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The Best Laundry Detergents of 2025
Written By OvertimeReviews Team
Ensuring our clothes are clean, fresh, and free from stubborn stains doesn’t have to be complicated or empty your wallet. With so many detergent options on the market today, you’ll want to choose one thoroughly evaluated and researched for its effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and value. Our team scoured the options out there and found the top-rated ones based on stain-removal efficiency, scent duration, and suitability for sensitive skin. After extensive reseach, we found that the WIN Activewear Laundry Detergent stands out in the race for the best laundry detergent of 2025. It impressively removes sweat and odor from synthetic athletic apparel, leaving them smelling fresh and clean. Of course, there are four more fantastic options on our list, so keep reading to learn more about their features.
Detailing the Best Laundry Detergents of 2025
WIN Activewear Laundry Detergent
Best Overall
WIN’s Activewear Laundry Detergent is an eco-friendly powerhouse that revolutionizes how you clean your activewear. Unlike enzyme-based detergents limited to certain soils, WIN harnesses the cleaning power of oxygen ions, making it effective against a wide range of organic and aromatic soils. With a pH of 4, WIN ensures gentle yet thorough cleaning without compromising the integrity of delicate spandex fibers, unlike conventional detergents with pH levels as high as 11+. The formula produces only oxygen gas and zero-impact soaps as byproducts, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Plus, it’s safe for septic systems.
And you can say goodbye to cold washes — WIN’s low pH formula means it’s safe to wash on warm or hot, delivering cleaner, brighter clothes without risking damage to synthetics. Certified cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny Program, We love that WIN is committed to ethical practices from production to packaging. Their bottles are made from at least 25% recycled materials, are HDPE recyclable, and are BPA-free, further reducing their environmental footprint.
Biokleen Laundry Detergent
Best for Sensitive Skin
The Biokleen Natural Sport Concentrated Laundry Detergent is a high-performing option, especially for active households. It utilizes the power of plant-based surfactants to tackle grime, sweat, and grass stains, leaving your clothing and activewear in good condition. It goes beyond just cleaning, with special enzymes that actively target and eliminate odors caused by perspiration. It leaves no trace, except a refreshing lavender eucalyptus scent that makes your laundry smell incredibly fresh.
This detergent is ultra-concentrated, so a half-cap is all you need to get smaller loads of laundry or high-efficiency washers sparkling clean. It uses eco-friendly bottles and is thrice concentrated to minimize packaging, waste, and energy use, actively contributing to environmental sustainability. The laundry detergent is also made in the USA, using biodegradable ingredients. It champions animal rights, with a clear no-animal-testing policy. And it’s free from artificial fragrances or dyes, offering a natural and safe choice for all your laundry needs. After going through some reviews, we found that customers like how concentrated and natural the formula is, the value, the scent, and how gentle it is on the skin.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Best for Strong Odors
This Active Wear Laundry Detergent stands out for its ability to banish tough stains and odors from workout clothes with its powerful, plant-based enzymes crafted in the USA. This formula specializes and excels in refreshing both men’s and women’s athletic clothing from your favorite activewear brands. It effectively conquers odors from workout shirts, shorts, bras, tank tops, leggings, yoga pants, uniforms, jerseys, compression underwear, jockstraps, and socks, ensuring your gym wear always smells fresh and clean.
It employs a concentrated formula, promising to deliver 90 loads per bag, offering value for money while also extending the lifespan of your clothes. And the laundry detergent showcases its eco-friendliness by being free from SLS, phosphates, and gluten, making it septic-safe. We are impressed by how this laundry detergent not only cleans but also protects your clothes in the long run, making it a smart and environmentally friendly choice for active individuals.
SWEATX Laundry Detergent
Best for Activewear
The Sweat X Sport Original Activewear Laundry Detergent delivers an impressive, dynamic clean that rejuvenates active apparel. Leveraging “NANOVASIVE” technology, this uniquely crafted detergent actively exfoliates sweat and stains that typically lead to unpleasant odors in sportswear. It restores and revitalizes your training gear’s fabric performance, including moisture-wicking, compression, and breathable textiles.
Just a single capful in your wash tackles tough stains like mud, grass, baseball clay, wine, pet food, or baby food, effectively getting the ‘funk’ out of your fabrics. This super-concentrated formula races into the tight weave of modern fabrics, exfoliating and evicting all embedded impurities for the ultimate cleanse. The ultra-thin formula showcases exceptional gentleness on the skin as well. It operates naturally, leaving no residue behind, making it a favored choice among sports moms. And the anti-static properties make this detergent an all-round winner in maintaining fabric quality and hygiene.
