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The 8 Best Smelling Laundry Detergents of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We named our favorite liquid, powder, pod, and sheet detergents

ECOS Plastic-Free Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets displayed on a marbled surface next to a folded pink cloths

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Nothing beats the smell of freshly washed clothes...except the smell of freshly washed clothes that also happen to be ultra clean and soft to the touch. That may sound like a tall order, but thanks to our recent testing, we've come up with top recommendations to help you achieve these coveted results!

With loads (and loads!) of laundry on our minds, we researched and tested dozens of laundry detergents, choosing our top picks in a variety of categories, all with extra attention to scent.

We've gathered up a few selections that come in the form of liquid, powder, and sheets, so read on for our favorite picks!

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Gain Flings

Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Scent
    4.9/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.7/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Simple to use

  • Effective cleansing and whitening of clothes

  • Refill packs available

What We Don't Like
  • Not as efficient on stains

Spoiler alert: Gain appears on our round-up of the best smelling laundry detergents a whopping three times, so get ready to read all about its delightful smell and cleaning capabilities. What set the Gain Original Flings pods apart from the pack was the ease of use and competitive clean. Not only does it leave clothes smelling amazing, but also whites were noticeably bright, and the towel even felt fluffier afterward, too. When we tested, we did not pre-treat any stains, but still these round orbs made a difference, even fully removing tricky chocolate sauce. Plus, they could not be easier to use, with no measuring or pouring involved—just toss one pod into your washer and you're good to go for most loads.

We also appreciate that you can buy refill packs to use with the plastic container, so you're not stuck with extra plastic each time you repurchase. If you find that you're not a big fan of the original scent, they also come in other scents like "moonlight breeze" and "island fresh." Really, there's not a lot we would change about the Gain Flings pods, as long as you have a trusted stain remover you can use when you're dealing with particularly stained or soiled laundry.

Type: Pods | Size: 81 pods | Number of Loads: Up to 81 | Scent: Original

Hand removing stickers from Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent displayed on a stainless surface next to a laptop

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Best Eco-Friendly

Ecos Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets

ECOS Plastic-Free Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets

Target

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.2/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Plastic-free formulated, made with plant-based ingredients

  • Easy to use and store

  • Eco-friendly packaging

What We Don't Like
  • Sheets needs to be kept away from moisture

If you've ever tossed a sheet of fabric softener in the dryer, you know how easy it is. These lightweight sheets from ECOS offer you that same level of convenience for the washing side of your cycle. The sheet dissolves completely in water, leaving no residue or waste behind. And, yep, it smells amazing, as confirmed by our lab testing. We enjoyed the Free & Clear scent, and there's also Lavender Vanilla and Magnolia & Lily, too.

The lightweight, enzymatic formula is made without dyes, phthalates, or formaldehyde, but still packs a punch with cleaning. We noticed a difference in the stains, although as expected it didn't remove them completely, so just make sure to pre-treat when the need arises. After washing, the clothes felt less stiff, and the towel was softer, too. The one thing worth mentioning is that you'll want to store these sheets away from moisture, and don't reach into the box with wet hands because sheets will start to dissolve.

Type: Sheets | Size: 57 per box | Number of Loads: 114 | Scent: Free & Clear

Best Sheets

Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets

Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets

Grove Co.

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • Subtler scent

  • Convenient packaging and usage

  • Eco-friendly ingredients

  • Left towel feeling softer and fluffier

What We Don't Like
  • Less impressive with stain removal

  • Must be stored away from moisture

Another excellent option that comes as sheets is the lavender and thyme scent of this Grove Collaborative detergent. We loved how it smelled pleasant and fresh when it was in use and then, impressively, once laundry was dried, the lingering smell was simply light and clean. In other words, these sheets are a good choice if you want the smell on your laundry to be nice yet subtle enough that passersby won't be struck by it when you're out and about.

