter where you’re going.

Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Liquid Key Features

Kirkland signature laundry detergent is sold at Costco or for a higher price on Amazon.

Bulk Prices: Costco’s bulk sizes means a lower cost for every load.
Don’t Add Heat: This detergent dissolves even in cold water
Good For Messes: Fights even the messiest of stains

The Best Value

Each laundry load costs only 15 cents with Kirkland detergent.

You may realize you see Kirkland products quite often on these lists. That’s because the brand isn’t only affordable, but high quality. This is one of the best detergents on this list in terms of value, costing roughly 15 cents per load.

Unfortunately, there’s a reason that the price is so cheap. Kirkland is a Costco-specific brand, meaning you need to have one of these stores near you, and you must first purchase a membership. Sometimes, the Kirkland laundry detergent is available on sites like Amazon, but for a much higher price. Still, if you don’t mind paying for the membership and there’s a Costco close to you, this is definitely worth buying.

Puracy Liquid Enzyme Laundry Detergent Key Features

Puracy products come in refillable pouches to eliminate waste that affects the environment.

Refill pouches: Save by buying refill pouches
Super concentration: You only need a little at a time
Fragrance-free: Comes unscented

The Eco-Friendly Choice

Puracy claims to make a cruelty-free, hypoallergenic detergent.

Puracy is another one of those brands aimed at being better for its customers and te environment. They’re cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and use natural plant enzymes to fight stains and odors.

To further support their claims, they offer ways to reduce how much plastic you’re using. After you buy the original product, you can save money and reduce your trash by buying refill packs. On top of that, the product is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. In fact, on pouch should be good for around 192 loads. It’s no wonder that even with around 6,000 reviews on Amazon, Puracy maintains its 4.5-star rating.

all Free and Clear Detergent for Sensitive Skin Key Features

The company claims this product removes 99% of allergens.

Fights allergies: Removes most seasonal and daily allergens from your clothes and fabrics in one wash
Good for sensitive skin: Recommended by dermatologists
Great reviews: A 4.7-star rating with over 9,000 reviews

The Number One Recommended Detergent Recommended By Pediatricians, Allergists and Dermatologists

all detergent is recommended by allergists, pediatricians and dermatologists.

If you’re constantly fighting allergies, then all Free and Clear detergent might be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s often recommended by dermatologists for those with sensitive skin or who have problems finding laundry detergent that doesn’t leave them itchy.The product comes in powder, pods, and liquid form, and there are also boosters, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners to choose from.

all Free and Clear claims to remove 99 percent of common allergens such as cat and dog dander, ragweed and tree pollen, dust mites, and more. While its claims sound too good to be true, the reviews support its claims. There are around 9,000 reviews on their website, and yet they’ve managed to maintain a 4.7-star rating.

Gain Original Laundry Soap Key Features

Woman shopping in supermarket reading product information.woman choosing laundry detergent in supermarket — Gain is a popular option and comes in liquid, pod and powder form.

Good smells: Scents for those who want a nice fragrance
Several options: Pods, liquids, and powders to choose from
Other supportive products: Boosters help extend the life of your fabrics

The Familiar Green Packaging That Keeps Your Laundry Clean

Woman packs clothes for a clothes donation in a box or tidies up — Gain detergent can protect laundry for up to six weeks after washing.

Gain is another very common product available in pretty much any store. There are dozens of formulas to choose from, but Gain +ultra OXI, Island Fresh, Gain HAPPY, and lavender scented are their most consistent formulas and the highest rated. While this article is only focusing on detergents, they also have many other products pertaining to laundry.

If you’re looking to wash sheets or clothes and have them keep a pleasant smell for months out, you’ll want to pair the detergent with the scent boosters. Specifically, Gain’s Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster Beads not only strengthen the smell of your laundry, but it preserves the smell for 12 weeks after a wash. It’s also great for all fabrics and colors.

Picking the Right One

Choosing the right laundry detergent is often a matter of trial and error.

There are many reasons why you may be on the hunt for a new laundry detergent. You may need to avoid some detergents due to their harsh ingredients or strong smell. Things like package size, accessibility, cost, and weight may also influence your decision. There’s a lot of trial and error involved in finding the right brand for you and your family, but these eight are all trustworthy brands that cater to those who struggle with standard laundry detergents.