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From heavy-duty detergents for tough stains to gentle, unscented options for sensitive skin.

A variety of laundry pod packages placed side-by-side on a washer and dryer set with a hand taking one pod out of a package

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In This Article

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Laundry pods are an extremely convenientform of laundry detergent.

Unlike messy liquids and powders, there’s no need to precisely measure pods.

You might end up having to use more pods to get loads completely clean.

Gain Flings

PHOTO: Amazon

Gain Flings are also an excellent value for the price.

It only comes in one strong scent.

Despite their lower price, these pods dont compromise on cleaning power.

Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent Pods displayed on a marble surface with a towel and spray bottle

PHOTO: Real Simple

Simply use one pod for regular loads and two for bulky or heavily soiled loads.

They are also HE-compatible and can clean in cold water.

They’re not as affordable as other options.

Person opening Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent

This garden-fresh scent has light citrus notes that leave your clothes smelling like springtime all year round.

Mrs. Meyers Laundry Pacs dissolve in all water temperatures and are HE compatible.

They don’t deep clean as well as other options.

Hand holding Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent pod above container

Many laundry pods contain a concentrated detergent gel that can be heavy on fragrance and dyes.

For those who want an unscented, hypoallergenic option, we recommend the AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods.

We love that these pods have impressive cleaning power while being gentle on sensitive skin.

Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent Pods displayed on a marble surface with a towel and spray bottle

They are not as effective at removing strong odors.

And it gets better: Theyre alsoSafer Choice Certified by the EPAand have anA rating from EWG.

They’re not intended for sensitive skin.

Person opening Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent

Thats why we recommend the Tide Pods 4-in-1 Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent.

The pods may not always dissolve completely.

With these odor-removing laundry pods, your laundry will look, feel, and smell clean.

Hand holding Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent pod above container

They’re not suitable for heavily soiled loads.

you could even get a subscription for refills so you never have to run out of laundry pods again.

Best of all, these laundry detergent pods areEWG Verified.

Arm & Hammer Odor Blaster 5-in-1 Power Paks

PHOTO: Amazon

Regardless of the punch in, laundry pods can be chemical-based or plant-based for a more environmentally friendly option.

Some pods may not be suitable for delicate items such as lingerie or silks and can damage them.

You should also think about your households specific needs.

Person holding a pack of Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks

PHOTO: Real Simple

Do you have kids who play sports and often come home covered in dirt?

Is anyone sensitive to fragrance?

If you or someone in your household has sensitive skin, use pacs that cater to this.

Person holding Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks pods

Be sure to consider the number of pods per container when deciding how long your purchase will last.

In general, a regular-sized load will only require one pod.

Carpenter says its always important to check the labels instructions and go with its recommendations.

Person dropping Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks in the washing machine

HE washers can be front-loading or top-loading, whereas standard washers are only top-loading.

Questions You Might Ask

Do laundry pods clean better than liquid detergents?

Where should you put laundry pods in the washing machine?

Person holding a clean cloth after washing it with Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks

As washing machines become larger, so do load sizes!

This means theres more dirt going into each load, which requires more cleaning power.

Do laundry pods dissolve in cold water?

Person holding a pack of Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks

Both Carpenter and Ahoni say that all laundry pods dissolve in cold water.

“For maximum stain removal, use hot water when possible.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written byL.

Person holding Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks pods

Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer forReal Simplewith nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews.

To compile this list, she spent hours researching laundry pods.

Person dropping Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks in the washing machine

Person holding a clean cloth after washing it with Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

PHOTO: Amazon

Person holding Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

PHOTO: Real Simple

Person holding a pod of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person dropping cloth in washing machine to wash it with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person holding a dirty dirty cloth to clean it with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person holding a cloth after being washed with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person holding Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person holding a pod of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person dropping cloth in washing machine to wash it with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person holding a dirty dirty cloth to clean it with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

Person holding a cloth after being washed with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent

PHOTO: Amazon

Person holding a box of Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pods on a marble counter

PHOTO: Real Simple

Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pods displayed on a marble counter with a towel and a spray bottle

Person holding a Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pod above a box

Woman smells Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pod

Person holding a box of Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pods on a marble counter

Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pods displayed on a marble counter with a towel and a spray bottle

Person holding a Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pod above a box

Woman smells Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pod

Tide Ultra Oxi Boost Power Pods

PHOTO: Amazon

All Stainlifter 4-in-1 Mighty Pacs

PHOTO: Walmart

Blueland Laundry Starter Set

PHOTO: Amazon

Hand holding Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent pod above container

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Woman smells Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pod

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Person dropping Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters 5-In-1 Power Paks in the washing machine

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