13 best laundry detergents from our favourite luxury brands, tried and tested
Gone are the days of grabbing any old laundry detergent or pack of laundry washing capsules with your weekly food shop. The clothes detergents game is getting interesting. Following in the footsteps of other ordinary personal care items that have been given the luxury makeover (read: deodorant and toothpaste), our favourite skincare and luxury brands are releasing laundry detergents with expensive scents, photogenic packaging and even better results. The days when Ariel, Persil Non Bio washing capsules and Surf Tropical Lily were you only options are long, long gone.
And the best part? These new generation formulas fit the bill when it comes to making more sustainable choices in your washing machine, by avoiding the use of heavy and polluting chemicals. Plus, some new indie brands offer refillable solutions to help you reduce your packaging footprint. Even better, looking after your clothes properly is good news for our planet – extending their lifetime, reducing waste and curbing new purchasing. Look out especially for specific formulas designed to work with different fabrics such as delicate silks or cashmere.
Thinking of ditching your Fairy Non Bio Pods and upgrading your laundry detergent, listen up. We’re here to share all our wisdom on the topic and divulge the best formulas for all your laundry needs. Whether you want an eco-friendly option, sensitive skin-approved formula or the most luxuriously scented wardrobe, we’ve got you covered.
What kind of laundry detergent is best? | What is the difference between bio detergent and non-bio detergent? | What is the difference between laundry detergent and conditioner? | How much detergent should you use? | Our full laundry detergent reviews.
Best laundry detergents at a glance:
- Best Overall: Clothes Doctor Basil and Mandarin Leaf, £16
- Best For Skin: Dr Barbara Sturm Laundry Detergent, £40
- Best Smelling: The Ritual of Sakura Detergent, £17
- Best Multi-Purpose: Dr. Bronner's Cherry Blossom Liquid Soap, £21.99
- Best All-Natural: Read The Label London Natural Laundry Liquid, £18
- Best Affordable: M&S Bio Colours Laundry Liquid, £5.50
What kind of laundry detergent is best?
When choosing your laundry detergent or laundry cleanser, there are a few different formats you can go for. There isn’t one standout winner as such, instead it depends on personal preference and desired end result. There are three main categories here: powder, liquid and single-dose packets.
- Powder Laundry Detergent: The original laundry powder format still has great appeal and normally comes in at the cheapest price. It works hard on tough-to-remove stains and can be very effective on outdoor stains like grass and mud. Normally housed in a cardboard box, this means the packaging is plastic-free and easily recycled. On the downside, you have to be careful where you store it as it needs to be totally dry otherwise it clumps and won’t work. If you’re washing with cold water (perhaps with delicates), it doesn’t work well as the powder doesn’t dissolve. It’s also tricky if you want to pretreat stains before popping the machine.
- Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent: One of the most popular options out there, liquid formulas or washing liquid gels really come into their own on oil and grease stains as they can really sink deep into the fabric. If you know you’ve got a particularly tricky stain, a liquid detergent is the best option for spot cleaning. However, you need to use exactly the right amount to ensure your clothes are cleaned properly but not overly soapy – often easier said than done. Housed in plastic and made up largely of water (a heavy additional ingredient), this option doesn’t win points for sustainability.
- Single Dose Packets: This option gives the benefits of liquid detergent without the faff of having to measure out how much you need. This ensures the perfect wash and saves on accidental waste. Laundry pods (washing liquid capsules) housed in tubs were the first of this style but more recently, laundry sheets have entered the market. These biodegradable strips are infused with concentrated detergent that is released when the sheets dissolve in the water. A win for the planet, these are plastic-free and light to transport. The only negative here is they can’t be used for spot cleaning.
What is the difference between Bio and Non-Bio?
When it comes to the formula of the detergent itself, there are a few common types you will see. Often, you will be choosing between Bio and Non-Bio.
Bio formulas contain additional enzymes that boost the product’s cleaning power, like Surf Coconut Bliss. This means Bio detergent is particularly good on tough stains and brightening those whites. However, it can fade some colours and also isn’t suitable for anything delicate.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema should avoid it. This is where Non-Bio products come in. These don’t contain the enzymes making them suitable for both sensitive skin and sensitive fabrics. As a result, normally detergents branded as ‘safe for delicates’ or ‘colour safe’ are without enzymes and are Non-Bio. Some of the most popular non-bio formulas include ECover Non-Bio Laundry Liquid and Fairy Non Bio Washing Powder.
What is the difference between laundry detergent and conditioner?
The easiest way to think of it is like your hair: with the laundry detergent as a shampoo and the fabric conditioner like your hair conditioner. Laundry detergent cleans your clothes, removing dirt and grime.
Fabric conditioner, also known as fabric softener, strengthens fabrics and helps reduce friction during the laundry process, which helps clothes keep their original shape, reduce both colour fading and pilling and fuzz. Lenor are perhaps the most popular conditioner brand on the high street.
How much laundry detergent should you use?
Using the correct amount of laundry detergent is essential in ensuring your clothes are cleaned properly. If you’re using a powder or liquid format, it’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and use the measuring cups or lines whenever possible. Of course, it’s important to bear in mind the size of the load. As a general rule of thumb, you should only use about a tablespoon of laundry detergent per regular load size.
Ahead, the best luxury laundry detergents to add to your checkout today.
