Recently, I’ve noticed a theme emerging in the laundry detergent industry: designer scents. Gone are the days when your detergent was limited to one chemically saturated fragrance. Today’s iterations are far more luxurious, with notes you’d expect to find in high-end candles or perfumes—think collaborations with designer brands like OUAI and Hotel Collection. And honestly, it makes sense. If you’re curling up in an ultra-warm blanket, propped against a comfy reading pillow in your favorite reading chair, why wouldn’t you want your linens to smell just as indulgent? After all, if you’re dropping hundreds of dollars on a Jenni Kayne haull, you want to ensure every wear feels—and smells—as luxurious as it did the day you brought it home. That’s why I had PureWow editors test the best-smelling laundry detergents money can buy.
From OUAI to The Laundress, Our Editors Tested 10 of the Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents Money Can Buy
ICYMI, luxury detergent is a thing now
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
The Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents We Tested, At a Glance
Best Detergent Overall
White Barn Moonlit Goddess Laundry Detergent
read more
Best Liquid Detergent
Tyler Candle Co Diva Glamorous Wash
read more
Best Detergent Pods
Hotel Collection Black Velvet Laundry Pods
read more
Best Detergent for Sheets
The Laundress Beauty Sleep Laundry Detergent
read more
Most Luxurious Detergent
OUAI Melrose Place Detergent
read more
How We Tested the Best-Smelling Laundry Detergents
To determine which laundry detergents deliver on both scent and performance, PureWow editors put 10 best-selling contenders through a series of tests. We evaluated each option based on whether it had A) a scent that was strong enough to linger after washing, B) a minimum of 16 ounces (typically 15 loads) per bottle and C) enzymes and stain-fighting ingredients that will remove dirt and leave laundry looking fresh. (Scroll to the bottom of this article to read more about that.) Here are a list of questions we kept in mind during our first wash:
- Scent: Did it linger on clothes for days or disappear post-dry? Were the fragrance notes balanced and sophisticated?
- Effectiveness: Could it remove tough stains like marinara sauce, sweat and foundation without pre-treating?
- Feel: How soft did fabrics—like linens, silks, and athleticwear—feel after washing? Did it revive dulled or worn materials?
- Ease of Use: Was it concentrated, requiring less detergent per load? Did pods dissolve fully, and did the detergent work equally well for hand-washing and machine cycles?
From fruity notes to floral blends, and subtle hints to powerful payoffs, the finalists were chosen for their ability to transform laundry day into a luxe, sensory experience.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
First up: A detergent that scored 93 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review. “If you’ve ever walked past a Bath & Body Works and thought, Why can’t my clothes smell that good?, this detergent is your answer,” says Candace Davison, VP of editorial content. “The scent is like wrapping yourself in a freshly bloomed bouquet—it’s soft, floral, and almost otherworldly. The combination of French lavender, pear blossom and golden vanilla strikes the perfect balance between relaxing and romantic, without feeling too sweet or overpowering.” What’s more, Davison put this detergent to the test over 12 loads of laundry—everything from sweaty workout clothes to stained baby clothes—and was blown away. “Sweat? Gone. Pureed carrots and spaghetti sauce? Completely lifted,” she says. Even dried toothpaste on a towel disappeared in one wash.
Still, the performance doesn’t stop at stain removal. This concentrated formula cleans thoroughly in both hot and cold cycles, works in high-efficiency and standard machines and delivers 64 washes per bottle. “It’s powerful enough to tackle my family’s toughest messes while still being gentle on linens and delicates,” she adds. And while the price is slightly higher—about 31 cents per load—it’s still more affordable than luxury laundry brands like Dedcool or L’Avant. “The price is worth it for the scent alone,” Davison explains. “It’s like aromatherapy for your laundry.”
