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  • 10 Best Detergents for Clothes in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Chemical Engineer 1
  • 10 Best Detergents for Clothes in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Chemical Engineer 2
  • 10 Best Detergents for Clothes in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Chemical Engineer 3
  • 10 Best Detergents for Clothes in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Chemical Engineer 4
  • 10 Best Detergents for Clothes in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Chemical Engineer 5

10 Best Detergents for Clothes in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Chemical Engineer

Doing laundry is one of those things that we cannot avoid; in winter, you can do less of it, and in summer, you’re compelled to do it every day, but there is no way to get rid of it completely. What makes this tedious chore even more frustrating is buying laundry detergents that claim to be amazing but are actually not even close to that.

Since there are numerous laundry detergents on the market, we’re here to help you understand what makes each of these products different so that you can choose the most suitable one for yourself. To make the selection process even easier, we’ll also introduce you to the top 10 best laundry detergents you can find online in India. This article is reviewed by a chemical engineer, Komal Gupta, keep on reading to hear the expert's opinion.
Last updated 07/14/2023
Komal Gupta
Expert
Chemical Engineer
Komal Gupta

Komal is a chemical engineer, working in the field of electroplating. She has a keen interest in understanding the chemicals used in pharmaceuticals and detergents. Komal is striving to create consumer products with better efficiency and bio-friendly methods.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Detergent for Clothes in India – Buying Guide

There are a few important things you need to think about if you want to choose the best laundry detergent for your clothes. Things like the type of detergent: bar, liquid, or powder, if it's suitable for baby's skin, or even fabrics. So, get going if you haven’t thought about the things mentioned above. 

1

Select a Type Based on What It Does Best

The three most common types of detergents are, bar, powder, and liquid; each of these has their own pros and cons, and you should choose one based on what it does best.

Detergent Bars Are Great for Sweat or Dirt Stains

Detergent Bars Are Great for Sweat or Dirt Stains
This is the most affordable type you’ll find, and it’s perfect for hand washing your clothes without having to presoak it. It is especially great at cleaning sweat-stained collars, ankles, and cuffs, as long as the clothes are not made of delicate materials like silk, chiffon, or wool.

Although we say it’s great for handwashing, we mean it’s limited to that purpose because it cannot be used to wash clothes in washing machines. Additionally, just like any other soap bar, it runs out fairly quickly if you’re not careful about keeping it away from water once you’re done using it.

Komal Gupta
Chemical EngineerKomal Gupta

While washing with detergent bars helps one focus on the area of sweat and dirt, it also has detrimental effects on the skin. Because of the lower ph of these bars, the human skin starts to peel off. To avoid this, one may use non-soap-based synthetic detergents called syndets. Syndets have a nearly identical cleansing action as soap, but with the benefit of having the same pH as the skin.

Powder Detergents Work Well in Hard Water but Take Longer to Dissolve in Cold Water

Powder Detergents Work Well in Hard Water but Take Longer to Dissolve in Cold Water
One of the most popular common forms is powder detergent. Powder detergents are versatile to be used for either handwashing or washing machines. They’re also easy to measure and store, and they usually work perfectly with hard water as well. There are various brands with different formulas; some brands offer added natural ingredients for stain removal.

For example, the lemon extract helps in breaking down tough stains and is good for white clothes. Just be careful that you prevent any exposure to moisture because that can make your detergent clumpy, making it a little inconvenient to use. It also takes longer to dissolve in cold water, so keep that in mind before you use it.

Komal Gupta
Chemical EngineerKomal Gupta

Hard water is water that contains high mineral content like calcium and magnesium carbonates. These minerals react with the detergent to form a salt that precipitates on the cloth. This is not healthy for cleaning. On the other hand, some cold water formulated detergents like tide plus are easily dissolvable in cold water, give effective cleaning.

Liquid Detergents Are a Great Alternate but Be Careful With the Instructions

Liquid Detergents Are a Great Alternate but Be Careful With the Instructions
When you use powder detergents for your fully automatic machine, there can be soapsuds, i.e., white residue on your clothes. It happens because a fully automatic washing machine uses less water and the powder doesn't dissolve entirely hence sticks to the fabrics.

Liquid detergents overcome this as they dissolve entirely in water and are more suitable for a fully automatic washing machine. Liquid detergents are ideal for soft fabrics and clothes made of wool or silk as they do not have bleach, unlike powdered ones. They dissolve quickly in both hot and cold water.


