Without a washer or dryer in my Los Angeles apartment, laundry has become a chore that I dread – but one thing I’ve found that helps is adding a fun scent to my clothes. As someone who loves perfume, I’ve become somewhat of a laundry detergent connoisseur. There are such amazing smells and luxurious formulations available these days.Sure, a fancy-smelling soap can be a splurge, but it also doesn’t have to be. I’ve found luxe laundry detergents, fabric softeners and scent boosters at all budgets. Shop some of my favorites from DedCool, Bath & Body Works, The Laundress and more brands ahead – a few are even on sale right now.DedCoolThis laundry detergent that smells like marshmallowsI recently tried the DedCool Laundry Dedtergent in the scent Mochi Milk for the first time, and I’m obsessed. It smells like marshmallows, which is such a unique scent for a laundry detergent. It also includes notes of sweet rice milk and vanilla bean — yum. When I walk into my bedroom, I can smell the Mochi Milk scent coming off my sheets, and it’s just one of those simple pleasures that’s so worth it. Mochi Milk is a light and fresh scent that isn’t overpowering, but still noticeable. Another DedCool scent I’m obsessed with is the cult-favorite Xtra Milk. I haven’t tried the laundry detergent in this scent, but I’m sure it would also be incredible.The DedCool laundry detergent comes in reusable aluminum packaging, so you can buy detergent refills for a lower cost. My verdict? This Dedtergent is worth the splurge for a small joy.Bath & Body WorksThe laundry detergent version of your favorite Bath & Body Works scents“This fragrance makes my clothes and linens smell amazing. Its an appealing smell for both men and women. Its like a walk in a leathery forest on a crisp morning!” – Dee De Long“Scent is divine. No matter how many times you wear your clothes it’s always smelling so good. I didn't have to use a lot. Just a little drop in my other detergent for the trick.” – Eme EveWalmartA “glamorous” laundry detergent that's “worth all the hype”This HE-safe laundry detergent from Tyler, Texas, was a bestseller at a boutique in Arkansas where I used to work. (HuffPost shopping reporter Griffin Wynne is a fan, too.) Diva is one of the most popular Glamorous Wash scents. It's a warm fruity-floral with notes of chocolate and amber. Promising review: “I don’t usually get excited about laundry detergent, but Tyler Glamorous Wash deserves all the hype. I started using it a few months ago, and now I can’t imagine going back to anything else. The scent is amazing: clean, elegant, and long-lasting without being overpowering.Here’s the wild part: people actually stop me to ask why I smell so good. One time in the checkout line, the woman behind me leaned in and said, “What perfume are you wearing? It’s incredible.” I had to laugh and tell her it wasn’t perfume at all, just my laundry detergent. Since then, I’ve had random compliments from coworkers and even strangers at coffee shops.It makes all my clothes (and honestly my whole closet) smell like a high-end boutique. A little goes a long way, so even though it’s pricier than standard detergent, it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re on the fence, try it, you’ll never go back.” – Leslie ColebankAmazonA German laundry detergent with a "captivating" smell that sent one shopping writer on an Amazon huntAfter using "the softest and best-smelling towel I have ever encountered" at a friend's apartment, shopping writer Griffin Wynne went on the hunt for the detergent that was responsible for the scent. It turned out to be Persil, a powdered German laundry detergent that is available in the US – but, as Wynne discovered, the particularly perfect scent isn't exactly easy to find."If you want the whole experience, the captivating smell that will make you bury your face into your clothes like you’re in a commercial, you have to get the powdered German version, which, as my friend told me, you can score on Amazon.... It’s not a budget item, but you’ll see that hundreds of reviews share how worth it this powder is, pledging never to use any other detergent." AmazonThis more affordable detergent that comes in a cute cartonThis bestselling juniper sandalwood scent from Clean Cult is meant to smell like a warm summer night — how unique. Choose from other scents like rose petal and neroli vetiver as well in this detergent that washes 64 loads. This detergent is HE compatible, and its recyclable packaging is eco-friendly. It doesn't have harsh ingredients like dyes, parabens and more.Promising review: “So I