Fast Facts
- Size: 32 ounces
- Scent Notes: French lavender, pear blossom and golden vanilla
- Scent Strength: 9/10
With more than 2.7 million views on TikTok, PureWow’s Assistant Editor, Destinee Scott, had to see what all of this #divawash detergent hype was about. Upon first glance, the brand says this scent is marked by ‘delicious fruits and rich florals’ with ‘aromatic chocolate and amber.’ Yet, when she went to TikTok to read between the lines, people were raving over its similarity to Thierry Mugler’s Angel perfume. For those who don’t know, this is a playful, energizing scent that combines a fragrant floral base with a warm and spicy finish. “It has a strong, fresh scent like an expensive hotel—and the scent doesn't just linger on items. It stays on for a while and eventually fills the room if you use it on a regular basis,” Scott says. What’s more, she notes the fragrance is so powerful, you can forgo wearing other scents completely: “It's definitely not for folks who have sensitive noses. If you want to smell like a million bucks without perfumes and lotions and whatnot, look no further.”
And that’s not even the best part. While coughing up $28 per 32 loads of laundry can get expensive—it goes faster than you’d think—TikTok came up with a hack to spare your wallet: Combining it with fragrance-free detergent. Thanks to its ultra-powerful notes, a little goes a long way here. You can buy the mini Diva detergent (4 ounces for $10) and pour it into a budget-friendly bottle from, say, Seventh Generation or Tide that will last you months. Two detergents, half the price of smelling delicious.
Fast Facts
- Size: 4 to 128 ounces
- Scent Notes: fruits, rich florals, aromatic chocolate and amber
- Scent Strength: 10/10
From the moment this editor cracked open these pods, I knew I was about to pamper my clothes in something way bougier than Tide. The Black Velvet scent is exactly what the name suggests: mysterious and moody, but in a way that feels elevated. Imagine the first sip of smoky black tea on a crisp fall morning, laced with a hint of bergamot zest and bay leaves. It’s grounded by the warmth of amber, musk and cedarwood, giving it the kind of depth you’d expect from a high-end cologne. (Think Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, but make it laundry day.) The faintest touch of freesia and rose also softens the edges, so the scent is never overpowering.
As for performance, these pods surprised me. I’m usually a liquid detergent loyalist, but this concentrated formula was powerful enough to get me to reconsider. I tested it on my linen sheets and a graphic t-shirt with a marinara stain (thank you, late-night takeout), and it didn’t just clean—it revived. The sauce stain was gone without a trace, and the sheets were left soft, clean and smelling like they came fresh from a boutique hotel. In fact, the nourishing formula left the fabrics feeling noticeably smoother—like they’d been treated to a spa day. Not to mention that after washing and drying, the scent lingered beautifully without overpowering the room. I could still catch a subtle whiff when I put on the graphic tee two days later.
Fast Facts
- Size: 31.5 ounces (45 pods)
- Scent Notes: Lemon, bergamot, black fig, freesia, rose, cedarwood, amber, musk and blonde woods
- Scent Strength: 9/10
“If you’ve ever thought, I wish my sheets smelled as good as a luxury candle, this detergent is the answer,” says Davison in another PureWow100 review. “The Laundress describes its Beauty Sleep scent as a ‘velvety, spicy lullaby,’ and honestly, I can’t think of a more accurate description. The mix of sandalwood, jasmine and lavender gives it this sultry yet calming quality, like the kind of fragrance you’d find in a five-star hotel spa. It’s soft, floral, and woodsy all at once.” Plus, when Davison first washed her sheets with Beauty Sleep, the results were undeniable. “The scent didn’t just cling to the bedding—it practically transformed the room. For two days straight, I’d walk in and think I’d left a candle burning,” she explains.
The best part? The Laundress also delivers on performance, with its proprietary enzyme blend that targets stains without the need for pre-treating. “I had two marks on my cream comforter that I fully expected to spot-treat, but they disappeared completely with just one wash,” Davison continues. “It’s gentle enough for delicate fabrics but strong enough to handle those tougher spots.” And while it’s undeniably a splurge at $26 per bottle (about 15 washes), it’s a luxury worth reserving for your bedding. “It’s a little pricey, sure, but compared to the cost of my aromatherapy diffuser and candle collection? This feels like the ultimate bedroom upgrade,” she concludes.
