Choosing between pods, powder, gel or liquid to get the best results is a decisive topic split by skin type, budget and personal preference, but at the heart of it all is a universal want to have clothes that are cleaner than clean and make us feel good. After all, it is one of life’s daily essentials, and with energy prices rising, no one wants to run multiple cycles trying to lift the stubborn stains of tomato soup from baby grows or grass stains from a school P.E. kit. So, how do you choose between those that’ll have you slipping between clean, scented bed sheets and those that’ll discolour clothing and irritate skin? Ease of Storage - How will you store your laundry detergent? Being able to buy in bulk will make laundry detergent much cheaper, but if you don’t have somewhere to keep it, this can become a huge pain. You could try one of the letterbox subscription services, such as Smol; however, if you are out all day, this can be a nuisance, too. If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of getting home from a particularly muddy walk with your family only to discover you’ve run out of laundry detergent, then Smol’s subscription service could be your new best friend. Highly recommended by Mumsnet users and incredibly popular online, Smol has revolutionised household cleaning products and earned its place in our top three best laundry detergents. During a cost of living crisis, we’re all trying to find ways to make our weekly shops go further. Here are some ways to save money on your laundry detergent:

Alternatives - There are other options, such as soap nuts, which aren’t detergents but will still clean your clothes. Ultimately, this left us with the best laundry detergents available today as recommended by parents, trusted by experts and rated by previous customers. Why you should trust us Hard or soft water - It's helpful to look into the kind of water you have in your area, as those in particularly hard water areas (hello, Milton Keynes and Bath) may need to choose their detergent more carefully. You can find more information on this here. Obviously, the best laundry detergent is a very personal choice, so what’s good for you and your family may not be the best for someone else. That said, we recommend Daz as our best overall laundry detergent that is effective even at low temperatures whilst protecting colours and brightening whites. Affordably priced and with great value for money, many families are rediscovering the fantastic cleaning power of this brand. How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from real Mumsnet usersA popular talk topic on our forums, the general consensus is (between Mumsnetters, laundry experts and washing machine brands) that washing powder is the most affordable and effective laundry detergent format that’ll clean your clothes and take care of your machine. There are many laundry detergents, so how do you know which is right for you? Here are some things to consider when making your choice: Fabric Type - It's also common to use a different kind of product for various clothing items – as your gym wear or the kids' school uniforms may need that little extra cleaning oomph. Non-bio washing detergent does not contain this enzyme, meaning it's gentler on your clothes and kinder to your skin. Because of this, it's not quite as powerful at getting dirt out of clothes, but it will generally be more forgiving. If you want a really neutral detergent, natural, non-bio detergent is your best bet. Which laundry detergents are eco-friendly? That's why we spend hours researching, analysing and comparing products to ensure that every product is worthy of making our shortlist.

You can always add a little more if you think the wash needs it, but remember that most of us are using too much detergent regularly, and water does a pretty good job on its own, so you don’t need it to overdo the detergent. Which is the best laundry detergent?People who have already got damaged skin such as eczema, atopic eczema or dry skin are more likely to suffer,” says Dr Chopra, so if you already suffer from skin sensitivity, it’s worth looking for a more gentle alternative. How can we tell whether it’s our washing detergent that’s causing the problem? Transparency is at the heart of Mumsnet, and that's why we work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice our readers can trust.

Simply put, biological laundry detergents contain an enzyme that actively works to break down stains and remove them from fabric. While this is obviously great news for the more (ahem) sullied of clothes, it is by definition a little bit harsher, so it can be damaging to delicate clothing (wool and silk, for example) and more sensitive skin. Although some disagree, the rule of thumb is that it's best to try different types and see what works for your family. The main components or ingredients of washing detergent that can cause allergies are harmful chemicals [such as potassium hydroxide], fragrances, preservatives and dyes,” explains Dr Chopra. What’s more, “detergents contain a chemical called the surfactant which loosens dirt and oil particles and allows them to be washed away. These surfactants can be directly irritating to skin especially if someone has sensitive skin,” adds Dr Chopra. Does it tend to affect some more than others and if so, who’s more likely to suffer? Bio or non-bio - You’ll also need to decide between bio and non-bio products (more of that below) and natural detergents, which will all depend on your laundry needs. Laundry detergents come in various forms (pods, liquid and powder), but all work similarly. When combined with water in your washing machine, they penetrate deep into the fabric of your clothes, lifting stubborn stains, dirt, bacteria and allergens before the rinse and spin cycle washes them away. Good quality laundry detergents are effective even at low temperatures, brightening whites and refreshing clothes whilst protecting fabrics and colours. How can I save money on laundry detergent? Opt for an alternative to laundry detergent - If you really want to reduce the cost of cleaning your family’s laundry, products such as the Ecozone Soap Nuts make a great alternative. You may miss the ‘just washed’ fragrance, but it’ll easily cut your shopping bill and free up funds for use elsewhere.

How much laundry detergent should I use?

However, Bold’s not just all about smelling good. They’re about helping your clothes look good too! Effective even at cold temperatures, Bold’s 2-in-1 gel promises to keep colours vibrant and lift stains with ease. The only hitch is that it is bleach-free, which means it can build up in the drum causing foul smells and mould to grow, so investing in the best washing machine cleaner is necessary. However, don’t let that put you off; this is another highly recommended Mumsnetter product that’ll help keep you on top of your laundry pile! Eco-friendly - Is the brand eco-friendly? How much plastic waste does it create? Is the brand an ethical choice that is vegan-friendly and not tested on animals? Getty Images What are the main components or ingredients of washing detergents that cause allergies? Type of detergent - You’ll need to choose between liquid and powder detergents, which both have pros and cons. Liquid detergents (particularly liquid capsules) are thought to be bad for the long-term health of your washing machine. Still, powders don’t dissolve so well and occasionally leave streaks on clothing. On the other hand, liquids are better for coloured and dark washes and powders for a brighter white. Laundry detergents such as Bio-D Non-Bio Washing Powder and Ecover’s Non-bio Laundry Liquid are eco-friendly, as are the Ecozone soapnuts. How much laundry detergent should I use?

Scent - How strong is the fragrance? Would you like your clothes to have a noticeable scent fresh out of the machine, or would you prefer a fragrance-free option instead?How much laundry detergent you use depends on how soiled the clothes are, how big your drum is and how hard your water is, but a basic rule of thumb is as follows: One of the main things we can do to try and keep allergies and irritation at a minimum, is to follow the advice of our washing detergents and avoid using more than is recommended as surplus detergent can make its way into the fabric of our clothing and remain there, causing irritation. Also, Dr Chopra suggests keeping our skin moisturised and wearing loose cotton or linen clothing. What washing detergent alternatives can we use safely instead? Washing your super-soft cashmere jumper or brand-new silk blouse can be a risky business. They often come with lengthy tags and lists of dos and don’ts to keep them looking new. However, one wrong move and you’ll open up your washing machine to fuzzy fabrics and shrunken sizes. Okay, so some of it might be salvageable with a debobbler and a little stretching, but finding a way to prevent damage and protect your clothing is a must. That’s why we’re recommending Woolite Delicates laundry detergent.