Finding the best laundry detergent can make all the difference to how your clothes look, feel and last over time. It’s not just about scent. The right formula will tackle stains, care for fabrics and work effectively across different temperatures and wash cycles.
With so many options available, from bio to non-bio and eco-friendly blends, knowing what to look for is key. Jason Hallett, Professor of Sustainable Chemical Technology at Imperial College London, explains: “Most laundry detergents actually use the same active ingredients, in a very similar formulation and therefore will clean the same (there is an exception with bio vs non-bio, explained below). The biggest difference is usually the perfume that is used to scent the clean clothes. However, the ‘premium’ laundry detergents contain much higher (roughly double) concentration of active cleaning ingredients, which is why they work better.”
I’ve tested a wide range of detergents across different price points to bring you the top picks, whether you’re prioritising stain removal, sensitive skin or more eco-conscious washing.
Read more: Best eco-friendly laundry sheets, tried and tested by a sustainability writer
The best laundry detergents for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Ecover concentrated bio laundry detergent: £10, Amazon.co.uk
- Budget buy – Tesco non-bio laundry liquid super concentrated: £2.99, Tesco.com
- Best laundry strips – The Lab Co relaxing concentrated laundry strips: £12, Amazon.co.uk
- Best non-bio – Ecover non-bio laundry capsules: £11, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for cold washes – Ariel gel colour: £7.25, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: I did 100 loads of laundry and found the 10 best fabric conditioners
Ecover concentrated bio laundry detergent
Best: laundry detergent overall
Weight: 1.43l
Loads per bottle: Approx. 40
Type: Bio
Use: Pour into machine draw
Scent: Honeysuckle and jasmine
Why we love it
- Subtle fragrance
- Plant-based formula
- Strong at low temperatures
- Removes dirt and grime efficiently
Take note
- Bulky bottle
Ecover’s bio laundry liquid is designed to tackle everyday stains while being gentler on skin and the planet, using plant-based ingredients and a biodegradable formula. It claims to work effectively at low temperatures. I tested it repeatedly at 30C, and it delivered consistently strong results and earns the top spot as the best laundry detergent I tested.
I was impressed by how it removed sweat, light mud, food stains and general grime with ease, and whites came out noticeably fresher without looking dulled. While I didn’t push it down to 30C for every load, performance at lower temperatures was still impressive compared with other eco detergents, which can sometimes struggle.
Further bonus points go to the soft honeysuckle and jasmine scent that’s fresh and spring-like without being overpowering. It lingered nicely on clothes, especially the kids’ pyjamas, offering a subtle burst of fragrance at bedtime.
Compared with cheaper supermarket detergents, Ecover is more expensive, but I found the cleaning power and gentler formulation justified the price. That said, it’s not flawless, as the heavy bottle can be awkward to pour without drips.
Buy now £6.98, Amazon.co.uk
Tesco non-bio laundry liquid super concentrated
Best: budget laundry detergent
Weight: 1.5l
Loads per bottle: 60
Type: Non-bio
Use: Pour a capful into the machine draw
Scent: Fresh, spring breeze
Why we love it
- Very affordable
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Works well at 30C
Take note
- Light scent
- Not suitable for heavily stained items
- Not biodegradable
If you’re looking to keep costs down without sacrificing a decent clean, Tesco’s non-bio laundry liquid does the job. This super-concentrated formula delivers up to 60 washes per bottle, and at just under £3, is the best budget laundry detergent I tested.
I used it across a mix of everyday loads, including kids’ clothes, bedding and lightly soiled gym wear, and found it handled daily grime well. As a non-bio formula, it’s gentle on sensitive skin, and I didn’t experience any irritation. Sweat, food stains and general wear came out clean on a standard 30C cycle, though tougher stains like mud or grass needed an additional stain remover added to the wash. The scent is light and soapy rather than bold, which won’t suit everyone, but works well if you prefer something subtle.
Compared with pricier options such as Ecover, it doesn’t quite deliver the same depth of clean or freshness, but for the price, it’s hard to fault.
Buy now £2.99, Tesco.com
Ecover non-bio laundry capsules
Best: non-bio laundry detergent
Weight: 578g
Loads per bottle: 34
Type: Non-bio
Use: Place 1-2 capsules in the machine drum
Scent: Almond and apricot
Why we love it
- Delicious smell
- Plant-based formula
- Easy to store
- Effective at 30C
Take note
- Expensive
Ecover’s non-bio capsules are designed to deliver a powerful clean in a pre-measured format, using plant-based ingredients and plastic-free packaging. The brand also highlights its use of “rescued apricot” in the fragrance, which refers to apricot by-products from the food industry that would otherwise go to waste, repurposed here to add scent.
Despite their small size, I found these capsules surprisingly effective and the best non-bio laundry detergent I tried. They handled everything from everyday clothing to lightly stained items with ease, even at lower temperatures which I found impressive for a non-bio formulation. I wasn’t expecting such strong results from something so compact, but they consistently left clothes clean, soft and fresh.
The scent is a real highlight, with the warm almond and apricot fragrance long-lasting on fabrics. Compared with cheaper supermarket liquids, these feel far more premium and eco-conscious, though they come at a cost at nearly 30p per wash. This may not be practical for those with large families or if you’re doing multiple loads each week.
Buy now £11, Amazon.co.uk
Waitrose essential bio laundry capsules
Best: bio laundry detergent
Weight: 556g
Loads per bottle: 30
Type: Bio
Use: 1-2 capsules in draw
Scent: Cotton fresh
Why we love it
- Decent everyday clean
- Good value
- Convenient
Take note
- Less effective on very tough stains
- Not biodegradable
Waitrose’s essential bio laundry capsules are a great example of how far supermarket detergents have come. They’re compact, easy to use and deliver a stronger clean than you might expect at this price point.
As the best bio detergent I tested, the capsules contain enzymes that break down stains such as food, sweat and grass, which is why they perform well even at lower temperatures. I tested them on everyday laundry as well as more stubborn marks, and they handled most of it without needing a second wash.
They don’t have the same premium scent or eco focus as brands such as Ecover, but they’re low cost per use, which I value, as I do a lot of laundry loads each week.
Buy now £4.75, Waitrose.com
Ariel gel colour
Best: laundry detergent for cold washes
Weight: 1.25l
Loads per bottle: 38
Type: Bio
Use: Place a capful in the machine drum
Scent: Zingy, fresh
Why we love it
- Gentle on colours
- Long-lasting scent
- Excellent at low temperatures
Take note
- Not biodegradable
- Heavy on synthetic ingredients
Ariel makes a bold claim here, with its bottles stating the detergent can clean effectively at temperatures as low as 15C. I tested it at 30C (so I could compare it with the other detergents tested at this temperature) across a mix of everyday clothing, gym wear and more delicate fabrics, and it performed impressively well. Even at lower temperatures, it lifted dirt, removed stains and left clothes looking properly clean.
One thing I noticed straightaway was the scent. When I opened the drum, I was hit with that classic fresh laundry smell, which felt stronger and longer-lasting than most others I tested. Colours also seemed to come out brighter, particularly darker items, which held their depth after repeated washes.
Washing at lower temperatures is better for fabrics and helps reduce energy use, so this is a practical choice if you’re trying to cut costs. Compared with eco options such as Smol and Wilton London, it’s slightly more powerful on stains, but it comes with trade-offs. The formula isn’t designed to biodegrade and relies more heavily on synthetic ingredients, which may be a concern if you’re trying to reduce your environmental impact.
Buy now £7.25, Amazon.co.uk
Daz whites and colours
Best: laundry detergent for tough stains
Weight: 1.5l
Loads per bottle: 47
Type: Bio
Use: 1-2 caps in machine drawer
Scent: Fresh (synthetic fragrance)
Why we love it
- Excellent stain removal
- Suitable for whites and colours
- Affordable
Take note
- Not biodegradable
- Stronger formula may not suit sensitive skin
If you’ve got children, pets or spend a lot of time outdoors, Daz is a very useful detergent to have in the cupboard. It’s designed to tackle tougher stains while still being suitable for both whites and colours, which makes it a versatile option for mixed loads.
In testing, it delivered some of the best stain removal of all the detergents I tried. Even stubborn marks like grass and dried-on food lifted well on a standard 30C wash, without needing pre-treatment.
What makes it work for both whites and colours is the balance in the formula. It contains cleaning agents strong enough to break down stains, but without the bleaching agents that can strip colour, so you can use it across mixed loads without worrying about fading.
