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The 10 best laundry detergents to buy in the UK

Picture of a laundry detergent

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:

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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?

Another picture of a laundry detergent

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?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Persil 8720181006395 laundry detergent
Persil Colour Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent keeps colours bright…
  • This liquid detergent contains plant based biodegradable stain removers
  • With its ultra-concentrated formula in a smaller bottle, now you only need 27 ml…
  • Our detergent bottle is now 100% recyclable and contains recycled plastic
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TOP 2
Image of Persil 8720181371233 laundry detergent
Persil Ultimate Touch of Comfort Washing Liquid Detergent laundry…
  • Our laundry detergent bottles are recyclable and contain recycled plastic
  • Wash cold, save energy with this laundry liquid
  • This Persil washing liquid delivers a powerful concentrated clean in a small dos…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Persil WLK02 laundry detergent
Persil 3 in 1 Colour Protect Laundry Washing Capsules keeps colours…
  • Our mega refill pack contains enough washing capsules for up to 50 washes, perfect…
  • Easy to use 3 in 1 laundry capsules have an improved resealable pouch, reducing plastic…
  • Persil 3 in 1 Colour Washing Capsules revive colour and reduce bobbles* – simply…
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Offer TOP 4
Image of Asevi 8411582889679 laundry detergent
Asevi Laundry Detergent, Washing Liquid Detergent, Laundry Cleanser,…
  • Recyclable Packaging: At Asevi, we care about our impact, which is why we are proud…
  • Super-Scented Formula: Leaving your clothes with a long lasting clean and natural…
  • Unbeatable Softness: Asevi Laundry Detergent protects your fabrics and leaves your…
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TOP 5
Image of Surf 8720181109980 laundry detergent
Surf Tropical Lily Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent infused with…
  • 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…
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TOP 6
Image of Ecover 4004654 laundry detergent
Ecover Non Bio Laundry Detergent 5L Refill, Lavender & Sandalwood,…
  • 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*,…
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TOP 7
Image of Persil 8720181171598 laundry detergent
Persil Non Bio 100% recyclable bottle Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent…
  • This liquid detergent contains plant based biodegradable stain removers
  • With its ultra-concentrated formula in a smaller bottle, now you only need 27 ml…
  • Our detergent bottle is now 100% recyclable and contains recycled plastic
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TOP 8
Image of Co-op  laundry detergent
Co-op Bio Laundry Gel, 720ml
  • Smooth & sweet
  • Strength - medium strong - 4
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TOP 9
Image of Miniml FCC-MINI-LC2-HDPE-5L laundry detergent
Miniml Eco Laundry Liquid Washing Detergent 5L Refill - Natural Non…
  • ZERO WASTE: Our eco friendly and fully sustainable solutions go far beyond your…
  • VERSATILE NON BIO LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Our laundry detergent liquid is compatible…
  • ECO FRIENDLY FABRIC CLEANER: All of our cleaning products are free from VOC’s,…
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TOP 10
Image of Ariel 81754565 laundry detergent
Ariel All-in-1 Washing Pods, Laundry Detergent Liquid, 120 Washes…
  • RECYCLABLE PACKAGING: Ariel PODS Platinum washing tablets come in a recyclable p…
  • WASH COLDER WITH ARIEL PODS PLATINUM: Save energy in every wash and reduce your laundry’s…
  • DESIGNED FOR COLD: Ariel PODS Platinum washing capsules now come with unique COOL…
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2023/12/11.