Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.

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

However, the oil stain on our workout top was still dark and noticeable.

A bottle of Hex Performance Fresh and Clean Scent Laundry Detergent being held over a washing machine

The Spruce

Try pre-treating your stain-prone areas with an enzymatic formula.

The smell reminds me of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum.

We also loved how much softer and fluffier our fabrics were after one wash cycle.

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

All of our clothes felt lightweight and clean.

For an unscented option, we recommend our best pick for sensitive skin, theRockin Green Activewear Laundry Detergent.

This detergent was relatively tough on fighting stains, says our tester.

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

PHOTO: The Spruce

Pouring your detergent has never been easier.

We think it’s another great overall pick for workout clothes.

This dermatologist-tested detergent is free of perfumes and dyes, but still leaves your laundry clean and odorless.

Hand holding Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost

We highly recommend pre-treating your workout gear to effectively lift the stains.

And with its loose formula, youll have enough detergent for over 100 wash cycles.

This detergent is very inexpensive per load, our tester says.

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

I also like the fragrance.

But unlike its pleasant scent, we werent impressed with the detergents stain-fighting capabilities.

So youll definitely want to have a qualitystain removeron hand for laundry pretreatment.

Hand holding Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent + Aroma Boost

So, unless your workout clothes are made from linen, your load will be pliable and stiff-free.

This two-brand cleaning agent is the Tide Plus Febreze Sport Odor Defense Liquid Laundry Detergent.

This 132-ounce bottle will last up to four months and contains enough detergent for 94 standard-sized loads.

Hands pouring HEX Performance Laundry Detergent into a measuring cup

PHOTO: The Spruce / Grant Webster

Fortunately, theTide Plus Febreze Sport Odor Defenseis designed with a button dispenser.

While we havent tested these exact detergent pods, we are fans of the brand.

Its free from dyes, optical brighteners, chlorine, and more.

person doing a stain test on a t-shirt

The Spruce / Grant Webster

While its stain-fighting abilities are limited, it did lift both chocolate and wine stains from the performance fabric.

Were personal fans of the Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets.

They have a universally pleasant, swanky hotel scent that goes beyond the dryer.

Person holding Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent

PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Its the perfect option for those with lighter-stained workout gear and whose clothes just need freshening up.

You know what they sayYou get what you pay for.

Scent:We picked detergents that left a long-lasting scent after washing and removing sweat and smelly odors.

Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent being poured into cap

PHOTO: The Spruce

Most of our performance detergent picks on our list are formulated with a blend of enzymes.

An overuse of detergent can lead to buildup in fabric, which can interfere with moisture-wicking properties in athleticwear.

Optimize for cold water cleaning and HE machinesa little bit goes a long way.

Person holding up a stained piece of cloth

Decide on Amount

No one likes monthly trips to the store to re-up on laundry detergent.

This detergent comes in a 137-ounce bottle and can clean up to 94 loads.

To keep your workout clothes feeling fresh for longer, use a fabric spray in between laundry days.

Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent being poured into cap

Why Trust The Spruce?

For this guide, Fowler chose detergents with odor-removal ingredients from our laundry detergent testing insights.

Person holding up a stained piece of cloth

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

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

PHOTO: The Spruce

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon Tide Plus Febreze Sport Odor Defense Liquid Laundry Detergent

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Dropps Laundry Activewear Detergent

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Molly’s Suds Activewear Laundry Detergent

PHOTO: Amazon

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

PHOTO: Amazon

Rockin Green Activewear Laundry Detergent

PHOTO: Amazon

Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent Liquid Free & Clear

The Spruce

Person holding scoop of Molly’s Suds Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder

The Spruce

Person putting Lilysilk 19 Momme Seamless Silk Sheets Set in mesh bag near washing machine

The Spruce

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

The Spruce

Person holding the Gain Original Powder Laundry Detergent

The Spruce