9 Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents, According to Editor Tests
Updated: Feb. 28, 2024
Washing laundry with your favorite scent adds a little luxury to everyday life. But how do you find one you love? We tested 20 different scents to find the best-smelling laundry detergents.
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The best-smelling laundry detergents can make doing the laundry from plain old housework to domestic bliss. Scenting your clothes, towels and bedsheets in a fragrance you love works as a dose of aromatherapy and adds a little bit of elegance to the spin cycle.
Our picks for the best-smelling laundry detergents will get your clothes clean and gently perfume your fabrics for a lingering scent that lasts. Our editors put 20 bottles of detergent through the paces to determine the best of the best.
Before you throw anything in the wash though, you’ll want to brush up on what common laundry symbols mean so you can choose the best detergents to use on your clothes (and check out how to do laundry the right way).
Megan Wood/Taste of Home
Best Overall
Tyler Glamorous Diva Wash
Scent strength: 9/10
Topping our list of best-smelling laundry detergent, the Tyler Glamorous Wash in scent Diva gets two of our shopping editors’ stamps of approval.
“I took a chance on Tyler Glamorous Wash in the Diva scent based on how many Amazon reviews it earned—and because I was intrigued by the name!” says former Executive Shopping Editor and contributing writer, Megan Wood. “It’s now my favorite best-smelling laundry detergent, and I’ve used everything from The Laundress to lavender-scented laundry sheets.”
As for the scent itself? “Diva smells rich,” adds Megan. “The notes are warm and floral, but not cloying or irritating. My laundry trick for making it last is adding a small capful with unscented laundry detergent to loads of sweaters, delicates and sheets. The fragrance makes the entire laundry room smell good and the scent lingers on fabrics for days after washing. When I run out, I’m ordering the two-pack.”
Senior Shopping Editor, Daria Smith, also gives it two thumbs up: “I’m what some may call a laundry snob. I swear by Tyler Glamorous Wash in scent Diva.” BRB we’re stocking up on all the Tyler Glamorous Wash we can get our hands on!
Pros
- Long-lasting scent with warm, floral notes
- Rich fragrance, but it’s not irritating or overwhelming
- Doesn’t take a lot of product to make clothes or bedding smell amazing
- Earns multiple editors’ stamps of approval
Cons
- On the pricey side, but a little goes a long way
Caroline Lubinsky/Taste of Home
Best Budget
Arm & Hammer OxiClean Odor Blast, Fresh Burst
Scent strength: 5/10
Leave it to Arm & Hammer for the best-smelling laundry detergent on a budget. This tried and true classic gets a fresh upgrade with scent-boosting odor blasters that are tough on stinky clothes.
“This detergent is best for people who prefer a light scent that won’t linger days after you’ve done laundry,” says Senior Shopping Editor, Caroline Lubinsky. “If you like fresh, clean scents that aren’t too perfumey or overly fragranced, you’ll love this detergent. It’s also a good option for those who frequently have smelly laundry—it got my workout clothes squeaky clean and smelling fresh again.”
Pro tip: Swiff Spray is the secret to preventing stinky clothes.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Fresh, clean scent isn’t perfumey
- Odor blasters eliminate stink while OxiClean technology is tough on stains
- Cleans more than 70 loads
Cons
- Heavy-duty detergent bottle
via merchant
Best Splurge
Dedcool Milk Dedtergent
Scent strength: 5/10
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Investing in a luxurious-smelling laundry detergent is the best way to make laundry day something to look forward to (along with outfitting your space with these laundry room decor ideas). Which brings us to our best splurge-worthy pick: Milk Dedtergent.
“I was hesitant to try a detergent called “milk,” but don’t worry, this “dedtergent” smells nothing at all like, well, milk,” says Senior Shopping Editor, Megan Mowery. “Its elevated, luxurious notes of bergamot, white musk and amber combine to create an addicting scent that keeps me sniffing all day long. It’s pricey—but walking around smelling like you live at a luxury resort is worth the price, no?”
