I’m Obsessed with Laundry Detergents, and These Are the Best Ones I’ve Ever Tried

This detergent, with a slightly floral “clean laundry” scent, is as chic as they come and arrives in a bottle that’s both practical and photogenic. “Not only does the Laundress Signature detergent smell amazing—like lily of the valley, jasmine, and citrus—it also is one of my favorite detergents for taking care of my clothes,” raves Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor. “I notice a marked difference in how bright and soft my clothes are when I use the Laundress detergent. I’m someone who hang-dries almost all of my clothes and washes them as gently as possible for longevity, and I feel like Laundress products really help care for my clothes rather than just cleaning them.”

Key notes: Lily of the valley, jasmine, musk, sandalwood, citrus

Size: 32 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I wash my linens and towels in this detergent, and it smells like a beautiful hotel in the south of France. Will never not use this.”

Berohn and I could wax poetic together for hours about our love for Xtra Milk, which is one of the best skin scents of all time (according to us). I actually discovered it myself after asking her why she smelled so incredible. “Xtra Milk is one of my favorite fragrances, so the fact that I can have it in laundry detergent form is a huge treat,” Berohn says. “I would like to scent my entire life with Xtra Milk, and this laundry detergent (plus their hand soap and body lotion) lets me get pretty damn close. This laundry detergent makes my clothes smell like amber, musk, and bergamot, and I never get more compliments than when I’ve drenched myself in Xtra Milk from head to toe.”

Key notes: Bergamot, white musk, amber

Size: 32 fl. oz.

Dedcool rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Dedcool reviewer says: “This detergent not only smells amazing but [makes] my clothes feel softer and newer, and the colors are deeper. I have repurchased three times alone with dryer sheets and linens spray. I get so many compliments on the scent.”

I used up an entire bottle of this detergent last year, and I loved the way my laundry room smelled after each use. Thanks to the pink pepper and vetiver notes, the formula smells fresh, spicy, and kind of sexy, like cologne sprayed on a crisp white shirt.

Key notes: Bergamot, geranium, pink pepper, moss, orcanox, vetiver

Size: 16 fl. oz.

Snif rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Snif reviewer says: “Wow. I am in love with the scent of this detergent. It makes my whole house smell great when I use it. My only regret is buying the small bottle, and now using regular detergent on lesser loads feels cheap. This stuff is amazing!”

Francis Kurkdjian’s take on the “fresh laundry” smell is, as expected, sophisticated and ethereal. I like washing my sheets with it and closing my eyes as I lie in bed, pretending that I’m at a five-star hotel in Paris as morning sun rays beam through the window. If you want the most luxurious detergent possible, this is the one.

Key notes: Musks, bergamot, white flowers, lemon

Size: 2 x 8.5 fl. oz.

Neiman Marcus rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “I am obsessed with these products. My sheets and towels smell amazing.”

Juliette Has a Gun’s Not a Perfume has one main ingredient: Cetalox, a synthetic molecule that imitates the aroma of musk and amplifies the skin’s natural scent. It’s one of the many skin scents I regularly rotate, and no matter what, it always makes me feel and smell good. The detergent version is just as thrilling. I usually use it on my towels, and continue to smell the comforting fragrance on the fabric for days. On laundry days, I’ll take a second or two to sink my face into my dried towels and take in the warm, musky smell before I put them away.

Key notes: Cetalox

Size: 16.9 fl. oz.

Juliette Has a Gun rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Juliette Has a Gun reviewer says: “I am blown away! My clothes, towels, and sheets smell amazing and are so soft! Pouring the detergent directly on your laundry makes a huge difference in the lasting smell.”

One of the most annoying things about detergent is pouring into the machine—if the container has the wrong dispenser or spout, it’ll get all over your fingers and the bottle, making everything sticky. I appreciate that Brooklinen’s comes with a pump. Plus, the formula is also hypoallergenic, so if you tend to be sensitive to other formulas, it won’t hurt to try this one. I’m honestly a fan of all of the scents, but citrus lovers will lean toward Dream Clean, a scent that smells warm, bright, and crisp all at once.

Key notes: Citrus, vanilla, amber

Size: 32 fl. oz.

Brooklinen rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Brooklinen reviewer says: “These are the best-smelling detergents ever! I am amazed at how little is needed and how long the fresh scent lasts. I’ll never use anything else.”

Just like my other favorites from the brand, this formula is hardworking and gets my clothes clean without leaving any residue behind. I picked Birchwood based on a recommendation by a Redditor, and I’m so glad I did—it smells like a woody, slightly aquatic, and fresh cologne that’s more inviting than overwhelming. I wouldn’t mind if my entire house smelled like this detergent.

Key note: Birchwood

Size: 2 x 64 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The birchwood scent is great and smells fresh every wash! The scent is a great mix of clean but also masculine. The twin pack makes this product cheaper than other brands as well. It feels good to know that this is made with plant-derived ingredients and without any of the harsh chemicals/artificial ingredients.”

This detergent is so innovative that it won an ELLE Future of Beauty award last year. Although it’s technically meant for your sheets, don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to use it on your clothes, too. “Fancy laundry detergent is my favorite niche beauty product,” shares Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director. “Tide is great and all, but this special laundry detergent from The Laundress has a special perfumer-developed scent to encourage relaxation and calm. Lest you think it smells like sleepytime tea, the scent is actually a little unusual and kind of sexy, with night-blooming jasmine and spicy sandalwood notes (you could read a book in bed, or...). There is lavender in the fragrance, to give you that hint of spa. A special proprietary enzyme that specifically helps to lift dirt and oil also makes it great for sheets (skincare gunk and mascara stains will be no more.)”

Key notes: Sandalwood, jasmine, lavender

Size: 16 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using The Laundress Beauty Sleep Detergent, and it’s quickly become my favorite! The scent smells sophisticated, and as a longtime fan of The Laundress, this new scent is exactly what I’ve been waiting for—it leaves a long-lasting freshness on fabrics without being overpowering. I followed the recommended amount for a medium load and found the fragrance to be perfectly balanced, not too strong at all. For those who find it intense, I’d suggest starting with a smaller amount since it’s quite concentrated, but personally, it’s just right for me. I’ve started using it for all my laundry, not just bedding, and my husband and son love it just as much as I do. It really adds a touch of luxe to everything. Will be stocking up!”