One aspect that you need to be careful about is that it’s easy to misjudge how much detergent you should use when using liquid ones. It takes time to get used to the adequate quantity required for washing. So, we recommend checking the instructions carefully at the back of the bottle. 

Komal Gupta
Chemical EngineerKomal Gupta

Since liquid detergents are mostly used in machines, one must take care of a few essentials while buying them. Your liquid detergent must contain some builders like tetrasodium EDTA, which helps remove the hardness from water. It must also contain antideposition agents, which prevent the soil from depositing back on the cloth. 


Dye transfer inhibitors like Chromabond S-100 help prevent dye from coming off. Pro tip - One can be easily conned while buying liquid detergents. The retailer might dilute the composition to gain profit. You must always look out for the thickness of your liquid detergent. 

2

Choose Detergents Specifically Made for Washing Machine

Choose Detergents Specifically Made for Washing Machine

When selecting detergents, not all detergents are suitable to be used with a washing machine. It is still important to buy only washing machine-specific ones. Some detergents are for only top-loading machines, and there are some made for front-loading.


Check the labels on the box; it is specifically specified to be used with a washing machine, either top loader or front loader, as per the brand. Even manufacturers mention only specific brands to be used to get maximum efficiency and cleaning, or else you might not get satisfied with the cleaning outcome of your washing machine. 

Komal Gupta
Chemical EngineerKomal Gupta

A top-load washing machine has an agitator and has a longer washing cycle in the drum, requiring more water for washing. A front-load, on the other hand, has no agitator and works on tumble action.


A front-load requires less water and detergent, having a shorter cycle for washing. Due to this difference in washing mechanism, different detergents are required for front-load and top-load washing machines.

3

Washing Baby Clothes? Check if the Ingredients Are Safe for Your Baby’s Skin

Washing Baby Clothes? Check if the Ingredients Are Safe for Your Baby’s Skin
We’re going to stop you right there if you’re planning to use your usual detergent to wash your baby’s clothes because normal detergents are not gentle enough for a baby’s skin. Make sure to check the list of ingredients and avoid detergents with strong fragrances and bleach because those are the two biggest irritants.

Check the ingredients for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES), phosphate, and bleach. They are cleaning agents and can irritate a baby's eyes. Buy detergents free of them. Moreover, we’d recommend going for a liquid detergent as they’re easier to rinse out and less likely to cause any skin irritation.

Komal Gupta
Chemical EngineerKomal Gupta

An infant's skin is vulnerable to scratches and can easily develop irritation, rashes, and redness. To avoid this, one must choose the detergent very carefully. The detergent must contain high cleaning properties as well as minimal use of chemicals. One major component must be a fabric softener. This helps to keep clothes fresh and soft on the skin. 

4

Go for More Gentle Formulas for Delicate Fabrics

Go for More Gentle Formulas for Delicate Fabrics
Most detergents are alkaline in nature because soap naturally has a low pH level, and while using these detergents to wash clothes made of cotton, nylon, or polyester is not a problem, you need to be more careful when washing more delicate fabrics.

Wool, silk, chiffon, and satin are all delicate fabrics that need more gentle detergents, ones that are specially designed for them with a neutral pH that’ll not strip the natural oils from their fibers. Therefore, if you want to wash clothes made of such fabrics, make sure you choose more gentle detergents that clearly mention they’re meant for delicate materials.

Komal Gupta
Chemical EngineerKomal Gupta

One must also prefer washing these delicates by hand. In a washing machine, the harshness of the detergent and agitator may soil the clothes. You may also use plant-based detergents for such clothes. 


You must be careful about the dispense of your wastewater after cleaning. Detergents are very harmful to aquatic animals. They destroy the external mucus layers that protect the fish from bacteria and parasites.

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10 Best Detergents for Clothes in India

Let us jump into our list of recommendations to introduce you to the best detergents on the market. From renowned Surf Excel to newly made for babies detergent like MamaEarth, we have assembled a comprehensive top 10.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Surf Excel

Matic Front Load Detergent Powder

 Surf Excel  Matic Front Load Detergent Powder 1枚目

Works With Hard Water, Reduces Lint With Limited Quantity

2

Godrej

Ezee Liquid Detergent - For Winterwear, 3kgs (1 bottle + 2 refills)

Godrej   Ezee Liquid Detergent - For Winterwear, 3kgs (1 bottle + 2 refills)  1枚目

