Did you ever imagine that laundry detergent could be such a significant player in the consumer market? Well, prepare to be amazed! Recent research conducted by Statista has unveiled some astonishing facts about the global laundry detergent industry. In 2020 alone, the market size for laundry detergent reached an astounding value of $154.6 billion. But hold on, because the growth doesn’t stop there. Experts predict that by 2028, the industry will skyrocket to an incredible $232.8 billion! These figures highlight the immense importance of laundry detergent in households worldwide.
To further emphasize its significance, a survey conducted by the American Cleaning Institute discovered that a staggering 91% of households in the United States rely on laundry detergent for their cleaning needs. This overwhelming statistic demonstrates the ubiquitous nature of this essential product in everyday life.
Clearly, laundry detergent is far from being just an ordinary household item. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and freshness in households around the globe. The remarkable growth and widespread use of laundry detergent showcase its vital position in the consumer market, making it an essential commodity that should not be underestimated.
Loni Bio Laundry Detergent

When it comes to laundry detergent for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines, Loni Bio Laundry Detergent takes the crown as the top choice. This exceptional detergent is meticulously crafted to provide optimal care for your clothes, harnessing the power of natural ingredients without compromising on performance. With its unique oxygen-based formula, it not only effectively removes dirt but also treats your fabrics with utmost care.
The results of using Loni Bio are truly remarkable. Your clothes will boast improved brightness, a refreshing freshness, and an added touch of softness. This ensures that your garments stay in pristine condition for a longer period, allowing you to enjoy them at their best. Loni Bio is thoughtfully formulated with superior cleaning power, effortlessly tackling even the toughest stains, while leaving behind a delightful and pleasing scent.
With its array of impressive features and benefits, it’s no wonder that Loni Bio is the go-to choice for all your laundry needs. From its gentle yet powerful formula to its ability to enhance the longevity and appearance of your clothes, this detergent stands out as the ultimate solution for HE washing machines. Embrace the superior cleaning performance and care that Loni Bio provides, and experience laundry like never before.
Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy 10x Duty Power PODS

PROS
- Effectively removes hidden dirt and stains
- Larger PODS are ideal for handling big laundry loads
- Whitens clothes without the use of bleach
CONS
- PODS may be too large for very small loads
When it comes to achieving a truly clean and hygienic laundry, even the best detergents may fall short in eliminating deep-seated body soils and stains. That’s where Tide Hygienic Clean, a recipient of the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal, comes to the rescue. Formulated with advanced penetrating power, it effectively dissolves and removes hidden impurities that may not be visible to the naked eye.
To demonstrate its efficacy, we consulted with the manufacturer, who employed UV light to reveal that Tide Hygienic Clean surpasses regular detergents in delivering a deeper level of cleanliness. In our own at-home testing, we observed that white t-shirts and bedding washed with this remarkable Tide variant emerged visibly whiter, obviating the need for bleach. The jumbo-sized Power Pods, containing an abundance of cleaning agents compared to two regular Pods, proved exceptionally adept at eliminating stains in our laboratory trials. This makes Tide Hygienic Clean an excellent choice for households tackling substantial laundry loads.
Whether you’re dealing with everyday grime or hard-to-spot contaminants, Tide Hygienic Clean ensures a superior cleaning experience. With its ability to achieve whiter, fresher results without the use of bleach, it offers an exceptional solution for families with sizable laundry requirements. Say goodbye to hidden dirt and stains with the impressive cleaning power of Tide Hygienic Clean’s oversized Power Pods.
Persil ProClean

Persil, a renowned laundry detergent brand in Europe, made its debut in the U.S. market in mid-2015 and quickly gained popularity. Our thorough testing using a photospectrometer revealed that, on average, Persil outperformed Tide detergents by an impressive 2% in stain removal. Although this difference may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye, it becomes significant over multiple washes, ultimately giving Persil the edge over its long-standing competitor.
In addition to our findings, our comprehensive survey and analysis of online reviews indicate that some consumers perceive the scent of Persil as “sweet,” which may not appeal to everyone. However, if exceptional stain removal is your primary concern, Persil emerges as the undisputed champion.
PROS
- Demonstrates the best stain removal capabilities among the detergents tested
CONS
- Relatively expensive compared to other options
- The sweet scent may not be to everyone’s liking
When it comes to tackling tough stains, Persil stands out as the top performer. Although it may come at a slightly higher price point and boast a fragrance that divides opinions, its exceptional stain-fighting prowess makes it a winning choice for those seeking unparalleled cleaning power.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear

Seventh Generation Free & Clear is an exceptional choice for those seeking a natural, high-efficiency laundry detergent that prioritizes both cleanliness and skin sensitivity. Free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and perfumes, this detergent harnesses the power of plant-based ingredients to deliver outstanding results. With a generous 140 fl. oz. container, you can enjoy up to 99 loads of laundry, making it an economical and environmentally-friendly option.
One of the standout features of Seventh Generation is its ability to effectively tackle stubborn stains, including baby food and formula, without the need for harsh chemicals. However, it’s important to note that in areas with hard water, clothes may come out with a slight musty smell. This odor is a result of the water itself and not the detergent formula. For tough stains like blueberries or pasta sauce, pretreating with stain fighters such as white vinegar or peroxide is recommended.
PROS
- USDA certified bio-based product
- Hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin
- Free from dyes and artificial brighteners
- Safe for use with babies and children
CONS
- Potential musty smell with hard water
- Availability may be limited in physical stores
- Messy stains may require pretreatment
Seventh Generation Free & Clear is not only a reliable detergent but also a conscientious choice for those seeking a chemical-free and hypoallergenic laundry solution. While the musty smell issue can be addressed with proper water treatment, it’s worth considering the outstanding benefits it offers, such as being safe for babies and children and its USDA certification as a bio-based product.
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent Our Ratings Ease of Use

Arm & Hammer’s Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent offers an affordable and substantial solution. Its hypoallergenic formula, devoid of dyes, perfumes, and preservatives, ensures a gentle and irritation-free experience. Leveraging the renowned Arm & Hammer baking soda, this detergent upholds the brand’s legacy of quality.
During our testing, we noticed a slight chemical scent when sniffing the detergent, but after washing, everything emerged with a clean aroma. The bottle boasts a user-friendly design with an easy handle and convenient measured markings on the lid for effortless pouring and portioning.
Where this option falls short is in targeted stain removal. Our tester observed lingering traces of stains on the tested items, although it excelled in tackling chocolate stains. If your household is prone to frequent spills or stains, it may be beneficial to keep an additional stain remover on hand or explore alternative choices that proved more effective in this aspect. However, if you seek a cost-effective option with gentle cleaning properties, Arm & Hammer’s Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent is undoubtedly worthy of consideration. Its remarkable affordability, coupled with its ability to cater to sensitive skin, makes it a compelling choice.
Buying guide for BEST HIGH-EFFICIENCY LAUNDRY DETERGENTS
High-efficiency washing machines and their perfect match, high-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent, create a powerful duo that not only cleans clothes effectively but also contributes to environmental sustainability by conserving water and electricity.
The synergy between HE washers and HE detergents goes beyond their compatibility. HE washers require the use of HE detergents to prevent excessive sudsing, which can lead to streaks on clothing and potentially damage the washing machine, shortening its lifespan. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right brand of HE laundry detergent that suits your needs, even if you don’t currently own an HE washing machine. Let us guide you through the benefits of using HE laundry detergent and help you find the perfect option for your laundry day, regardless of your machine type.
WHY USE HE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
- Less Suds: HE laundry detergent is designed to be low-sudsing, making it suitable for use with both HE and standard washing machines. This is crucial because traditional laundry detergents can leave sticky soap residue in standard machines, making them harder to clean and posing environmental concerns. On the other hand, HE machines are not designed to handle soap residue effectively, making HE detergent the preferred choice.
- Expert Tip: Always ensure that you use HE-approved products when using a high-efficiency washer and dryer.
Ketia Daniel, BestReviews Cleaning Expert
- Less Water: High-efficiency washers use significantly less water compared to standard machines of similar capacity. This not only positively impacts your water bill but also reduces the amount of gray water released into the environment, making it an eco-friendly choice. HE machines rely on specific detergent formulas that clean clothes effectively with minimal agitation and rinsing. As a result, HE laundry detergent not only maximizes the performance and longevity of high-efficiency washers but also works efficiently in standard machines.
By embracing high-efficiency laundry detergent, you can optimize the benefits of both HE and standard washing machines while playing a part in preserving our precious resources and reducing environmental impact.
FAQs
What’s the best smelling laundry detergent?
Most brands make scents that are supposed to smell fresh and clean, but there are some more unique scents, like the Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets, which come in lavender blossom & thyme as well as mulled apple (along with a regular free & clear scent). Our favorite detergents based on scent were Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Soap Pods and Love Home and Planet Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent.
Is powder or liquid detergent better?
Both kinds of laundry detergent have different strengths and weaknesses. Liquid is the most common type of detergent in the U.S., and it’s the one that takes up the most shelf space in grocery stores. Liquid detergent is excellent for pre-treating because you can pour it right onto the stain. It can be heavy, though, and is sometimes messy.
Powder detergent is generally the cheapest laundry detergent option, and the amount per load is also customizable. It can leave a bit of residue on your clothes or in your machine, and sometimes if you’re doing a cold cycle, it won’t dissolve fully. The only powder detergent that made it onto our list was Molly’s Suds Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder.
Do Tide PODS damage washing machines?
When used correctly, laundry detergent pods of any type should not damage your washing machine. Just make sure you throw the pod in the drum of the washer before your clothes, so they can fully dissolve in the water. Unless otherwise noted, Tide PODS should be safe to use in both high-efficiency (HE) and traditional washing machines.
If you do find residue in your washer, rest assured you can get it clean. The LG Electronics R&D Team tells PEOPLE “LG washers typically have a tub clean cycle or option that allows vigorous action of the tub after having been filled with high-temperature water.” They also encourage you to consult your own specific washing machine owner’s manual to determine the best method and materials for cleaning.