11 Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents: Top Scented Laundry Detergents

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You’ve heard it here: along with that one upholstery cleaner “Cleantok” goes nuts for, and the Pink Stuff paste, designer detergents are officially the it home cleaning item. Long gone are the days when doing your laundry meant limiting yourself to the oversaturated, chemical-y fragrances from popular detergents (not everything has to smell like Febreeze and florals!). Unless you love feeling like sticking your nose into a spring meadow, today’s detergents are far more luxurious, almost scented closer to a spritz of perfume than a waft of generic fragrance.

The best-smelling laundry detergents will not only clean your garments (still their main purpose), but gently perfume your fabrics for a scent that’s not-too-overpowering, but will linger and actually last. Nothing beats that “fresh” scent of just-washed clothes straight out of the machine, but these detergents take it one step forward, elevating your laundry with collaborations from designer perfume brands (think Capri Blue, or Maison Francis Kurkdjian, the creator behind TikTok’s favorite perfume).

Whether you want to start actively looking forward to laundry day (it’s the little things), or you just want to smell as luxurious as your clothes feel when you put them on, we’ve rounded up the best-smelling laundry detergents money can buy. Who knows? Someone might even think you just lit up a Le Labo Santal candle in their vicinity.

What Are the Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents?

We searched for the best-smelling laundry detergents online, we evaluated the brands based on ingredients, fragrance type and strength, overall quality, price, along with getting well-rated user reviews. Here are our top picks.

BEST OVERALL: Tyler Candle Co. Diva Glamorous Wash

BEST SPLURGE-WORTHY: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Detergent

BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY: Method Liquid Beach Sage Laundry Detergent

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Dropps Lavender Eucalyptus Stain & Odor Detergent Pods

DEEPEST CLEAN: L’avant Collective High Performing Laundry Detergent Soap

1. Tyler Candle Co. Diva Glamorous Wash

The #divawash detergent hype is real on TikTok, and we can say that the of rich and wam scent of Glamorous Wash’s finest laundry liquid has our stamp of approval. Upon first whiff, it seems like the major scent notes would clash (fruity, floral, and amber?), but we love the invigoratingly fragrant floral base that combines with a warm and spicy finish. Scented like stepping into the lobby of an expensive hotel, you can set your perfumes and lotions aside when using this one — it packs a powerful punch, and a little goes a long way here. That being said, it’s still remains gentle enough to use on delicate, specialty fabrics, and cleans effectively.

Promising Customer Feedback: “This stuff is the secret to being THE IT GIRL/GUY. The bottle is tiny for its price but it’s suuuuper concentrated so you literally only need a bottle cap at most for your regular loads. After several loads of using this, you’re gonna start smelling like soap and flowers even on shower day. People are going to ask what perfume is that and you can say ‘I’m not wearing perfume!,’ and leave them thinking that’s your natural scent. It’s subtle on your skin and clothes so it won’t make you nauseous, but stays on for a long time.” —Stella

2. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Detergent

Maison Francis Kurkdjian, better know for the TikTok-famous perfume, Baccarat Rouge, has a sophisticated detergent that plays off their popular summery fragrance with a warm bergamot and Calabria base combined with delicate touches of jasmine, lemon, and Moroccan. It’s a crisp and classic fragrance that reminds us of line-dried laundry, just with a muskiness that will linger long after it’s out of the dryer. While the detergent carries a lofty $55 price tag, the formula is specially-concentrated (you can also grab the linen care set that targets light and dark colors), which the brand says can even refresh even the most delicate fabrics like silk and linen. Like a fancy candle, this bottle is worthy of adding to your ‘self-care’ budget.

