Let’s face it — doing laundry isn’t fun. It’s one of those never-ending chores that you can never just be done with once and for all. Still, no matter how much you dislike it, you can’t deny that there’s a silver lining — the fresh scent of just-washed clothes that wafts through your home.
But you won’t get the desired and long-lasting scent from just any detergent. Nor will every sweet-smelling detergent do a proper job of cleaning your clothes. Usually, it takes quite a bit of trial and error to find the right balance between the two. That’s why I’m here — to help you find the detergent you are looking for in no time!
1. Seventh Generation Lavender Scent
Just imagine the sweet scent of lavender permeating your laundry room, and you’ll instantly wish to buy this detergent. What’s more, the Seventh Generation detergent doesn’t use any artificial fragrances — the scent comes from botanical extracts and essential oils.
In fact, this detergent is as natural as it gets. There are no artificial brighteners and synthetic cleaners, yet a triple-enzyme formula efficiently removes the stains from your clothes all the same. Seventh Generation believes in natural, eco-friendly products, so its detergents have a Leaping Bunny seal. When you see that seal, you can be sure that the product was not tested on animals.
2. Rockin’ Green Hard Rock Natural Laundry Detergent Powder
Not only will this detergent make you feel like a rockstar, but you’ll actually be as cool as one for using a product that is safe for the environment. Formulated particularly for use in hard water, this laundry powder is tough on the stains, but gentle on the skin. It’s kid-friendly, so you can wash your child’s clothes or cloth diapers without hesitation.
If you lead an active lifestyle, Rockin’ Green is just what you need. Stains, odors, and grime flee before its concentrated formula, leaving your clothes as good as new. Actually, thanks to the mint and lavender aromas that stay long after washing, your clothes won’t just be as good as new — they’ll be even better.
3. Method Laundry Detergent Pump
This detergent may come in a small bottle, but it can do big things. Due to its high concentration, just 30 ounces of the product is enough for 75 loads of laundry. It works equally well in high-efficiency and standard washing machines and removes stains in both hot and cold water. On top of that, Method detergent is so easy to use — just squirt the laundry soap directly from the bottle and wash to your heart’s content!
Method detergent comes in several delicious scents. Two that particularly stand out are the crisp Ginger Mango and the fresh Beach Sage. But if you prefer your clothes unscented, Method offers a Free + Clear formula that uses no fragrances, yet cleans and freshens up the laundry all the same.
4. Tyler Glamorous Wash Diva Laundry Detergent
If I told you that a detergent can replace a perfume, you’d probably laugh in my face. But after using this Tyler detergent, you’d quickly see exactly what I mean. Its sensual scent combining lily of the valley, citrus, and rose is strong enough to render any additional fragrances obsolete. The name of this detergent is not an exaggeration — it really is as glamorous as a diva!
But the Tyler detergent brings more than just a sweet scent. Its formula is effective in cleaning stubborn stains but gentle on the fabric. Don’t hesitate to wash even soft linen and delicate lingerie with this laundry soap — the Tyler detergent will give them just the type of care they need.
5. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Pacs: Honeysuckle Scent
Whenever you find yourself missing the spring, wash your clothes with Mrs. Meyer’s laundry pods. With these flowery laundry pacs, you’ll smell like honeysuckle and fresh fruit all year long! Better yet, the scents aren’t made from artificial fragrances — instead, they come only from biodegradable essential oils.
With its garden-inspired scents and effective cleaning formula, Mrs. Meyer’s detergent quickly became a crowd favorite. Many buyers claim it’s perfect for sensitive skin and the scent is pleasant but not overpowering. On top of that, since this detergent is in the form of laundry pods, it’s perfect for those who prefer them to bottle detergents.
6. Dreft Stage 2: Liquid Laundry Detergent
For many parents, finding a detergent that won’t upset their toddler’s sensitive skin is a never-ending struggle. Even when they do manage to find such a product, it often turns out that its cleaning power is compromised. But Dreft Stage 2 offers the best of both worlds — a hypoallergenic formula that removes even the deepest of stains.
