9 best gentle laundry detergent

Gentle laundry detergent, often referred to as "gentle" or "delicate" detergent, is a type of liquid laundry detergent specially formulated to be milder and more suitable for washing delicate fabrics and sensitive skin. Here are some key characteristics and information about gentle laundry detergent:

  1. Hypoallergenic Formulation: Gentle laundry detergents are typically hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause skin irritations or allergic reactions. They are designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.

  2. Free from Harsh Chemicals: These detergents are formulated without harsh chemicals, such as fragrances, dyes, and strong enzymes, which can be harsh on delicate fabrics and skin.

  3. Suitable for Delicate Fabrics: Gentle detergents are ideal for washing delicate fabrics like silk, lace, cashmere, and wool. They help preserve the quality and texture of these materials.

  4. Color Protection: Many gentle detergents also include color-protecting properties to help prevent the fading of vibrant or dark-colored clothing items.

  5. Low Suds: These detergents typically produce fewer suds compared to regular laundry detergents. This is because excessive suds can be harsh on delicate fabrics and difficult to rinse out thoroughly.

  6. Machine and Hand-Wash Compatible: Gentle laundry detergents can be used in both washing machines and for hand washing. They are versatile and can be applied to various laundry methods.

  7. Baby and Infant Clothing: Some gentle detergents are marketed as suitable for washing baby clothes and infant items. They are formulated to be gentle on a baby's sensitive skin.

  8. Environmentally Friendly Options: There are eco-friendly and biodegradable gentle laundry detergents available that are designed to be kind to the environment.

  9. Liquid Form: Most gentle detergents come in liquid form, as this allows for easy dispensing and dissolving in water.

  10. Fragrance-Free Options: For individuals with fragrance sensitivities, many gentle detergents are available in fragrance-free or unscented versions.

  11. Precautions: While gentle detergents are designed to be milder, it's still important to follow care instructions on clothing labels. Some fabrics may require extra care or specific washing instructions.

  12. Product Varieties: Various brands offer their own versions of gentle laundry detergents, each with its unique formula and features. It's a good idea to read product labels and choose one that suits your specific needs.

Gentle laundry detergent is an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or when washing delicate clothing items that require extra care.It helps maintain the quality of your clothes while minimizing the risk of skin irritation or damage to fabrics. When using gentle detergent, be sure to follow the recommended usage instructions for best results.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best gentle laundry detergent on the market
  

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent, 64 loads

Tide

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Have peace of mind with Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent that will keep your clothes brilliantly clean and your family's skin safe. Tide Free and Gentle is a powerful hypoallergenic laundry detergent that is free of dyes and perfumes. It removes more residue from dirt, food and stains than the leading Free detergent.  *vs. leading national competitor Free detergent

  • Deeper clean that is gentle on skin vs. leading national competitor Free detergent
  • Dermatologist Recommended
  • Free of Dyes and Perfumes
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Measure with cap. For medium loads, fill just below bar 1. For large loads, fill just below bar 3. For HE full loads, fill to bar 5. Add clothes, pour into dispenser, start washer

User questions & answers

Question: Why is this so expensive
Answer: Don’t know read the description. I don’t have a iPad Pro.
Question: My new Maytag washing machine requires he type detergent. What is "he
Answer: It May look lighter in the picture, but it really isn’t. It is the same color as the rest of the leather. It is just the where you can prop it up, like you see in the picture, so you can watch hands free if you like. It is a beautiful case. I don’t think that will be a concern once you get it.
Question: Can you wash by hand and not have it chew up your hands over time? Or is it too strong for daily hand washes
Answer: Thank you for your question. Yes - both the 26 & 64 size White Bare storage cases should hold most 5ml, 10ml & 15ml tincture bottles, based on standard sizing. (WHITE BARE PRODUCT SPECIFIC INFORMATION: I can confirm that each insert hole of the EVA is approx. 27mm in diameter. Note: EVA material does give slight flexibility/elasticity. As another reference, height wise, our 10ml White Bare roller bottles fit inside our bags. (Note: the height of our roller bottles are approx. 87mm, and we would say that this is the maximum height to allow for to be able to close the bag.) I trust this helps.
Question: Where is the $3 off on site coupon for the Tide
Answer: Thank you for your question. Unfortunately 30ml bottles will not fit in the pre-cut EVA insert. (For your reference, each insert hole of the EVA is approximately 27mm in diameter).

