The Top 5 Best Laundry Detergent Pods for a Spotless Clean

Laundry pods offer a highly convenient and mess-free way to do your laundry. You no longer need to measure messy liquids or powders, as these small yet potent pods make washing clothes a breeze, leaving them looking, smelling, and feeling fresh and clean.

To find the best laundry pods on the market, we conducted extensive research on the formula, scent, and compatibility with different washing machines of dozens of products. In addition, we sought expert advice on what to consider when selecting laundry pods from industry professionals, including Jennifer Ahoni, Principal Scientist at Procter & Gamble, and Justin Carpenter, CEO, and Founder of Modern Maids.

According to Ahoni, some consumers require more cleaning power when dealing with larger laundry loads or particularly tough stains. In such cases, high-quality liquid laundry pods are recommended as they contain a more concentrated cleaning formula with 50% more cleaning power than liquid detergent, delivering better performance and results.

Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking powerful laundry pods that have a delightful fragrance.

Who it isn’t for: Individuals looking for laundry pods made of natural ingredients.

For those who prioritize effective cleaning power on stubborn stains, we suggest the Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent. These potent pods contain the stain-fighting power of Oxi and the freshness of Febreze, creating a clean and refreshing aroma that we adore.

Not only are these laundry pods safe to use with high-efficiency washers, but they also effectively clean clothes in cold water. The Gain Flings provide excellent value for the price, and, like most laundry pods, require only one pod (two for larger or heavily soiled loads) to be added to the top-loading or front-loading washing machine drum before adding clothes.

Price at the time of publication: $21

Product Details: Quantity: 81 Scent: Gain Original Safe for HE Washers: Yes

Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Original Scent

Pros:

• Excellent cleaning power
• Effective in cold water
• Safe for all types of washing machines
• Great scent

Cons:

• Scent might be too strong for those with sensitivities
• Smaller package size

It’s hard to find a laundry pod that can match the cleaning power of Tide. Their pods come in the original Tide scent, which leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean. These pods work just as well in cold water as they do in warm water, making them perfect for all types of stains and soil levels. They are also safe for both hard and soft water, and high-efficiency washing machines.

Each package includes 42 pods, which is smaller than some other options on our list. However, these pods are still an excellent value. If you do multiple loads of laundry every few days, you may need to replenish your supply more often, or consider buying in bulk.

Tide has been making laundry detergent since 1946 and the cleaning power of these pods is unmatched. According to Tide, these pods clean 10 times better than some budget-friendly options. They also leave clothes smelling fresh, but some people with scent sensitivities might find the fragrance too strong. For most people, however, the pleasant scent is one of the best things about Tide.

All Mighty 4 in 1 Odor Lifter

Fragrance Strength: Light to Moderate | Pod Functions: Detergent, Stain Remover, Color Protector, Odor Lifter

PROS Affordable price per load Effective in removing odors

CONS Lid is easy to remove, may not be child-safe

The All Mighty 4 in 1 Odor Lifter is a great value detergent that competes with more expensive options in terms of stain removal while keeping a low price per load. This detergent does not compromise its cleaning power and is highly effective in removing tough stains like grass, mud, wine, and oil. It also features an odor cleaner that works well against body odor.

We appreciate that this product has an approachable price point while still providing strong cleaning power. However, the lid is easy to remove, which may not be ideal for households with young children. We tested the lid’s accessibility and found that it could be opened easily with minimal effort, making it a potential safety concern for homes with small children.

Despite the potential issue with the lid, the All Mighty 4 in 1 Odor Lifter is a top-performing detergent that delivers great value for the price. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that is highly effective in removing stains and odors, this detergent is a great choice.

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs

For those seeking a more natural laundry detergent option, the Seventh Generation detergent packs offer a great solution. These packs are free of fragrance and many other irritants, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. In fact, The Spruce recommends them, stating that the Seventh Generation Free & Clear packs are hypoallergenic and perfect for people with sensitivities. These packs are made with 94 percent plant-based ingredients and still deliver strong cleaning power. Additionally, the transparent list of ingredients on the back of the package can be helpful for those with allergies or sensitive skin to determine if this product is suitable for their needs before purchasing.

