Who Makes the Best Laundry Detergent?
You need to find the best laundry detergent to suit your needs and clean your clothes - but which brand is the best? Perhaps you have been loyal to the same brand for years and want to try something new.
Keeping our clothes fresh and clean is a major priority for many of us. Americans spent almost 8 billion dollars on laundry detergent in 2020.
Should you choose powdered detergent or liquid? Bio or non-bio?
Whether it's the scent you have always loved, a family favorite, or the best product for your budget - here are our top laundry detergent brands for stains, smell, budget, and sensitive skin.
What is the Best Laundry Detergent?
Whether you choose liquid, powder, or pod detergent is down to your personal preference. There can be advantages and disadvantages to all options. But which is the best laundry detergent?
Powder detergents are better on outdoor stains such as grass and mud. Powdered detergent is usually more cost-effective than liquid as you get more for your money from the box. However, residue may settle on your clothing after washing, and you need to store it in a dry place to avoid clumping.
Liquid detergent is the most popular form of detergent currently on the market. It can be used to pre-treat stains or for general washing. Liquid detergent works particularly well on greasy stains such as cooking oil. If you are looking for a versatile product that has stain removal power, then a liquid detergent will be a good choice for you.
Detergent pods or tablets are the most expensive option you'll find in the store. The pre-measured detergent is more convenient because you don't have to measure how much you should use. They sometimes have trouble dissolving in certain machines, so make sure yours is compatible.
Always check the care label on your clothes and washing machine to determine which detergent you should use.
How Are Laundry Detergents Tested?
Each detergent is carefully tested before it reaches you on the supermarket shelf. Test engineers are kept busy by reformulating detergents at least once a year. Companies are constantly trying to improve their stain removal technology.
Detergents are subjected to various tests, including scent, stain removal, and cost. Lab tests are conducted using fabric swatches covered in various hard stains such as blood, oil, and coffee. A colorimeter is used to measure color intensity after the fabric is washed.
Testers use hot and cold water as well as different water types. Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of some products due to its high mineral content. The fabric is air-dried (dryers can alter the stains) and analyzed to see how much of the stain remains. The best detergents will remove most stains.
Most products are tested by dermatologists to ensure they are safe for our skin. Look out for the "dermatologist-tested" markings on product packaging. Testers will also try products with different types of machines to measure their compatibility with regular and high-efficiency washers.
Based on the information above, what is the best laundry detergent? Let's look at the best-ranking detergents based on how they performed in all areas.
Bio vs. Non-Bio
Non-biological detergents are free of biological enzymes and replaced with other clever cleaning ingredients. They are usually made from more natural, plant-based ingredients. Non-bio products are also less harsh, which makes them better for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers.
Non-bio products can work just as well as a biological alternative, but you may need a stain remover to help get rid of stubborn stains. Non-biological detergents are usually much better for the environment as they contain less harmful ingredients.
Biological detergents are better for removing tough stains. The special enzymes break down grease, oils, and proteins to get your clothes really clean. Be careful when washing delicate items as biological washing products can damage items such as wool and silk.
Best Laundry Detergent for Stains
Persil ProClean Stain Fighter
Advantages:
- Excellent stain removal power
- Better for your washing machine
- Available in convenient discs
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than budget brand
Use it as a pre-treatment for stained clothes or as a normal detergent. It works great in cold water and has excellent stain removal properties. Persil ProClean contains stain-fighting enzymes to get rid of the toughest stains from your laundry.
Persil ProClean came out on top in tests conducted by consumerreports.org. From coffee to egg yolks, this detergent can remove pretty much any stain. If you prefer a liquid detergent to a powder, then this is an excellent choice for you.
Although Persil ProClean is not the cheapest, it's definitely one of the best for removing stains. It's also good for your washing machine and has been designed with low sud technology to avoid a build-up of detergent in your machine. This also means your laundry stays fresh and clean for longer.
Best Smelling Laundry Detergent
Gain Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent
Advantages:
- Strong, long-lasting fragrance
- Lifts difficult stains and locks in freshness
- Works with regular and high-efficiency machines
Disadvantages:
- Less effective on colored clothing than whites
A bold fragrance on our clothes after their wash is what tells us that our clothes are clean. Research shows that our sense of smell is directly wired to our emotions.
Gain Aroma Boost has a heavenly fresh citrus scent that leaves your clothes with aromas of orange, lemon, and blossom. It also has a matching fabric softener for extra freshness.
A pleasant fragrance can help us feel happy and relaxed. This is why it's so important to have amazing-smelling laundry! Gain Aroma Boost can provide fresh smelling laundry for up to seven weeks. It also releases the scent on your clothes throughout the day for lasting freshness.
Gain Aroma Boost works well in both regular and high-efficiency and washing machines. It also contains biodegradable enzymes and surfactants that are better for the environment.
Best Baby Laundry Detergent
Up & Up Free + Clear Laundry Detergent
Advantages: