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Hard water can cause a lot of problems when it comes to doing laundry or washing dishes. It can leave clothes dingy and dull, and cause dishware to come out of the dishwasher with spots and residue. Luckily, there are detergents on the market specifically designed to combat the effects of hard water.
In this article, you can find the 16 best detergent for hard water in 2023 to help you find the perfect solution for your laundry and dishwashing needs.
16 Best Detergent for Hard Water in 2023
20 Mule Team All Natural Borax Laundry Detergent Booster
Clean People. Laundry Detergent
Rockin' Green Hard Rock Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day 64 fl. oz. Rain Water Liquid Laundry Detergent
Nellie's Laundry Soda
Arm & Hammer 33200-01001 Powder Laundry Detergent
Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x Free Liquid Laundry Detergent
ECOS Plant Powered Liquid Laundry Detergent with Stain-Fighting Enzymes
all Clean & Care with Keratin and Vitamin E
9 Elements Liquid Laundry Detergent
Molly Sudd’s Bulk Laundry Detergent from Thrive Market
Kirkland Signature 146 Loads Ultra Clean Free & Clear He Liquid Laundry Detergent
Oxi Clean Laundry Detergent, High Def Clean, HE, Sparkling Fresh
Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets
How to choose the best laundry detergent for hard water?
If you have hard water, finding the right laundry detergent can make a big difference in the quality of your laundry. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can interfere with the cleaning power of laundry detergents.
To choose the best laundry detergent for hard water, consider factors such as the type of detergent, the ingredients, and the level of water hardness in your area.
Type of Detergent
Powder detergents are generally considered better for hard water than liquid detergents because they contain ingredients that help soften the water. However, some newer liquid detergents are formulated specifically for hard water and may work just as well.
Water Softener
The next factor to consider is the type of water softener that the detergent contains. Look for detergents that contain ingredients like sodium carbonate or sodium citrate, which are known to be effective at softening water.
Level of Enzymes
It's also important to consider the level of enzymes in the detergent. Enzymes help break down stains and dirt, but they can be less effective in hard water. Look for detergents with higher levels of enzymes to ensure that your clothes come out clean.
Price vs. Quality
Finally, consider the price and value for money. Some detergents are more expensive than others, but may be more effective in hard water. It's important to find a detergent that fits your budget while still delivering the performance you need.
By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to choose the best laundry detergent for hard water and ensure that your clothes come out clean and fresh every time you do laundry.
1. Loni Labs Bio Detergent
Image courtesy Loni Labs
Loni Labs Bio Detergent is a laundry solution that offers a plethora of eco-friendly features. This product is manufactured in the USA and comprises non-toxic, bio-based ingredients. Its hyper-concentrated formula is designed to be used with HE washers, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save water and energy. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic, making it safe for use with sensitive skin and even babies and pets.
What sets this laundry detergent apart from traditional ones is its use of natural ingredients and enzymes to effectively target and eliminate tough stains without the use of harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Choosing Loni Labs Bio Detergent for hard water ensures a laundry solution that is not only effective but also safer for both your household and the environment.
2. 20 Mule Team All Natural Borax Laundry Detergent Booster
Image courtesy Walmart
The all-purpose 20 Mule Team Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in various regions globally. It has a wide range of applications that can be used to improve cleaning, laundry, gardening, DIY crafting, and more. Its cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice for upgrading any space in your home. From cleaning pet areas to pre-soaking laundry and even as a bathroom cleaner, Borax has unlimited possibilities.
For over a century, 20 Mule Team Borax has been a reliable household item in millions of homes worldwide. It can give your laundry an extra boost or freshen and sanitize your living space, making it an essential multi-purpose solution for any household.
3. Clean People. Laundry Detergent
Image courtesy Clean People
Clean People Laundry Detergent is a product that has been meticulously crafted using high-quality, clean ingredients to ensure that your clothes are not only clean but also smell fresh. The detergent is formulated to work with various types of washing machines, including top loaders, front loaders, and HE (High Efficiency) machines.
This feature makes it an ideal choice for households with different types of washing machines. Additionally, Clean People Laundry Detergent is septic tank safe, which means you can use it without worrying about harming your septic system. By using this detergent, you can have peace of mind knowing that your clothes are not only clean but also cared for in a safe and eco-friendly way.
4. Rockin' Green Hard Rock Laundry Detergent
Image courtesy Rockin’ Green
Rockin' Green's Hard Rock Laundry Powder is a natural and effective laundry detergent that's specially formulated to tackle tough stains in hard water with high mineral content. This powerful cleaning agent eliminates dirt and prevents mineral deposits and residues from building up in your clothes, all without the need for additional water softeners.
Made with plant-powered ingredients that are dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, it's a safe and gentle option for all types of fabrics, even for babies and people with sensitive skin. Plus, it's unscented and enzyme-free, so you can trust that your clothes will come out clean and fresh without any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
5. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day 64 fl. oz. Rain Water Liquid Laundry Detergent
Image courtesy Home Depot
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day laundry detergent offers a biodegradable solution that harnesses the power of gentle cleaning agents derived from plants, providing an effective clean that's kind to the environment. The Rain Water scent is a refreshing and unique fragrance that evokes the smell of fresh rainwater on leaves, creating an invigorating aroma throughout your home. This concentrated laundry soap is tough on dirt and stains, yet gentle on clothes, thanks to its plant-based surfactants and stain-fighting enzymes.