As far as their cleaning capabilities, they weren't quite as impressive as some of our other picks, but if your laundry needs are less about harsh stain removal and more about regular cleaning and freshening, then they could still be a great choice (or, you could always just be sure to pre-treat stains when necessary). And speaking of freshening, we were pleased to see that it left our towel feeling softer and fluffier. The one other potential downside is, like with all sheets, you need to be careful to keep them away from moisture. But overall, we still think they're a great choice for anyone who likes the convenience of sheets and wants their laundry to both feel soft and smell fresh.

Type: Sheets | Size: 32 sheets | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Lavender & thyme

Best Liquid

Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent

Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Scent
    4.9/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Impressive stain-fighting and cleaning abilities

  • Good value

  • Variety of scents

What We Don't Like
  • Not as eco-friendly as other options

Once again, Gain impressed us with its incredible smell and competitive stain-fighting. It earned the top spot in a recent overall laundry detergent round-up, thanks to its tried and true performance, dependability, value, and—you guessed it—delightful scent. Notably, it was the only detergent that a member of our testing team was considering switching to after trying it out in the Lab. We had the Original scented version on hand, but a number of other options are available too, including popular choices like Lavender or Orange, as well as more unique options (Apple Mango Tango, anyone?).

Another bonus with the Gain Original Liquid Detergent is that it proved to be a good value. When we calculated the median price per load of the 29 detergents we recently tested, we came up with roughly $0.25 per load. Gain's average price was well below that, at roughly $0.19 per load. Plus, it's readily available at most major retailers, which is definitely convenient. Now, if you tend to shop with an eye for plant-based ingredients, this might not be the choice for you, however Gain does offer a separate Botanicals line of detergents you may want to check out.

Type: Liquid | Size: 65 ounces | Number of Loads: 45 | Scent: Original

Best Powder

Tide Pods Laundry Detergent

Tide Pods Spring Meadow Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    4.8/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Convenient and easy to use

  • Effective cleaning

  • Smell not overpowering

What We Don't Like
  • Must be kept away from moisture or wetness

There’s something to be said for a crowd favorite, and this one does not disappoint. After trying Tide Pods in the lab, we found that it left clothes feeling, smelling, and looking clean—the ideal combo in our eyes. What's more, the pod style of detergent makes it incredibly easy to get your desired results because they're pre-measured. It's the laundry version of "grab and go"—you just pop one into the machine, start the load, and call it good (until you need to move everything to the dryer, of course).

These pods are proof that good things come in small packages, as our testing confirmed that they are indeed efficient cleaning agents. The stains we made on the sample clothing were lightened, fabrics felt softer, and clothes smelled nice, too. We appreciated that the smell was subtle and light, striking a balance between pleasant and not overpowering. All in all, we're fans of Tide Pods, but do keep in mind with these (and other pods), is that you'll need to be careful not to splash them or touch them with wet hands because that can ruin them.

Type: Pods | Size: 81 pods | Number of Loads: up to 81 | Scent: Spring Meadow

Person holding folded fabric above an open top-loading washing machine

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Best Powder

Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent

Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Scent
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.3/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Easy to measure and scoop

  • Large quantity of loads per container

  • Amazing scent

  • Good value

What We Don't Like
  • Average stain-fighting capabilities

If you prefer powder detergent, and are looking for something that leaves clothes smelling amazing, then Gain should be at the top of your list. Like other options from the brand, the powder version smells utterly delightful, and performs well when it comes to cleaning, too. It wasn't quite as impressive as its liquid counterpart when it came to stain removal, but there was still marked difference in the spots we tried it on. This pick may be a good option for you if you want similar results to the other Gain choices, but with the scoop measuring process that powder requires. Unlike pods, you can easily adjust the amount you add to each load, and unlike liquid, it's easy to fix if your first scoop isn't perfect.

Powder detergents can be more cost-effective, too and with this Gain pick in particular, you're promised as little as $0.15 per load—well below our median of $0.25. Though, if you opt to add extra or you run larger loads, your mileage may vary. Containers are sold with enough detergent for 80-150 loads, so you'll need to replace less often than counterparts, too.