Fast Facts
- Size: 16 ounces
- Scent Notes: Bergamot, lavender, freesia, grapefruit, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, musk, patchouli
- Scent Strength: 10/10
“When I received a PR email about the DedCool x OUAI Melrose Place launch, I knew that I had to try out this fruity, floral concoction for myself,” says PureWow Assistant Editor, Delia Curtis. “Doing laundry is one of my least favorite chores because of how much time, effort and energy goes into the process—and this product made me excited about doing my most despised task. From the second I opened the bottle, my nose was treated to a slew of inviting scent notes. Heady rose of course, but also the lychee, white musk, cedarwood and bergamot. Dizzying and delightful, I was set on washing my clothes (no matter how long it took) just so I could put my face in a basket full of warm cotton with this fragrance. I first tried it with a load of whites and a shot-glass-sized cap of detergent in a 28-minute normal cycle on cold. I used this in tandem with their matching dryer sheets, the first time only using one dryer sheet. The first load definitely came out smelling like roses, but I wanted a stronger scent payoff. So, for the second batch, I doubled the detergent and the dryer sheets. Let me tell you, my room smelled like the fragrance for about two to three days after I finished the batch of clothes.”
To that end, they add: “The strength of the fragrance is apparent in the bottle from the first whiff, but you may need to add some extra detergent if you want it to linger longer. I do think that the scent payoff would've been stronger if I wasn't using communal laundry machines—that should probably, most definitely be cleaned more often—but the product is enough to mask the sometimes musty scent of the communal machines and leave my clothes feeling fresh, floral and totally clean.”
Fast Facts
- Size: 32 ounces
- Scent Notes: Champagne, pink peppercorn, berry, lychee, peony, rose, freesia, jasmine, bergamot, amber, sandalwood, white musk and cedar-wood
- Scent Strength: 8/10
I have nothing against good ol’ Tide (especially when it comes to stain-fighting power), but if you’re looking for a more elevated approach to the OG’s clean, classic scent, L’Avant Collective is the answer. I threw L’Avant against some of my biggest laundry nightmares, including hot chocolate on my favorite white tee, foundation smudges on a delicate blouse, and a faint coffee mark I’d been ignoring on my cream quilt. In every single case, the enzyme-driven formula handled them effortlessly—no pre-treating required. The chocolate vanished entirely in a normal cold wash, and the foundation? Gone. Even my quilt, which had seen its fair share of wear, came out looking fresh and revived. It’s the kind of detergent that works equally well on high-maintenance fabrics (think designer blouses and vintage linens) as it does on athleticwear and towels.
Add to that its 5x concentrated formula and Fresh Linen scent. It has that quintessential “just did laundry” fragrance you associate with clean clothes, but L’Avant elevates it with natural notes of geranium, ylang-ylang, and bamboo. It’s crisp, calming, and impossibly luxe—like your laundry just spent a week at the Four Seasons in Bali. And unlike most detergents, the scent doesn’t disappear after a day or two. It lingered subtly on my quilt and sheets for weeks, making every bedtime feel like sinking into a freshly made hotel bed. It’s on the pricey side, but if you want an elevated alternative to your go-to stain fighter, L’Avant Collective delivers luxury that’s worth the splurge.
Fast Facts
- Size: 30 ounces
- Scent Notes: geranium, ylang-ylang and bamboo
- Scent Strength: 8/10
Here, another detergent that finally got me to stop procrastinating and, dare I say, look forward to doing my laundry. At first, I was skeptical—ginger and mango sounded as mismatched as pickles and cream cheese. But the scent surprised me: the zing of ginger adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick that’s perfectly mellowed by the tropical sweetness of ripe mango. Together, they create a crisp, clean bouquet that feels subtly sugared without being cloying. The best part? The scent lingered on my clothes for days after folding, like a hint of summer tucked into every drawer.
Performance-wise, Method also didn’t disappoint. Its hypoallergenic, concentrated formula tackled everything from workout gear to my dull, dingy whites, making them look noticeably brighter after just one wash. (Even my roommate with sensitive skin gave it her stamp of approval.) At 66 loads per bottle—or 264 loads for a four-pack—it’s an affordable, high-performing pick that makes laundry feel less like a chore and more like a tropical getaway.
