How to Choose Laundry Detergent

Why Detergent Choice Matters

Not all laundry detergents are created equal. The right detergent depends on your washing machine type, the fabrics you wash most, any skin sensitivities in your household, and your water type. Choosing the wrong detergent can leave clothes dingy, cause skin irritation, or damage delicate fabrics over time.

Step 1: Match Detergent to Your Washing Machine

• High-efficiency (HE) machines: Require HE-labeled detergent. HE detergents produce fewer suds, which is essential for front-loading and HE top-loading machines. Using regular detergent in an HE machine causes excess suds that can damage the machine and leave residue on clothes.
• Standard top-loading machines: Can use any detergent, including HE formulas.

Step 2: Choose the Right Format

• Liquid detergent: Best for pre-treating stains (apply directly), works well in cold water, and dissolves easily. Arm & Hammer plus OxiClean is a strong all-around liquid option with built-in stain fighting and odor removal.
• Powder detergent: Generally more economical, works well for heavily soiled loads, and has a longer shelf life. Best dissolved in warm water.
• Pods/capsules: Convenient and pre-measured, but more expensive per load and not suitable for hand washing or pre-treating.

Step 3: Consider Special Needs

• Sensitive skin: Choose fragrance-free, dye-free formulas. See our guide on the best detergent for sensitive skin.
• Baby clothes: Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent like Dreft.
• Dark clothes: Use a detergent formulated for darks like Perwoll Black & Darks to prevent fading.
• Wool and delicates: Use a specialist gentle wash like Outback Gold Wool Wash.
• Activewear: Use a detergent designed for synthetic fabrics like Rockin' Green Active Wear.

Step 4: Consider Water Type

Hard water (high mineral content) reduces detergent effectiveness. If you have hard water, use slightly more detergent than recommended, or add a water softener to the wash. Soft water requires less detergent — using too much causes excess suds and residue.

How Much Detergent to Use

Most people use too much detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue on clothes, causes skin irritation, and can damage washing machines over time. Follow the measuring guidelines on the package and use the minimum recommended amount for lightly soiled loads.

Final Thoughts

The best laundry detergent is the one that matches your machine type, fabric needs, and household requirements. A good all-around liquid detergent handles most loads; specialist detergents for darks, delicates, and activewear are worth having for those specific needs.