Promising Customer Feedback: “I wasn’t sure of its effectiveness as a laundry detergent, but I wasn’t disappointed. The Aqua Universalis scent is light and perfect.” —MaryAnne Bonjuklian

3. Method Liquid Beach Sage Laundry Detergent

If you lean in close…well, you won’t exactly hear the ocean waves, but this herbaceous detergent from Method Liquid is scented like a fresh morning stroll along a misty beach. The zing of the sage notes elevate the classic masculine “water” scent to a really refined level, but won’t wash away your entire savings with the tide. Besides a fresh fragrance, the detergent also does a great job of reviving dulled whites and colors, and its hypoallergenic formula is also clutch for sensitive skin (unlike with some other scented detergents). For a bottle that promises to get you through 66 loads of laundry, this detergent’s value can’t be beat.

Promising Customer Feedback: “This laundry detergent has become a staple in my household. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, environmentally conscious laundry solution. It’s effective, safe, and smells amazing. I love the variety of scents, and they all smell so fresh and clean. And the best part? No parabens or other harsh stuff that can irritate your skin or mess with your health.” —Sheena B.

4. Dropps Lavender Eucalyptus Stain & Odor Detergent Pods

If the Tide pod fiasco of the 2010s taught us anything, it’s that there’s something so playful about fresh laundry pods — but this pick is also better for the environment. Dropps’ eco-friendly laundry option uses 100% plastic-free packaging, plus the pods themselves are free of excess water, artificial dyes and colors that don’t clean your clothing. Like a little “drop” of luxury, their Lavender Eucalyptus scented pods leave a crisp, relaxing fragrance that feels like a portal to the spa just opened up in your laundry room.

Promising Customer Feedback: “I was reluctant to try pods as I’ve always been a liquid and powder girl. My favorite powder was discontinued and I needed another detergent which was cruelty free, plastic free and contained actual cleaning ingredients. Dropps definitely deliver all this and more! My clothes come out clean and smelling lovely.” —Meg R.

5. L’avant Collective High Performing Laundry Detergent Soap

When you’re looking for a more elevated approach to tackling your toughest laundry loads, we recommend trying out L’avant Collective. Since it’s ultra-concentrated, you’ll need less than you think to achieve dramatic results, but beyond deep cleaning and powerful odor defense, we were most impressed with its luxurious scent. It leaves that signature “fresh linen” fragrance behind that you might be used, but elevates it with crisp, natural notes of geranium, ylang ylang, and bamboo. The scent will also linger for days after they leave the dryer thanks to the enzyme-driven formula (that’ll also help protect colors from fading).

Promising Customer Feedback: “Works so good! Used as directed for a large load, and OMG! Laundry was spotless, vibrant, and smelled slightly of that linen signature scent. Cannot wait to add to my laundry room as a staple!” —Sol E.

6. Safely Rise Everyday Laundry Detergent

Co-founded by momager Kris Jenner and Good American CEO, Emma Grede, Safely’s uplifting Rise detergent will leave your clothes smelling like you air-dried them in a field of wildflowers. While we’ve been nose-overloaded (the precursor to going nose-blind) before when it comes to “fresh spring” scents, this detergent is surprisingly sophisticated, with strong orris and rose top notes, jasmine, violet and heliotrope and geranium, and underlying base notes of musk, amber, and sandalwood. If that sounds like a lot, you wouldn’t be wrong, but its scent sings like a symphonic bouquet, and the plant-powered, pH-balanced formula makes it the whole cleaning package.

Promising Customer Feedback: “I absolutely love this stuff! It smells so good, and it’s about the same price as any other detergent but safe for the environment which I love. I will definitely be rebuying this from now on.” —Lori

7. The Laundress No. 723 Laundry Detergent

Enjoy the indulgent feeling of buying yourself your own bouquet of roses every day with cult-favorite The Laundress’ No. 723 laundry detergent. Everything from your pajama sets to bedding will feel well and truly pampered with a concentrated detergent formula that targets stubborn stains, dirt, and grease. Unlike other detergent scents that feel like an afterthought, this one was crafted by world-class perfumers, featuring the alluring smell of Damask Rose, along with musky notes of geranium, and amber. It’ll turns your laundry basket into a fragrant rose garden in bloom.