Fast Facts
- Size: 53.5 ounces
- Scent Notes: zingy ginger base with fruity mango top notes
- Scent Strength: 8/10
By now, you’re probably realizing: Deliciously scented laundry doesn’t come cheap. But if you’re looking to put your money where your nose is, The Laundress’ No. 723 detergent got a rave PureWow100 review for its scent alone: “I’ll be honest, my whites looked crisper and my clothes seemed softer after each wash. The standout, however, was how sophisticated the scent was—I anticipated unscrewing the lid and being punched with an overwhelming potpourri smell, as many rose-scented products tend to skew. Not here. It was a light floral, like what I’d expect every scene smelled like as Keira Knightley ran through the gardens in Pride and Prejudice. It turns out that’s because the Damask rose isn’t one-note; it also features geranium, jasmine, lily of the valley, and amber gives it a little spice. The end result is layered and subtle. You get a waft as you throw in the laundry, but it won’t, say, overpower your diffuser as you fold clothes afterward,” Davison says.
She also mentions: “While I liked the rose scent, I actually wished it was a little stronger. Some reviewers felt the opposite, but I enjoy being able to smell the fragrance as I take clothes out of the dryer. No. 723 is much more nuanced, making me realize that my laundry preferences are a bit like Taylor Swift’s description of parties in “The Last Great American Dynasty”: tasteful, if a little loud. Laundress, you can bump up the scent on that detergent for me any day. Oh, and if you decide to make that scent into a perfume, or a shampoo, count me in.
Fast Facts
- Size: 16 ounces
- Scent Notes: Geranium, damask rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, violet, patchouli, guaiacwood and amber
- Scent Strength: 6/10
Why PureWow editor Abby Hepworth swears by this detergent? “I tested HEX on my sweatiest leggings and sports bras after a week of back-to-back runs, and not only did the clothes come out odor-free, but they felt softer and newer than they had in months,” she explains in a PureWow100 review. “Over the past three years I’ve found that my athletic drawer no longer comes with a scent all its own, and the rest of my wardrobe is as clean and fresh as it ever was when I used an old-school detergent. And while it took a few rounds through the washer before my workout gear was entirely odor-free, I chock this up to the fact that there was months’ (or even years’) worth of grime, sweat and bacteria stuck within those fibers that just one wash couldn’t possibly eliminate… That’s what sets HEX apart. It not only pulls bacteria and sweat out of tight-knit performance fabrics, it also protects your bike shorts from losing their elasticity or sweat-wicking abilities after they’ve been through the wash.”
Plus, while Hepworth prefers the fragrance-free version, she’s also tried the Crisp Linen and Fresh & Clean scents: “Each of those has a wonderfully light fragrance that doesn’t simply mask the smell of dirty laundry, nor does it stick around for too long after a run in the washing machine.” Not to mention the brand’s upgraded pod version—which includes 55 pods for 55 loads—has garnered more than 4,300 glowing five-star reviews for their fragrance notes. One Amazon shopper raves: “First it was the fresh clean scent, then the crisp linen that won my heart, and most recently I took a chance on the lavender because I wanted something new and calming to wash sheets in. I normally [hate] lavender scented things—too overpowering, too astringent, too manufactured, too chemical… Hex has changed that. I LOVE this lavender laundry detergent. The smell is so fresh and clean and calming and perfect.”
Fast Facts
- Size: 32 ounces (or 55 pods)
- Scent Notes: Crisp linen, fresh & clean, lavender fields or fragrance-free
- Scent Strength: 10/10
If you’re a hand-wash devotee dealing with delicates like silks, woolens, or cashmere, Dirty Labs Signature Detergent should be on your radar. Its Phytolase enzyme cleaning technology targets stains and odors directly—without being harsh on fabrics—so it’s ideal for clothes that can’t handle the roughness of machine washes. “[It’s] strong enough to lift out the occasional wine spill from a silk blouse but gentle enough not to ruin the integrity of my vintage pieces,” explains Scott in her review.” For the best results, I use just 8–12 milliliters in a basin of cold water, and it consistently leaves my clothes clean, bright, and free of odors.”