Persil ProClean + Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent

POSITIVES Effective in cold water Outstanding stain-removal performance NEGATIVES Strong fragrance Relatively pricier than some others

If you are a fan of liquid detergents, then Persil ProClean Stain Fighter is a top contender. It topped our test of 42 formulas, delivering the best stain-removal performance on all types of fabrics in cold water. So, if you’re washing in cold water to save energy, Persil is an excellent choice, and it has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. It effortlessly removed coffee and egg yolk stains from all types of fabrics in all water temperatures. However, the fragrance is quite strong, and it is relatively more expensive compared to some other options.

Buying guide forBEST LAUNDRY DETERGENT PODS

If you’re tired of dealing with messy liquid or powder detergents, laundry detergent pods offer a simple and convenient solution. These pods, which were introduced in the early 2010s, are an ideal alternative to traditional detergent options. Simply toss one into your washing machine and you’re good to go. Available in a variety of formulas, pods are more concentrated than liquid detergents and are pre-measured, making them easy to use.

There are several benefits to using laundry detergent pods. For starters, they are very convenient to use. Simply toss one into the machine and start the cycle. Pods are also lightweight and small, making them easy to transport and store. Most pods come pre-packaged with brighteners and stain-fighting ingredients, eliminating the need for additional products. They are also spill-free, unlike liquid and powder detergents.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Pods are generally more expensive than traditional detergents, which can be a significant issue for those on a budget or those who do laundry frequently. Additionally, pods are pre-measured, which means you cannot adjust the amount of detergent you use. This can result in wasted detergent and money. There are also safety concerns to keep in mind, as detergent pods can look like toys or candy to children and pets, making them a potential hazard if ingested. Finally, the environmental impact of laundry detergent pods is a concern as well, as many pods are made of vinyl acetate, which is a risk to marine life and may be carcinogenic.

To ensure the safe use of laundry detergent pods, it is important to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. While most pods contain a bitter-tasting compound to discourage consumption, children have been known to ingest them anyway. Store the pods in their original resealable container and follow the guidelines on the packaging for use. Never add the pod after the clothes, as this can result in incomplete dissolution. By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of laundry detergent pods without worrying about potential hazards.

FAQs

How many pods do you use per load?

In general, most detergent pods call for one pod per load, except in the case of very large loads.

How do you ensure that they don’t leave behind a residue?

Most of the best detergent pods are formulated to dissolve in hot or cold water, but the key to getting them to dissolve completely seems to be making sure the water level is adequate.

Are tide pods safe?

Tide Pods and other laundry detergent pods are no less safe than liquid laundry detergent. As with any potentially harmful-if-swallowed household product, you should of course keep them out of the reach of children and pets (detergent pods, especially, must be stored where cats can’t get to them) but in spite of their short lived internet notoriety they pose no special safety risks compared to liquid laundry detergents.

What’s the difference between liquid detergent and laundry pods?

Both can clean your clothes effectively, but liquid detergents have the added benefit of doubling as stain removers. Meanwhile, detergent/laundry pods (or packs) offer more convenience since all you’ll have to do is drop them in your laundry. Detergent packs like Tide PODS or Arm Hammer 2-in-1 Packs contain measured amounts of soap, while liquid detergents need to be measured manually before pouring.

What’s the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin?

For a gentler detergent, opt for non-bio. Non-bio doesn’t contain any enzymes making it a better choice for sensitive skin. Or you can look for brands claiming to be Free & Clear. Free Clear usually refers to being free from artificial dyes and fragrance. It some cases, it can also mean being completely free of fabric softeners and optical brighteners. One of the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin is Seventh Generation Free and Clear Unscented. Seventh Generation is 96% plant-based with no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or optical brighteners. Its soft scent comes from natural extracts of bergamot, vanilla, and geranium.