Promising Customer Feedback: “This laundry detergent is so luxurious compared to others I’ve used. It smells amazing and cleans very well with just a small amount. I love that it didn’t seem to fade my colored items and left my whites fresh and bright. The wonderful fragrance lasts forever too I actually received compliments on it.” —HelenKsenia

8. Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent

Like driving by a citrus grove, we can’t get enough of the light, refreshing (essential oil-based!) aroma of Molly’s Suds detergent. While you will want to hold your nose up to your clothes to get a whiff of this scent, the real star here is its clean, powerful formula (free from artificial dyes and harmful chemicals) and stain-removing powers. The ultra-concentrated formula will give your load a thorough plant-based clean, while helping you save some water too. It’s bright, it’s fruity, and it’s sustainable — what more could you need?

Promising Customer Feedback: “The only detergent our household’s been using. No residue, no weird after-smell, no stains, no mildew/mold issues, and very affordable. Love the citrus scent, and it does linger a bit.” —Steven Lawson

9. DedCool 01 Taunt Laundry Detergent

This highly-coveted, best-selling fragrance from DedCool has been transformed into a detergent that we can’t get enough of. The vegan and cruelty-free formula is described by the brand as ‘a coming-of-age story’ that ‘smells like daydreaming about your first perfume’. Those vibes are perfectly encapsulated in a sweet yet mature-smelling blend of bergamot, fresh dew, cassis, vanilla and amber. We also love that this warm and sultry-scented detergent is formulated with plant-based and biodegradable ingredients, making it a solid pick for those with sensitive skin, too.

Promising Customer Feedback: “One of the things that really stands out about it is that it’s vegan, which is a big plus for me. The scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber is elegant and not overpowering, which I love but does not last long. The detergent is also efficient at getting rid of tough stains, which is important for me as I’m constantly doing laundry.” —Max

10. Dirty Labs Signature Laundry Detergent

This detergent doesn’t just get earthy on the organic ingredient list, but scent-wise, too. Dirty Labs’ sustainable laundry liquid combines refreshing magnolia with bergamot, and cedar fragrances for a pure, forest-y vibe. Thanks to their advanced enzyme cleaning technology, you’ll also get targeted stain- and odor-fighting power for the fresh-looking and smelling clothes possible.

Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve used this product for a month now and so far I’m extremely happy with the results. The fragrance is pleasant but subtle and not overpowering. I live on a farm and had been looking for something strong enough to tackle all of the smells and gunk we get into during day to day work and wanted to try something other than a big name brand…they seem to be too fragranced and don’t always do a great job and need a second wash. A little goes a long way with this and I appreciate the concentrated formula as the bottle will do up to 80 loads and takes up very little space in our laundry room.” —Emerson Kirby

11. Capri Blue Volcano Laundry Detergent Liquid

Capri Blue (aka the in-store “Anthropologie scent”) has brought the experience of shopping around while taking in wafts of their Capri Blue Volcano candle to their luxe detergent. Like the “excitement and energy of a summer night rendezvous,” you’ll be lured in by notes of tropical fruits, sugared citrus, and exotic mountain greens. It’s noticeably softer and sweeter than typical citrus scents, which brings a nice pop to your laundry without getting too tart. It’s also formulated with essential oils (great for sensitive skin), but is concentrated enough to be remove the toughest stains.

Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve been trying to elevate my laundry game lately, as I found myself tired of typical laundry scents. Since I love the candle scent, I decided to try out the detergent and I am so happy that I did. I use this detergent when washing and drying my work clothes, and each time I go in my closet and get a whiff of the scent it brings me genuine joy.” —Kristen Fuery

Buying Guide: How We Chose the Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents

We take care in choosing the products we present to our readers. While we review descriptions to showcase modern selections with utility, we also rely on promising customer feedback or first-hand experience with the products and brands. We considered detergents with scents that are strong enough to linger after washing without being overpowering, powerful enzymes/stain-fighting formulas, price, and features like eco-friendly or non-toxic ingredients. The result is a carefully considered shopping list with you in mind. Customer reviews have been edited for length and clarity.

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