What’s more, this detergent is perfect for removing odors and replacing them with long-lasting fresh scents. So feel free to let your little one explore the world to their heart’s content — no stains and smells stand a chance before Dreft.
7. Gain Flings Original Laundry Detergent Pacs
Here’s a real treat for all laundry pod fans. Gain Flings detergent pods dissolve both in hot and cold water, cleaning any and all stains in their way. Compared to powder detergent, they have twice as many cleaning agents and 50% more potent scent. In fact, your clothes will stay fresh and fragrant up to six weeks after wash if you keep them in the closet.
Gain Flings pods are also one of the crowd favorites on this list. Users claim they remove even the worst of stains and the most unpleasant of odors. And of course, one of the biggest advantages of pods over detergents is that they are so easy to use. Just put one pod into your washing machine for a regular load, and you’ll have clean clothes in no time!
8. Arm & Hammer Clean Scentsations Tropical Paradise
The sensationally fresh scent of Arm & Hammer detergent will transport you to a tropical paradise. No matter where you are, after one sniff of just-washed laundry you will see palms, crystal-clear waters, and golden beaches. If you hope to turn heads whenever you enter the room, this is just the detergent for you.
Your clothes will not only smell good; they will look good as well. This Arm & Hammer detergent removes dirt, stains and grime without a trace, leaving your clothes as vibrant and clean as they were when you first bought them. And with just one bottle of this liquid detergent, you’ll wash up to 87 loads of laundry!
9. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
If you have sensitive skin, odds are many detergents flare it up and cause all sorts of rashes and hives. If that’s the case, this Puracy detergent is just what you’re looking for. This detergent was made specifically for allergy sufferers and it contains no toxins, bleaches, or sulfates. In fact, its formula is natural and plant-based, with no artificial cleansers that can irritate the skin.
Puracy also has a gentle, fresh scent which will make you feel tranquil and put your mind at ease. There is also the unscented option if you want to give your nose some rest.
The liquid detergent comes with an easy-to-use pump. Thanks to that, measuring how much detergent you need is easier, so you’ll waste much less product than you would otherwise. Puracy comes in a small size, but it’s highly concentrated — enough for 96 full loads.
10. Tide Pods with Downy: April Fresh
There is a reason why Tide is one of the top sellers of laundry detergent in the world. Mainly, it’s because Tide’s products ensure spotless clothes, fresh scents, and supreme cleaning power. Tide pods made quite a splash when they were a part of the infamous Tide pod challenge, but even though you shouldn’t eat them, your washing machine is more than welcome to do so.
Tide Pods with Downy have a wonderful floral scent that will remind you of springtime and keep your clothes fresh for weeks after wash. On top of that, Downy’s fabric softener is added to the mix to make your clothes a pleasure to wear. You won’t have to use any additional products — Tide pods clean, soften, freshen up, and protect the fabric.
The pods are highly concentrated and ten times stronger than regular detergent. Due to a special film, they quickly dissolve both in hot and cold water. With the help of additional solvent — glycerin — the ingredients within the pod mix better than ever. Give it a try, and you might become one of many who started using Tide and never went back.
11. ZUM Patchouli Aromatherapy Laundry Soap
When looking for the best-smelling detergent, which can be more promising than the one that has ‘aromatherapy’ in its name? In clothes washed by ZUM laundry soap, you’ll feel serene and smell fresh. Even though the detergent is patchouli-scented, the fragrance isn’t overpowering. Instead, it’s subtle — just present enough for people to notice.
The detergent is all-natural, with no parabens, phosphates, and sulfates. There are no artificial fragrances either — the desired scent comes from essential oils. It’s great for sensitive skin and even better for fabric, which it softens and protects. In fact, you don’t even have to use a fabric softener — ZUM detergent alone is enough.
Aside from the lovely scent, ZUM customers are happy with its cleaning power as well. The detergent is highly effective, which means you only need to use small amounts of it per load. It’s become a staple in many households, so why not try it for yourself and see why?
Final Thoughts
Finding the right detergent in a huge market of laundry products might seem intimidating or downright impossible. But luckily, you aren’t alone on your quest. With this handy list of long-lasting scented laundry detergents, you’ll find what you’re looking for in no time!
