These Are the Best Smelling Laundry Detergents

In my opinion, this is the best smelling detergent on the list. If you’ve ever been to a spa or sauna and wondered, “What’s that amazing smell?” it was more than likely eucalyptus. Lightly sharp, even a bit medicinal, eucalyptus has a unique smell that is not often replicated well in other laundry detergents. The addition of mint makes this as soothing as it is fragrant, perfect for the next time you wash your bedding.

Achingly chic brand DedCool sells its formula in one of the best damn detergent containers out there, but it's what's inside that we're here to review. Their Dedtergent 01 Taunt is a mixture of bergamot, vanilla, and rose, which is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy for anyone's clothing. Floral without being perfumey, citrusy without being sour, Dedcool balances a fine line between its fragrances — and does it well.

Tide is what laundry should smell like. It’s got that fresh scent that simply can’t be replicated by other detergents. Strong smelling with a decidedly “clean” perfume, no one can mistake this multi-generational favorite that comes in its signature orange bottle. Plus. it's super effective.

Very few smells signal cleanliness like citrus. Botanical Origin’s Orange Blossom Citrus Leaves scent has the natural bite of fresh oranges without the antiseptic quality many other competitors have. It’s also a touch floral to counterbalance the natural sweetness of citrus scents. Plus, like the name implies, it’s plant-derived, so it's a great choice for eco-conscious launderers out there.

Frey gets marks on this list for being a veritable disruptor within the otherwise sleepy laundry space. First, they give 10-percent of sales back to their Wash for Wash charity. Second, Frey's detergent is obtained through coconuts, a first on this list. And finally, the scents themselves are unique enough they had to be included this. From sandalwood/bergamot/clove to jasmine/rose/white cedar, these natural perfumes aren't common; but, boy, they should be. Frey gives us hope for a new future in detergents, and we can't wait to see what's next.

Seventh Generation is known as a leader in the natural cleaning industry and has some amazing products in their line. Their detergent is a favorite of mine — especially lavender. Reviewers agree that, while lavender can sometimes be overpowering, Seventh Generation balances it well to have a subtle freshness versus your clothes smelling like grandma’s house.

Inside this pretty packaging from Tangent GC is one of the most unique scents on this list: yuzu. The East Asian citrus isn’t well-known in the U.S. market, and that’s a shame. It’s a bit like an orange, lemon and a grapefruit mixed together, but less acidic than the latter. Tangent GC’s detergent is subtle, but deserves a spot on this list for being one of the few scents left to explore in detergents — everything else seems to have been done already.

Patchouli, as a scent, is a bit divisive. But for me, it’s one of the best smells: both woodsy and masculine, but not pungent. All of Zum’s scents in their Laundry Soap line-up are fantastic, but this one has that balance of being a unique offering that leaves others saying, “What is that cologne you’re wearing?”

You can’t beat the classics, so it’s impossible to ignore Tide as one of the all-around best scents. But when you add Downy’s April Fresh scent, it's a whole new ballgame. Simple and clean, the addition of Downy gives the detergent a subtlety that's missing in the original Tide, but doesn’t take away from it’s all-around “laundry” smell. And an added bonus: Downy helps with color-fasting versus traditional Tide, meaning clothes last longer and look more vibrant with continued use.

Described online as a “tempting, sweet scent," who are we to disagree? Honeysuckle is one of those scents that reminds me of open windows and daffodils and bees buzzing. (And now clean laundry.) It’s got a mellow, herbal scent that isn’t easily copied. But, given that this is Mrs. Meyer’s, they did it perfectly.

Ginger and mango may sound like ingredients to a dish, but they work equally well in a detergent, too. Method’s Ginger Mango Laundry Detergent balances the spiciness of ginger against the brightness of mango in a subtle dance between the two. Neither is competing, and neither gets overpowering.

If you’re the type to get as many wears as you can out of an article of clothing before condemning it to the rinse cycle, or if you’re involved in any kind of high-intensity sport that has you sweating through your shirts, pick up a bottle of Nonaste’s (pronounced no-nasty) odor-fighting detergent. I use the Zen Fresh scent on my jiu jitsu gi, as well as my more delicate vintage tees, and Nonaste’s detergent eliminated stank, gently cleansed my clothes and removed sweat residue, all without any harsh or nasty chemicals. -Hayley Helms, outdoors and fitness staff writer.