The Best Laundry Detergents: Tide, Gain & More — Which One Should You Use?

Choosing the right laundry detergent can make a huge difference in how your clothes smell, feel, and last. Whether you’re doing laundry at home or scheduling pickup & delivery for a professional wash & fold service, detergent plays a major role in the final result.

From classics like Tide and Gain to sensitive-skin options and eco-friendly formulas, here’s your complete guide to the best laundry detergents — plus how LaundryMatch lets you use your favorites with every order.

Top Picks: Best Laundry Detergents of the Year

• Tide Original – Best all-around performance

  
  

• Gain – Best long-lasting fragrance

  
  

• Persil ProClean – Best stain-fighting power

  
  

• Arm & Hammer – Best budget option

  
  

• Seventh Generation – Best eco-friendly choice

  
  

• All Free Clear – Best for sensitive skin

What Makes Each Detergent Different?

Tide — The Most Reliable Everyday Detergent

Tide is the go-to for many households thanks to its strong cleaning enzymes and consistent stain removal. It works well in cold water, protects fabrics, and handles tough messes from kids, workouts, and everyday wear.

Gain — The Best Scented Detergent

Gain is famous for its long-lasting fragrance. If you want your laundry to smell fresh for days, it’s hard to beat. It’s affordable, effective, and perfect for towels, bedding, and daily clothing.

Persil ProClean — Deep Cleaning Power

Persil is known for high-performance stain removal. It’s ideal for active families, athletes, and anyone dealing with tough dirt, grass stains, or heavily worn clothes. It brightens whites and keeps colors vibrant.

Arm & Hammer — Great Value, Solid Performance

This detergent uses baking soda to naturally fight odors, making it a strong budget-friendly option. It’s reliable for everyday laundry, lightly soiled loads, and families looking to save without sacrificing quality.

Seventh Generation — The Eco-Friendly Choice

This plant-based formula avoids dyes and synthetic fragrances. It’s gentle on skin, environmentally conscious, and works well for baby clothes and households that want a cleaner, greener wash.

All Free Clear — Best for Sensitive Skin

Dermatologist-recommended and free of perfumes and dyes, All Free Clear is ideal for babies, eczema, allergies, and anyone who needs a fragrance-free detergent that’s still effective on stains.

Scented vs. Unscented: What’s Better?

Scented Detergents

Best for: Everyday clothes, bedding, towels, and fabrics where you want a noticeable, fresh smell. They’re great at neutralizing odors and leave a fragrance that lasts.

Unscented Detergents

Best for: Sensitive skin, infants, allergies, and anyone avoiding artificial fragrances.

These formulas are gentle, dermatologist-approved, and ideal for households with skin sensitivities.

Liquid vs. Pods vs. Powder — Which Is Best?

Liquid Detergent

• Most versatile option

  
  

• Great for pre-treating stains

  
  

• Works well in cold or hot water

  
  

• Ideal for families with varied laundry needs

Laundry Pods

• Pre-measured and mess-free

  
  

• Convenient for busy routines

  
  

• Portable for wash & fold or laundry delivery

  
  

• Not ideal for very small loads because you can’t adjust the amount

Powder Detergent

• Budget-friendly

  
  

• Strong on ground-in dirt

  
  

• Great for large loads and high-efficiency machines

How to Choose the Right Detergent

Consider:

• Skin sensitivity

  
  

• Stain levels

  
  

• Water hardness

  
  

• Fabric type

  
  

• Fragrance preference

  
  

• Environmental concerns

  
  

• Budget

Different households have different needs — and using the right detergent can extend the life of your clothes and improve your laundry results.

Use Your Favorite Detergent With LaundryMatch

One of the best parts about using LaundryMatch for wash & fold or laundry pickup & delivery is the flexibility:

✔ You can provide your own detergent

If you prefer a specific brand — Tide, Gain, Persil, All Free Clear, or a natural formula — just include it with your pickup.

✔ Or choose a detergent add-on

Select scented, unscented, hypoallergenic, or eco-friendly detergent options directly inside the app.

LaundryMatch makes it easy to get the exact wash you want, every time.

Final Thoughts

The best laundry detergent depends on your lifestyle, skin needs, and scent preferences. No matter what you choose, LaundryMatch is here to make laundry day easier — with the detergent you love and the convenience you deserve. Download the app at GetLaundryMatch.com to place your laundry now with your local laundromat or dry cleaner.