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Powder Laundry DetergentsHelping You Find the Best
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Powder Laundry DetergentsHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Powder Laundry Detergents of 2024 (Tide, Arm and Hammer, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Powder Laundry Detergents of 2024 (Tide, Arm and Hammer, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Powder Laundry Detergents of 2024 (Tide, Arm and Hammer, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Powder Laundry Detergents of 2024 (Tide, Arm and Hammer, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Powder Laundry Detergents of 2024 (Tide, Arm and Hammer, and More) 5

10 Best Powder Laundry Detergents of 2024 (Tide, Arm and Hammer, and More)

Does your laundry smell a little funky even after pulling them fresh out of the washer? Perhaps it's time to change the products you use. Powder laundry detergents can pick up stains and odors, leaving your laundry feeling and smelling fresh and clean. 


We've picked out some of the best powder laundry detergents, such as Tide's version, which can even address week-old stains. There are nine other options to choose from, with options including baby-safe ones and ones that work for both front and top loading machines and some for high-efficiency machines; plus we have a buying to help you select the most fitting detergent for your laundry needs. 

Last updated 11/11/2024

Quick List - Top Powder Laundry Detergents

1

Arm & Hammer™

Arm & Hammer™Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster
Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster

An Extra Boost Of Clean For Laundry And Household Surfaces

2

OxiClean™

Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover
Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover

Oxygen-Powered Solution For Tough Stains And Odors

3

Tide

TideOriginal Powder Laundry Detergent
Original Powder Laundry Detergent

Powerful Stain Removal, Even On 7-Day-Old Stains

4

Molly's Suds

Original Laundry Detergent PowderUnscented - 120 Loads
Original Laundry Detergent Powder

Natural, Effective Cleaning With Earth-Derived Ingredients

5

Harris

Borax Laundry Booster and Multipurpose Cleaner, 1.5lbUnscented
Borax Laundry Booster and Multipurpose Cleaner, 1.5lb

Versatile Cleaner That Enhances Laundry And Tackles Household Tasks

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Powder Laundry Detergent - Buying Guide

Choosing a powder laundry detergent can be tricky due to the different types of washing machines and formulas. Our buying guide will help you determine what to look for so that you can make a confident purchase! 

1

Match the Formula With Your Clothes

Match the Formula With Your Clothes

If you require extra stain removal, such as in the underarm area, a bleach-infused formula will eradicate stains. The bleach used in laundry detergents is often hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate. Most white clothing is compatible with bleach. 


Colored clothes should indicate if they can be bleached, but you can always opt for color-friendly bleach solutions. You can also look for surfactants that lift dirt from fabrics and ensure it's rinsed away. Common surfactants are sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and alcohol ethoxylates.


For an active lifestyle that results in sweat and odor, a powerful formula that removes dirt with an added scent replaces odors and makes your clothes smell fresh with every wash. If you choose to avoid fragrances, natural ingredients such as essential oils from flowers and herbs are an alternative. 

2

Watch Out for Irritating Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

Watch Out for Irritating Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

If you have particularly sensitive skin and find yourself itching after putting on clean clothes, going through the detergents ingredients list is a must.

 
Enzymes are often used in laundry detergents for their stain-removal properties, but they can trigger skin irritation on sensitive skin. A quick way to confirm this is to check if the detergent is bio or non-bio


Biological detergents contain enzymes and work effectively, even in cold water. Non-bio detergents lack enzymes and are gentler for those with sensitive skin. Plus, you can find non-bio detergents made specifically for delicate fabrics like wool and silk.


You should also watch out for optical brighteners, as they could trigger an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis for those with sensitive skin. These chemicals absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as blue light, thus making your clothes appear whiter or brighter without actually removing dirt. 


The most common compounds used as optical brightening agents in laundry detergents are anionic diamino stilbene (DAS) and distyryl biphenyl (DSBP).


We recommend going for a hypoallergenic laundry formula without fragrances to avoid skin irritation. You can head on over to the reviews to confirm if those with sensitive skin could use the detergent without issues. 

3

Keep the Environment in Mind

Given that washing clothes is a frequently occurring task, you may want to consider a powder laundry detergent that keeps the environment in mind. Here are a few examples of how to make this chore more efficient and sustainable. 

Sustainable Packaging, Refills, and Concentrated Formulas are Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainable Packaging, Refills, and Concentrated Formulas are Eco-Friendly Choices

Some powder laundry detergents come in plastic bottles or barrels. Keep the environment in mind and minimize waste by considering a refillable bottle or box. Because of their dry consistency, you can even find powder detergent brands that offer their refills in biodegradable carton boxes.

 
Another approach is to consider a concentrated or "ultra" formula wherein less water and detergent are needed to clean the same load.   

Pick an HE Detergent for a High Efficiency Washer

Pick an HE Detergent for a High Efficiency Washer

Looking for the "HE" (High-Efficiency) symbol on the packaging is another option, especially if your washer is designed to use less water than older versions. HE detergents produce low suds and disperse quickly.

 
If you have an HE washer, then a HE detergent is required. Regular ones are too sudsy for HE machines and may lead to mold and odor buildup. Take note that a HE-detergent will work fine in a non-HE washer but not the other way around. 

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10 Best Powder Laundry Detergents

We have selected these powder laundry detergents for you to consider, and they are all highly recommended by reviewers! We've made sure to include a variety of options, including ones for sensitive skin.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Arm & Hammer™

Arm & Hammer™Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster

Arm & Hammer™ Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster 1

An Extra Boost Of Clean For Laundry And Household Surfaces

2

OxiClean™

Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover

OxiClean™ Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover 1

Oxygen-Powered Solution For Tough Stains And Odors

3

Tide

TideOriginal Powder Laundry Detergent

Tide Original Powder Laundry Detergent 1

Powerful Stain Removal, Even On 7-Day-Old Stains

4

Molly's Suds

Original Laundry Detergent PowderUnscented - 120 Loads

Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder 1

Natural, Effective Cleaning With Earth-Derived Ingredients

5

Harris

Borax Laundry Booster and Multipurpose Cleaner, 1.5lbUnscented

Harris Borax Laundry Booster and Multipurpose Cleaner, 1.5lb 1

Versatile Cleaner That Enhances Laundry And Tackles Household Tasks

6

Rockin’ Green

Active Wear Detergent Platinum Series

Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent Platinum Series 1

Tough On Stains And Odors While Extending Activewear Lifespan

7

Gain

GainOriginal Powder Laundry Detergent

Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent 1

Lifts Dirt And Locks In Freshness For Six Weeks

8

ACTIVE

Activewear Laundry Detergent

ACTIVE Activewear Laundry Detergent 1

Engineered To Eliminate Odors From Activewear Fabrics

9

Charlie's Soap

Natural Powder Laundry Detergent

Charlie's Soap Natural Powder Laundry Detergent 1

Concentrated, Residue-Free Cleaning for Sensitive Skin and the Environment

10

Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation Inc.Laundry Detergent PacksFree & Clear

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs 1

Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free Detergent Packs for Sensitive Skin and Effective Cleaning

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Arm & Hammer™
Arm & Hammer™Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster

Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster 1
Source:amazon.com
Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster 2
Source:amazon.com
Lowest price
$5.99
Low
Lowest price
$5.99
Low

An Extra Boost Of Clean For Laundry And Household Surfaces

Arm & Hammer™ Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster is a versatile, natural cleaning agent designed to enhance laundry performance and provide a deep clean across household surfaces. It is 100% fragrance-free and phosphate-free, effectively neutralizing odors without the use of strong fragrances. When used as a detergent booster, it improves liquid laundry detergent effectiveness by up to 15%, particularly for tough stains like mustard and blood. This results in cleaner, whiter, and brighter laundry.
Beyond laundry, this washing soda is useful for cleaning a variety of hard surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. It can be applied to surfaces such as stainless steel, sinks, and even garage floors. Additionally, it serves as an effective tarnish remover for silver, brass, and copper. With its natural, pure ingredients—sodium carbonate and water—Arm & Hammer™ Super Washing Soda provides a simple, multipurpose cleaning solution trusted since 1874.
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No.2

OxiClean™
Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover

Lowest price
$11.78

Oxygen-Powered Solution For Tough Stains And Odors

OxiClean™ Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover is an oxygen-based, chlorine-free powder designed to tackle stubborn stains and eliminate persistent odors from machine-washable fabrics. It works effectively on smelly laundry such as musty towels, sweaty workout clothes, and items affected by body odor. By using it as a presoak before washing, it helps neutralize odors and enhance cleaning results. This product can be safely used with regular detergent and is compatible with both high-efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines.
In addition to laundry, OxiClean™ Odor Blasters is suitable for removing odors and stains from hard surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, and beyond. It is a versatile cleaner for various household needs, including pet bedding and team uniforms. The formula is tough on dirt yet gentle on fabrics, making it safe for regular use without the risk of color fading. This 5-pound container is designed for frequent use on both large and small cleaning tasks.
No.3

Tide
TideOriginal Powder Laundry Detergent

Lowest price
$22.94

Powerful Stain Removal, Even On 7-Day-Old Stains

Tide Original Powder Laundry Detergent is designed to remove tough stains, even those that have set for up to 7 days. Formulated with Acti-Lift Crystals and HE Turbo technology, this detergent is optimized for use in both regular and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines, making it highly effective in delivering clean, fresh laundry. Tide's formula is trusted by washing machine manufacturers and is recommended as the #1 brand for maintaining the performance of your machine.

