7 Best Detergent for Washing Towels | Smells Like a Spa Day

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This jug cleans 122 loads — the budget-friendly workhorse for musty towels.

This jug delivers 158.6 fluid ounces across 122 loads, making it the highest load count in this lineup at a very accessible price point. The real trick is the combination of OxiClean (a powdered oxygen bleach that breaks down organic stains) and the Odor Blasters technology that specifically targets the bacteria that cause sour towel smells. Buyers report that it “dissolves easily, brightens fabrics, leaves clothes clean with mild scent,” which matches what you want from a heavy-use household detergent that pulls double duty on both stains and lingering odors.

At 11.16 pounds, this is the heaviest jug here, and the dimensions (11 x 10.3 x 4.97 inches) mean it takes up noticeable shelf space. Compared with the more compact MRS. MEYER’S bottle at 4.5 x 4.5 x 10.75 inches and 64 loads, the ARM & HAMMER option gives you 122 loads. It works in cold and warm water, and the mild Fresh Burst scent does not clash with any natural boosters you might add to the rinse cycle.

One trade-off is that the scent, while pleasant, is not as bold or long-lasting on the fabric as the Gain Original or the Tide Original. If you want your towels to announce themselves with fragrance, this one leans subtle. But for the core job—removing body oil and preventing mustiness—buyers consistently confirm it “cleans all clothes in any washer” and works “as well as expensive brands.”

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Tide claims this concentrated formula delivers “4X cleaner and 2X fresher” than its own Simply line for tough stains you can see.

Tide claims this concentrated formula delivers “4X cleaner and 2X fresher” compared to its own Simply line, backed by 4 additional cleaning active ingredients and 2 extra freshness agents. For towels, that means the 10X grease-fighting ingredients (versus leading bargain detergents) are particularly useful for breaking down the body oils that build up in terry cloth loops over time. One satisfied buyer noted it “removes everyday stains and odors even in cold water,” which matters because washing towels in hot water every time is expensive and can shrink the fabric.

The jug holds 125 fluid ounces and lasts for 100 loads, which puts it squarely in the mid-to-premium tier. While the ARM & HAMMER option gives you 122 loads for less money, Tide outperforms it on stain removal — buyers specifically call out its ability to remove tough set-in stains without needing a separate pre-treater. The Original Scent is widely described as pleasant and not overwhelming, which is a safe bet if you share a household with picky noses.

One thing to watch: the concentrated formula is thick, and it can be a little annoying to pour the right amount from a 10.93-pound jug without making a mess. Some reviewers mention using the cap to measure carefully because too much leaves residue. Still, the consensus is clear: this is “consistent cleaning power” that “tackles tough stains and leaves clothes fresh without any residue.”

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Drop one pod in the drum and go. Tide claims the 3-in-1 formula combines a built-in stain remover, an odor fighter, and color protectors — with no measuring or pouring.

If you have ever spilled liquid detergent down the side of the jug or struggled to read the fill line on the cap, these pre-measured pods solve that problem instantly. The 3-in-1 formula combines a built-in stain remover, an odor fighter, and color protectors all in one dissolvable pack. Buyers confirm they “dissolve completely in HE front-loader (cold water),” which is critical for towel loads that you want to run efficiently without worrying about a pod not fully breaking down in a low-water machine.

The 76-count tub covers a solid number of loads, though it trails behind the 122 loads of the ARM & HAMMER liquid and the 100 loads of the Tide liquid. However, the convenience trade-off is meaningful for anyone who does not want to store a huge jug or who deals with kids or elderly family members who might over-pour liquid detergent. One reviewer noted that the pods deliver “excellent cleaning for heavily soiled clothes (sweat, gardening, hiking)” which tells you the enzymes inside handle the dirtiest towel loads without fuss.

The Spring Meadow scent is fresh but not overpowering, falling somewhere between the mild ARM & HAMMER and the bolder Gain Original. The trade-off is that pods are generally more expensive per load than liquid detergents from the same brand, so your per-wash cost is higher. If you go through towels quickly and do a lot of loads, the liquid Tide or ARM & HAMMER jugs will save you money over time.

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The scent is engineered with fragrance capsules that break throughout the day, releasing bursts of sun-kissed citrus and delicate florals every time you move.

Gain Original has a deeply loyal following because the scent is engineered with fragrance capsules that break throughout the day, releasing bursts of sun-kissed citrus and delicate florals every time you move. For towels, that means the smell does not vanish the second you start drying off—it stays on the fabric and lingers in the bathroom. One reviewer put it simply: “This original scent Gain is the absolute best smelling laundry detergent ever.” The Odor Defense addition specifically targets tough and musty odors at the source, which is the exact problem that makes towels unwelcome to use.

