9 best detergent for whites

Detergent for whites is a specific type of laundry detergent formulated to effectively clean and brighten white clothing and linens. Here are some key points about detergent for whites:

  1. Stain Removal: Detergent for whites is designed to target and remove common stains and discolorations that can affect white fabrics. It often contains enzymes and active ingredients that break down and lift stains from the fabric.

  2. Optical Brighteners: Many white detergents include optical brighteners, which are chemicals that absorb ultraviolet light and emit it as visible blue light. This can make whites appear brighter and more vibrant.

  3. Bleaching Agents: Some detergents for whites may contain mild bleach or bleach alternatives. These ingredients help to whiten and remove yellowing from white fabrics without causing damage or excessive fading.

  4. Color Protection: While the primary goal of white detergents is to brighten white fabrics, they are typically safe for use on colored items as well. However, it's essential to follow care label instructions to prevent color fading or damage.

  5. Formulations: White detergents come in various forms, including liquid, powder, and pods. Liquid detergents are convenient for pre-treating stains and ensuring even distribution in the washing machine.

  6. Usage Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the detergent's label. This includes guidelines for the amount of detergent to use based on load size and water hardness.

  7. Safe for Fabrics: Detergents for whites are generally safe for use on most white fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. However, it's essential to check care labels and test a small, inconspicuous area before using a new detergent on delicate or specialty fabrics.

  8. Fragrance Options: Many white detergents offer a variety of fragrances to leave your laundry smelling fresh and clean.

  9. Environmental Considerations: Some detergents for whites are formulated to be environmentally friendly, with biodegradable ingredients and minimal impact on aquatic ecosystems. Look for products labeled as "green" or "eco-friendly" if this is a concern for you.

  10. Storage: Store detergent for whites in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to maintain its effectiveness.

In summary, detergent for whites is specially formulated to clean, brighten, and remove stains from white clothing and linens.It often contains stain-fighting enzymes, optical brighteners, and may have mild bleaching agents to enhance whiteness. When using this type of detergent, always follow the manufacturer's instructions to achieve the best results and preserve the quality of your white fabrics.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best detergent for whites on the market
  

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover Power Paks, 24 Count

OxiClean

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover Power Paks give your whites a new take on life! Bring back brilliant whites with OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover Paks. This chlorine-free formula is color safe and works with your detergent to brighten and whiten your white clothing. It has 40% more whitening power per load than chlorine bleach. Add a pak to every load of laundry or you can even dissolve a pak in water to pre-soak. Includes one 24ct container of OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover Power Paks. Get whiter whites without the worry of chlorine spills. Sparkling whites can brighten any outfit. But your favorite whites can grow dingy over time. And when that happens, what do you use? Reach for color-safe, chlorine-free OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover Liquid. It works with your detergent, removing stains, keeping colors looking bright and washing whites back to perfection. OxiClean offers a wide array of products to fit all your stain removal needs. The OxiClean family has grown to include stain removers, pretreaters, laundry detergent, and much more!

  • One 24 count container of OxiClean White Revive Laundry Stain Remover Power Paks
  • Works with detergent to brighten and whiten clothing
  • Add a pak to every load of laundry or you can even dissolve a pak in water to pre-soak
  • 40% more whitening power per load than chlorine bleach
  • Chlorine-free and color-safe formula

User questions & answers

Question: Is this also a disinfectant
Answer: Thank you for your question. This product is not a disinfectant, and we do not have any recommendations toward using any of our products for disinfectant related purposes.
Question: Will it discolor my graphic white tees? Like you know, those white shirts that have little designs in the middle
Answer: No it will not discolor your whites. It works really well.
Question: do you have to use hot water
Answer: I use hot water for whites. The directions say use the warmest water recommended for the type of fabric you are washing. Do not use on wool or silk.
Question: I see one reviewer mention a strong odor.. anybody that's tried the liquid think it is any different than that
Answer: I've never used the liquid, but I do use the powder, as well as the pods. The powder and pods smell AMAZING. I've never experienced a bad odor from either of them. I use the powder but prefer the pods.