Tide Original Powder includes a blend of cleaning agents such as sodium carbonate, enzymes, and fluorescent brighteners to tackle dirt and stains while maintaining fabric quality. Easy to use with clear dosing instructions, it ensures effective cleaning for various load sizes. Safety is emphasized, with proper storage guidelines provided to keep the detergent out of reach of children. Its formula has been tested for safety and efficiency, making it a reliable option for household laundry care.

No.4

Molly's Suds
Original Laundry Detergent PowderUnscented - 120 Loads

Lowest price
$22.99
Mid

Natural, Effective Cleaning With Earth-Derived Ingredients

Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder is formulated with just four to five plant- and earth-derived ingredients, offering a deep clean without harmful chemicals. Its highly concentrated formula allows for efficient washing, requiring only one tablespoon per load. The detergent is gentle on all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used in standard, high-efficiency, and commercial washing machines. It is also more cost-effective per load compared to leading brands and is available in 70 and 120-load sizes.

This detergent is free from synthetic chemicals, including phosphates, chlorine, and petrochemicals. For optimal results, it is recommended to use warm or hot water, with an option to dissolve the powder in hot water for cold washes. The product is also compatible with natural cleaning aids, such as vinegar for pH balance and an oxygen whitener for extra stain removal. Molly’s Suds adheres to strict ingredient integrity, making it a safer option for household laundry.
No.5

Harris
Borax Laundry Booster and Multipurpose Cleaner, 1.5lbUnscented

Lowest price
$14.99
Low Mid

Versatile Cleaner That Enhances Laundry And Tackles Household Tasks

Harris Borax Laundry Booster and Multipurpose Cleaner is a natural solution for boosting detergent performance, especially in homes with hard water. When added to laundry, it enhances cleaning effectiveness, helping to remove stains and brighten clothes. The powder can be used with both regular and delicate loads, and one scoop per load cleans up to 20 cycles of laundry. It also doubles as a pre-soak treatment to loosen stubborn stains before washing. Harris Borax is available in unscented and several naturally derived fragrance options.

This borax powder serves as a multipurpose cleaner for various household tasks, including cleaning countertops, glass, grout, toilets, and more. Its mineral-based formula helps remove grime, mineral deposits, and tough stains without artificial fragrances. The resealable bag ensures ongoing freshness, and the included scoop simplifies measurement for consistent use. This product can also be used to freshen drains, dishwashers, and carpets, making it a versatile addition to any cleaning routine.
No.6

Rockin’ Green
Active Wear Detergent Platinum Series

Lowest price
$28.99
High Mid

Tough On Stains And Odors While Extending Activewear Lifespan

Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent Platinum Series is designed to tackle tough stains and odors, especially those from sweat and bacteria, with its plant-based enzyme formula. This powder detergent cleans and refreshes activewear, protecting high-tech fabrics like microfiber and maintaining their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The extra-concentrated formula requires only one tablespoon per load, lasting for up to 90 washes. It works effectively in both standard and HE machines, ensuring a thorough clean for all types of fabrics.

Free from harsh chemicals like bleach, dyes, and parabens, this detergent is gentle on sensitive skin and safe for babies. It is also environmentally friendly, made without optical brighteners, SLS/SLES, and other synthetic additives. In addition to cleaning workout gear, it promotes a greener lifestyle with its vegan, cruelty-free formulation, making it a conscientious choice for families seeking both effective cleaning and eco-consciousness.

No.7

Gain
GainOriginal Powder Laundry Detergent

Reference price
$9.99
Low Mid

Lifts Dirt And Locks In Freshness For Six Weeks

Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent is formulated to effectively clean clothes while leaving a long-lasting scent. Its cleaning power lifts away dirt, and the unique scent capsules release a fresh aroma for up to six weeks. This powder detergent is compatible with both standard and high-efficiency washing machines, making it suitable for various laundry setups. The detergent's signature scent is described as a mix of citrus and floral notes, evoking the freshness of the outdoors.