Gently Cleans Delicate Fabrics and Keeps the Colours From Fading

3

Surf Excel

Easy Wash Detergent Powder

 Surf Excel  Easy Wash Detergent Powder 1枚目

Detergent for Everyday Use That Isn’t Harsh on the Hands

4

Surf Excel

Excel Bar

Surf Excel  Excel Bar 1枚目

Economically Priced and Makes Hand Washing Less of a Hassle

5

MamaEarth

Plant based laundry detergent

MamaEarth Plant based laundry detergent 1枚目

Suitable Laundry Detergent for Kids Clothes

6

Ariel

Matic Liquid Detergent

Ariel  Matic Liquid Detergent 1枚目

Minimises Product Wastage and Has a Lingering Scent

7

Surf Excel

Matic Top Load Detergent Powder

Surf Excel  Matic Top Load Detergent Powder 1枚目

Keeps the Colours From Fading and Leaves Clothes Feeling Softer

8

Tide Plus

Extra Power Detergent Washing Powder (Lemon and Mint)

Tide Plus Extra Power Detergent Washing Powder (Lemon and Mint)  1枚目

Removes Mal-odors and Works Particularly Well for White Clothes

9

IFB

Essentials Fluff Top Load Fabric Detergent

IFB  Essentials Fluff Top Load Fabric Detergent 1枚目

Contains Fabric Conditioner to Keep Your Clothes Super Soft

10

RIN

Detergent Bar

 RIN  Detergent Bar 1枚目

Great for Removing Mud and Dirt Stains From School Uniforms

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Surf Excel Matic Front Load Detergent Powder

 Matic Front Load Detergent Powder Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹348.00
Reference price
₹348.00

Works With Hard Water, Reduces Lint With Limited Quantity

The best laundry detergent on the market, if you’ve got a front-load washing machine, then this is what you need to make laundry hassle-free for you. It not only removes stains, but it does so gently, which prevents clothes from becoming rough and increases their life.

It also helps reduce lint, keeps the clothes smelling fresh, and it’s especially great for washing whites. Furthermore, a little goes a long way with this detergent, so it’ll last for a while, and it works well with hard water too, so you won’t need to worry about that either.
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No.2

Godrej Ezee Liquid Detergent - For Winterwear, 3kgs (1 bottle + 2 refills)

 Ezee Liquid Detergent - For Winterwear, 3kgs (1 bottle + 2 refills)  Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹408.00
Reference price
₹408.00

Gently Cleans Delicate Fabrics and Keeps the Colours From Fading

If you’re looking for a detergent to wash more delicate clothes, this is the one as it’s not as harsh as other detergents and doesn’t strip away the natural oils from materials like wool-silk. It keeps the clothes soft, doesn’t allow the colors to fade, and is gentle on the hands.

It’s also safer for those with sensitive skin as it has a much more gentle formulation that is free of irritants such as heavy fragrances. Additionally, it may be an investment product, but it’ll be worth spending on as it’ll increase the life of clothes that need the extra care.
No.3

Surf Excel Easy Wash Detergent Powder

 Easy Wash Detergent Powder Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹414.00
Reference price
₹414.00

Detergent for Everyday Use That Isn’t Harsh on the Hands

This is one of the most affordable powder-type detergents on the market, and it works well for both hand washing and machine washing. It has a pleasant fragrance that may not linger for too long, but due to that, it’s also less irritating compared to other detergent powders.

It removes stains without any hassles, especially if the clothes have been presoaked, which shouldn’t be a problem as it dissolves easily even in cold water. You only need a little bit of this, so it won’t run out easily, making it perfect for everyday use, and on top of that, it’s not too harsh on the hands either.
No.4

Surf Excel Excel Bar

 Excel Bar Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹94.00
Reference price
₹94.00

Economically Priced and Makes Hand Washing Less of a Hassle

Those looking for a detergent bar that is economically priced but doesn’t require too much effort to use should choose this one. You don’t need to use a brush to scrub off the dirt as it easily removes stains, and you don’t even need to try too hard to rinse it as that’s easy to do too, so it saves you both time and effort.

As with all other detergent bars, the only drawback to this is that it won’t work for more delicate fabrics, limiting handwashing. Additionally, even though you don’t have to brush with this, you will need to rub on the stains at least a little bit, which will slowly but eventually damage the threads near the cuffs and collars.
No.5

MamaEarthPlant based laundry detergent

Plant based laundry detergent Image 1
Source:mamaearth.in
Plant based laundry detergent Image 2
Source:mamaearth.in
Plant based laundry detergent Image 3
Source:mamaearth.in
Plant based laundry detergent Image 4
Source:mamaearth.in
Reference price
₹599.00
Reference price
₹599.00

Suitable Laundry Detergent for Kids Clothes

This product by mama earth is specifically made for babies' clothes. The product contains natural ingredients like neem, citric acid that is effective on stains and does not cause any reaction to the baby's skin. The product contains bio enzymes and anti-bacterial agents.


