Our top pick, OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener Stain Remover Powder, works on whites and colors, is safe for high-efficiency machines and septic systems, and gets rid of stains. Here are the best laundry whiteners to add to your cleaning routine. You will need to presoak your fabrics to get the best results, especially against stubborn stains. Fortunately, the OxiClean White Revive powder is safe for both HE machines and septic systems. Simply get it set up in the machine drum, let your clothing soak for up to six hours, and then run the cycle like normal. With minimal work, you’ll get sparkling whites that are stain-free. Keep in mind that this soaking method goes through the product much more quickly than adding a scoop to your regular wash. It is unscented but our product tester noted that it still had a strong scent. The smell was pleasant enough and was not a detractor, but if you are sensitive to odors or chemicals, this may be a problem for you. Price at time of publish: $11 Keep in mind that this is bleach cleaner and shouldn’t be used with colors. It is also not safe for delicate fabrics, including wool, silk, mohair, leather, and spandex. To use, add it to your washing machine once you have started the cycle. (Some machines also have a specific spout for bleach.) This product can be used with standard or HE machines, and it is safe for septic systems. However, you should take care not to mix it with other household cleaning chemicals. Price at time of publish: $7 On top of brightening your white clothing, you can also use this powder for other household cleaning. Just put a scoop in with your normal laundry to use this product as a stain remover. It isn’t the best option for tough stains but can work for ones that aren’t old or greasy. It also works for cleaning your appliances, getting the tarnish off silver, gold, and bronze, and cleaning greasy stains on cookware. With so many uses around the house, it is worth having on hand. Price at time of publish: $8 Keep in mind that these can’t be used for pretreating stains or presoaking. They are effective at getting dingy whites bright again but aren’t the best option for treating stains. We recommend combining these pods with another stain-fighting treatment when needed. If you use these pods with every load of whites, you’ll be happy to see that your clothes come out sparkling and bright each time. Price at time of publish: $11 This isn’t the most powerful cleaner for really tough stains, such as grass stains, blood, or grease. It is best on clothing that just needs an extra brightening boost during its normal wash cycle. This powder is scented with lemon essential oil and safe for HE machines, septic systems, and those with chemical sensitivities. Price at time of publish: $26 In addition to being bleach-free, these pods are also fragrance- and dye-free. If you have chemical or odor sensitivities, these are some of the best laundry whiteners that you can get. They are a bit pricey but still a good value considering you only need to use one per wash cycle in most cases. If you are doing a large load of laundry or it needs some extra cleaning power, you can use more than one pod. Note that these aren’t as effective as some chemical-based products, but they also don’t come with any harmful side effects. In addition to laundry use, you can use them to treat stains on upholstery and carpet, although Grab Green recommends testing in an inconspicuous area first. Price at time of publish: $16 Our product tester loved the convenience of these pods. Each pod can be thrown into the wash cycle without any extra steps or measuring. They aren’t used for pretreating or soaking, just alongside regular detergents. There is also a scent that our tester described as “powerful but pleasant,” so keep that in mind. Also, these pods aren’t the best at stain-fighting, but they can remove gentle stains and dirt. Price at time of publish: $20 In addition to using it on white laundry, you can also spray it on upholstery, carpet, and in the car. It’s not best for some fabrics, such as leather, so make sure that you try it out in a small space before spraying it all over the item in question. The 4-ounce spray bottle is small enough to take in a bag, although it is a bit pricey. For something even more convenient, consider the wipes that are made with the same formula. Price at time of publish: $15 This particular brightener is also free of chlorine. If you already know that All Free & Clear detergents and dryer sheets work for you, there’s a good chance that this laundry whitener will soon be a favorite in your household. It can be used in HE machines and is septic-safe. However, it may not be as effective at tackling tough stains as some other products. Price at time of publish: $10 Keep in mind, this is a liquid whitener and is a bit harder to use than scoopable powders or pods. You will also need a separate measuring cup to measure out the half-cup size needed. You can use this whitener as a presoak treatment or with your wash, but it is important not to use it with an oxi-based detergent or treatment as the chemicals can have a dangerous interaction. It’s also not safe for colors. Price at time of publish: $24
Ingredients
Bleach and chlorine are two ingredients often used in laundry whiteners. While these are very effective, some people prefer to avoid them due to chemical sensitivities. If you want to use your whitener on colors, you should look for one that’s bleach-free. There are plenty of all-natural alternatives that use chemical-free or plant-based ingredients to break down dirt and substances that cause dinginess or stains. However, at this time, most are not as powerful as chemical-based cleaners.
Washing Conditions
While many laundry whiteners can work with your washing machine, there are a few situations where you should take extra caution. If you have a high-efficiency machine, make sure that the laundry whitener you choose is compatible. If it is safe to use on a high-efficiency washing machine, the bottle or packaging will often be labeled with HE on the front. Those with septic systems should also make sure that the laundry whitener is septic-safe. In addition to checking the label, make sure to carefully follow the directions when using.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She has used multiple whiteners from this list, and while she tends to prefer natural options, she uses chemical-based whiteners for stubborn stains on her kids’ clothing. Katie also interviewed Anne Knowing, a professional housekeeper with over 10 years of experience, for insight into effective whitening products and how to use them correctly. “I always offer natural products when cleaning,” California-based housekeeper Anne Knowing says. “Some people have sensitivities and some just prefer the natural stuff. Nowadays, there are so many great options out there that you can find the ingredients that make you comfortable.”
