I Tested Buzzy Laundry Detergents So You Don’t Have To—Here Are The Very Best

Smells like: Magnolia, bergamot, cedar

Loads: 80

I do most of my laundry in cold water to preserve the integrity of the fabrics and go easier on the environment. Dirty Labs’ formulations are intended for cold water, which means the cleaning agents aren’t “activated” by heat. However, you can use them in hot water too if that’s your jam. The Bio Laundry Detergent relies on enzymes to break down stains, get rid of odors, and brighten clothes (without the optical brighteners you’ll find in your tub of OxiClean). It’s suitable for all kinds of laundry, from activewear to towels. I use it on my everyday clothes, like my denim, cotton shirts, and poly blends. It’s great on mild stains, and it’s a concentrated formula so you only need to use the tiniest bit. If you have sensitive skin, you can also find a fragrance-free version.

Smells like: Sweet, sweet nothing.

Loads: 50

Back in the day when I was a high school field hockey athlete, I came home from practice with some stinky gear. Sometimes, I’d accidentally leave my shin guards in my car for a few days, so I knew I needed more than a traditional detergent to get to the root of the odor instead of masking it. I found Hex after some research, and I have never looked back. 

The surfactants in most detergents are anionic, meaning they have a negative charge. Most organisms, including bacteria, also have a negative charge. According to Hex, its detergents are cationic, meaning they have a positive charge. What does all this mean? The cationic molecules in this detergent work to pull out the anionic sweat and bacteria particles in our clothes like a magnet. And I’m telling you—it works. Ironically enough, I love the fragrance-free version the most, partially because I can tell how effective the formula is. My activewear—even the sports bras I should probably retire—don’t stink in the slightest.

Smells like: Sweet, sweet nothing.

Loads: Up to 64

I have pretty sensitive skin, so in general, I look for fragrance-free detergents for my clothing since I have the most skin contact with it. When Brooklinen launched a laundry line, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical. But then I tried it for myself and have since used it regularly. It’s plant-based (Side note: Did you know that many traditional detergents use animal-derived ingredients?) and fragrance- and dye-free, so it doesn’t create skin flare-ups. I find this one suitable for my everyday garments as well. It’s quite gentle, though, so if you have a tough stain, use a stain remover before washing. My only gripe is that it could be more concentrated. It requires 4-6 pumps per load and it comes out very liquidy, which means there’s a significant amount of water in there.

Smells like: Amber, bergamot, white musk

Loads: Up to 60

Dedcool’s buzzy, Gen-Z, cool girl vibe has taken over the personal and home fragrance world, and I’m quite fine with it. The Dedtergent comes in chic, metal packaging, which is easily recyclable, and it pours out nicely despite the gelatinous texture. The popular Milk scent is a lighter fragrance with notes of bergamot, white musk, and amber. The ingredient list is notably short without much stink- and stain-fighting technology, so I use it mostly for bedding. (It’s also fabulous on intimates and hand-wash items.) My sheets and duvet covers come out of the dryer noticeably softer, with a subtle, ‘I’m in a high tax bracket’ scent. However, I have a similar gripe with this bad boy: You need hella detergent—like, up to five ounces—if you want your linens to be more fragranced.

Smells like: Sweet, sweet nothing.

Loads: 32

Bras, underwear, silks, wool and cashmere, and other fragile, delicate pieces require a little extra TLC than your typical cotton tee or pair of trousers. These fabrics break down more easily, so finding a detergent with gentler surfactants is key. This Dirty Labs formula was my favorite, because it’s fragrance-free and highly concentrated. It doesn’t leave any residue or film on my silk pillowcases, dainty intimates, and fall sweaters. And while you don’t need a special detergent for your delicates, especially if your washing machine has a delicate cycle, if you go to a laundromat or simply want to have a fancy detergent, this one is spectacular.

Smells like: Lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary

Loads: 70

Aussie brand Koala Eco makes some of the most luxurious home and cleaning products I’ve used. From the thoughtful, beautiful packaging to the delightful essential oil combinations, the brand continues to impress me. This was my first time testing their Laundry Wash, and because it’s so, so natural, I had my doubts that it would really get down and dirty with everything in my hamper. But the plant- and coconut-based surfactants really did the damn thing—especially on my towels, which I was surprised by. They felt soft, clean, and absorbent post-wash, and the essential oil-based fragrance is truly a treat. Not too sweet, but not too herbaceous, it’s fresh and citrusy and I want to bathe in it. Head’s up: The Laundry Wash is currently sold out, but trust me, you want to get on that waitlist.

Smells like: Lavender, thyme

Loads: 32

While I normally lean towards liquid detergent since the dosage is more easily controlled, these laundry sheets from Grove Co. truly surprised me by their efficacy. They’re plant-based and entirely dissolvable (and biodegradable, at that), and the packaging is plastic-free. The lavender and thyme fragrance isn’t obtrusive, and I’ve noticed that each sheet, though gentle, removes most of the little stains my clothes amass throughout the day. (For really stubborn or oil-based stains, it needs a little help.) I tested the Power Clean sheets on both hot and cold water and they dissolve in both. They’ve quickly become my go-to for long vacations when I think I might need to do a load or two of laundry on-the-go, because they’re TSA-friendly and lightweight.