The 20 best he detergent brands
Tide, Gain and Arm & Hammer lead our ranking of 20 he detergent brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
He Detergent brands, ranked
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1
Tide
The Tide HE range spans pods, bleach-alternative liquids and Studio Delicates, so it covers most everyday loads.
Top products: Tide Free & Gentle HE Laundry Detergent Pods· Tide HE Bleach Alternative Liquid Detergent· Tide Studio Delicates Laundry Detergent
Website: tide.com |Brands like Tide
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Gain
Gain's scent-led HE liquids, powders and capsules come in fragrances like Moonlight Breeze and Dewdrop Dream.
Top products: Gain Original HE Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent· Gain Super Flings! Dewdrop Dream HE Laundry Detergent Capsules· Gain HE Liquid Laundry Detergent Moonlight Breeze
Website: ilovegain.com |Brands like Gain
Popularity 6.0/10
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3
Arm & Hammer
Baking-soda based detergents, often paired with OxiClean boost for extra stain and odour fighting.
Top products: Plus OxiClean HE Laundry Detergent· Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Website: armandhammer.com |Brands like Arm & Hammer
Popularity 5.7/10
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4
Persil
Oxi and odour-fighting liquids and pods define Persil's HE lineup for deep-clean loads.
Top products: Persil Original HE Liquid Laundry Detergent· Persil Oxi + Odor Fighting HE Deep Clean Liquid Detergent· Persil Ultra Pacs Oxi Power
Website: persilproclean.com |Brands like Persil
Popularity 2.9/10
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5
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day
Plant-derived formulas with garden scents like lavender make this the pick for fragrance-led HE loads.
Top products: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Laundry Detergent
Website: mrsmeyers.com |Brands like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day
Popularity 2.9/10
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6
Kirkland Signature
Costco's own-label HE liquid, sold in large bottles with pacs and a free and clear option.
Top products: Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent· Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Laundry Detergent Pacs
Brands like Kirkland Signature
Popularity 2.3/10
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7
Purex
Bulk-size HE liquids with fresh scents such as Mountain Breeze, often bought as multipacks.
Top products: Purex Fresh Mountain Breeze Liquid Detergent
Website: purex.com |Brands like Purex
Popularity 2.2/10
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8
Bath & Body Works
Fragrance can be a powerful form of self-expression. Bath & Body Works is a brand that is entirely focused on fragrances and works to provide its customers with beautiful smells that can brighten up your day and keep you smelling heavenly at all times. They have everything you could ever dream of, from candles, body washes, and shampoos to perfumes and countless other products. You can now smell and feel good throughout the day with their products.
Website: bathandbodyworks.com |Brands like Bath & Body Works
Popularity 1.9/10
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9
Cheer
P&G's budget-friendly HE liquid, sold in larger sizes with Color Guard and fresh clean variants.
Top products: Cheer Color Guard Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent HE· Cheer HE Liquid Detergent Fresh Clean Scent
Popularity 1.5/10
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10
Woolite
Darks and Damage Defense formulas focus on colour and fabric care in HE pacs and liquids.
Top products: Woolite Darks Liquid Laundry Detergent· Woolite Damage Defense Laundry Detergent· Woolite Darks Laundry Detergent Pacs
Website: woolite.us |Brands like Woolite
Popularity 1.5/10
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11
Seventh Generation
Plant-based liquids with lavender and gentler formulas suited to sensitive skin.
Top products: Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent Fresh Lavender
Website: seventhgeneration.com |Brands like Seventh Generation
Popularity 1.4/10
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12
Suavitel
Mexican fabric-care brand whose scented liquids are mainly softeners, so check HE labelling before buying.
Website: suavitel.com |Brands like Suavitel
Popularity 1.4/10
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13
Snuggle
Snuggle-Pedic aims at making your sleeping experience better. A dedicated chiropractor started the company by the name of Dr. Rick Swartzburg. He wanted to create a calm and safe space where people could relax properly after a long day at...
Popularity 1.3/10
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14
Ariel
Built around enzyme-based cleaning, Ariel sells powder detergent, laundry pods and washing powder for everyday loads. Its powders are sold in large sizes and are marketed for lifting stains from both white and coloured fabrics.
Top products: Ariel Original HE Laundry Detergent
Popularity 1.2/10
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15
Method
A group of people created Method who is passionate about life and living a healthy lifestyle. The group goes around the world, researching current issues. They discovered solutions to these problems in plants they use every day, such as milkweed...
Website: methodhome.com |Brands like Method
Popularity 0.9/10
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16
Lysol
Unless you live under a rock, you have heard of Lysol. The brand is a world-famous manufacturer of cleaning and disinfecting items. Products by Lysol date back to the 1880s when used as a medical disinfectant. Today, it has become...
Website: lysol.com |Brands like Lysol
Popularity 0.8/10
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17
Amway
Amway sells health, beauty and home care goods through independent business owners. Its catalog covers cleaning products, laundry supplies, toothpaste, moisturizing lotion and other household items. Its independent business owners sell the goods directly to buyers.
Top products: Amway Home SA8 Liquid Laundry Detergent HE
Website: amway.com |Brands like Amway
Popularity 0.7/10
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18
Clorox
Pine-Sol cleaners and disinfecting wipes are among the brand's most familiar products. Clorox also sells bleach, laundry supplies, and spa chlorine for pools and hot tubs. Its kitchen and bathroom cleaners are aimed at everyday household cleaning jobs. The company's...