Type: Powder | Size: 172 ounces | Number of Loads: 150 | Scent: Original

Best Floral Scent

Love Home and Planet Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Love Home and Planet Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Concentrated, plant-based formula

  • Auto-dose cap

  • Great smell remained on clothes after washing and drying

What We Don't Like
  • Average stain-fighting capabilities

  • Pricey for its category

The right scent can provide much more than clean-smelling clothes. There’s mounting evidence that smells like lavender have very real physiological effects. In studies, lavender has been shown to have both calming effects and mood-boosting properties. When laundry day has a tendency to be stressful, that sounds like a pretty nice perk. Even better, that's not the only benefit we found with this concentrated formula from Love Home and Planet. It's designed with an auto-dose cap that makes it super easy to measure and pour, so if convenience is a priority when it comes to your laundry routine, we recommend taking a close look.

We also found that more scent remained on the laundry we tested with this detergent than with other brands—in a good way! This delightful and strong scent is especially impressed when you factor in that it's made with 94 percent plant-based cleaners. While the cost per load is a bit higher than some of its counterparts, and the stain fighting capabilities didn't necessarily knock our socks off us, we think it's still a worthy choice a worthy choice for those that prioritize its other features.

Type: Concentrated liquid | Size: 23 ounces | Number of Loads: 66 | Scent: Lavendar & Argan Oil

Best Versatile Scent

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.3/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Scent
    4.9/5
  • Effectiveness
    3.3/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • "Chameleon" scent

  • Small, eco-friendly packaging

  • Very convenient

What We Don't Like
  • Medium load measurement involves half-sheets

  • Must keep away from moisture

  • Average stain-fighting

If you’re the type of person who thinks regular laundry detergent smells a bit too clean—or dare we say, sterile—consider Earth Breeze's laundry detergent sheets. The light scent elicited different responses from our testing team, with some finding it more citrus-forward and others noticing floral notes. One even described it "like a swanky hotel." The one thing they did agree on, however, was that it was universally pleasant. It also proved to linger after washing and drying, which was another perk in our eyes.

Beyond the fragrance, we were impressed with how soft and fluffy clothes felt afterward, too—although, some stains were left behind, so be sure to pre-treat if and when necessary. And of course, we love how convenient sheets are, in general. What's unique about this brand is that there are measurements for different load sizes, however the "medium" measurement involves a half sheet, which you'll need to cut or trim yourself, as there's no perforations. And lastly, as a final note, remember that laundry sheets need to be kept away from moisture (or damp hands!) so as not to get damaged before they're ready for use.

Type: Sheets | Size: 30 sheets | Number of Loads: up to 60 | Scent: Fresh

Compare

Ease of Use Feel Scent Effectiveness Value
Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent
Best Overall:
Gain Flings
5 5 4.9 4.7 5
ECOS Plastic-Free Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets
Best Eco-Friendly:
Ecos Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets
4.8 5 5 4.2 4
Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets
Best Sheets:
Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets
5 5 5 4.5 3.5
Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost
Best Liquid:
Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent
5 5 4.9 4.8 5
Tide Pods Spring Meadow Laundry Detergent
Best Powder:
Tide Pods Laundry Detergent
5 4.8 5 4.5 5
Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent
Best Powder:
Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent
5 5 4 4.3 4.8
Love Home and Planet Laundry Detergent
Best Floral Scent:
Love Home and Planet Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent
5 5 5 4.5 4
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
Best Versatile Scent:
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
4.3 5 4.9 3.3 3.5
Final Verdict

For an all-around effective detergent that also happens to smell great, we recommend Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent Soap Pods. We were impressed by its cleaning prowess, overall convenience, plus the scent is amazing. For an eco-friendly option, check out ECOS Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets, which are made with plant-based ingredients and proved easy to use and store.

What to Look for in the Best Smelling Laundry Detergents

Amount

Before you click "add to cart," or before you put a carton of detergent in your IRL cart, be sure you take a look at the amount of product you get and the expected number of loads per container. While some types of detergent are fairly straightforward in their measurements (looking at you, pods), there can still be variation. With Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets, loads can handle half-sheets, for example. Some options, like Love Home and Planet Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent, also come in concentrated forms, so what looks like a smaller bottle can actually go just as far as larger containers.