The Laundress - Delicate Wash, Lady Scented, Laundry Detergent for Delicates, Care for Fabric, Silk, Delicates Detergent, Synthetics and Blends, Allergen-Free, 16 fl oz, 32 washes

The Laundress New York

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

We know how tricky it can be to care for delicates. From lingerie and other items labeled ""dry clean"" to silk blouses and scarves, this special liquid formula of delicate laundry detergent removes sweat, body oils, and stains while cleaning and preserving fabrics. Ideal as a hand wash detergent for silk, synthetics, spandex, polyester, nylon, rayon, acetate, and blends. Why dry clean when you can provide better care for your delicates at home, minus the toxins and extra cost? Scented in Lady, this delicates laundry detergent wash contains an herbal and citrus blend of rich amber, Bergamot, Lavender, and musk. Highly concentrated to 32 washes.

  • WASH DRY-CLEAN DELICATES: Clean delicate fabrics at home—from lingerie to silk blouses and scarves—no dry cleaner required. Ideal for silk, synthetics, spandex, polyester, nylon, rayon, acetate, and blends.
  • ECO-FRIENDLY: Made with only plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. Free of dyes, unnecessary additives, and fillers
  • PRESERVES: Gentle formula keeps fabrics in excellent shape for longer.
  • FRESH, SOFT SCENT: Bring luxury to your laundry room with our Lady scent, an herbal and citrus blend of rich amber, bergamot, lavender, and musk.
  • CRUELTY FREE: The Laundress products are always tested on our founders, Gwen and Lindsey, and never on animals.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this detergent Ph Neutral
Answer: The instructions on the container say after soaking you sould rinse the suit. I always do to get the chlorine out.
Question: what does this smell like
Answer: The instructions say to run sink full of water-then add a squirt of Suit Saver. Swiss your suit and let it soak a few minutes. The only time to use regular detergent on your swim suit is if it is dirty. Use Suit Saver than hang your suit to dry. Detergent reduces the life of your swimsuit colors and elasticity.
Question: Would this work on a silk blanket that says dry clean
Answer: It does not go into your hot tub. After you get out, fill a sink half-full of cool water to which a squirt of Suit-Saver has bee added. Soak your wet suit in the sink, then rinse with cool water and hang to dry.
Question: Has anyone tried using this product on clothing marked "Dry-Clean Only"? How were the results
Answer: I use a capful of this solution in a basin and then run my bathing suit thru a rinse and spin cycle on my washing machine. That being said most bathing suit tags say "handwash only". Also this solution may cause color changes in items that arent colorfast. Finally I would just wash your towels like you normally do and not use this solution on them.

Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent, 96 Count, Unscented and Hypoallergenic for Sensitive Skin, Free and Clear of Dyes and Perfumes, HE Compatible (Packaging May Vary)

Tide

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Taking care of sensitive skin doesn't have to be hard. Each individual pac of Tide PODS Free & Gentle HE Turbo laundry detergent cleans, fights stains, brightens fabrics and is specially designed free of dyes and perfumes. Simply put in one pac for most loads, but use two pacs for large loads and three pacs for extra-large loads. For a simple, worry-free laundry experience that's gentle on skin, Tide PODS Free & Gentle laundry detergent will keep your family looking and feeling great. It outperformed the leading free detergent on 10 different stains.

  • Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Tested. Free of dyes and perfumes
  • 3 in 1 technology: detergent, stain remover, color protector. Dissolves in both hot & cold water. Keep out of reach of children.
  • Each pac of Tide Pods Free & Gentle provides a deeper clean (versus the leading Free detergent) that's gentle on skin
  • 1 laundry pac for regular loads, 2 pacs for large loads and 3 pacs for extra large loads
  • Best Value on Bulk Tide Pods – Don’t Miss this Great Deal!
  • First and Only Detergent accepted by both NEA and NPF (National Eczema Association and National Psoriasis Foundation)

User questions & answers

Question: Do these contain dioxane
Answer: This will not work on a charging pad
Question: is this a subscription for continuous orders
Answer: Hello, I wouldn't put more than 6 cards and 10 bills in the bottom sleeve. That will give you plenty of room to carry your card and still have your phone stay protected. The magnet is strong enough to keep the cards and bills snugly closed. Personally, I don't put any cards or bills in my case because once I did put them in there I realized that there's a chance that the cards could "possibly" scratch the iPhone screen. It's highly unlikely, but I'm meticulous with my phone. The card would have to have a grain of sand stuck on it and constantly be rubbed against the screen. Another thing that I realized is that I'm really just trying to protect the phone and not use it as a wallet and for that purpose it's great.
Question: why does it say that the packaging may vary? this makes me suspicious of what is actually in the pods
Answer: They fit
Question: Is this product tested on animals and/or uses animal derived ingredients
Answer: No, It doesn't come with screen protector.

Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear Unscented, 40 oz (53 Loads)

Seventh Generation

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Clothes should feel cuddly and clean against your skin – and be good to it, too. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent features a triple-enzyme formula that fights tough stains without the use of fragrances, dyes, and artificial brighteners. Plant-derived enzyme stain removers like Protease and Amylase power away stubborn stains – grass, tomato sauce, or chocolate – you name it, we’ve got you covered. This hypoallergenic and fragrance free laundry detergent is dermatologist tested to be gentle on skin. Our ultra-concentrated laundry soap uses less added water, allowing us to use a smaller bottle to deliver impressive cleaning power – 106 loads in x2 40 oz. containers. Good things really do come in small packages. For more than 25 years, Seventh Generation has been thoughtfully formulating safe and effective plant-based products that work. Really well. As a leading green laundry detergent manufacturer, we are proud to make biodegradable and EPA Safer Choice Certified detergents. You may also notice a cute Leaping Bunny seal on our products. That means we never test our products on animals and our products do not contain animal-based ingredients. We design our products to be safe for people, their homes, and the environment. Based in Vermont, Seventh Generation is proud to be a Certified B Corporation. B Corps are certified to be better for workers, better for communities, and better for the environment. By choosing Seventh Generation products, you’re joining us in nurturing the health of the next seven generations.

  • Powerful triple-enzyme formula fights tough stains
  • Free & Clear hypoallergenic laundry detergent made for sensitive skin
  • EPA Safer Choice Certified Product designed with safety in mind
  • Concentrated detergent washes 53 medium loads in a high efficiency (HE) or standard machine
  • USDA Certified Biobased Product 96% made with plant-based ingredients

User questions & answers

Question: is this chlorine free
Answer: It will fit the 1-1/4 tube but has no hole for the lock button.
Question: How much to use with soft water
Answer: Found this link for you www.ezvacuum.com/eureka-deluxe-floor-nozzle-391346-p-969.html Scroll down and tap on description. Shows a letter after the number tho. Bought this for my mother. I believe it is 1 1/4" attachment. You could measure yourself, or double check for model number. Hope this helps.
Question: What is the smell like
Answer: No it is best on hard surface floors. For carpet and or rugs the Eureka Upright works best especially if you have pets.
Question: Is this product gluten free
Answer: plastic with a little bit of brush surface.

Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent, 16 fl oz Bottle, Hand & Machine Wash (Pack of 3)

Woolite

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Hypoallergenic formula that is gentle on skin, hands and clothes.
  • Keeps the clothes you love looking like new even after 30 washes
  • Does not cause fading, shrinking or stretching, even on fabrics such as wool, silk, cashmere, cotton, satin and polyester.
  • Suitable for handwash, regular machine or HE washers.
  • Contains no bleach, phosphates or enzymes which can be harsh on your clothes.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this safe or even good for washing face masks
Answer: I have been using this product for 18 years and I love it! It has never bothered my sensitive skin (I have had detergent burns in the past from other brands of laundry soap). Plus, I’m addicted to the fragrance. They have a website you should visit that explains all their products with a “Contact Us” page if you need more details.
Question: Im looking for a product that will leave cotton tees looking new and and no color fading. Does this do that in machine
Answer: I believe so. It is so gentle on fabrics and I would definitely use it on silk.
Question: is this product a non enzyme soap
Answer: I would only use down wash to wash down anything. Just do a search on down wash. Down needs to be washed properly to keep it in good shape.
Question: Is this unscented
Answer: I have been using this product for years -- always with cold water. I have never experienced fading of any color.

Product features

Gentle on hands, skin & clothes

Woolite Delicates is a unique formula that won’t cause fading, shrinking or stretching to keep the clothes you love looking like new, for longer! Perfect for delicate fabrics like wool & silk, and intimate wear garments.

Woolite Delicates is hypoallergenic and does not contain harsh ingredients like bleach, phosphates or enzymes and is therefore gentle on hands, skin and clothes.

Hypoallergenic - gentle on hands, skin & clothes

Woolite Delicates is a hypoallergenic product that does not contain harsh ingredients like bleach, phosphates or enzymes and is therefore gentle on hands, skin and clothes.

Care for Delicates

Woolite Delicates laundry detergent is a gentle washing liquid, specially formulated to take care of your delicate garments in the wash. It can be used for machine washing in the gentle cycle, or for hand washing delicate fabrics such as silk and wool.

Protects a variety of fabrics*

Woolite laundry detergent gives the clothes you love the right balance of clean and care, and won’t cause shrinking, stretching or fading in the wash.

