Best laundry detergent UK

Which is the best laundry detergent in 2024?

VIEW OFFER
Ad We earn commissions from purchases you make » read more

Best of 2024: Find the right laundry detergent in the UK

Nothing says clean like freshly cleaned clothes. To keep your clothes looking and smelling great you need the best laundry detergent. Without a quality detergent, your clothes won’t be as hygienic, may begin to smell, and can even pose a risk to your health. So it’s important to spend the time to find the right detergent for your needs. Here are some things to consider when buying the best laundry detergents:


The 10 best laundry detergents in the UK (December 2024)

The bestseller list compares laundry detergents from multiple brands
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Persil 8720181006395 laundry detergent
Persil 8720181006395
  • Eco-friendly: Recyclable detergent bottle.
  • Efficiency: Requires only 27 ml per use for concentrated cleaning.
  • Stains: Effective removal of tough stains like mud, yoghurt, and jam.
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of Surf 8720181109980 laundry detergent
Surf 8720181109980
  • Approval: Recognized by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
  • Eco-friendly: Bottle made from recycled plastic; 100% recyclable with sleeve removed.
  • Fragrance: Long lasting, uplifting scent with tropical lily and natural essential oils.
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Persil WLK02 laundry detergent
Persil WLK02
  • Sustainability: Made with biodegradable ingredients; reduced plastic with resealable pouch.
  • Convenience: Pre-measured dose for easy use.
  • Performance: Keeps colours vibrant wash after wash; tough on stains.
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of Ecover 4004647 laundry detergent
Ecover 4004647
  • Sustainability: Plant-based formula, 100% recycled plastic packaging.
  • Fragrance: Lavender & Eucalyptus scent, dermatologically tested.
  • Freshness: Removes strong stains for longer-lasting, fresh clothes.
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of Ecover 4004654 laundry detergent
Ecover 4004654
  • Sustainability: Plant-based, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging. Save the planet with every wash.
  • Fragrance: Fresh scent of lavender & sandalwood, dermatologically tested.
  • Efficacy: Effectively removes strong stains for fresher, longer-lasting clothes.
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of Persil 8720181433870 laundry detergent
Persil 8720181433870
  • Sustainability: Recyclable bottle and dosing device.
  • Performance: Tough on stains like orange juice, jam, and tomato soup.
  • Fragrance: Provides 14 days of uplifting Comfort fragrance.
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of Ariel 8700216465120 laundry detergent
Ariel 8700216465120
  • Eco-friendly: Comes in recyclable packaging for environmental sustainability.
  • Odor: Includes Febreze for enhanced odor defense.
  • Efficiency: Cleans excellently in cold, short washes, saving up to 60% electricity.
BUY NOW
TOP 8
Image of Fairy  laundry detergent
Fairy
  • Brand: Reputable Fairy brand ensures quality.
  • Capacity: 5 liters for 100 washes per pack.
  • Sensitivity: Ideal for sensitive skin; dermatologically tested.
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of Asevi 8411582889679 laundry detergent
Asevi 8411582889679
  • Softness: Protects fabrics, leaving clothes beautifully soft after every wash.
  • Versatility: Perfect for both white and colored clothes.
  • Freshness: Long-lasting scent and powerful clean for softer, fresher clothes.
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of Miniml FCC-MINI-LC-HDPE-5L laundry detergent
Miniml FCC-MINI-LC-HDPE-5L
  • Versatility: Effective, non-bio detergent suitable for all your washing needs.
  • Fragrance: Planet-friendly fresh linen scent for an intense, pleasant fragrance.
  • Sustainability: Eco-friendly, zero waste detergent with sustainable packaging and returnable empty containers.
BUY NOW
Affiliate Disclosure

Affiliate link: We are a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. If you buy a product through this link we might earn a small commission from Amazon at no extra charge for you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.


Table of contents
  1. Read the definitive laundry detergent buying guide
  2. View the laundry detergent picks and see how they rank in the top list

laundry detergent buying guide

Do you want to buy a good laundry detergent? This is all you need to know.

A short explanation: What are laundry detergents?

Image of laundry detergents

Laundry detergents are a type of cleaning agent used for cleaning laundry. They contain special substances that successfully remove dirt and stains that have accumulated from washing and wearing clothes made from all types of materials, from lightweight fabrics to heavy textiles. As a result, all good laundry detergents contain additives and ingredients that have odor removal and fabric softening properties.

What are the benefits of good laundry detergents?

Laundry detergent is necessary for clean laundry, as it helps to remove the combination of oil, dirt, grime, debris that build up on our clothes as we wear them. While water is used to rinse away some of this, much of it is too engrained for water to remove it along, making laundry detergent necessary to ensure your clothes are cleaned and stain-free. If you went without using laundry detergent, your clothes would likely emerge from the wash just as dirty as they went in, so it’s certainly worthwhile buying.

How to choose the best laundry detergent in 2024?

Additional image of laundry detergent

Trying to choose the right laundry detergent can be difficult as there are so many options available, some of which are designed for different types of fabric and machine. Here are some important things to consider when you are looking for the best washing detergent:

  • Skin Sensitivity: A rather concerning issue regarding laundry detergents is that the chemicals used may cause irritation to the skin, which is often exposed to clothes immediately after they are washed. Symptoms could include itchiness, redness or a rash, with more severe reactions being possible. To make spotting a susceptible option more difficult, responses to irritant may be delayed to several hours after exposure, making it more difficult to realize what is happening. Look for a detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes to reduce the likelihood of a reaction, which is more common than many realize.
  • Versatility: Different types of fabric and clothing demand the use of different detergent to ensure they last as long as possible, so it is important to use the right one relative to your laundry. For instance, colored clothes should be only be washed with a colored detergent while whites should be washed with a specialized white detergent. However, a good compromise is versatile detergent that can be used on any type of laundry, saving you time and effort sorting out your washing.
  • Cloth Requirements: While most clothes are fine to wash with versatile detergents, some fabrics demand the use of specialist laundry detergent to avoid damaging the material. In order to make attire last as long as possible, be sure to use the right type of detergent, whether its softener, a high-efficiency detergent, or one designed for a specific type of garment. For example, woolies require the use of a wool-specific detergent.

Which types of laundry detergents are available to buy in the UK?

The following list of the best-selling laundry detergents are currently available:

  • Liquids: A wide range of liquid detergents is available, including heavily concentrated options that only require a small amount to clean the dirtiest of clothes, and products with built-in fabric softener that are especially effective in hard water areas.
  • Powders: The best kind of detergent for maximum cleaning power, powders are great for every type of washing machine and make easy work of doing large amounts of laundry.
  • Capsules: The best choice of detergent for anyone that wants no hassle when measuring, capsules are pre-measured so just have to pop them in your machine. Many believe they provide the most thorough clean as there no need to worry about washing large amounts with small levels of liquid or powder.
…are you ready for the best picks of 2024?

VIEW THE TOP 10 LIST →