I like that it’s one of the more affordable options, especially considering how well it performs. For me, the downside is that the scent is clearly synthetic and it’s not suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Buy now £7, Asda.com
Surf tropical lily
Best: laundry detergent for long-lasting fragrance
Weight: 945ml
Loads per bottle: 35
Type: Bio
Use: Pour into washing machine drawer
Scent: Tropical lily
Why we love it
- Powerful scent
- Decent stain removal
- Low cost per use
Take note
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Not biodegradable
If you want your laundry to smell as good as it looks, Surf’s tropical lily detergent really delivers. The fragrance is the standout here, with a strong, perfume-like scent that hits as soon as you open the drum and lingers for days, especially on bedding and towels. Unlike Ariel and Persil, which have a generic smell, I thought it really did smell like lilies.
In terms of cleaning, it performed well on everyday loads. T-shirts, underwear and lightly worn clothes came out fresh and clean, but it didn’t quite match the stain-lifting power of stronger formulas such as Ariel or Daz. More stubborn marks, such as food or mud, needed a second wash or some pre-treatment.
At just over 13p per wash, it’s one of the more affordable options, and if you prioritise fragrance over natural ingredients, it’s a top contender. That said, it’s not suitable for sensitive skin and isn’t biodegradable, which may be a drawback for some.
Buy now £4, Amazon.co.uk
Tesco rapid wash refresh
Best: laundry detergent for quick washes
Weight: 750ml
Loads per bottle: 30
Type: Bio
Use: Pour into washing machine drawer
Scent: Fresh
Why we love it
- Excellent on short cycles
- Ideal for last-minute loads
- Convenient
- Affordable
Take note
- Not strong enough for heavy stains
- Not biodegradable
I’ll admit, I was sceptical about how well a detergent designed for short cycles would actually perform. But Tesco’s rapid wash refresh genuinely surprised me. It’s clearly been formulated with speed in mind, and on lightly to moderately soiled clothes, it works brilliantly, lifting everyday dirt without needing a full cycle.
The real test came on a rushed morning when I’d run out of clean school jumpers. I threw one in on a 30-minute wash and was genuinely impressed by the result. It came out fresh, clean and ready to wear, with yesterday’s spaghetti bolognese completely removed.
That said, it’s not something I’d rely on for every wash. Sweat stains and gym kit still need a longer cycle or a more heavy-duty detergent, such as Ariel or Daz. I wouldn’t recommend it as a main detergent, but I will probably keep a bottle in the cupboard for last-minute emergencies.
Buy now £3.5, Tesco.com
Persil non bio laundry liquid
Best: laundry detergent for towels
Weight: 1.43l
Loads per bottle: 53
Type: Non-bio
Use: Pour a capful into machine drawer
Scent: Cotton fresh
Why we love it
- Keeps towels soft and fluffy,
- Gentle on skin
- Even clean
Take note
- Lighter scent
- Not biodegradable
For towels, I always prefer a liquid over a capsule so I know it’s fully dissolved and evenly distributed through the wash. Persil’s non-bio liquid works particularly well as the best laundry detergent for towels, giving a consistent clean without leaving any residue behind.
I found it cleaned evenly without sticking in the fibres, which meant towels came out soft and fluffy rather than slightly stiff, which can sometimes happen with heavier detergents. It handled everyday grime, toothpaste and moisturiser marks well, leaving towels feeling fresh without needing the extra cost of fabric conditioner or stain remover.
As a non-bio formula, it’s also a good option for sensitive skin, especially for items such as bath towels that come into close contact with the body. Compared with stronger bio detergents such as Ariel, it’s a little less powerful on grassy and muddy school uniforms, and the scent is slightly lighter, but that’s the trade-off for a gentler clean.
Buy now £7, Amazon.co.uk
Faith in Nature aloe vera and rosemary laundry liquid
Best: eco-friendly laundry detergent
Weight: 1l
Loads per bottle: 30
Type: Non-bio
Use: Pour into washing machine drawer
Scent: Aloe vera and rosemary
Why we love it
- Highly biodegradable
- Long-lasting natural scent
- Refill options available
- Gentle on skin
Take note
- Expensive upfront
- Not available in all supermarkets
If sustainability is important to you, Faith in Nature ticks all the boxes as the best eco-friendly laundry detergent. This non-bio formula is made with 99 per cent biodegradable ingredients, comes in a 100 per cent recycled plastic bottle and is produced using renewable energy. It’s also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and free from parabens and sulphates.
In testing, it delivered a solid performance. I used it on a mix of everyday laundry, including bedding, gym wear and children’s clothes, and found it delivered a thorough clean at 30C. I was impressed that clothes came out feeling soft rather than coated. I also preferred the strong rosemary scent of Faith in Nature to the generically “fresh” smell of the likes of Persil and Daz.