Here’s how to tell if you’re using too much laundry detergent.
Pros
- Luxurious scent with notes of bergamot, white musk and amber
- Sleek packaging
- 100% biodegradable and environmentally-conscious
- Non-toxic, vegan and carbon-neutral
Cons
- On the pricey side
Katie Bandurski/Taste of Home
Best Everyday Detergent
Mrs. Meyer’s, Honeysuckle
Scent strength: 4/10
Here’s a scented laundry detergent you can wash everything from towels to clothes and bedsheets in without getting tired of it.
“I typically use unscented laundry detergent as I have sensitive skin. But the Mrs. Meyer’s honeysuckle scent is making me reconsider,” says Senior Shopping Editor, Katie Bandurski. “This detergent’s scent is floral and sweet—yet not overpowering. It left everything from musty T-shirts to old sheet sets smelling fresh. It reminds me of how clothes smell after air-drying outside on a spring day!”
Pros
- Floral and sweet-smelling detergent isn’t overwhelming
- Biodegradable formula with stain-fighting enzymes
- Transforms musty clothes, towels and bedding
- Tough on grime and stains
Cons
- Infused with essential oils, which can be irritating on some skin types
Madi Koetting/Taste of Home
Best Citrus-Smelling
Molly’s Suds, Citrus Grove
Scent strength: 3/10
I’ve wanted to test Molly’s Suds since hearing about it for the first time last year. Its clean, powder formula (no dyes!) and stain-removing powers immediately caught my attention. Not to mention the rave reviews from loyal fans. The variety of scents is just the cherry on top.
After testing the citrus grove scent for a few months, I’m pleasantly surprised by its light, refreshing aroma. All it takes is one scoop of laundry powder to thoroughly clean clothing, towels and beyond. I did have to hold clothes up to my nose to get a whiff of the scent—but that’s not a bad thing. I recommend this best-smelling laundry detergent to anyone who wants an upgrade from unscented detergent (aka me) but doesn’t care for overwhelming scents.
Bonus: It comes in a medium-sized bag that lasts for months.
Pros
- Light, citrus smell
- Non-toxic ingredients are safe on sensitive skin
- Powder formula is easy to add to machine
- Cleans 120 loads
Cons
- Scent may be too light for people who really like to smell the fragrance after the initial wash
Madi Koetting/Taste of Home
Best Luxury Scent
Dirty Labs
Scent strength: 6/10
I’ve exclusively used boring, unscented laundry detergent for the past few years. I have sensitive skin, so I’m wary of scented detergents. But let me tell you, Dirty Labs isn’t messing around. With notes of magnolia, bergamot and cedar, it’s the only detergent I care to wash my sweaters, towels and bedding with.
The light yet luxurious smell of Dirty Labs is most powerful with thicker items. Plus, it’s highly concentrated, so the small bottle lasts for months. I’ve been using this best-smelling laundry detergent since December 2022, and I still have some left. Have you seen these laundry products that make wash day easier?
Pros
- Luxurious scent with notes of magnolia, bergamot and cedar
- Tough on odors and stains
- Sulfate-free and biodegradable
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic ingredients
Cons
- On the pricey side for the bottle size, so it lasts longer when reserved for bedding and towels
via merchant
Best Eco-Friendly
Dropps, Clean & Crisp
Scent strength: 6/10
Let’s be real: Laundry pods, sheets and strips are simply more fun—and they’re better for the environment. But there are a lot more options than what’s available at your local store. Not only is Dropps our new favorite laundry pod, but it’s also the best eco-friendly option. The packaging is 100% plastic-free, plus the ingredients are gentle on the skin and safe for the planet.
“The clean and crisp scent from Dropps delivered to its namesake; it left my laundry smelling airy and fresh,” says Content Director of Strategy and Performance, Nicole Doster. “The scent profile delivered with citrus and subtle woodsy notes. I noticed immediately that the detergent wasn’t too overpowering compared to other popular laundry pods on the market. I loved it for my sheets and blankets, which I’m usually picky about, though the scent only held up for a few days.”