Website: clorox.com |Brands like Clorox
Popularity 0.7/10
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19
Henkel
Henkel was founded in 1876. They have stuck around for more than a hundred years. Henkel is a group of businesses that operates around the globe. They have businesses in three sectors. Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Home Care are...
Website: henkel.com |Brands like Henkel
Popularity 0.6/10
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20
Borax
Borax produces laundry detergent powders and general cleaning products, drawing on its work with borates, minerals that naturally contain boron. The company says it supplies about 30% of the global borate market, with ore coming from mines in California. Its...
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tide | tide.com | – | – | – | – |
| Gain | ilovegain.com | /gain | – | @gain | – |
| Arm & Hammer | armandhammer.com | /armandhammer | armandhammer | – | AHBakingSoda |
| Persil | persilproclean.com | /PersilProClean | persilproclean | – | Persil ProClean |
| Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day | mrsmeyers.com | /mrsmeyerscleanday | mrsmeyerscleanday | @MrsMeyersClean | MrsMeyersClean |
| Purex | purex.com | – | – | – | – |
| Bath & Body Works | bathandbodyworks.com | – | – | – | – |
| Woolite | woolite.us | – | – | – | WOOLITE |
HE Detergent Buying Guide
HE (high-efficiency) laundry detergent is specifically designed for use in modern washing machines that use less water. HE detergents are specially formulated to create fewer suds, which is important because suds can build up in HE machines and cause problems. In this buying guide, we will explore what to look for when choosing an HE detergent and give you some recommendations on the best brands to buy.
Types of HE Detergent
HE detergents come in three different forms: liquid, powder, and pods. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Liquid HE detergent
Liquid HE detergent is the most popular type of HE detergent. It is versatile and easy to use, and it is available in a wide range of scents and formulas. Liquid HE detergent is great for pre-treating stains, and it dissolves quickly and completely, even in cold water.
Powder HE detergent
Powder HE detergent is a good choice for those who prefer a more traditional laundry experience. It is great for heavily soiled loads and works well in hot water. However, it can leave a residue if not properly dissolved and may be harder to find in stores than liquid HE detergent.
Pods
HE detergent pods are convenient and easy to use. They offer precise dosing and are great for those who don't want to deal with measuring out detergent. However, they are more expensive than other forms of HE detergent and may not be suitable for those with children or pets who may mistake them for candy.
Ingredients to Look for in HE Detergent
HE detergents contain a variety of ingredients, many of which are designed to be gentle on fabrics and the environment. Here are some key ingredients to look for when choosing an HE detergent:
- Enzymes: These are proteins that help to break down stains and dirt on fabrics. Look for detergents that contain enzymes such as protease (for protein stains), amylase (for starches), and lipase (for oily stains).
- Surfactants: These are the ingredients that create suds in detergent. In HE detergent, surfactants are specially formulated to create fewer suds, which is important for the efficiency of the machine. Look for surfactants such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Bleach: Some HE detergents contain bleach, which is great for brightening whites and removing stains. Look for detergents that contain oxygen bleach, which is less harsh than chlorine bleach and better for the environment.
- Fragrance: HE detergents come in a variety of scents and formulas. Look for detergents that are free from artificial fragrances and dyes if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
HE Detergent Brands to Consider
Tide
Tide is one of the most popular brands of laundry detergent, and its HE formula is no exception. Tide HE detergent is specially formulated to work in HE machines and provides excellent cleaning power, even in cold water. Tide also offers a variety of scents, including unscented and hypoallergenic formulas. Tide HE detergent is a bit more expensive than some other brands, but many people feel that it's worth the extra cost.
Gain
Gain is known for its fresh and long-lasting scents, and its HE formula is no exception. Gain HE detergent is a great choice for those who want a detergent that smells great and provides excellent cleaning power. It is also reasonably priced, making it a good option for those on a budget.
All Free Clear
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, All Free Clear HE detergent is a great choice. This detergent is free from fragrances, dyes, and other common irritants, making it gentle on skin but tough on stains. All Free Clear HE detergent is also reasonably priced, making it a great option for families on a budget.
What to Avoid in HE Detergent
When choosing an HE detergent, there are a few things to avoid. These include:
- Regular detergent: Regular detergent is not suitable for HE machines and can cause suds to build up in the machine.
- Too much detergent: Using too much detergent can cause suds to build up in the machine and can leave a residue on clothes.
- Fabric softeners: Fabric softeners are not recommended for use in HE machines as they can clog the machine and cause problems.
- Bleach: Chlorine bleach is not recommended for use in HE machines as it can damage the machine and be harmful to the environment. Always use oxygen bleach instead.
Conclusion
Choosing the right HE detergent is important for keeping your clothes clean and your machine in good working order. Look for detergents with enzymes, surfactants, oxygen bleach, and hypoallergenic formulas. Consider trying brands like Tide, Gain, and All Free Clear, and be sure to avoid regular detergent, fabric softeners, too much detergent, and chlorine bleach.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using HE detergent, and do not overload your machine. Follow these tips and your clothes will come out looking and smelling clean and fresh every time!