The Laundress New York - Whites Detergent, Whitens & Brightens, Fights Stains & Yellowing, 64 washes, Classic, 33.3 Fl Oz

The Laundress New York

Based on 606 reviews Check latest price
  • Whiten and brighten with Whites Detergent
  • Adds scent while removing odor
  • Allergen free nontoxic formula with antibacterial
  • Color-safe
  • Fights stains, dinginess, and yellowing

User questions & answers

Question: What are the ingredients is your Detergent
Answer: 4.72 x 3.54 x 1.85 inches
Question: Would this be good for hand-washing black and white designer trousers? I would like to keep the white portion gleaming, but not affect the black
Answer: I haven't had it long enough to know for sure, but I have been using it daily for AT LEAST 2 weeks and it is doing great. I do know that, after using it for several days, it recharged VERY quickly.
Question: Will this work in HE front loading machines
Answer: Yes, it does. I never use it though. I have been using it daily for AT LEAST 2 weeks and it is doing great without turning it off. And at one point, after using it for several days, it recharged VERY quickly.
Question: Is this product (Laundress Whites Detergent) safe to use on St John Knits off white wool (Santana
Answer: The left, right, and mouse wheel scroll are silent. The mouse wheel button, back, and forward have a typical click sound.

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover, 3 lbs.

OxiClean

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover give your whites a new take on life! This chlorine-free formula is color safe and works with your detergent to remove stains and brighten and whiten your clothing. It has 40% more whitening power per load than chlorine bleach. Add it to every load of laundry or you can even dissolve some in water to pre-soak. Includes one 3 lb. box of OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover. OxiClean offers a wide array of products to fit all your stain removal needs. The OxiClean family has grown to include stain removers, pretreaters, laundry detergent, and much more!

  • One 3 lb. box of OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover
  • Works with detergent to remove stains and brighten and whiten clothing
  • Add to every load of laundry or you can even dissolve in water to pre-soak
  • 40% more whitening power per load than chlorine bleach
  • Chlorine-free and color safe formula

User questions & answers

Question: Does it have enzymes? Can I use it soaking in my tub overnight for getting rid of soap scum
Answer: I do not know. I use it only in a regular washing machine.
Question: Can it revive white bedding sheets? I've tried to bleach my sheets but there is always a yellowish mark on them
Answer: The smell is is not a mild one; it's overpowering!! After using this product, I hung some closes in my bedroom...and the room stinks. Going to have to wash my clothes again...then the "boost" washes out.
Question: Ladies and Gentlemen... is this actually safe on colors? Does it fade the color to get a brighter appearance? What are your thoughts
Answer: I usually put the tablet on top of the whites I am washing.
Question: what's the difference between oxyclean white and the regular oxyclean
Answer: No. I was misled. These are chlorine tablets, not bleach. Says right on the bottle, not for disinfecting.

4 lb. 12 oz. Bottle OUT White Brite Laundry Whitener, 4.75 lb

OUT

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Are your white clothes not so white anymore? OUT White Brite Laundry Whitener brightens and removes dingies, bleach and oxi's can't. Dingy whites caused by rust stains and yellowing, stubborn red clay and red dirt, unfortunate color bleeds and iron-fortified baby formula stains have all met their match with this effective laundry whitener. Ideal for regions with high iron and red clay. White Brite is proven safer than bleach for use on white and colorfast fabrics, including delicates, and can safely be used in all washing machines. White Brite will make dingy whites bright again. A family owned business that started in 1958, Summit Brands offers highly effective, sustainable, and innovative household cleaning products. Summit Brands began with the distribution of multi-purpose rust stain remover, Iron Out, and has since branched out to include a broader line of specialty cleaning products under the OUT, Glisten and Plink brands. As category leaders in many consumer segments, our goal is to provide high-quality cleaning products that fit the needs of the consumer with guaranteed results.

From the Manufacturer

White Brite Laundry Whitener removes the dingies from whites caused by rust stains yellowing; stubborn red clay and red dirt stains; unfortunate color bleeds and unavoidable iron-fortified baby formula stains. They have all met their match with White Brite. Plus, it's safer than bleach for all your most-loved whites, including delicates. So, brighten up!

  • Laundry whitener that brightens and removes dingies bleach and oxi's can't
  • Removes yellowing and rust stains caused by iron and other water impurities
  • Eliminates stubborn red clay or red dirt stains: Works great on white baseball pants and other white sports uniforms
  • Reverses unfortunate color bleeds
  • Safer on white and colorfast fabrics than bleach
  • Use for cleaner, brighter, fresher laundry
  • Ideal for regions with high iron and red clay

User questions & answers

Question: Will this combat yellowing from face and body oils on my "white" comforter
Answer: As I stated in my review, they don't last as long as they used to. The fragrance is strong when you first open them, after that you have to be very close. As for covering odors it depends on where you put them. If placed close to a stinky place, a cat box for example, the gel dries up quickly. I never got more than a few weeks before the gel was completely dried up.
Question: Feel silly asking, but does this work on ivory/cream/etc? To remove makeup/ink
Answer: Might be. They are about $2 at
Question: Hi! Will this turn cream colored sweaters white? Bleach did not work
Answer: Raspberry smells the best of all the renuzits, to my nose, a close 2nd to apple and cinnamon. Sadly the smell only lasts for 2 to 3 days, and is really only at its peak for about the first 24 hours. You also need to put one in every room if you want to cover more than one room. But at 80 cents, you can afford to replace them every 2 days or so. I wish they'd invent something that would last forever, but that seems to be a pipedream, sort of like finding a roll of toilet paper after corona (soon to renamed CHARMINFLUENZA).
Question: I have a couple of shirts that are half white/half color. Would this be safe to use on those
Answer: It’s a lotion

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover, 5 Pound

OxiClean

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover give your whites a new take on life! This chlorine-free formula is color safe and works with your detergent to remove stains and brighten and whiten your clothing. It has 40% more whitening power per load than chlorine bleach. Add it to every load of laundry or you can even dissolve some in water to pre-soak. Includes one 5 lb. box of OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover. OxiClean offers a wide array of products to fit all your stain removal needs. The OxiClean family has grown to include stain removers, pretreaters, laundry detergent, and much more!

  • One 5 lb. box of OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover
  • Works with detergent to remove stains and brighten and whiten clothing
  • Add to every load of laundry or you can even dissolve in water to pre-soak
  • 40% more whitening power per load than chlorine bleach
  • Chlorine-free and color safe formula

User questions & answers

Question: How does the effectiveness of this product compare to White Brite? I tried to look that up on google but didn't see any reviews comparing them
Answer: No. You will need the neoprene gasket at a minimum. It does come with the top spud. No bolts.
Question: Is this safe for septic systems
Answer: The bolt spread is 7-1/2" Vertical and 9" Horizontal. You may want to visit the American Standard webpage, to view the specification sheet as well as the installation instructions for further assistance. Sincerely American Standard Technical Team.
Question: How is this product different than regular oxiclean? from what i am reading, i can't figure out the difference between the 2 products
Answer: LOL...I can't believe Amazon sent this question to me to answer! I bought the toilet, and hired a handyman to install. Didn't use Amazon's "expert installation" service. I got mine cheaper.
Question: Can i rewhiten a sweater that turned light pink
Answer: Comes with everything you need internally. You'll need your own wax seal.

Tide Bright + Whites Rescue In-wash Laundry Booster Pacs, 27Count (Packaging May Vary)

Tide

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Restores up to three shades of white
  • It doesn't need a wash, it needs a Rescue
  • Safe on colored clothing
  • Add Tide Rescue to any detergent
  • Designed for regular and HE washing machines (front and top-loaders)

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a difference between "tide rescue (this)", "tide vivid white+ bright", and "tide boost
Answer: As I don't have that issue, I can't say. However the product states that it Helps fight mold and mildew. Give a chance, you may need to spray it directly then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Question: Do i have to separate the whites and colors when using this or is it safe for mixed loads
Answer: That's why I bought it but I'm afraid to try it. My dryer has an odd order and I can't figure out how to get it out. My washing machine is fine!
Question: Does This Product Contain Bleach
Answer: I first wipe off the moisture left on the gasket and then spray it also.
Question: Is this product scented or fragrance free
Answer: It has freshened my washer

Miele CareCollection UltraWhite Multi-purpose powder 2.5KG (5.5 LBS) 48 Loads

Miele

Based on 148 reviews Check latest price
  • Perfect laundry care for optimum wash performance
  • New formulation for increased effectiveness and whitening
  • Less product needed for each load to achieve same excellent cleaning results
  • Powerful deep cleaning formula removes even red wine and tea,Active stain remover
  • With bleaching agent to keep white and light-colored washables looking brilliant

