Shopping for laundry detergent can be overwhelming with all the options available. Consumer Reports highlights the key types, features, and what to watch for to ensure you’re getting the most effective and safe detergent for your needs.

Key Insights from Tests

• Real Differences: Some detergents clean significantly better than others; the worst perform only slightly better than water alone.
• Top Performers: Best detergents excel in removing body oil, dirt, and tougher stains like grass and blood.
• Eco-Friendly Options: While biodegradable and low-sudsing detergents are gaining popularity, they often lag in stain-fighting power.

Types of Laundry Detergents

1. High-Efficiency (HE) Detergents:
- Best For: Front-load and high-efficiency top-load washers.
- Advantages: Low-sudsing and designed for water-efficient machines.
- Caution: Avoid regular detergents in HE washers to prevent excess suds and wasted water.

2. Environmentally Friendly Detergents:
- Pros: Biodegradable, plant-based, and packaged with less plastic.
- Cons: Often less effective on stains and may lack stain-fighting enzymes.

3. Workout-Specific Detergents:
- Designed For: Removing body oils from synthetic workout clothes.
- Tip: Check ratings for detergents effective against body oil to protect fitness gear.

4. Pods/Packs:
- Pros: Convenient and pre-measured.
- Cons: Lower cleaning power, more expensive per load, and safety risks for children and adults with dementia.
- Safety Note: Avoid in homes with young children or vulnerable adults.

5. Fabric Softener Detergents:
- Warning: Avoid using on children’s sleepwear and flame-retardant-treated clothing.

Features to Look For

• Stain Removal Power: Effective detergents tackle everyday stains like body oil, dirt, and tougher stains such as grass and blood.
• Cold-Water Formulas: Many detergents are now optimized for energy-efficient cold water cycles.
• Optical Brighteners: Enhance whites but may not be disclosed on all labels.
• Hypoallergenic Options: Free from dyes and perfumes; suitable for sensitive skin.

Popular Detergent Brands

• Tide (Procter & Gamble): Leading brand with a wide range of formulas.
• Persil (Henkel): Known for powerful stain-fighting capabilities.
• Gain: Best for fragrant detergents.
• Seventh Generation: Eco-friendly with plant-derived agents.
• Arm & Hammer: Affordable and effective, available in multiple formats.
• Purex: Budget-friendly with broad availability.
• Cheer: Value-oriented option by Procter & Gamble.

Best Practices for Laundry Success

Measure Properly: Follow instructions to avoid detergent overuse, which can waste product and harm your machine.

Prewash Stain Removal: Use prewash sprays like OxiClean Max Force for tough stains.

Avoid Pods if Unsafe: Skip pods if you have small children or cognitively impaired adults at home.

Adjust for Hard Water: Use a detergent designed for hard water or add water softeners to improve cleaning performance.

Pro Tips for a Greener Wash

• Opt for detergents with biodegradable ingredients.
• Use cold water whenever possible to save energy.
• Choose concentrated formulas to reduce plastic waste.

By understanding detergent options and incorporating best practices, you’ll ensure cleaner clothes and more effective laundry routines.

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