Laundry day—whether you love it or hate it, it’s a chore that has to get done. And we all want our clothes to come out fresh, clean, and bright. But what’s the best laundry detergent to get the job done? I tested out powder, liquid, and pod/capsule detergents to see how they compare.
Powder Detergent
Powder detergent has been around the longest. Those big boxes of Tide are pretty iconic!
Pros
- Very economical—you get a lot more loads per dollar compared to other formats
- Can add as little or as much powder as you need per load
- Typically contains few fillers or additives
Cons
- Messy to measure out and pour
- Doesn’t dissolve as readily in cold water
- Storage containers take up a lot of space
I’ve used powder detergents like Tide and Gain for years. They do get the clothes clean and have lots of scent options. But dealing with the powder residue and getting the right amount for different load sizes is a hassle.
Liquid Detergent
Liquid laundry detergent hit the mainstream in the 1980s with the introduction of Wisk and other brands. The thick, viscous formula poured easily from the plastic bottle.
Pros
- Super convenient to measure out
- Dissolves easily in all water temps
- Bottle takes up less storage space
Cons
- More fillers and thickeners than powder
- Not as cost effective per load
I like using liquid for most loads—just squirting out what I need is so much easier than dealing with powder scoops or spilled boxes. But the bottles are bulky on laundry day and it does seem like I run out faster compared to powder.
Pods/Capsules
The newest kid on the detergent block—laundry pods burst onto the scene about a decade ago. These pre-measured capsules changed the game.
Pros
- So incredibly easy and convenient
- No mess, no measuring
- Dissolve thoroughly on contact
Cons
- Most expensive per load
- Excess plastic packaging
I have to admit, I’ve become a pod convert over the last few years. Not having to think about or measure out detergent is worth it. I can just toss a pod in and go. The unit price is higher but the convenience factor sells it for me.
The Verdict: Pods Pull Ahead
While all three laundry detergent formats (powder, liquid, pods) will get your clothes clean, pods are my top choice for ease of use. I don’t mind paying a little more for the no fuss, no mess convenience. Liquids are great too but can get messy. And humble powder detergent still has a place for economical, simple cleaning. Choose what works best for your lifestyle and laundry needs!
What about you—do you have a favorite laundry detergent type? Share your thoughts below!
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.