The 10 best laundry detergents to buy in the UK
The best laundry detergents leave your clothes looking clean and feeling great. As we all have laundry, it makes sense to buy a good product that allows our clothes and linens to remain clean, fresh, and long-lasting. However, with so many products available, knowing the right laundry detergent for your needs is often guesswork. Check out the buying guide below for how to choose the best laundry detergent:
What are laundry detergents?
Laundry detergent - also known as washing powder - is a type of cleaning agent used to clean laundry. Added to a good washing machine, laundry detergent comes in several forms, including powdered, liquid, and pods, using a wide range of cleaning agents to offer different results.
Why should you buy a good laundry detergent?
If you want clean clothes, linens, towels, then you require laundry detergent. Water doesn’t work to clean these items on its own, as it can’t cut through grease and dirt, which our clothes are regularly exposed to. Furthermore, a good laundry detergent may help make your clothes last longer, while specialty detergents are often necessary for stain removal, sensitive skin, and more fragile materials.
How to choose the right laundry detergent in 2024?
With such huge selection of laundry detergent available, it’s not always obvious which is best for your needs. Here are some things to consider when buying a quality laundry detergent:
- Detergent Type: There are several types of laundry detergent available, any of which may be the best option for you. Powder is the cheapest to buy but doesn’t always dilute with cold washes. Tablets are convenient but require more time to dissolve so are best for short washes or hand soaking. Liquid detergent is a great all-rounder but is easy to overuse, while liquid pods offer more convenience but aren’t suitable for spot cleaning and tend to be more expensive.
- Washing Machine: Not all laundry detergents are compatible with all washing machines, so be sure to check this before buying, especially if you own an older machine. Newer machines may require specific detergent, too. For instance, a high-efficiency washing machine needs high-efficiency detergent.
- Skin Sensitivity: Those with sensitive skin should buy an appropriate detergent to ensure allergies don’t flare up due to certain ingredients. The best laundry detergents for sensitive skin have no fragrances or dyes, which is usually found in eco-friendly and children’s detergents.
- Water Temperature: Some clothes require different water temperatures to clean, so an appropriate detergent is also needed. For example, cold water cycles work best with cold water detergents, so also check clothing labels to find out the different water temperatures your laundry needs to ensure you have suitable detergent on hand.
What is the best kind of laundry detergent in the UK?
There are many popular types of laundry detergents available, any of which may be suitable for your needs.
- Liquid Detergent: A liquid detergent is a fine choice of detergent for many, being particularly effective with cold water washing. It is also a great laundry detergent for treating spot stains but be careful not to use too much detergent.
- Liquid Pods: Liquid pods are great for convenience as they have a perfect measurement of liquid detergent that just needs place into the machine. However, they do cost more than standard liquid detergent and cannot be used for spot treatments.
- Powder Detergent: One of the old types of laundry detergent, powder detergent is cheap and has a long shelf life. However, it isn't the most soluble detergent, so often leaves deposits on clothes.
- Tablet Detergents: A tablet form of powdered detergent, tablets are very convenient by offering the precise amount of detergent for each wash. They are limited, however, only being suitable for machine washes and take a while to dissolve.
Top 10 list of laundry detergents in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their laundry detergents. Which laundry detergent is the best?
- You only need 27 ml of this liquid detergent per use
- Delivers a powerful concentrated clean and stain removal in a small dose
- Our detergent bottle is recyclable
- Ariel Platinum PODS washing capsules provide Brrrilliant results in cold & short…
- DESIGNED FOR COLD & SHORT:
- Deliver extra stain & odour removal (vs. Ariel PODS Original)
- 33 washes
- Designed to clean. Even in 30 mins at 20oc
- High performance stain removal
- As the official fabric care partner of Arsenal Football Club, we want to assure you…
- Our detergent bottle is recyclable; please recycle both the bottle and dosing de…
- Wash cold, save time, energy and water with our laundry liquid
- Surf Tropical Lily laundry detergent is also available in washing capsules and p…
- This concentrated laundry liquid washing detergent has been approved by the Good…
- Washing detergent featuring the soothing, floral fragrance of tropical lily infused…
- You only need 27 ml of this liquid detergent per use
- Delivers a powerful concentrated clean and stain removal in a small dose
- Our detergent bottle is recyclable
- WE ARE ECOVER - pioneering clever cleaning since 1979.
- PACKAGING - the detergent bottle is made from recycled plastic** and is 100% recyclable;…
- INGREDIENTS - the sustainable detergent has an innovative formula with plant-based*,…
- Packaging may vary
- WE ARE ECOVER - pioneering clever cleaning since 1979.
- PACKAGING - bottle (minus cap) made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic*, widely…
- Try together with Fairy fabric conditioner for even more huggable softness and a…
- Versatile and easy to use
- Fairy was voted No. 1 laundry brand for sensitive skin (online panel of 7, 413 adults)…
- skin wash bio powder sensitive professional washing liquid concentrated laundry biological…
- 5 l Pack of 1
- Product type: LAUNDRY DETERGENT
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