The main drawback is the upfront price, which is higher than supermarket options. However, you can buy it in larger 5l refill bottles, which helps bring the cost down and reduces packaging waste.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon.co.uk
Ocado non-bio laundry gel
Best: laundry detergent for family laundry loads
Weight: 1l
Loads per bottle: 33
Type: Non bio
Use: Add to drum
Scent: Fresh and summery
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Distributes evenly in large loads
Take note
- Lighter scent
- Not biodegradable
Ocado’s non-bio laundry gel is an affordable supermarket own-brand option, but I was sceptical about how well it would work. The packaging is pretty basic, with a minimalist white label that doesn’t give much away. I had a few shirts with food and grass stains, and didn’t have high hopes, given the price. But after just one wash, the stains were completely gone.
Seriously sweaty sports kit worn for a two hour bike ride came out soft and smelling like new. It’s clear that Ocado laundry liquid has some serious stain-fighting power, rivaling much more expensive brands.
The scent is a subtle, fresh fragrance that lingers on clothes without being overpowering. It’s not overly floral or artificial, just clean and pleasant. However, I’d have rated it higher if it had more of a discernible fragrance like Ecover’s honeysuckle and jasmine or Faith in Nature’s aloe vera and rosemary.
Buy now £3.75, Ocado.com
Bio-d laundry liquid
Best: laundry detergent for bedsheets
Weight: 1l
Loads per bottle: 25
Type: Non-bio
Use: Dose in drawer
Scent: Lavender
Why we love it
- Gentle
- Calming scent
- Eco-friendly
- Great for bedding
Take note
- Not powerful on heavy stains
- Very floral fragrance
The best laundry detergent for bedding should feel clean but calming, and this Bio-D liquid really delivers. It’s a non-bio formula made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to keep things gentle both on skin and the environment.
I found it worked particularly well on sheets and pillowcases. After a 30C wash, everything came out fresh, soft and free from residue, which is important for anything you’re sleeping in. The lavender scent is natural rather than synthetic, and it lingered just enough to make getting into bed feel that bit nicer without being overwhelming.
It’s not the strongest on tougher stains like food or mud, so it’s better suited to lighter loads.
Buy now £6.25, Ocado.com
Smol non- bio laundry capsules
Best: laundry detergent pods
Weight: Approx 350g including box
Loads per bottle: 24
Type: Non-bio
Use: 1-2 pods in drum
Scent: Fresh spring breeze
Why we love it
- Easy to store
- Lingering scent
- Good on stains
Take note
- Quite expensive
- Requires a subscription
Each Smol pod contains 14ml of detergent, which is recommended for a 5kg load of laundry. As I normally put on an 8kg family load of laundry at a time, I had to use two at a time, and this increased the price per load. That said, with two in the wash I found they handled everyday stains such as food, mud and sweat better than I expected, even on a 30C wash. In fact, they’ve improved a lot since I tried them back in 2024, with a noticeably better clean and a stronger, more satisfying scent.
The big appeal here is convenience. You can have them delivered straight to your door, and the plastic-free packaging is a definite plus. Everything arrives in a compact cardboard box that’s easy to store. I was able to choose between bio, non-bio and sensitive-skin options as well as laundry gel, and was given the option to buy neat aluminium tins to keep everything nicely organised in the kitchen or utility room.
That said, I’m not completely sold on the subscription model. I don’t love committing to another direct debit or having to remember to pause deliveries if I’m going away. It feels a bit restrictive compared with just picking something up as needed.
Buy now £6, Smol.com
Wilton London eco-friendly cedarwood laundry liquid
Best: laundry detergent for sensitive skin
Weight: 1l
Loads per bottle: 33
Type: Non-bio
Use: Pour into machine drawer
Scent: Cedarwood
Why we love it
- Gentle
- UK-made
- Unique fragrance
- Skin-friendly
Take note
- Quite expensive
- Slightly weak on stains
Wilton London feels a bit different from the rest of the detergents I tested. The brand started at a kitchen table in the UK and has since grown into a B Corp, which gives it a more considered, small-business feel.
The non-bio liquid the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin that I tested, and I found it worked well on everyday loads, particularly for clothes worn close to the body. The formula relies on plant-based surfactants rather than enzymes, which helps reduce irritation while still delivering a decent clean.