usually never leave reviews but……WOW….. My clothes have never felt softer or cleaner! It smells amazing and like really I just can’t get over how soft it made my clothes I’m so excited to wear all my comfy clothes because now they’re even comfier! If this really is a cult I want in lol.” – Natalie Trujillo“Smells terrific and cleans my clothes well. The liquid smells better (in my opinion) than the laundry sheets. I really enjoy washing laundry with the detergent! Will keep buying. I have 2 boys and a husband that are dirty and stinky!!! I do add a small scoop of oxyclean to most loads and use vinegar in the softener dispenser. Clean and fresh every time!” – AubreyTargetThis laundry detergent with a summer-fresh scentI also love the Zum laundry detergents, which are a bit more affordable. I'm partial to this Sea Salt scent that smells like its namesake. It has notes of lavender, citrus and patchouli.The Zum Laundry Soap is a natural detergent made with only five ingredients sourced from nature, like coconut oil and baking soda. You can also use it in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. Laundry SauceThis perfumed laundry detergent that comes in handy podsThis trending laundry detergent comes in pods, so you can't mess it up. There are so many fun scents like Egyptian rose and Australian sandalwood. Laundry Sauce creates its splurge-worthy scents with "top perfumers" for a luxe experience. These scents have top, mid and dry notes just like a perfume might. Choose from 30- and 69-pod boxes.Promising review: "They clean fantastic and smell amazing! It really is worth the hype! I’ve always loved laundry, but this has made me excited about it all over again!" — MeghanSnifThis laundry detergent worth keeping out on the counterFirst of all, can we have a moment for this stunning packaging? The HE-compatible Snif Signature Spin detergent scent has notes of melon, Italian citrus, rhubarb and white musk. It comes in this larger 32-ounce size as well as a smaller 16-ounce size. Find more scent options, too, from Snif, plus scent boosters. Promising review: "Fantastic smell of a peppy, warm citrus! I have different Snif laundry scents for different members of my family’s clothes. This one is mine!" – Katherine W.“I am BEYOND obsessed with the Snif laundry products, and this is one of my favorite scents! Especially for spring. It makes all your clothes and towels and bedding smell SO fresh and yummy. Total gamechanger!” – CatherineThe LaundressThis New York stapleThis cult-favorite laundry detergent that I've used and loved has a clean scent, with notes of lily of the valley, sweet musk and sandalwood. It was launched in 2004 by New York City fashion executives with textile science backgrounds (and has moved on from a 2022 recall with the help of new manufacturing partners). The HE-suitable The Laundress Signature Detergent also comes in a gallon size with a helpful pump. More scents are available, too. Promising review: “I am so pleasured The Laundress is back in stores. It smells divine. It takes 3 caps of fabric softener, scent beads and scented rinse to get my clothes to smell as fresh as just 1/4 cup of this marvelous detergent and fabric softener by the same brand. It keeps the clothes I pick out with care and buy with attention looking perfectly lovely and new. It is the best quality detergent I know and it keeps my clothes looking and feeling new. I do recommend using the brand’s own measuring cup - sold separately, especially if you do not have an HE machine. It is worth the investment and takes away guesswork making the product easy to use. I know it’s a little pricey, but, properly measured, a little goes a long way and you’ll enjoy the clothes you love a lot longer.” – ksmThis powder detergent that you don't need much ofHere's a powder detergent, unlike the others. If you've seen a Buff City Soap pop up in your town, take this as your chance to try it out. They handmake plant-based detergents. All it takes is two tablespoons per load. Narcissist is one of the most popular Laundry Soap scents, with crisp and fresh notes of raspberry, peach, patchouli and sandalwood. Promising review: "This product has changed my attitude towards laundry! I just love this scent. I love that it lingers on my laundry. I love that it is plant-based. I love that there are no harsh chemicals. Using this quite literally brings me joy!" — Stacia B.
'It Makes My Whole Closet Smell Like A High-End Boutique': Meet 9 Laundry Detergents That Emanate Luxury
See which detergent one reviewer called "divine."
1,533 words~7 min read






