Here at Garame Cleaning Co., we're often asked which type of laundry detergent works best. And while we don't sell any ourselves, we're big believers in knowing your options - especially when it comes to washing the gear you work, play and sweat in. The detergent aisle can be tricky.

Whether you're washing sweaty gym & activewear or seeking eco-friendly options, it's not as simple as it seems. Let's break down the four major contenders: liquid, powder, pods, and sheets.

Understanding the different types of laundry detergents

Liquid Detergent

The go-to for many households. Liquid detergent is versatile, dissolves easily in any water temperature, and is excellent at tackling greasy or oily stains. It's also ideal for pre-treating problem spots - dab it straight on.

Powder Detergent

It's old school but still solid. Powder is usually cheaper per wash and comes in bulk-friendly packaging. It works particularly well in hot washes or for ground-in dirt. Just keep in mind that powder may not dissolve fully in cold water, which can leave residue on clothes and result in under-cleaning.

Laundry Pods

Pods are all about convenience. Pre-measured and mess-free, they're easy to toss into the drum. But they're also pricier and less flexible - one size doesn't fit all, especially if you're doing very small or large loads.

Laundry Sheets

The new kid on the block. These compact strips are plastic-free and low on packaging waste. They're good for sustainability, but tests show that they don't always beat the other form factors. 

What to Expect from Each Type: Strengths, Weaknesses, and What to Watch For

Now that we’ve covered what each type of detergent is, let’s take a closer look at how they stack up - because what’s right for one load might not be right for another.

Liquid Detergent - Reliable and ready for anything

A crowd favourite and for good reason. It dissolves readily in cold and hot water, making it ideal for everyday loads and quick washes. It's also great for targeting stains directly - pour a little onto the spot before the wash.Liquid is your best bet for dealing with heavily stained clothing or sweat-soaked synthetics (hello, gym gear). It penetrates fabric fibres more effectively than powder, helping shift stains and soiling. That said, it's not perfect. Liquid detergent often comes in plastic bottles. This isn't ideal for waste unless you recycle well or use a refill system. It can also cost more per wash than powder.Liquid is the way to go if you want convenience and strong stain-fighting power.

Powder Detergent: Budget-Friendly and Built to Last

Powder detergent has been around forever - and it's still a solid choice. It's typically the most cost-effective option per wash, which makes it popular for big households or anyone doing laundry on a tight budget.It stores well, has a long shelf life, and often comes in cardboard packaging, which can be a win for waste-conscious buyers. Powders work well in hot water cycles. They are great at removing muddy or ground dirt. This makes them an excellent option for work clothes and school uniforms. However, they aren't ideal for clothing or gear made from natural or synthetic materials, as those may shrink with heat. But they're not without downsides. In cold washes or high-efficiency machines that use less water, powders can sometimes leave residue behind. That's not ideal if you're washing synthetics or activewear where leftover detergent can trap odours instead of removing them.Still, powder detergent holds its own for everyday washing - especially when hot water is in play.

Laundry Pods: Convenient, But Not Always Flexible

Laundry pods are the definition of no-fuss. Each pod comes pre-measured, so there's no guessing, pouring, or mess. Just toss one into the drum, press start, and off you go. That convenience is hard to beat for busy households or trips to the laundromat.The pre-dosed format helps prevent overuse, a common problem with liquid detergent. This reduces residue buildup, which can cause musty smells, especially in synthetic fabrics.But here's the catch: pods are pricey. They often cost more per wash than powder or liquid. And suppose you're doing very small or very large loads. In that case, they're not so flexible - you either waste detergent or risk under-cleaning. You also can't use them to pre-treat stains, which limits their versatility.Environmentally, there's debate. Many pods use recyclable containers wrapped in PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). This material dissolves in water but doesn't always biodegrade completely in every wastewater system.Pods are great for regular loads and daily dirt. But if you need more control or have delicate or high-performance items, you might prefer a product with more choices.

Laundry Sheets: Light on Packaging, Light on Power

Laundry sheets are a newer, more eco-conscious option. They are slim and plastic-free. They often come in minimal packaging, such as cardboard or compostable materials. They're an appealing choice for those looking to cut down on plastic waste or simplify their laundry setup.They are purported to work in hot or cold water, though we hear mixed reports with folks saying they have found residues and crumpled-up sheets after a wash cycle. Plus, many are free from dyes, phosphates, and fragrances, which can be a win for people with sensitive skin.But cleaning power? They're not quite there yet. Independent lab tests reveal that most sheets struggle with tough stains like body oil, dirt, or coffee. This is especially true for synthetic fabrics, where odours are more challenging to remove. Even the best-rated sheet detergents don't stack up to top-performing liquids or pods for overall cleaning.If your laundry isn't heavily soiled or if you're after a lightweight, low-waste option for routine washes, sheets do the trick. Just know their limits.

How to Choose the Right Detergent for Your Laundry

So which type is best? That depends on your laundry habits, gear, and what matters most to you - stain removal, cost, environmental impact, or ease of use.

• Machine type matters. If you've got a high-efficiency (HE) washer, check the label - some detergents create too many suds and won't rinse properly. Most liquids and pods are HE-compatible, but it's always worth confirming.
• Fabric type counts. Activewear from synthetics like polyester can hang onto smells more than natural fibres. If that's your laundry basket, choose detergents that work well in cold water and don't leave residue. Liquids are usually better than powders or sheets for this.
• Skin sensitivities? You can find fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergents in all types. Just check the label.
• Environmental concerns? If you want to cut waste, choose sheets or powdered detergents in cardboard boxes. They have a smaller footprint than plastic bottles or pod containers. residue - liquids are generally better than powders or sheets here.
• Pro Tip: Skip any detergent that includes fabric softener for synthetic fabrics. It can coat the fibres and trap odour-causing compounds instead of helping remove them.Bottom line? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best detergent is the one that fits your clothes, your values, and your weekly wash routine.

Bottom line

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best detergent is the one that fits your clothes, your values, and your weekly wash routine.

Other reading

Howstuffworks.com - Pods vs. Powder vs. Liquid detergent: Which works best?