Tide Laundry Detergent
Most Convenient
With Febreze odor eliminators integrated into their design, the Tide Laundry Detergent Power Pods battle set-in odors and tough stains in just one wash. As one of America’s most trusted detergent brands, these pods prove their mettle against sweat, mud, grass, and other sport-related stains. They even have the power to eliminate week-old sports odors.
Harnessing the power of a four-in-one technology, these unique and convenient pods provide a super-concentrated detergent, Febreze odor fighters, stain removers, and lasting freshness in a single solution. This combination excels at handling your workout and athletic gear and eliminating any set-in odors at the source. You’ll notice not just the absence of stink, but also an infusion of a pleasant active fresh scent. Versatile and effective, we like how well the Tide Power Pods function in all washing machines and water conditions — even cold water.
Choosing the Best Laundry Detergent: A Buying Guide
Buying laundry detergent isn’t just about choosing the most popular or the cheapest option, it’s about finding one that effectively removes stains, keeps your clothes smelling fresh, and is gentle on your fabrics as well as your skin. To help you with your search, we’ll explore the features you should keep in mind as you shop for laundry detergent.
Type of Detergent
One of the first decisions you’ll make is to choose between liquid detergent, powder detergent, or laundry pods. Liquid detergents dominate the market due to their versatility in treating different types of stains and washing conditions. Powder detergents, on the other hand, are typically less expensive and can be more effective on mud stains or ground-in dirt. Laundry pods offer convenience and pre-measured detergent, but they tend to be more expensive than liquid or powder options. Consider your laundry habits and the type of stains you commonly encounter to make your decision.
Stain Removal
A superior laundry detergent doesn’t just clean your clothes — it fights off stains. This is why inspecting the detergent’s stain-removing capabilities is so important. Some formulas are specifically designed to battle stubborn stains like oil, grease, or red wine. If your household often grapples with these tough stains, opt for a heavy-duty detergent that promises tough stain removal.
Sensitivity
If you or a family member has sensitive skin, you’ll of course want to choose a detergent that won’t irritate or cause allergic reactions. Check out laundry detergents labeled as hypoallergenic or designed for sensitive skin. Such detergents avoid common irritants like dyes, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals.
Eco-Friendly
For the environmentally conscious, there are a range of eco-friendly detergents on the market. These products use plant-based ingredients instead of harsh chemicals, are biodegradable, and come in recyclable packaging. Choosing eco-friendly laundry detergents not only benefits the environment but can also be gentler on your clothes and skin.
Fragrance
The fragrance of a laundry detergent can be a deciding factor for many people. Some prefer a strong scent that lingers on clothes, giving a ‘just-washed’ feel, while others may prefer a mild or no fragrance. Most brands offer a variety of scent options, so opt for one that suits your personal preference. Just keep in mind that heavily perfumed detergents might not be the most suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Value
Price is always a consideration, but it’s more important to focus on the value. Some detergents might be more expensive, but if they’re concentrated and require less per load, they could be more cost-effective in the long run. So be careful to compare the cost per load rather than simply looking at the upfront cost of the detergent.
Laundry Detergent FAQs
How much laundry detergent should I use per load?
The amount of detergent you should use per load depends on the size of the load, how soiled the clothes are, and the concentration of the detergent. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to use about one tablespoon of high-efficiency (HE) liquid detergent per regular load.
Can I use any type of laundry detergent for any washing machine?
No, not all types of detergents are suitable for all washing machines. If your machine is a high-efficiency model, you should use a high-efficiency detergent. Regular detergents can create too many suds for these types of machines, which can reduce their cleaning power and damage the machine over time.
What's the difference between liquid and powder laundry detergent?
Both types of detergents have their advantages. Liquid detergent is generally better at treating greasy, oily stains, while powder detergents are usually better for handling mud or ground-in dirt stains. Powder detergent also usually costs less per load than liquid detergent, but it may not dissolve as well in cold water.
What’s the difference between bio and non-bio laundry detergent?
Bio laundry detergents contain enzymes that can help to remove tough stains, while non-bio detergents do not. But, some people are allergic to the enzymes in bio detergents, so if you have sensitive skin, you may prefer a non-bio product.
Can I use laundry detergent to hand wash clothes?
Yes, you can use laundry detergent to hand wash clothes, but be sure to use only a small amount. Too much detergent can make it difficult to rinse out of your clothes.
Can laundry detergent expire?
Usually, liquid detergents should be used within six months to one year, while pods should be used within six to 15 months of purchasing them. Powdered detergents typically don't expire unless they're exposed to moisture. Of course, the expiry dates can vary based on the brand and formula, so check the packaging or contact the manufacturer for more specific guidance.
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