The 132-fluid-ounce bottle covers 100 medium loads and weighs 8.25 pounds, so it is lighter than the Tide liquid (10.93 pounds) while holding slightly more volume. Unlike the ARM & HAMMER option that focuses on a clean, mild finish, Gain is all about the experience — the cap is redesigned to pour without spilling, which buyers appreciate. It works in all machine types and water conditions, though the fragrance is definitely the main event.

If you are sensitive to strong perfumes, this one can be too much. Several owners mention the scent “might be too strong for sensitive users,” and the floral profile can clash with the natural smell of a clean bathroom. For someone who wants a neutral or unscented fabric, the Molly’s Suds powder would be a far better fit.

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The plant-derived formula uses essential oils, not artificial perfumes, for a calm, natural scent that one buyer says “reduces need for fabric softener.”

MRS. MEYER’S uses a biodegradable formula infused with lavender essential oil and contains stain-fighting enzymes, but skips the artificial colors, brighteners, parabens, and phthalates found in many mainstream brands. For towels, this matters because the lack of brighteners and waxy fillers means the fabric stays absorbent over time — no coating to block water absorption. Buyers specifically note that it provides “natural softness” and requires “little goes a long way” per load, which helps justify the smaller bottle size.

The 64-fluid-ounce bottle covers 64 loads when you fill to the mid-ridge of the cap, compared with 122 loads from the ARM & HAMMER bottle. The compact dimensions (4.5 x 4.5 x 10.75 inches) make it easy to fit on a cramped shelf, and at just 4 pounds it is lighter than the 11.16-pound ARM & HAMMER jug. The lavender scent is described as “fresh, clean, not overpowering” and one longtime user mentions it “reduces need for fabric softener,” which is a huge win for towel care since softener ruins absorbency.

The trade-off is that it does not handle heavy stains as well as Tide or ARM & HAMMER. Reviewers point out that it “needs pre-treatment for heavy stains” and is better suited for everyday loads and light soiling.

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This powder contains just 4 ingredients — no dyes, synthetic fragrances, or harsh additives — developed by a pediatric nurse for the most sensitive skin.

Molly’s Suds contains just 4 simple ingredients with no artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, or harsh additives. For towel care, this is about as good as it gets for absorbency because there is nothing in the formula that can coat the cotton loops and block water. The concentrated powder cleans 120 loads per 79-ounce bag, which is a very strong load count for a powder detergent and puts it on par with the ARM & HAMMER jug. Customers note it “cleans everything very clean and fresh, but has no weird smells” and works well for “sensitive skin and babies.”

Using it is a bit different from liquid. The instructions say to dissolve 1 tablespoon-sized scoop in warm or hot water before adding towels, which adds one extra step to your routine compared to pouring liquid. However, reviewers point out that it “cleans workout gear and grass stains” effectively and “leaves no residue in HE cold water.” The unscented nature is a blessing for anyone allergic to perfume or who wants to control their own scent by adding essential oils or vinegar to the rinse cycle.

On the downside, the unscented formula means your towels will smell like clean cotton and nothing more. If you want that lingering lavender or citrus perfume that the Gain or The Laundress products deliver, this one does not offer that at all. Additionally, the powder can clump if stored in a damp laundry room, so keep the bag sealed tight and in a dry spot.

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This 4-in-1 bio-based enzyme formula uses a perfume blend of night-blooming jasmine, warm sandalwood, a whisper of rose, anchored by musk and amber — turning washing towels into a bedtime self-care ritual.

The Laundress Beauty Sleep is a concentrated 4-in-1 bio-based enzyme formula specifically designed for bedding and sleepwear, with a fragrance blend of night-blooming jasmine, warm sandalwood, a whisper of rose, anchored by musk and amber. For towels, this translates into a long-lasting, relaxing scent that one buyer describes as “light, calming, scents entire room” and “lasts until next wash.” The enzymes gently lift oils and dirt while the formula preserves color vibrancy, so your nicest guest towels or bath sheets stay looking fresh.

The catch is the capacity. This 16-ounce bottle covers only 15 loads. The ARM & HAMMER jug gives you 122 loads. Buyers acknowledge this directly: one says “needs a gallon option” and another notes it is “best bought on sale.” The small bottle also means you have to reorder fairly often if you use it for all your towel loads.

However, if you treat your bathroom as a sanctuary and the scent experience matters as much as the clean, the Beauty Sleep delivers something no other product here does. One reviewer writes they “actually believe that it has helped me fall asleep a lot quicker,” and the formula makes towels noticeably soft without any fabric conditioner. It is not a household workhorse — it is a specialty product for the towel set that you want to smell like a luxury spa.