The best scented laundry detergents for 2025, tested and reviewed

Knowing how subjective scent is, I didn't rely on my nose alone — I arranged a team of sniff testers to weigh in on the fragrances. Then I tested the cleaning power of the detergents with the best scents by soiling cotton cloths with common stain culprits, including dirt from a local baseball field. Cleaning up the mess wasn't easy, but many of the detergents smelled so good, they made it feel breezy!

Table of contents

Best scented laundry detergents for 2025

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Factors to consider when choosing the best scented laundry detergent

So many detergents, so little time! Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping:

• Fragrance type and intensity: Laundry detergent scents usually fall into one of these categories: fresh, floral or fruity. How do you know if a fragrance will last long? The stronger it is at first whiff, the stronger it will often be post-wash. Naturally scented formulas seem to be the exception to this rule, though.

• Detergent type:

  • Liquids are often cheaper than other formulas, and because you can use as much or little as you like, easily adjustable depending on the severity of the mess and size of the load.

  • Powders, like liquids, allow you to customize your dosage depending on the size (or messiness) of your laundry.

  • Pods eliminate the need for measuring and are less messy to use than liquid (no drips!). However, you may not want to keep them around if you have kids, as there have been cases of children ingesting them by accident. They also often come at a higher cost than liquid detergents.

  • Sheets: Detergent sheets have grown in popularity as a more sustainable alternative to plastic laundry tubs and pods. Sheets are also more lightweight and compact for transporting and storing, but don't always dissolve properly, particularly in cold water.

• Stain type: If you or someone in your household is prone to messes, look for a detergent with “oxi” in the name, which means it contains oxygen bleach or a cleaning agent with oxygen-based stain-fighting properties, to help tackle tough stains. For sweat (and its accompanying stink), try a formula that contains baking soda or other deodorizers can help neutralize odors.

• Skin sensitivity: The most long-lasting scents are often synthetic, so if you're someone with allergies or sensitive skin, you may need to forgo fragrance in exchange for a gentler formula. Look for detergents that are hypoallergenic and free of harsh dyes and overly heavy fragrances. Always check the labels for ingredients and certifications, like the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, that can clue you in on whether a detergent will be okay for your skin.

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How we tested scented laundry detergents

I arranged a team of sniff testers (men, women and kids, ages 11 to 67) to narrow down the most appealing fragrances from nearly 20 scented detergents. Then I took the formulas with the most likes for a spin in the washing machine to test how well they worked. I used a towel to gauge fragrance retention and fabric softness. I also threw into the machine soiled white cotton swatches to see how well each detergent fared in these common stain scenarios:

• “Office hours” test: I used a pen to draw a line on the fabric to see how the detergents tackled ink.

• “BBQ bust” test: I smudged yellow mustard to see how detergents would stand up to food stains.

• “Oil spill” test: I drizzled olive oil to assess each detergent’s ability to make greasy substances disappear.

• ”Kiss and tell” test: I applied red lipstick to test how detergents could handle smeared cosmetics.

• “Wine and dine” test: I spilled red table wine to see if the detergents were equipped to handle saturated liquids.

• “Sliding home” test: At the risk of attracting stares, I visited a local baseball field to gather dirt, which I rubbed on the cloth.

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Other scented laundry detergents we tested

Gain Relax Detergent Pods in Dewdrop Dream (57 cents per load): I personally thought this was the best Gain laundry detergent scent (it's a calming, lavender-forward floral). It performed as well as Gain Moonlight Breeze, but I gave the latter the win because the scent was more popular among my sniff testers, plus it lasted longer and the liquid formula cost less.

Gain Botanicals Liquid Detergent in White Tea & Lavender (16 cents per load): This fragrance was refreshing and sweet — almost like an herbal, fruity iced tea. It tied with Moonlight Breeze for best Gain scent in my sniff test (even over the classic Gain scent). I like that it’s made without any dyes, parabens or optical brighteners, but the post-dry scent was very faint.

Tide Sport with Febreze Liquid Detergent (16 cents per load): Though this was the most popular Tide scent in our sniff test, Honey Lavender won out because it fared slightly better tackling stains. But if you're okay with a little pre-treating, Sport offers a just-got-out-of-the-shower clean scent that lingers longer post-washing.

Tide Plus Downy Liquid Detergent in April Fresh (22 cents per load): My mom’s favorite Tide detergent smells slightly powdery in a pleasant way and has softening properties. Its fragrance wasn't as popular as the other Tide detergents, though, and it didn't have as strong staying power.

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Detergent Pods in Fresh Burst (24 cents per load): It’s a detergent! It’s a deodorizer! It’s a brightener! These pods didn’t take out quite as much ink or mustard as Tide PurClean, but I’d consider them a good everyday pick for someone who likes a fresh scent, particularly in a pod formula, at a lower price point.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Ultra Concentrated Liquid Detergent in Rain Water (25 cents per load): This fragrance fared well in my sniff test (over the brand’s newer Compassion Flower scent). The detergent proved effective against oil, dirt and wine, and I’ve also had luck using it to remove grass stains. But though the scent is light and fresh, like its name would suggest, it wasn't as noticeable as our winning Method detergent.

Hex Performance Liquid Detergent in Fresh (40 cents per load): Reactions from sniff testers were mixed on this detergent, ranging from“too perfumy" to "smells clean." I liked it, assuming someone wouldn’t layer a heavy cologne or deodorant on top of it, but I’d be more likely to purchase Tide Sport with Febreze, which costs less and works as well.

L’Avant Collective High Performing Liquid Detergent in Fresh Linen (97 cents per load): This was one of my favorite fragrances upon first sniff. It’s the perfect balance of clean, soft and fresh — imagine a pile of laundry sitting by an open window on a sunny day. It was comparable with most of the detergents we tested when it came to removing dirt, oil and wine stains. I wish it cost less and the scent was stronger post-drying, but it's a worthy splurge for washing bedding or fancy undergarments.

Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated Liquid Detergent in Fresh Lavender (21 cents per load): This smelled most like actual lavender. The formula is concentrated and the bottle is small, which makes it easier to store and carry. It didn't perform as well as Tide PurClean Honey Lavender on stains and, as is typical with naturally scented formulas, didn't leave a lasting scent post-washing and drying.

BioKleen 3x Concentrated Liquid Detergent in Lavender Lily (14 cents per load): This scent was light to begin with and was non-existent (at least to the untrained nose) post-washing and drying. The detergent didn't perform as well as Tide PurClean Honey Lavender on red lipstick, black ink and mustard, but it removed the other substances.

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Scented laundry detergent FAQs

What’s the difference between unscented and scented laundry detergent?

Scented laundry detergents contain naturally derived and/or synthetic fragrances, whereas scent-free detergent does not. Keep in mind that "unscented" detergent is not the same thing as scent- or odor-free detergent, which is often labeled "free and clear." Unscented detergents can still contain fragrances to mask certain ingredients or reach neutrality.

What’s the best scented laundry detergent for sensitive skin?

Based on our testing, we would consider Dreft Laundry Detergent in Lavender the best option. As a general rule, we recommend detergents that are specifically formulated for those with sensitivities, such as acne, eczema or psoriasis, and free of harsh fragrances and dyes. Check with your doctor or dermatologist if you're not sure what to use.

What’s better: liquid or pod detergent?

You can more easily adjust the amount you're using with liquid detergents, and they tend to cost less than pods. With pods, you avoid drips, and they're more convenient for carrying, ideal if you go to a laundromat. Ultimately, it depends on what's most important to you.

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We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.