Washing Conditions

Your next favorite laundry detergent likely has manufacturer recommendations on the packaging for how to achieve the best possible results. These instructions can include how and where to add the detergent to your machine, what temperature of water to use, and how much detergent to use. You'll also want to take into account your washing machine's capabilities, as well as the recommendations for your clothing, too. The good news is, most up-to-date washing machines have enough features and settings to accommodate different types of detergent, and most widely available detergents are formulated to handle different washing conditions, so you can often make choices based on your clothes and other priorities (like opting for cold water to save energy).

Ingredients

The delightful smell of your laundry detergent may come from added perfumes or fragrances, from essential oils, or from other ingredients in the formula. Sometimes, it's clear which ingredients contribute to the scent of a product, but often this isn't the case. If you're curious about the ins and outs, check out the handy laundry detergent ingredient guide we recently put together.

Also on the topic of ingredients, it's worth noting that sensitivities and allergies can sometimes be exacerbated by perfumes and fragrances, so be mindful while shopping if you or someone in your household has sensitive skin.

Types of Scent

Don't worry, no one is going to tell you how your clothes need to smell—this comes down to personal preference! We do, however, want to make sure that you know your options. In our experience and research, detergents can come with those classic "fresh and clean" notes, with floral scents, or with citrusy or fruity scents. If you're not sure where to start, the smell of Gain products was widely enjoyed by our testing team, and we highly recommend our Best Overall pick, Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent.

FAQ
  • Does laundry detergent ever expire?

    Not exactly, but as we've previously discussed on The Spruce, laundry detergent can become less effective over time. If there is "best if used by" date marked on your product, you'll want to follow it but if there isn't one present, opened products are generally recommended for use within six months, while unopened products can keep for nine to 12 months after your date of purchase.

  • How should you best get stains out of clothes?

    Not all messes are created equally, so the best techniques for stain removal depend entirely on the materials involved. That said, you can expect the process to be similar for most types of stains—flushing the stain and removing as much residual product or mess as possible, applying a stain remover, and rinsing. Where you'll find variations are the type of cleaning agent, the time involved (to pre-soak or not to pre-soak), agitation recommendations, and water temperature, to name a few.

  • How much detergent should you use per load?

    We have a guide for laundry detergent amounts, too! But for those looking for a quick answer: the amount will be mostly based on the size of your load of laundry, the size of your washing machine, and the type of detergent you're using. Our recommended ranges start at 1.5 teaspoons (liquid) up to 1/3 cup (powder).

  • How do you keep your laundry smelling fresh?

    You can be a whiz with a washing machine and still find that certain clothes retain certain smells. Beyond regular (effective!) washing, there are still plenty of options for how to handle residual smells on your clothes. Odor removers, many of which use oxygen to fight odor-causing particles, can be added to your wash routine, along with fabric softeners for an added punch of perfume.

The Checkout Counter

If scent is important to you, we have a few other products to recommend. These will also help your clothes come out of the laundry smelling fresh.

  1. Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner: To help your clothes and sheets stay cuddly and soft, add this color-protecting, wrinkle-reducing formula from Downy, which we rated as our best overall fabric softener. It has 7 different scent options.
  2. Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags, Set of 3: Keep your socks and other delicates from getting lost in the wash with this set of mesh laundry bags equipped with anti-rust zippers—No more pulling still-damp socks out of your duvet cover or fitted sheet after the cycle ends.
  3. Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls, 6-Pack: Avoid static cling with these handmade, eco-friendly alternatives to dryer sheets—it's easily one of our favorite brands of wool dryer balls. Add some essential oil to each ball in whatever scent you like best.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Dena Ogden, who's been writing professionally since 2016. She joined The Spruce in August 2022, and specializes in appliances, cleaning, and organizational topics. For this piece, she reviewed insights and results from our savvy testers who participated in hands-on laundry detergent testing in The Lab, and she completed thorough research on products, evaluating options based on key specifications, reviews, and cleaning methods.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Cavanagh HMA, Wilkinson JM. Lavender essential oil: a reviewAustralian Infection Control. 2005;10(1):35-37. doi:10.1071/HI05035