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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Laundry Detergent

Pods, liquid, or powder—detergent choice affects both cleaning and cost. We compared stain removal, scent, and value across the top brands.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Tide

PODS Original Scent

4.8 (156,789 reviews)

The pod that started the pod revolution. Tide's formula is still the benchmark everyone else chases. Throw one in, get clean clothes out.

Form

Pod

Loads

Type

HE Compatible

Features

Detergent + Stain Remover + Brightener

Pros

✓ Pre-measured convenience
✓ 3-in-1 formula
✓ Dissolves completely

Cons

✗ Expensive per load
✗ Child safety concern
✗ Can't adjust amount

$29 (81ct)

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
PODS Original Scent Best Tide	4.8	$29 (81ct)	View
ProClean Power-Liquid Persil	4.7	$22 (100 oz)	View
Clean Burst Liquid Detergent Value ARM & HAMMER	4.6	$12 (150 oz)	View
Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Seventh Generation	4.5	$16 (90 oz)	View
Powder Detergent Original Tide	4.7	$24 (143 oz)	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Tide

PODS Original Scent

4.8 (156,789 reviews)

The pod that started the pod revolution. Tide's formula is still the benchmark everyone else chases. Throw one in, get clean clothes out.

Form

Pod

Loads

Type

HE Compatible

Features

Detergent + Stain Remover + Brightener

Pros

✓ Pre-measured convenience
✓ 3-in-1 formula
✓ Dissolves completely

Cons

✗ Expensive per load
✗ Child safety concern
✗ Can't adjust amount

$29 (81ct)

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Persil

ProClean Power-Liquid

4.7 (45,678 reviews)

Germany's top detergent comes to America. Persil consistently wins blind tests for stain removal. The choice when clean really matters.

Form

Liquid

Loads

Type

HE Compatible

Features

Pro10 Technology

Pros

✓ European formula
✓ Exceptional stain removal
✓ Works in cold water

Cons

✗ Strong scent
✗ Premium price
✗ Hard to find in stores

$22 (100 oz)

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Best Value

ARM & HAMMER

Clean Burst Liquid Detergent

4.6 (89,012 reviews)

The value champion. ARM & HAMMER's baking soda formula handles odors better than most and costs half as much per load.

Form

Liquid

Loads

107

Type

HE Compatible

Features

Baking Soda Fresh

Pros

✓ Baking soda cleaning
✓ Great value
✓ Odor elimination

Cons

✗ Not the strongest on stains
✗ Scent fades fast
✗ Need more for heavy soil

$12 (150 oz)

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Seventh Generation

Free & Clear Laundry Detergent

4.5 (34,567 reviews)

For sensitive skin and eco-conscious households. No fragrance means no fragrance—just clean clothes that smell like nothing.

Form

Liquid

Loads

Type

HE Compatible

Certifications

EPA Safer Choice, USDA BioPreferred

Pros

✓ No dyes or fragrances
✓ Plant-based formula
✓ Hypoallergenic

Cons

✗ Less effective on tough stains
✗ More expensive than conventional
✗ May need pre-treatment

$16 (90 oz)

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Budget Pick

Tide

Powder Detergent Original

4.7 (67,890 reviews)

Old school Tide before they made it complicated. Powder costs less per load and cleans just as well. Your grandmother was right.

Form

Powder

Loads

102

Type

HE Compatible

Features

Original Scent

Pros

✓ Best value Tide
✓ Excellent cleaning
✓ Long shelf life

Cons

✗ Can leave residue if overused
✗ Dissolving issues in cold
✗ Measuring required

$24 (143 oz)

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Laundry Detergent

How to Choose Laundry Detergent

The Clean Truth
Most detergents clean adequately. The differences are in stain removal, scent, and sensitive skin compatibility. Don't overcomplicate it.

### Liquid vs Powder vs Pods

Liquid:
Doubles as pre-treater
- Dissolves in any temperature
- Easy to measure
- Can be messy

Powder:
- Best value per load
- Longest shelf life
- Better on mud/clay stains
- Can leave residue

Pods:
- Pre-measured convenience
- Most expensive per load
- Child safety hazard
- No adjusting amount

### HE vs Regular
High Efficiency (HE): Low-sudsing for modern washers
Regular: More suds, for old-school top loaders

Using regular in an HE machine = excess suds, residue, potential damage. HE detergent works in any machine.

### For Sensitive Skin
- Look for "Free & Clear" or "Hypoallergenic"
- Avoid optical brighteners
- Double rinse cycles help
- Consider liquid (powders dissolve less completely)

### How Much to Use
Most people use too much. Follow the cap lines—that max line is for extremely soiled full loads, not everyday wear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry Detergent

Does expensive detergent clean better?

Mostly yes, especially for stains. Consumer Reports testing shows Tide and Persil consistently outperform budget brands on stain removal. For lightly soiled clothes, cheaper works fine.

Are pods worth the extra cost?

For convenience, yes. For value, no. You pay a premium for pre-measured doses. If you have kids, the safety risk of colorful pods is real—store them locked up.

Cold water or hot?

Cold for most loads—saves energy and prevents shrinking. Hot for whites, towels, and sanitizing. Modern detergents are formulated to work in cold water.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

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