Recommendation Home & Garden · Beauty

Let's Talk Everything Laundry

For Whom/What:

Fresh and pleasant smelling laundry detergent

Budget:

Can be pricier than regular detergent

Requirements:

Easy to portion control

smells great

dissolves well in cold water

has a lasting scent

Extra Details:

I'm so tired of using Tide/Gain pods or generic grocery store laundry detergent. The strong lingering typical Tide smell is not what I call clean laundry. I've tried fragrance-free versions, but my laundry doesn't "feel" clean, you know what I mean? I don't do a ton of laundry, so I won't lose sleep over spending more $$ on a perfumed-scented detergent. I intend to use the premium detergent for nicer clothes and bedding. And what other laundry hacks or tips do you have for heavenly-smelling, clean laundry?

Helen Reid
2 weeks ago

I totally get it—there’s a fine line between fresh and too much when it comes to laundry scents. Since you’re open to splurging on a premium detergent for your nicer clothes and bedding, here are a few that elevate the experience without the overpowering Tide/Gain effect:

1. Kerzon "Méga Propre" Laundry Soap – If you want that true clean laundry scent, this Parisian detergent is perfect. It’s a mix of orange blossom and musk—light, airy, and not at all overwhelming. Bonus: It’s formulated for sensitive skin and works well on bedding.

2. Freys "Cedarwood, Oakmoss & Amber" Detergent – A sophisticated, unisex scent that makes clothes smell subtly woodsy and fresh without being perfume-y. The formula is biodegradable, and it’s great for natural fibers like cotton and linen.

3. L’Avant Collective High-Performance Laundry Detergent – A luxe, plant-based option with a crisp, fresh linen scent that smells refined and clean rather than artificial. It’s designed to work on delicate fabrics while still giving that just-washed feeling.

"Méga Propre" Laundry Soap
Brand: Kerzon
Ultra-Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Brand: Frey
High Performance Laundry Detergent
Brand: L'Avant Collective
Julie Sorkin
3 weeks ago

I totally get it—Tide and Gain have that overpowering "fresh" scent that sticks to everything, and fragrance-free detergents sometimes leave laundry feeling like it just sat in water. Since you're willing to invest in a more premium detergent for your nicer clothes and bedding, I'd recommend the Laundress New York's laundry detergents. 

1. The Laundress x Le Labo Santal 33 or Rose 31 Laundry Detergent – If you love the idea of your clothes smelling like high-end perfume, these are absolutely divine. They’re pricey but perfect for sheets, bedding, and special clothing.

2. The Laundress No. 723 Detergent – A cult favorite with a fresh, subtle “clean laundry” scent that isn’t too heavy. I detect a warm, slightly floral scent.

bostonlife
3 weeks ago

If you're searching for laundry detergent that smells like a high-end boutique or fine fragrance, try Laundry Sauce. 

It is a premium laundry detergent brand known for elevating the everyday chore of washing clothes with luxurious, high-end fragrances. Unlike traditional detergents, Laundry Sauce infuses bold, sophisticated scents inspired by fine perfumery, making your laundry experience feel more like a fragrance ritual. 

Their signature scents include options like Saffron & Oud, Australian Sandalwood, and Egyptian Rose, each designed to leave your clothes smelling rich, complex, and long-lasting. Beyond scent, their detergent pods are highly concentrated, ultra-effective, and free of harsh chemicals, ensuring a deep clean while maintaining fabric quality. 

My personal favorite is the Egyptian Rose. Laundry Sauce describes the scent as seductive, floral, and spicy. The scent features Egyptian geranium, briar rose, honeyed hawthorn, vanilla bourbon, and Haitian vetiver. 

I have not yet tried their other laundry products like dryer sheets, fabric softener, or a scent booster, but adding those will undoubtedly prolong the scent. I don't know how strong you want your clothes to smell, but I prefer a more subtle hint of fragrance, I'm perfectly ok with using just the detergent.