*Tested On: Silk, Linen, Cotton, Rayon, Nylon, Polyester, Rayon/Spandex, Nylon/Spandex, Cotton/Polyester, Washable Suede, and Washable Wool.

Suitable for machine washing

Woolite Delicates laundry detergent is not just for handwashing your delicates. It can also be used for machine washing in the gentle cycle. Just use the cold water setting, unless the label instructs otherwise.

Dreft Pure Gentleness Plant-Based Liquid Baby Detergent, Fragrance Free, Two 40 Fl Oz Bottles, 50 Total Loads

Dreft

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dreft Pure is a hypoallergenic liquid laundry detergent from the #1 pediatrician recommended baby detergent. It's gentle, plant-based formula is made from 75% plant-based ingredients so you do not need to compromise when cleaning messes left behind by your little one. Specially formulated to be fragrance free with 0% added dyes chlorine, phosphates, brighteners, it gently cleanses fabrics making it perfect for the very first wash and every wash after that. You will find Dreft Pure handy from the very first days of motherhood through the first giggles, to the first steps and through many more great memories. This liquid laundry detergent for babies works in all washing machines, High Efficiency (HE) and standard (both front- and top-load). for medium loads, fill to bar 1 and for large ones, fill to bar 3 but if you use high efficiency washer, fill up to bar 5.

  • Gentle plant-based formula
  • From the #1 pediatrician recommended baby detergent
  • Hypoallergenic baby detergent for sensitive skin
  • Fragrance free
  • 0% added dyes chlorine, phosphates, brighteners
  • Scent Name: Unscented
  • Directions: Contains Approximately 48 Loads As Measured To Bar 1 On Cap.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this cruelty free
Answer: I buy it specifically for the scent, so I’m not sure either. Sorry!
Question: Is this safe for grey water? (I mean= water that is discharged from washer into a ditch and eventually into a garden
Answer: About 1yrs old up until 2 or 3
Question: How does this product compare to dreft stage 1? Can it also be used on infant clothing
Answer: The scent of our Dreft laundry detergent last changed in the Fall of 2019. If you still seek the old scent, we have a solution for you. Our Dreft Pure Gentleness is a fragrance-free, plant-based version of our base Dreft product and has the same gentle cleaning as the Dreft you already use. You can wash your family’s clothes in this for a fragrance-free finish. You can also add back in the scent of our last generation scent by using Dreft Blissfuls Scent Boosters. You can find more information on both products here: https://dreft.com/en-us/shop-products. We hope this information helps, and if you need further assistance, we hope you'll give us a call at (800) 436-2229. -The Dreft Team
Question: Main difference between this one and stage
Answer: My 7 month old broke out in hives all over his face, head and body when I switched. Going back to Stage 1. Don’t recommend switching to Stage 2.

Product features

Dreft Pure Gentleness Plant-Based Liquid Baby Detergent, Fragrance Free, Two 40 Fl Oz Bottles, 50 Total Loads

Dreft Pure Gentleness is a gentle, plant-based formula is made from 75% plant-based ingredients, so you do not need to compromise when cleaning messes left behind by your little one. Specially formulated to be fragrance free with 0% added dyes chlorine, phosphates, or brighteners, it gently cleanses fabrics, making it perfect from the very first wash. Dreft Pure Gentleness is handy throughout all stages of motherhood, from the very first days to the first giggles, first steps, and many more great memories. This liquid laundry detergent for babies works in all washing machines, including high efficiency (HE) and standard (both front- and top-load).

Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pods: Fresh Scent | 160 Count | Free of Dyes | HE | Safe & Gentle | Powered by Natural Plant-Based Ingredients | Low Waste Packaging

Cot'nWash Inc.

Based on 448 reviews Check latest price
  • SAFE & GENTLE: Formulated to prevent rashes & skin irritation for sensitive skin, allergies, eczema, psoriasis, and pets. Gentle on delicate intimates and natural fabrics (cotton, wool, cashmere).
  • FOR ALL MACHINES: Optimized for performance in HE, high efficiency, standard, front loaders, and top loader washing machines.
  • THOUGHTFULLY FORMULATED: Manufactured in the USA with powerful, sustainable, plant-based ingredients. Never tested on animals. Free from dyes, enzymes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, and pthlalates.
  • LOW WASTE PACKAGING: Recyclable and compostable cardboard packaging helps reduce single-use plastic.

