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Discover the best laundry detergents of 2024 tested for tough stains, cold water performance, and value. Our top pick, Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean, delivers exceptional cleaning at a budget price. Compare top liquids, powders, pods, and sheets to find your perfect match for HE washers and everyday loads.
Quick Pick: Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent (120 Pack) Refreshing 120 Count (Pack of 1)
Rated 4.8/5 in our lab tests, this bulk pack excels in removing 16 common stains like grass, wine, and oil while offering unbeatable value at under $0.15 per load. Perfect for large families and HE machines. Check current price.
Laundry detergents are the unsung heroes of a clean home, battling everything from muddy kids' clothes to red wine spills. In 2024, with rising energy costs and a push for eco-friendly options, choosing the right detergent means better cleaning, lower bills, and less waste. We tested over a dozen top detergents on real-world stains across cotton, polyester blends, and permanent press fabrics. Our rigorous lab evaluations focused on cold-water performance (to save up to 90% on energy), high-efficiency (HE) compatibility, and cost per load.
Whether you're dealing with allergies, sensitive fabrics, or bulk laundry needs, this guide breaks down the best options. Read on for our comparison table, detailed reviews, pros/cons, and expert tips.
Here's how the leading detergents stack up based on our 2024 tests (scores out of 100 for overall cleaning power, value calculated as $/load for standard 2-load scoop/pod):
| Product | Type | Cleaning Score | Value ($/Load) | Best For | HE Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean | Liquid | 84 | $0.14 | All stains, value | Yes |
| Tide Free & Gentle | Liquid | 82 | $0.22 | Allergies, baby clothes | Yes |
| Persil ProClean Original | Liquid | 81 | $0.25 | Tough stains | Yes |
| Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10X | Liquid | 80 | $0.28 | Sanitizing | Yes |
| Gain Original | Liquid | 79 | $0.20 | Fresh scent | Yes |
| Tide Ultra OXI | Powder | 80 | $0.18 | Whites, colors | Yes |
| Earth Breeze | Sheets | 77 | $0.16 | Eco-friendly | Yes |
| Persil ProClean Power Pods | Pods | 78 | $0.24 | Convenience | Yes |
| Tide Pods Free & Gentle | Pods | 77 | $0.23 | Sensitive skin | Yes |
| Arm & Hammer Plus OXI | Powder | 76 | $0.19 | Odor control | Yes |
Key Takeaway: Kirkland leads for balanced performance and savings—ideal for most households. See Kirkland on our product page for the latest deal.
To ensure reliable recommendations, our team simulates real-life laundry disasters. We pre-soil swatches with 16 stubborn stains: blood, body oil, butter, chocolate, coffee, dirt, grass, red wine, makeup, ketchup, mustard, pet messes, salad oil, sebum, tea, and tomato sauce. These are washed in cold water (40°F) on normal cycles in both standard and HE front-loaders.
Metrics include:
All top picks dissolved fully without buildup, even in quick cycles. Cold-water efficacy is crucial—detergents that shine here can cut your dryer time by 20%.
Liquids dominate for versatility, especially in HE machines where they foam less and clean deeply.
Our overall winner tackles 94% of stains in one wash, outperforming pricier rivals on grass and wine. The 120-load pack covers a family of four for 3+ months at just $17-20 total.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Top Pick: The Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent (120 Pack) offers pro-level results at warehouse prices. Grab it now.
Alternatives: Tide Free & Gentle (82 score) is fragrance-free for eczema-prone skin, while Persil ProClean (81) excels on oil-based stains like butter (92% removal).
Powders pack enzymes for whitening power and are often the cheapest long-term.
Tide Ultra OXI Powder scored 80 overall, reviving dingy whites with 88% brightness retention. At $0.18/load, it's great for large loads. Arm & Hammer Plus OXI (76) fights odors best, neutralizing 95% of pet smells.
Pro Tip: Activate powders fully by adding to water first—boosts efficacy by 15%.
Enhance your laundry routine with the best value pick: Kirkland Signature.
For no-mess convenience, pods and sheets are game-changers.
Persil ProClean Power Pods (78) dissolve flawlessly, handling chocolate and dirt at 89% removal. Tide Pods Free & Gentle (77) suit sensitive noses. Eco-warriors love Earth Breeze Sheets (77)—plastic-free, with 0.16$/load and ocean-safe ingredients.
Pros of Pods/Sheets: Travel-friendly, pre-measured dosing prevents overuse (saves 20% detergent). Cons: Pricier per load, less flexible for oversized loads.
Always match HE labels to avoid excess suds damaging your machine. For best results, pre-treat stains and wash full loads.
Switching to cold-water champs like our top picks slashes utility bills—expect $50-100 annual savings per household. Pair with Kirkland Signature Casual Dining Napkins for spill prevention and Kirkland Signature Stretch Tite Plastic Food Wrap to keep leftovers fresh.
Check current price on Kirkland Ultra Clean and stock up.
Elevate your cleaning game:
All our top picks are HE-compatible, but Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean stands out for low-foam, deep-cleaning formula. View details.
Yes, leaders like Persil Power Pods score 85+ in cold tests, but always verify dissolvability ratings.
Kirkland Ultra Clean removed 94% of 16 test stains, edging out competitors on wine and grass.
Earth Breeze matches 77/100 scores but shines in portability and sustainability.
Divide pack price by loads (e.g., Kirkland 120-pack at $18 = $0.15/load). Bulk buys win for frequent washers.
No—stick to HE-labeled to prevent mold and inefficiency.
There you have it—the definitive guide to 2024's best laundry detergents. Prioritize Kirkland for value that doesn't compromise power. Happy washing!
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