Clothes Doctor is on a mission to make looking after your clothes a sustainable act and their products align with this. Everything is made in the UK, housed in an infinitely recyclable aluminium containers and maximising the use of natural and plant derived ingredients. This non-biological liquid eco detergent combines the aromas of Basil and Mandarin Leaf to leave your clothes smelling wonderful fresh all day long.
Scent: Basil & Mandarin Leaf.
Type: Liquid.Save when you shop for the best laundry detergent with these Fat Face promo codes.
The eponymous dermatologist brand has recently expanded beyond its beauty and wellness offering with a laundry detergent. Taking a skin-first approach to detergent, the formula is enriched with Purslane, Aloe Vera and Panthenol to support skin health. It’s also free from preservatives, enzymes, microplastics, dyes, brighteners and artificial fragrance making it a safe bet for sensitive skin. The plant based formula also works wonders with a wide variety fabrics including sportswear, wool, cashmere, and silk. To ensure you use the correct amount it comes with a handy keep-forever aluminum measuring cup.
Scent: Unscented.
Type: Liquid.While they might be known for their candles or bath and body products, Rituals have applied their fragrance knowledge to detergent. As part of The Ritual of Sakura, an ode to the Japanese cherry tree, they have created a luxurious perfumed liquid detergent that will relax your mind throughout the day.
Scent: Japanese cherry tree.
Type: Liquid.As their name suggests, Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps, can be used on just about anything including your face, body, hair, food, dishes, mopping, pets and, of course, laundry. Made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients and packaged in a 100% post-consumer recycled bottle, it’s a great choice for the planet. A range of moreish scents are available but this scent will leave your clothes smelling like a fresh spring day.
Scent: Cherry blossom.
Type: Liquid.Get special offers when you shop for the best laundry detergent with these Sephora promo codes.
Read The Label is a plant-powered organic cleaning brand that uses 100% pure essential oils and absolutely no nasties. Their products smell seriously good and the Eucalyptus Dives & Geranium is no different. The cleaning pay-off is powerful too thanks to the use of innovative natural ingredients like soapwart extract from the carnation family which forms a creamy lather and is a gentle cleanser.
Scent: Eucalyptus Dives & Geranium.
Type: Liquid.Save when you shop for the best laundry detergent with these Sephora promo codes.
High street favourites M&S found unexpected fame on TikTok recently as the result of their Sandalwood and Bergamot laundry detergent. Users were singing the praises of the affordable product, likening the Sandalwood to a cult perfume from luxury fragrance house Le Labo. Made with plant based biodegradable ingredients, it also offers enhanced stain removal and colour protection.
Scent: Sandalwood and Bergamot.
Type: Liquid.Save when you shop for the best laundry detergent with these Ocado promo codes.
This blend of plant-based ingredients and ProClean Technology works as a suburb stain remover in a handy and eco-friendly strip format. The delicate, clean scent is also ideal for both clothes and bed linen.
Scent: Cotton & jasmine.
Type: Strips.Save when you shop for the best laundry detergent with these Amazon promo codes.
Zero waste, plastic free and certified biodegradable, these strips are truly sustainable. Holding up in the cleanliness department by removing the toughest stains and odours with ease, they are also hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin.
Scent: Fresh linen.
Type: Strips.Save when you shop for the best laundry detergent with these Selfridges promo codes.
This luxury concentrated laundry detergent liquid is powered by mother nature thanks to natural essential oils including long-lasting and warm cedarwood. It’s both kind to your skin and gentle on your clothes, but when it comes to dealing with dirt, it doesn’t hold back.
Scent: Cedarwood.
Type: Liquid.Save when you shop for the best laundry detergent with these Lakeland promo codes.
This Stockhold-based brand has made clothing care cool with its range of products like steamers, fabric shavers and clothing brushes. Their Scandi approach to design has been applied to their range of laundry detergents, each housed in a shelfie-worthy glass bottle. They have options for all laundry needs but for those sensitive items like a much-loved silk slip or prized cashmere cardigan, the delicate formula is just the ticket. Specially developed for delicate fabrics like wool and silk, it’s enriched with Lanolin Oil that cares for and protects the fibers, making them softer. The subtle floral scent is also particularly lovely.
Scent: Rose and Musk.
Type: Liquid.For a refillable solution, Kinn Living have you covered. Their laundry detergents and conditioners come in their keep-me bottles and can be refilled with their refill pouches. The non-bio range uses plant-based natural ingredients and fragrances and is dermatologically tested.
Scent: Neroli.
Type: Liquid.Kair is a luxury clothing care brand using bespoke, premium scents that truly go the distance. Thanks to the combination of aromatic fragrance of wild juniper and the citrusy, light Bergamot, this scented detergent is designed to feel like a long sunny day even when the weather didn’t get the memo. To save on packaging, they also sell refill pouches to pop in your original glass bottle.
Scent: Wild Juniper and Bergamot.
Type: Liquid.
We’ve all made that mistake of messing up one of our favourite knits and this sustainable fashion brand hailing from Finland has answered our prayers. This special detergent is for looking after those precious cashmere pieces. Biodegradable, vegan, hypoallergenic and fragrance free, it is suitable for both washing by hand and in a machine.
Scent: Fragrance free.
Type: Liquid.