“For clothing that’s a little more funky—like gym clothes or pet stains—I recommend using two pods instead of a single pod per load,” adds Nicole. “By far, the defining element that makes me want to buy Dropps again was its eco-conscious packaging which nixed the extra plastic that usually ends up in the garbage.”
Pros
- 100% plastic-free laundry pod design
- Subtle yet noticeable citrus and woodsy notes
- HE compatible
- Plant-based ingredients
Cons
- May require two pods for serious stains and odors
Katie Bandurski/Taste of Home
Most Refreshing Scent
Method, Fresh Air
Scent Strength: 3/10
Looking for a best-smelling laundry detergent that isn’t too strong? Senior Shopping Editor, Katie Bandurski, has just the product. “Going in, the Method detergent has a powerful, clean scent,” says Katie. “I was a little leery of its overpowering fragrance right out of the bottle, but after washing and drying, my towels smelled bright and clean. This brand is definitely not for someone who prefers the scent to linger long after laundry day, but it’s a nice basic option.”
We recommend this affordable pick to anyone who wants a no-frills scented detergent. “I would also note that this smells very much like, well, laundry detergent. The scent is nice, but it’s not unique,” adds Katie.
Pros
- No-frills, not perfumey or overpowering after washing and drying, scented detergent that smells like bright, fresh air
- Affordable price point
- Biodegradable
- Plant-based formula
Cons
- Scent is pretty basic
Madi Koetting/Taste of Home
Best Odor Eliminator
Downy Rinse & Refresh, Cool Cotton
Scent strength: 8/10
If laundry detergent and fabric softener had a baby, the result would be Downy Rinse & Refresh. It’s sort of a hybrid of the two, yet its own product at the same time. While some detergents or softeners simply cover up odors, Downy Rinse & Refresh removes lingering odors and residue.
I’ve had the joy of testing the cool cotton scent since it launched in September 2022, and my stinky gym clothes have never felt cleaner—or smelled better. I add a splash to the fabric softener bin after adding my unscented laundry detergent. My leggings come out smelling like a cool spring day, and I love that the fresh-smelling goodness lasts until I wash my clothes again.
Pros
- Eliminates stinky odors (especially on activewear)
- Ideal for pairing with unscented laundry detergent for a scent boost
- Replaces liquid fabric softener
- Scent lasts for a few days post-wash
Cons
- Not a true laundry detergent, so you’ll want to pair it with an unscented option
Why You Should Trust Us
Since 2017, I’ve written and edited content for various print and digital outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, Reader’s Digest, The Family Handyman, The Everygirl and Stylecaster. As Product Reviews Editor, I’m one of Taste of Home’s resident home experts where I test and research cleaning products, organizing gear, and “internet made me buy it” home finds to help readers transform their space.
How We Tested the Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents
We tested 20 laundry detergent brands and evaluated their scents based on ingredients, fragrance type and strength, overall quality, price and special features like whether it’s eco-friendly or non-toxic. Additionally, we cross-compared all 20 detergents for at least 30 days by washing everything from our clothes to towels and bedsheets. We took it a step further by testing each detergent’s ability to eliminate lingering odors from activewear. Bonus points went to products that continued smelling fresh after their initial wash day.
FAQ
How do I get my laundry to smell really good?
Though a best-smelling laundry detergent can transform clothes, bedding and towels, we have a few more tips for fresh-smelling laundry every single time. For starters, wash your machine at least once per month. Next, don’t wait a long time to wash stained or seriously stinky clothes. And try not to leave wet clothes in the washer overnight. Transfer them to the dryer as soon as possible. When these three tips are followed, it will make your detergent go even further.
Which laundry detergent keeps the smell the longest?
After testing 20 scented laundry detergents, our shopping editors found that the Tyler Glamorous Wash in Diva lasted the longest. Everything, including clothes and bedding, was still fragrant after a few days post-wash.
Originally Published: April 12, 2021