Plus, the magnolia, bergamot, and cedarwood fragrance options are the cherry on top. Unlike heavy floral detergents, it smells “like a fresh flower bouquet—not too overpowering…or too light,” Scott adds. The subtle, clean scent makes hand-washing feel like a mini spa ritual, and it fades naturally after a few days, ensuring it never overwhelms your senses. Plus, the plant-based, hyper-concentrated formula also earns bonus points for being eco-friendly, biodegradable and Eczema Foundation-approved—making it gentle for both your clothes and your skin.
Fast Facts
- Size: 21.6 ounces
- Scent Notes: magnolia, bergamot, cedar
- Scent Strength: 6/10
What to Consider When Shopping for Laundry Detergent
While we’re all about finding a detergent that smells delicious, you want to start by making sure it will do what it’s supposed to: Clean your clothes. That means looking for one that uses enzymes, which are “added to detergents to accelerate chemical reactions and [help] break down stains and dirt on fabric better than soap and water alone,” per the professors at the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University. “Enzymes target specific types of stains and break them down quickly and effectively. For example, some enzymes will target proteins, starches, or fats and help break down and remove those ingredients quickly.” As a general rule of thumb, however, look for ingredients that end in “-ase,” like amylases (removes starch stains from pasta and potatoes), lipases (removes fat stains from butter and oil) or proteases (removes protein stains from grass, eggs or bodily fluids). Otherwise, if you have allergies or eczema, you’ll want to do some homework on plant-based, natural detergents that won’t irritate your skin.
Once you’ve established your detergent will leave your laundry cleaner than before, you should look to your existing perfume collection for a scent that’s right for you. Do you typically wear florals with notes of rose or sweet scents with amber and vanilla? The Laundress No.723 is an option to look into. If you’re more of a musky person who appreciates warm, rich notes (like bergamot and amber), OUAI’s Melrose Place or Tyler’s Diva Wash is the way to go. And of course, if you’re someone who prefers the simple, classic linen scent of laundry itself, you can’t go wrong with L'avant Collective or HEX Performance’s Laundry Packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Laundry Detergent Is the Best Smelling?
The best-smelling laundry detergent ultimately depends on your scent preferences, but a few standouts emerged in our testing. The White Barn Moonlit Goddess detergent took the top spot overall, with its soft, romantic blend of French lavender, pear blossom and golden vanilla. It doesn’t just smell like a freshly bloomed bouquet—it delivers powerful stain-fighting abilities that left sweat, spaghetti sauce and dried toothpaste completely lifted. Otherwise, for anyone craving something more luxurious, The Laundress’s Beauty Sleep detergent turned washing sheets into an aromatherapy session, transforming entire rooms into boutique hotel suites with its calming mix of sandalwood, lavender and jasmine.
To that end, Hotel Collection’s Black Velvet pods offered a moody, high-end cologne-inspired scent (think smoky black tea and cedarwood) that makes laundry day *literally* feel like a practice in five-star accommodations. And of course, if lighter, fruitier notes are your thing, Method Ginger Mango is a standout. Its fresh, subtly sweet blend feels like summer tucked into every drawer—and at $15 per bottle, it’s a budget-friendly pick that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
How Can I Make My Laundry Smell Really Good?
To make your laundry smell really good, it’s all about choosing the right detergent (above), mastering your laundry technique and adding a few strategic extras. To amp up the fragrance, consider washing with cold water to preserve delicate notes, and try doubling the detergent for a stronger scent payoff (as tested with OUAI Melrose Place). You can also add scented dryer sheets or wool dryer balls paired with a laundry fragrance oil for an extra boost—The Laundress and L’Avant Collective both offer options to complement their detergents. Finally, be mindful of how you store your laundry: folding fresh clothes immediately after drying and keeping them in breathable linen drawers or closet sachets will ensure the fragrance lasts longer.
What Is the Longest-Lasting Laundry Scent?
If you’re looking for the longest-lasting laundry scent, opt for detergents with concentrated formulas and fragrances designed to cling to fabrics. Detergents with high-quality, oil-based scents—often found in luxury or specialty brands—tend to outperform conventional options because they penetrate fibers more deeply and release their notes gradually over time. Look for ingredients like essential oils or natural fragrance blends, as these tend to last longer without feeling overly artificial. (See: The Laundress and Tyler’s Diva Wash.)
