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10 Best High-Efficiency Laundry Powders 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder | Natural Laundry Detergent Powder for Sensitive Skin | Earth-Derived Ingredients, Stain Fighting | 120 Loads (Unscented)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,452
Cleaning Power
Formulation
Scent

Most important from
19641 reviews

Cleaning Power
Cleaning power is fantastic, even removing tough odors like cat urine with a double wash.
Formulation
The detergent performs as well as chemical-laden alternatives but with fewer harmful ingredients.
Scent
Molly’s Suds leaves clothes fresh and soft without any overpowering scent, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Environmental Impact
The product significantly reduces plastic waste and avoids harmful petroleum ingredients.
Compatibility with HE Machines
It dissolves well in any temperature and does not leave any residue.
Concentration
Clothes become noticeably softer over time without the need for fabric softeners.

Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder is designed to offer a powerful clean with minimal ingredients, making it especially suitable for those with sensitive skin and environmental concerns. The detergent uses only four simple, stain-fighting ingredients, making it free from harsh chemicals such as synthetic fragrances, dyes, and formaldehyde. This simplicity is beneficial for those looking to avoid skin irritations and reduce their environmental footprint. The unscented formula is a plus for those who are sensitive to artificial scents or prefer a neutral smell in their laundry. It also offers a lightly scented option for those who desire a bit of fragrance.

Each 79 oz bag provides enough powder to clean up to 120 loads, indicating excellent concentration and value for money. A single tablespoon-sized scoop is sufficient for most loads, which speaks to its efficiency. Moreover, the detergent is compatible with all types of washing machines, including high-efficiency (HE) machines, which ensures versatility and convenience. Additionally, it is septic and greywater safe, further underscoring its environmentally friendly credentials. The product is cruelty-free, adding an ethical dimension to its appeal.

On the downside, its effectiveness on very delicate fabrics like silk and leather is limited. Users must follow specific stain treatment steps to achieve optimal results, which might be cumbersome for some. Despite these minor drawbacks, Molly's Suds provides a highly effective, environmentally conscious, and skin-friendly laundry solution.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,452
Cleaning Power
Formulation
Scent

Most important from
19641 reviews

Cleaning Power
Cleaning power is fantastic, even removing tough odors like cat urine with a double wash.
Formulation
The detergent performs as well as chemical-laden alternatives but with fewer harmful ingredients.
Scent
Molly’s Suds leaves clothes fresh and soft without any overpowering scent, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Environmental Impact
The product significantly reduces plastic waste and avoids harmful petroleum ingredients.
Compatibility with HE Machines
It dissolves well in any temperature and does not leave any residue.
Concentration
Clothes become noticeably softer over time without the need for fabric softeners.
#2

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder (300 Loads, 1 Pack) Hypoallergenic Deep Cleaning Washing Powder Detergent – Eco-Friendly, Safe, and Effective

Rating
9.6
Cleaning Power
Formulation
Scent

Most important from
4568 reviews

Cleaning Power
Works wonders on stains and leaves clothes feeling fresh without any residue.
Formulation
Impressed with how this detergent deep cleans clothes without harsh chemicals or fragrances, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Scent
Dissolves easily in water and offers a light fragrance.

Charlie’s Soap Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Powder is designed to provide powerful cleaning while being gentle on the skin and the environment. Its concentrated formula means you only need a small amount (one tablespoon) per load, making it both economical and efficient.

The detergent’s plant-based ingredients make it biodegradable and eco-friendly, with an EPA Safer Choice Certification to back up its environmental claims. It's also fragrance-free, which is great for those with sensitive skin or allergies, and it leaves clothes genuinely clean without the use of artificial brighteners or perfumes. This makes it a suitable choice for washing baby clothes and cloth diapers, ensuring they’re safe and free from chemical residues.

The powder is compatible with high-efficiency (HE) machines and is effective in a variety of washing conditions, from delicates to more robust fabrics. One downside is that, being a powder, it might not dissolve as easily in very cold water compared to liquid detergents. Some users might also miss having a pleasant scent in their laundry, as this product is unscented. However, if you prioritize a hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and effective cleaning solution, Charlie’s Soap is a solid choice for your laundry needs.

