Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Chances are, a really good-smellinglaundry detergentmight be the answer.

Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost displayed on a marbled surface next to folded washcloths

The Spruce

So, which are the best-smelling detergents, you might ask?

The scent is also long-lasting; we were still able to smell it on our textiles post-dryer.

But if youre looking for aneco-friendly laundry detergent, this might not be a good choice for you.

Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost displayed on a marbled surface next to folded washcloths

This liquid laundry detergent has a powerful staining-fighting formula and a welcoming scent.PHOTO: The Spruce

Unlike its liquid counterpart, this detergent doesnt have the ultimate stain-fighting power.

We did notice a slight difference in the stains appearance, but it was still visible during testing.

Fortunately, that wasnt the case withGain Original Powder Laundry Detergent.

Hand pouring Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost into cap

PHOTO: The Spruce

The directions on how much powder to use per load size are straightforward.

This way, you’re able to do your laundry without making a mess.

However, the mud and chlorophyll stains on our towel needed to undergo a second wash.

Hand holding Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost

Even when wrapped in plastic, the detergent still smells amazing.

We think Gain Flings Soap Pods have a clean scent thats light and welcoming.

Once our load was finished during testing, we were so impressed with how much brighter our whites were.

Hand pouring Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost into cap

Laundry detergents won’t expire, but they can become less effective.

Best Sheets

Grove Co.

If you want to tap intogreen cleaning, this is an excellent way to start.

Hand holding Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost

While the sheets stain-fighting capabilities werent the most impressive, our towels and clothes were strikingly softer and fluffier.

This is a great detergent option if your laundry needs call for a regular, fresh clean.

The brand’s history speaks for itself.

Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost displayed on a marbled surface next to folded washcloths

If you love the smell of lavender and floral, we think youll especially enjoy using these detergent pods.

With a no-rinse formula, you might clean your textiles right from the sink.

Plus, we love that there are eight to choose from.

Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent displayed on a marbled surface next to a woven laundry basket

Gain Original Powder gives you plenty of washes in one box.PHOTO: The Spruce

We havent tested this detergent for ourselves, but its one weve been eyeing.

Its made with plant-derived ingredients packaged in a small, travel-friendly 12-ounce bottle.

The scents are described as subtle but refreshing.

Blue cup dipped into an open box of Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent

PHOTO: The Spruce

The soaps are also made with long-wearing scents that continue to linger on your clothes post-dry.

We highly recommend this detergent forwashing delicate garments, or if you dont own a washing machine.

We recommend pre-treating your clothes with laundry soap or running a second cycle.

Person holding the Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent next to a laptop

TheTide Pods Laundry Detergent Soapscent is subtle, yet still noticeable, with a clean, fresh fragrance.

It’s perfect for those who prefer a clean laundry smell over an overwhelming perfume-like scent.

We then focused on those select detergents and picked the ones that were the best-smelling.

A hand emptying a small amount of liquid on to a box drawn on fabric

Choose citrusy, minty, or floralthe choice is up to you.

you’re free to also never go wrong with a clean, fresh laundry scent.

If thats more your speed, consider theGain Flings Laundry Detergent Soap Pods.

Hands opening a Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent box displayed on a stainless steel surface next to a laptop

Why Trust The Spruce?

One of her favorites is ouroverall top pickfrom Gain.

Hand holding a blue measuring cup full of detergent powder above an open box of Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent

Blue cup dipped into an open box of Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent

Person holding the Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent next to a laptop

A hand emptying a small amount of liquid on to a box drawn on fabric

Hands opening a Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent box displayed on a stainless steel surface next to a laptop

Hand holding a blue measuring cup full of detergent powder above an open box of Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent

HEX Performance Laundry Detergent displayed on marble countertop

PHOTO: The Spruce

Hands pouring HEX Performance Laundry Detergent into a measuring cup

PHOTO: The Spruce

Hands holding a bottle of HEX Performance Laundry Detergent

Person holding a stained gray t-shirt

Hands pouring HEX Performance Laundry Detergent into a measuring cup

Hands holding a bottle of HEX Performance Laundry Detergent

Person holding a stained gray t-shirt

Gain Flings

PHOTO: Amazon

Hand removing stickers from Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent displayed on a stainless surface next to a laptop

The pods come with straightforward instructions and are easy to use.The Spruce

Hands taking Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets from the box displayed on a marbled surface

The lavender and thyme is an underwhelming, clean scent that lingered on our laundry post-dry.PHOTO: The Spruce

Hand putting a Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheet inside an open washing machine filled with white towels

PHOTO: The Spruce

Hands showing Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets

Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets displayed on a stainless steel surface next to a laptop, paper, and test spill fabric

Hand putting a Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheet inside an open washing machine filled with white towels

Hands showing Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets

Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets displayed on a stainless steel surface next to a laptop, paper, and test spill fabric

The Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks on top of a white marble countertop

PHOTO: The Spruce

A person holding a laundry pod (Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks)

PHOTO: The Spruce

A person holding a laundry pod (Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks)

The Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks on top of a white marble countertop

Soak Wash Scented Laundry Detergent

PHOTO: Amazon

Tide Pods Spring Meadow Laundry Detergent

PHOTO: Amazon

Person holding folded fabric above an open top-loading washing machine

We recommend pre-treating your clothes with laundry soap before putting them in the washer.The Spruce

A hand emptying a small amount of liquid on to a box drawn on fabric

We stained each garment with a various compounds for our tests.The Spruce

Hands showing Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets

Each sheet is packed with ingredients that dissolve into a liquid in the wash.The Spruce