The detergent is available in various load sizes, with different measuring recommendations depending on the size of the load. Its versatile formula pairs well with other Gain products like scent boosters, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets, allowing users to enjoy the same fragrance throughout their laundry routine. The ingredients include common cleaning agents like sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate, along with fragrance and brightening agents for an effective and aromatic clean.
No.8

ACTIVE
Activewear Laundry Detergent

Lowest price
$23.96

Engineered To Eliminate Odors From Activewear Fabrics

ACTIVE Wear Laundry Detergent is specifically formulated to clean and remove odors from technical fabrics commonly found in activewear. Made with a plant-based enzyme blend, this detergent breaks down sweat, oils, and other odor-causing agents trapped in synthetic fibers, which traditional detergents may leave behind. Its concentrated formula ensures effective cleaning with just 1-2 scoops per load, making it suitable for up to 90 washes per 48-ounce bag. The detergent is also free of artificial fragrances, fillers, and harsh chemicals, making it safe for both sensitive skin and septic systems.

Designed for workout clothing, ACTIVE detergent is compatible with all popular activewear brands and fabrics like leggings, sports bras, and jerseys. It works well in cold or warm water, offering flexibility in washing preferences. By addressing the challenges of odor retention in synthetic fibers, this detergent extends the life of activewear and keeps workout clothes fresh between uses.
No.9

Charlie's Soap
Natural Powder Laundry Detergent

Lowest price
$27.41

Concentrated, Residue-Free Cleaning for Sensitive Skin and the Environment

Charlie’s Soap Natural Powder Laundry Detergent is a super-concentrated, biodegradable formula designed to clean clothes without leaving behind residue. Free from harmful chemicals like dyes, parabens, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances, it is gentle on sensitive skin and hypoallergenic. The detergent is also compatible with both high-efficiency and standard washing machines, and it cleans the washer itself with every use. Just one tablespoon per load is sufficient, making it highly efficient for daily laundry needs.

With an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice certification, Charlie’s Soap prioritizes eco-friendliness by using natural, biodegradable ingredients. It effectively breaks down dirt and grime while rinsing completely, helping to maintain clean laundry, washing machines, and even city drainage systems. Safe for all temperatures and washing cycles, it ensures a thorough clean without the need for additives like fabric softeners, making it ideal for those seeking an environmentally responsible laundry solution.

No.10

Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation Inc.Laundry Detergent PacksFree & Clear

Lowest price
$27.98
High Mid

Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free Detergent Packs for Sensitive Skin and Effective Cleaning

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs - Free & Clear are designed for those with sensitive skin, offering a powerful cleaning solution free of dyes and fragrances. Each pack contains a pre-measured dose of detergent with bio-enzymes and minerals to tackle tough stains while remaining gentle on fabrics and skin. The detergent is USDA Certified Biobased and EPA Safer Choice Certified, ensuring both eco-friendliness and effectiveness. These hypoallergenic detergent packs are simple to use and eliminate the need for measuring, providing a mess-free laundry experience.

Formulated with plant-based and mineral-based ingredients such as sodium carbonate, coconut oil, and enzymes, these detergent packs clean thoroughly without leaving harmful residues. They are Leaping Bunny Certified, ensuring cruelty-free production, and the water-soluble film around the packs dissolves easily during washing. Ideal for those seeking an environmentally conscious and skin-safe option, this detergent offers reliable cleaning performance without unnecessary additives.

Get the Most Out of Your Powder Detergent

Get the Most Out of Your Powder Detergent

Powdered detergents are one of the most effective options for tackling stains and dirt, and they're very economical per load. However, they can pose issues if not used properly. They don't respond well with cold water and may not dissolve completely, thus weakening the cleaning properties.

 
If you have a top loader, put the powder directly into the drum before the clothes to ensure it dissolves properly and avoid white residue getting stuck on your clothes. If residue is still a problem, try mixing the powder with hot water first before adding it into the drum.

 
Meanwhile, front-loading washers often have a detergent drawer. This can quickly accumulate detergent and water residue and requires periodic cleaning. Lastly, HE washers use a different amount. Be sure to read the instructions carefully since too little powder will be ineffective while too much will result in overflow or residue. 

Tackle Laundry With These Helpful Products

Are you looking for more products to make washing and drying your clothes easier? Here are a few more suggestions to get you started!

Top 5 Powder Laundry Detergents

No. 1: Arm & Hammer™Arm & Hammer™Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster

No. 2: OxiClean™Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover

No. 3: TideTideOriginal Powder Laundry Detergent

No. 4: Molly's SudsOriginal Laundry Detergent PowderUnscented - 120 Loads

No. 5: HarrisBorax Laundry Booster and Multipurpose Cleaner, 1.5lbUnscented

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