The scent is standout, too. The cedarwood fragrance is subtle and more like a light perfume than a typical laundry smell, which makes it feel a bit more elevated than standard detergents. If you’ve got sensitive skin but appreciate little luxuries such as a spa-like scent, Wilton London makes eco-friendly more elegant.
Buy now £7.62, Amazonc.o.uk
The Lab Co relaxing concentrated laundry strips
Best: laundry detergent sheets
Weight: 228g
Loads per bottle: 64
Type: Non-bio
Use: Place 1-2 sheets in the machine drum
Scent: Relaxing cotton and jasmine
Why we love it
- Long lasting scent
- Compact to store
- No plastic packaging
Take note
- Didn’t dissolve evenly
- Quite expensive
These ultra-thin laundry sheets from The Lab Co are designed as a low-waste alternative to traditional liquids and capsules, dissolving directly in the drum with no measuring required. The Lab Co claims they offer a powerful clean in a compact, planet-friendly format, and I was keen to see how they held up in real-life loads.
Overall, I found The Lab Co laundry sheets incredibly convenient to use. There’s no bulky 1.5l bottle to store, no risk of spills, and they take up barely any space in a cupboard or drawer. On everyday laundry, including T-shirts, bedding and lightly soiled clothes, they performed well, leaving fabrics clean and soft. However, on fuller loads or anything more heavily stained, one sheet wasn’t always enough. I often had to use two, which quickly increases the cost per wash.
The scent is pleasant in the pack, but it didn’t linger on clothes in the same way as liquid detergents such as Ariel. Compared with those, the cleaning power is slightly weaker too.
Buy now £12, Amazon.co.uk
What is the best laundry detergent?
If you want one detergent that does it all, Ecover’s bio concentrated laundry liquid is the standout. It handled everything I threw at it, from everyday clothes to tougher stains, while still feeling gentle on skin and kinder to the planet. The fresh, floral scent was a bonus, and it performed impressively well at lower temperatures, making it a strong all-rounder. Meanwhile if you’re on a budget, Tesco’s non-bio laundry liquid super concentrated is excellent value, has decent cleaning power and is gentle on sensitive skin.
For tackling really stubborn stains, Ariel laundry liquid has slightly superior cleaning power. However, if you’re looking for a decent eco-friendly clean with a fresh scent, Faith in Nature’s aloe vera and rosemary laundry liquid ticks all the boxes.
What is non bio laundry detergent?
Non-bio laundry detergent is made without enzymes, which are typically used to break down stains at a microscopic level. Instead, these formulas rely on other cleaning agents to lift dirt. As Professor Jason Hallett explains: “Non-bio detergents contain no enzymes in them, instead using higher concentrations of surfactants (chemicals) to lift stains.”
Bio detergents, on the other hand, include enzymes designed to target specific stains such as food or sweat. Hallett says these “actually break down the stains (proteins from food or sweat in particular) and therefore give cleaner clothes.” While effective, they’re not suitable for everyone: He added: “Some people are allergic to the enzymes and so cannot use these ‘bio’ formulations without developing skin reactions.” This is why non-bio options are often recommended for sensitive skin.
What washing machine settings help the laundry detergent work better?
Choosing the right wash setting can make a noticeable difference to cleaning results. For most everyday loads, lower temperatures are sufficient. As Professor Jason Hallett explains: “Normal washes work great at low temperature (30C).”
However, tougher stains need a more intensive approach. He adds: “Stubborn stains require higher temperatures or a more aggressive mixing (higher speed),” helping the detergent work more effectively. There’s also a caveat for enzyme-based formulas: “Bio based formulations… require somewhat higher temperatures to work well,” particularly when dealing with heavily soiled items such as food-stained clothing.
How I tested laundry detergent
I tested each laundry detergent over a period of two weeks, doing a minimum of one wash a day. In a household with four young children and two adults, each week involves washing a mixture of bedsheets, towels, school uniform, muddy PE kit, work clothes and adult sportswear. This ensured every detergent was trialled across a wide range of fabrics, soil levels and wash cycles, from quick daily loads to heavier, more-demanding washes.
During testing, the detergents that made the cut had to meet the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Zoe Griffin has been reviewing products for IndyBest since 2021. For every guide she’s written, Zoe has adopted a thorough approach to testing. She’s an expert when it comes to all things laundry, and her testing experience has seen her review the best best fabric conditioners, stain removers and heated airers. She’s also tested many other home products including corded vacuum cleaners and dishwasher tablets.
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