User questions & answers

Question: How do thy compare with tide
Answer: The cutting portion is 6 x 9 inches. The handle alone is 4.5 in from edge of board .
Question: I used a box of these pods and loved them. Then ordered a new box and the pods have ruined at least one piece of clothing in every load. Why
Answer: It states stainless steel in two different places on this page. If you scroll down you will see: 1) top left corner of the picture of fake grass (durable material made from high quality stainless steel), 2) Right below that with a picture of each individual group of items with a description of each picture below them. 1 Stainless Steel Spatula. 1 Stainless Steel Soup Ladle. 1 Stainless Steel Steak Fork. 1 Stainless Steel Tong. with Silicon Handle and Locking Feature.
Question: How many pacs do you need for a large load
Answer: the smell can come from the new material that was manufactured and right away packaged, so it didnt have time to air out, so leave it open for 24 ours and the smell will be gone
Question: Are these products made in America
Answer: The blade is 6.5 inches long. The handle is 4.5 inches long. It comes with a cardboard cover so it won't damage the case. The knife is sharp. It has holes along the edge so food won't stick to the blade.

Tide Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent Pods, 81 Count, Unscented and Hypoallergenic for Sensitive Skin

Tide

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Taking care of sensitive skin doesn’t have to be hard. Each individual pac of Tide PODS Free & Gentle HE Turbo laundry detergent cleans, fights stains, brightens fabrics and is specially designed free of dyes and perfumes. Simply put in one pac for most loads, but use two pacs for large loads and three pacs for extra-large loads. For a simple, worry-free laundry experience that’s gentle on skin, Tide PODS Free & Gentle laundry detergent will keep your family looking and feeling great. It outperformed the leading free detergent on 10 different stains.*

Brand Story

By Tide

  • Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Tested. Free of dyes and perfumes
  • 3-in-1 laundry pacs: detergent, stain remover, brightener
  • Each pac of Tide Pods Free & Gentle provides a deeper clean (versus the leading Free detergent) that’s gentle on skin
  • 1 laundry pac for medium loads, 2 pacs for large loads and 3 pacs for extra large loads
  • Tide PODS laundry pacs dissolve quickly in hot & cold

Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, 300 HE Loads

Biokleen

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our fragrance free formula is gentle on senses and skin without sacrificing cleaning power. Plant-based surfactants and extracts of grapefruit seed (has no scent) clean tough stains and odors. Rinses clean and leaves no harsh fumes or residues on fabrics.

  • Truly 3X Concentrated = 300 HE Loads/150 standard Loads
  • Fragrance free for sensitivities and allergies
  • Cleans tough stains and odors. Contains no Phosphate, chlorine, ammonia, petroleum solvents, butyl, glycol ether, metasilicate, brighteners, SLES, or EDTA
  • No artificial fragrance, colors or preservatives
  • Made in the USA. Contains no Phosphate, chlorine, ammonia, petroleum solvents, butyl, glycol ether, metasilicate, brighteners, SLES, or EDTA
  • Truly 3X Concentrated = 300 HE Loads/150 standard Loads
  • Fragrance free for sensitivities and allergies
  • Leaves no residue or harsh scent

User questions & answers

Question: Is this safe for delicates, workout clothes and silk
Answer: We use an old automatic dispenser called a roller pump. It's hard wired into our washer. But a hand pump is just as easy.
Question: Is this cruelty free
Answer: Probably a case of how watered down it is. All I know for certain is that I used to use a couple of tablespoons of this stuff per load and my was came out clean.
Question: Are there any UV brighteners
Answer: No but Amazon sells a manual pump for this.
Question: is this safe for greywater systems going to plants? I see Sodium Chloride in the ingredient list which doesn't seem good
Answer: Yes it has a threaded hole for an automatic pump or hand pump. We use this in a 65lb capacity commercial machine and are getting over 400 loads per pail. The stuff is better than ecolab.

Product features

Free & Clear Laundry Liquid

Our fragrance free formula is gentle on senses and skin without sacrificing cleaning power. Plant-based surfactants and extracts of grapefruit seed (has no scent) clean tough stains and odors. Rinses clean and leaves no harsh fumes or residues on fabrics.

Ingredients

Water (filtered), Laureth 7 (plant based surfactant), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (plant based surfactant), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (plant based surfactant), Lauramine Oxide (plant based surfactant), Glycerin (vegetable), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carboxymethyl Inulin (plant based chelant), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, C10-16 Alcohols (plant based)

One Man’s Vision

When Jim Rimer realized what was inside some of the cleaning products he was selling, it shook him to the core. It was the spark that sent him on a mission to create cleaning products that are safe for people, their homes, and the environment.

In 1989, Biokleen was born when Jim started making cleaning products in his garage with a drum and an ore. He even filled bottles by candle light when he couldn't pay the electricity bill. Word started getting around about the main who made plant-based cleaning products that actually worked!

It's over 30 years later and Biokleen is still committed to its cleaning for good mission and continues to win over loyal consumers.

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