9 Best Laundry Detergents to Buy

9 Best Laundry Detergents to Buy in 2019

by SARAH BOGDAN, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE

We took liquid, powder, and single-use pack formulas for a spin to see how well they removed 20 common stains (think grease, coffee, wine, and more) from polyester and cotton in hot and cold water. Meet our top picks for every kind of messy situation you can imagine.

Here is a quick breakdown of the basic types of detergents we’ve included:

Powder detergent was the first type of laundry detergent to come about and it is typically cheaper compared to its liquid and single-dose counterparts. Detergents in this category tend to perform well on outdoor stains like mud, clay, or grass, so it’s great for little one’s soccer uniforms, your gardening clothes, and more. Keep in mind, powder must be stored in a completely dry area to avoid clumping. Also note, if you like washing in cold water, some powders may not dissolve completely and as a result, unwanted residue may settle on your clothing.

Liquid detergent, most widely used among consumers, performs particularly well on oil and grease stains. Conveniently, it can be used as a spot pre-treater and you’ll never have to worry about it not dissolving. Don’t forget to use the correct amount, though. Sometimes they are hard to see, but the lines on the measuring caps are there for a reason! Follow the label instructions to ensure you don’t use too much or too little. Too much will cause over-sudsing and the soap may not rinse out when the cycle is over or it can even shut down your machine. If there is too little, your clothes won’t get clean. We know a lot of you just pour detergent directly into the washing machine or dispenser and hope for the best but trust us, you get better results when you use the directed amount!

Single-dose packets are very convenient but on average, cost a little more. Don’t worry about using too little or too much detergent as it is already pre-measured. Usually, one pack is recommended for average size loads and two packs for large or heavily soiled loads. One pack may be too much for very small loads and you never want to break them. Keep in mind, some packs have trouble dissolving in some machines, especially in lower water temperatures. If you have a low-water using machine, make sure you add the packs before adding the clothes. Last but not least, make sure you store your packets away from children, pets, and anyone else who could be at risk of ingesting them or using them for anything other than laundry.

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