User questions & answers

Question: How does this compare to Persil Universal Megaperls
Answer: Hi, Suzanne! The ingredients are listed as follows: biodegradable, plant-based ionic and non-ionic surfactants, natural bleach alternative, enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase), borax and blend of essential oils. VOC, phosphate, phthalate and dye free.I have used The Laundress line for a very long time and LOVE their products. The scent is subtle, discreet and luxe. Plus, a little goes a long way. I'm a very satisfied customer.
Question: Can I use this on colors
Answer: I would use the whites one or their delicate wash one. It should be OK, I use all their producfs. I collect old Vogue Ginny dolls and the original clothes. Those clothes are not like today. The color will run, so I use a very cool water and use the delicate Laundress detergent. Your trousers should do well with it.
Question: Has anyone used this on dark colors such as blue or black
Answer: Yes, it will. I use it whenever I do a load of whites, and I've been very pleased. If my load is very dingy, I sometimes use a little bit of OxiClean inside the washer, or The Laundress Bleach Alternative in the compartment where you would ordinarily put bleach.
Question: Is this only for HE machines? I have a top loader
Answer: I too am late to reply. I have a wardrobe of St John items. Some are fine, one notable zipper jacket “bled” it has blue and white (and gold ribbon) stripe across the knit jacket bust. My tanks, jackets, and stretch denim, as well as the silks are all holding up to hand wash cold when using laundress instructions and products with care. It smells so much better than dry clean too. BONUS

Persil Discs Laundry Detergent Pacs, Original, 62 Count

Persil

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Persil ProClean DISCS laundry detergent with 4 powerful chambers. Each pre-measured DISC detergent capsule combines powerful stain removal, long-lasting freshness, fiber care, and the original deep clean detergent for a powerful cleaning combination. Persil DISCS are formulated to dissolve in all water temperatures and for use with whites or colors. Persil Discs are easy to use, just place the laundry pacs into your empty washing machine drum before adding laundry. Simplify your laundry routine with easy-to-use DISCS detergent for a truly deep clean. It's more than clean, it’s Persil ProClean!

  • 4 powerful chambers to deliver an exceptional clean
  • Chambers include ingredients that deliver: stain removal, long-lasting freshness, fiber care, and a deep clean detergent
  • Persil Discs are easy to use, just place the laundry pacs into your empty washing machine drum before adding laundry
  • Persil Discs clean effectively in all water temperatures, including cold, and work in all washer types, including high-efficiency (HE) washing machines
  • This package contains one tub of 62 DISCS, enough for 62 loads

User questions & answers

Question: I prefer the original scent of Persil, however can't find it anywhere these days. Are you not selling that anymore? The tabs have two pouches
Answer: availability
Question: How much is it per load
Answer: All Liquid Laundry Detergent is Septic Safe.
Question: What is HE
Answer: Well, I'm no laundry expert, but it's laundry detergent intended for use washing laundry -- so I'd think that if you use a tiny amount in the sink to hand wash it would be fine. But you'd certainly have to scale back the amount you use to account for the fact that you're not running a load using gallons upon gallons of water as would be typical in a washing machine. I'd also be sure to rinse really well.
Question: I have never used pods before. do i place it in where i would put the liquid detergent? i use percil liquid
Answer: all Free & Clear with Odor relief is 100% free of perfumes and dyes and attacks odors while being gentle on the skin.

Product features

Persil ProClean

Safe for colors and whites, Persil ProClean is formulated with stainfighting enzymes and a powerful fresh scent for an exceptional deep clean.

HE Compatible

Persil Proclean laundry detergents have been optimized for great performance in all types of machines, including HE. With a low suds, clean rinse formula, you can be sure your brights stay bright and your whites stay white.

Power-Liquid

Persil Power-Liquid detergent is formulated to deliver a deep clean for life's messy moments and a powerful freshness that lasts long after wash.

ProClean DISCS

Each pre-measured DISC detergent capsule combines powerful stain removal, long-lasting freshness, fiber care, and the original deep clean detergent for a powerful cleaning combination.

Deep Clean

The Persil formula contains stainfighting enzymes specially designed to break down stains and deliver an exceptional deep clean. So when stains go deep, Persil goes deeper.

OxiClean High Def Sparkling Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent, 60 oz.

OxiClean

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • One 60 oz. bottle of OxiClean High Def Sparkling Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent
  • Created for every day, it’s tough on stains, but not on your fabrics and has an invigorating fragrance of flowers and citrus
  • Powers away tough dirt, dissolves persistent odors and breaks down set-in stains
  • Reveals vibrant colors, restores radiant whites, removes dried-on stains
  • Works in both standard and high efficiency (HE) washing machines

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