Laundry detergents are fabric cleaning agents commonly seen in liquid, powder, or pods form. Selecting a detergent involves multiple factors, mainly the type of washing machine – high-efficiency or regular washers. High-efficiency washers need a low-subsiding detergent that produces fewer suds. Regular detergents, too, have a variety of functions. Some are gentle and unscented, while others are triple-action, with harsher, stain-fighting chemicals. Listed below are some of the most efficient laundry detergents.

High efficiency v/s regular detergents
High-efficiency washing machines, also known as HE washers, use about 80% less water than regular ones for wash and rinse cycles. They also save 65% energy and are available in front-loading and top-loading designs. While they provide numerous benefits, like conserving energy and saving money, they can only function optimally when used with appropriate detergents. The detergent used for HE washers is formulated to be low subsiding. HE laundry detergents produce only a few suds, which is ideal when the machine uses water scarcely. Regular detergent should be avoided in high-efficiency washers since they can result in machine overflow, smelly clothes, and less cleaning effectiveness. HE detergents are usually marked with a tiny HE sticker on the product’s label. Many popular brands manufacture quality detergents, and some top-performing and best-selling products are listed below.

Grab Green’s laundry detergent pods
Pods are compact non-toxic bags of detergents coated in a water-soluble film. They are more convenient than liquid or powder detergents since they are pre-measured and don’t leak or spill. Grab Green’s 3-in-1 pod pouches come with three mild and refreshing fragrances, including lavender with vanilla, gardenia, and vetiver. One can also opt for the fragrance-free alternative. It removes stains and odor with natural ingredients like eucalyptus. An average 24-load pouch is priced at $11.99. They can work well with both high-efficiency as well as regular washers.

Tide’s liquid laundry detergent
Tide is one of the country’s leading detergents and cleaning supplies. Its Simply Clean and Fresh Laundry Detergent comes in a highly concentrated liquid form. It helps it to fight off difficult stains, dirt, and odors deep in the fabric. It is available in multiple fragrances and can handle nearly 65 full loads of laundry. It is compatible with HE and regular washing machines.

Grove Co.’s laundry detergent sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are similar to pods. They are light, compact, pre-measured, and held together in a soluble and biodegradable sheet. They are a more eco-friendly option since they’re made from plant-based materials. The laundry detergent sheets by Grove Co. do not have any dyes or smells. So they make an ideal option for washing baby clothes or those suffering from any skin sensitivities. A bag of sheets comprising around 32 loads costs nearly $13.

Persil ProClean liquid laundry detergent
The liquid laundry detergent from Persil is ideal for deep cleaning one’s fabric with tough stains. It is compatible with top-load, front-load as well as HE washers. Its 225 fl oz bottle can wash up to 146 loads. Persil also has other liquid detergents in different forms, including concentrated and intense fresh scents for deep cleaning and dye-free, gentle ones for sensitive skin.

Clean & Simple laundry detergent by Arm & Hammer
Budget-conscious buyers who wish to steer clear of chemicals and dyes can opt for this detergent. As its name suggests, it has no added colors, parabens, brighteners, or preservatives. It primarily contains six chemicals, including a cleaning agent, baking soda, a water softener, a mild scent, and an active stain fighter. It is also compatible with HE washers.

Gain Botanicals laundry detergent
This detergent has a pleasant fragrance of white tea and lavender. It is free of dyes, phosphates, and brighteners and uses plant-based materials. This formulation, designed for those with sensitive skin, is compatible with both HE and conventional washers.

Free & Clear laundry packs by Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation’s detergent is compatible with HE washers but is at a higher price point than its contemporaries. These pre-measured packs are hypoallergenic and contain no dyes, fragrances, or artificial brighteners. About 94% of its ingredients are derived from plants. It makes it suitable for baby diapers and clothes.

Earth Breeze laundry detergent eco sheets
These biodegradable laundry detergent sheets by Earth Breeze are environment-friendly and free of paraben. They are hypoallergenic and cost-effective, priced at $20 for 60 loads. For those wanting to save more, the company provides a monthly subscription option for $12.

Dropps’ Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods
These are unscented detergent pods with compostable packaging that are best suitable for baby clothes and those with sensitive skin. They are dermatologist-tested and majorly contain plant-based ingredients.

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Clean Meadow
Another popular choice is this concentrated liquid detergent powered by OxiClean stain fighters. It is more suitable for removing tough stains and strong odors, which makes it ideal for deep cleaning and whitening fabrics. Its low-sudsing composition works for HE washers. Some other companies that have come up with efficient laundry detergents include Biokleen, Church & Dwight Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Co., Procter & Gamble, and Unilever.

The average cost of laundry detergents
Some HE laundry detergents are slightly costlier than regular ones. The cost may vary depending on the detergent one uses and the number of washes per week. One load of laundry typically costs $1.27, which translates to $66 per year approximately if you do one load a week. The amount may vary if you spend on laundry additives like fabric softeners. Data suggests that an average family comprising 3 to 4 people washes 300 to 390 loads of laundry annually, spending nearly $180 to $600 on detergents. An effective way to reduce this cost is to use discount coupons and opt for companies that provide subscriptions or relatively cheaper detergents.