6. Nellie's Laundry Soda
Image courtesy Walmart
The Compact by Design program was created to acknowledge products that might not seem visibly distinct but are created to be more effective. These products use less packaging and are more efficient to transport by eliminating unnecessary air and water. This method enables minor adjustments in product size and weight, resulting in significant reductions in carbon emissions when scaled up.
7. Arm & Hammer 33200-01001 Powder Laundry Detergent
Image courtesy Amazon
Experience powerful cleaning with this laundry detergent that contains four potent stain fighters and an activated baking soda deodorizer. This detergent delivers comprehensive cleaning for your clothes. Its advanced formula results in brighter whites and vivid colors. Suitable for all washing machine types, including HE machines, this laundry detergent is also safe for use with septic systems. Enjoy the refreshing and clean scent that this detergent leaves on your clothes, making laundry time a more pleasant experience.
8. Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x Free Liquid Laundry Detergent
Image courtesy Walmart
Although we may not be able to see them, our clothes can harbor all sorts of dirt and residues from our daily lives. Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy 10x Duty liquid laundry detergent recognizes this and has been designed to thoroughly cleanse your fabrics on a microscopic level. Its formula is specifically engineered to remove both visible and invisible dirt and body soils from your clothes, ensuring a deep and effective clean. With Tide Hygienic Clean, you can trust that your clothes are free from any lingering dirt or odors.
9. ECOS Plant Powered Liquid Laundry Detergent with Stain-Fighting Enzymes
Image courtesy Amazon
ECOS has introduced its toughest laundry detergent yet, designed for tackling the toughest and messiest of situations. The detergent features natural enzymes that effectively fight off stubborn stains and eliminate odors, along with powerful cleaning agents derived from coconuts, ensuring that each wash results in cleaner clothes and a more sustainable environment. This product has been certified by Safer Choice, is hypoallergenic, and is free from dyes, fragrances, and artificial brighteners, making it a safer and more eco-friendly choice for your laundry needs.
10. all Clean & Care with Keratin and Vitamin E
Image courtesy Amazon
All free clear is a leading detergent brand in the USA that focuses on providing clean and comfortable clothes for sensitive skin. Their Clean and Care variant features a new formula that includes Keratin and Vitamin E, which work together to smooth fibers and improve elasticity, promoting the longevity of your clothes.
This hypoallergenic detergent is free of perfumes and dyes and can be used with all types of washing machines. For optimal results, use it in combination with all free clear fabric softener and dryer sheets to achieve both cleanliness and softness while reducing static cling.
11. 9 Elements Liquid Laundry Detergent
Image courtesy Walmart
Experience a deeper clean with 9 Elements Laundry Detergent, a plant-based* solution that effectively removes stubborn stains and odors while getting rid of residues like hard water metals and dingy build-up. Infused with vinegar, this detergent goes beyond mere cleanliness to provide a thorough cleanse that keeps your whites white without the need for bleach. With 9 Elements, you can expect fabrics that are not only deeply cleansed but also refreshed, giving you the satisfaction of a truly clean and healthy wash.
12. Molly Sudd’s Bulk Laundry Detergent from Thrive Market
Image courtesy Thrive Market
Having Molly's Suds Bulk Laundry Powder readily available is a wise decision if you're frequently doing laundry. This powder is made with natural and non-toxic ingredients, and is completely free of dyes, optical brighteners, chlorine, and parabens. Its unscented formula ensures that no unnecessary chemicals are introduced to your laundry load.
13. Kirkland Signature 146 Loads Ultra Clean Free & Clear He Liquid Laundry Detergent
Image courtesy Ebay
Looking for an effective and budget-friendly laundry detergent for your large loads? Look no further than Kirkland Signature 146 Loads Ultra Clean Free & Clear He Liquid Laundry Detergent. This powerful formula contains enzymes that target stubborn stains and dirt, delivering top-notch cleaning results whether you're washing in hot or cold water.
What's more, this liquid detergent is completely free from fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners, so you can be sure you're not exposing your clothes or skin to any unnecessary chemicals. Don't compromise on quality or value - choose Kirkland Signature for your next laundry day.
14. Oxi Clean Laundry Detergent, High Def Clean, HE, Sparkling Fresh
Image courtesy Amazon
Get your family's laundry clean and smelling fresh with OxiClean Fresh Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent. This powerful formula can be used with all washing machine types, including high-efficiency machines, and effectively tackles tough, set-in stains. Not only does it leave clothes and linens sparkling clean, but it also imparts a long-lasting, invigorating scent.
15. Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
Image courtesy Dirty Labs
Our latest Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is designed to work seamlessly with our Bio Laundry Detergents, targeting your toughest and most malodorous laundry with a planet-friendly approach. Together, they create a powerful powder and liquid combination, optimized to enhance the vibrancy of whites and colors while effectively removing even the most stubborn stains and odors.
16. Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets
Image courtesy Earth Breeze
Earth Breeze's Eco Sheets are designed for convenience and effectiveness, dissolving quickly in both hot and cold water and working in all washing machines, including HE machines. They are also suitable for hand washing, and can be used with septic and greywater systems due to their low-sudsing and concentrated nature. Despite their eco-friendly qualities, these Eco Sheets provide a powerful clean that can tackle even the toughest stains, which is why thousands of customers have already made the switch to Earth Breeze.
