Drawbacks: Powder laundry detergents work best when you’re washing items in warm to hot water, Nelson said — in colder water powder detergent can leave residue on clothes.

If you prefer washing your clothes in cold water, this is the best type of detergent for you. "Liquid detergent disperses easily in cold water temperatures, so it's great if you want to ...

That’s because some powders struggle to dissolve in cold water. As a result, clothes may end up coated with a grainy residue and not as clean. Pre-dissolve powder detergent for delicates.

Post Wanted tested and reviewed the best laundry detergents of 2025, along with sourcing laundry care experts to recommend formulas, too. Shop Tide, Gain and more.

A fourth-generation dry cleaner and self-professed “laundry nerd” who’s tried countless detergents shares picks for every person and purpose, including Tide Hygienic Clean, Persil, Seventh ...

Persil has long been a best-selling laundry detergent in Europe, but it's only been on sale in the U.S. since 2015. In testing, Persil removed an average of 2 percent more stains than Tide detergents.

For detergent manufacturers, the call for cold water has meant yet more changes in formulations, specifically in terms of the surfactants, the “it factor” in laundry soaps. “It’s a molecule that’s ...

So, if you’re a keen chef or a car mechanic, liquid laundry detergent may be best. 2. Better for sensitive skin — Because of its liquid state, liquid detergent dissolves easily, even in cold ...