The product is dermatologically tested and does not contains ingredients like bleach, phosphate, SLS, OR SLES. Many product reviews by mothers have highlighted how good the product is and has given a good essence after washing clothes.

No.6

Ariel Matic Liquid Detergent

 Matic Liquid Detergent Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹223.00
Reference price
₹223.00

Minimises Product Wastage and Has a Lingering Scent

If you’re looking for a detergent that not only smells wonderful but also has a scent that actually lingers, then this is for you. It can be used with both top-load and front-load machines, and it fights stains without allowing the colors to fade. It also has a unique cap that minimizes product wastage, so you’ll get your money’s worth.

The liquid detergent works effectively and sufficiently with limited quantities. Moreover, you’ll have to use it as a pretreatment for tougher stains as it won’t remove them properly unless that’s done.

No.7

Surf Excel Matic Top Load Detergent Powder

 Matic Top Load Detergent Powder Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹329.00
Reference price
₹329.00

Keeps the Colours From Fading and Leaves Clothes Feeling Softer

This detergent for top-load machines is great for those who need a relatively affordable option that’ll keep the clothes soft and prevent the colors from fading. It also removes tough stains without much hassle, and you don’t need to use a lot of it, so you won’t need to worry about running out of it easily.

It’s not the best option for those who want a detergent with a strong fragrance, though, as it has a pretty light scent, which doesn’t linger for very long either. Additionally, despite being a powder type, it doesn’t work too well with hard water, so you might want to consider one of the others if you’ll be using hard water for laundry.
No.8

Tide PlusExtra Power Detergent Washing Powder (Lemon and Mint)

Extra Power Detergent Washing Powder (Lemon and Mint)  Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹725.00
Reference price
₹725.00

Removes Mal-odors and Works Particularly Well for White Clothes

If you need something that works particularly well on whites, regardless of whether you’re handwashing them or using a machine, then this is the product for you. It may seem a bit expensive initially, but you get a huge pack for that amount so that you won’t run out of it easily.

While it does a great job at removing mal-odors and leaving the clothes feeling fresh, you must use it as pretreatment for at least two hours before you start washing to make sure it does its job properly. Furthermore, it’s quite harsh on the hands, so be prepared to deal with that if you plan to hand wash.
No.9

IFB Essentials Fluff Top Load Fabric Detergent

 Essentials Fluff Top Load Fabric Detergent Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹290.00
Reference price
₹290.00

Contains Fabric Conditioner to Keep Your Clothes Super Soft

This detergent is perfect for those who want to save time and need a detergent that already contains a fabric softener. It’s made for top-load machines, and aside from keeping your clothes soft, it properly gets rid of stains, keeps the colors from fading, makes your clothes smell better, and works well with hard water as well.

The product needs to be used in quantities specified on the label for efficient usage and less wastage. Moreover, its softening properties do not work on towels as they remain quite rough if you don’t use a softener separately.
No.10

RIN Detergent Bar

Detergent Bar Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹52.00
Reference price
₹52.00

Great for Removing Mud and Dirt Stains From School Uniforms

If you’re looking for something for everyday use to wash things like school uniforms, bedsheets, or even canvas shoes and bags, then this is the one for you. It is recommended for school uniforms because it works extremely well on dirt and mud; usually, stains kids bring home.

Although it’s the most economically priced, once it gets wet, it takes really long to dry, so a lot of the soap is wasted, and you run out of it pretty quickly. It’s also a bit harsh on the hands and will leave them feeling dry. Furthermore, it’s too harsh for woolens or silk clothes, so make sure you don’t use it on them.

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Summary

Everyday products can often be the hardest to understand and the most difficult to choose, mostly because they all seem to be the same thing being sold in different packaging. However, if you want to choose the best one for yourself, you must know what makes them different and how they’re meant to be used.

Top 5 Detergent

No. 1: Surf Excel Matic Front Load Detergent Powder

No. 2: Godrej Ezee Liquid Detergent - For Winterwear, 3kgs (1 bottle + 2 refills)

No. 3: Surf Excel Easy Wash Detergent Powder

No. 4: Surf Excel Excel Bar

No. 5: MamaEarthPlant based laundry detergent

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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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