Rating
9.6
Cleaning Power
Formulation
Scent

Most important from
4568 reviews

Cleaning Power
Works wonders on stains and leaves clothes feeling fresh without any residue.
Formulation
Impressed with how this detergent deep cleans clothes without harsh chemicals or fragrances, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Scent
Dissolves easily in water and offers a light fragrance.
#3

Nellie's Laundry Soda with POW Powder - 250 Loads - Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent with Stain-Fighting Active Enzymes - High-Efficiency Formula, Phosphate-Free, Septic-Safe

Rating
9.3
Cleaning Power

Most important from
874 reviews

Cleaning Power
Clothes always come out clean, saving money and protecting the family from harmful ingredients.

Nellie's Laundry Soda with POW Powder is a highly efficient laundry detergent that stands out for being eco-friendly and effective at cleaning clothes. One of its major strengths is its cleaning power, bolstered by the inclusion of active enzymes that help remove stains and brighten fabrics. The powder dissolves well in both cold and hot water, making it versatile for different laundry needs.

It is formulated with minimal, eco-friendly ingredients, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint. The powder is also fragrance-free, which is beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, it is compatible with high-efficiency machines and safe for septic systems, ensuring a wide range of usability.

On the downside, some users may miss having a scented option as the product is fragrance-free. Its concentrated nature means that it requires careful measurement to avoid overuse, which could be a minor inconvenience for some. However, with 250 loads per container, it offers excellent value for money. This product is ideal for eco-conscious households and those looking for a gentle yet effective laundry detergent.

Rating
9.3
Cleaning Power

Most important from
874 reviews

Cleaning Power
Clothes always come out clean, saving money and protecting the family from harmful ingredients.

Buying Guide for the Best High-Efficiency Laundry Powders

Choosing the right high-efficiency laundry powder can make a significant difference in the cleanliness and longevity of your clothes. High-efficiency (HE) laundry powders are specifically formulated to work in HE washing machines, which use less water and energy compared to traditional machines. When selecting a laundry powder, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider and how to navigate them.
Cleaning PowerCleaning power refers to the ability of the laundry powder to remove dirt, stains, and odors from your clothes. This is important because a more effective cleaning powder will keep your clothes looking new and fresh. Cleaning power can vary, with some powders being more effective on tough stains while others are better for general cleaning. If you frequently deal with heavily soiled clothes, look for a powder with strong stain-removing capabilities. For everyday laundry, a general-purpose cleaning powder should suffice.
FormulationThe formulation of the laundry powder includes the ingredients used and their concentrations. This is important because certain formulations are better suited for specific types of fabrics or skin sensitivities. For example, hypoallergenic formulations are ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. If you have delicate fabrics, look for a gentle formulation. For regular fabrics, a standard formulation will work well.
ScentThe scent of the laundry powder can affect how your clothes smell after washing. This is important for personal preference and can also impact those with sensitivities to fragrances. Scents can range from strong and long-lasting to mild and subtle. If you prefer a noticeable fragrance, choose a powder with a strong scent. If you or someone in your household is sensitive to smells, opt for a fragrance-free or lightly scented option.
Environmental ImpactThe environmental impact of the laundry powder includes factors like biodegradability, packaging, and the presence of harmful chemicals. This is important for those who are environmentally conscious and want to reduce their ecological footprint. Powders with biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging are better for the environment. If sustainability is a priority for you, look for eco-friendly certifications and avoid powders with phosphates and other harmful chemicals.
Compatibility with HE MachinesCompatibility with HE machines means that the laundry powder is designed to work efficiently with high-efficiency washing machines. This is important because using a non-HE powder in an HE machine can lead to excess suds, poor cleaning performance, and potential damage to the machine. Always check the packaging to ensure the powder is labeled as HE-compatible. If you have an HE machine, this is a non-negotiable requirement.
ConcentrationConcentration refers to the strength of the laundry powder and how much is needed per load. This is important because a more concentrated powder will require less product per wash, making it more cost-effective and reducing packaging waste. Concentrations can vary, with some powders being ultra-concentrated. If you want to save space and reduce waste, choose a highly concentrated powder. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, a standard concentration will work just fine.

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