Hard water is known to leave residue on your laundry, leaving them rough to touch along with a dingy appearance. Hard water residue also weakens fibers in most fabrics, which causes your clothes to fade, lose their shape, and shorten their lifespan.
The good news is that you can battle against hard water by using the right detergent. Below you’ll find a guide to the 20 best laundry detergents for hard water. These products contain the right ingredients that protect your clothes, leaving them clean and soft.
- Loni Labs Bio Detergent
- Rockin’ Green Natural Laundry Powder
- Charlie’s Soap Booster & Hard Water Treatment
- Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus OxiClean
- Persil Liquid Detergent ProClean Intense Fresh
- Molly's Suds Laundry Powder Ultra-Concentrated
- All with Stainlifters Free Clear Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
- Tide Ultra OXI Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Scent Laundry Detergent
- Seventh Generation EasyDose Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent
- Dropps Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent
- Grove Co. Ultra-Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Clean People Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent Sheets
- Purex Dirt Lift Action Concentrated Detergent
- Thymes Mandarin Coriander Concentrated Laundry Detergent
- Attitude Laundry Detergent
- Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods
- Capri Blue Volcano Concentrated Laundry Detergent
- Zuma Nutrition Organic Laundry Detergent Concentrate
Keep reading to choose the best hard water laundry detergent.
What is hard water?
Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, usually calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally present in water sources and can make the water "hard" when their levels exceed a certain threshold.
Hard water occurs when water passes through mineral-rich rocks, such as limestone and chalk while traveling underground. As water interacts with these minerals, it dissolves and carries them along.
Hard water is known to cause many issues, including scaling in pipes, reduced effectiveness of soaps and detergents, and it leaves behind residues on surfaces and laundry.
Top 20 laundry detergent for hard water
While there are dozens of laundry detergents to choose from, not all of them are suitable for hard water. Below are the 20 best detergents that clean your clothes while preventing hard water residue from ruining your favorite items.
1. Loni Labs Bio Detergent
Make hard water residue a problem of the past with Loni Labs Bio Detergent. This non-toxic, bio-based detergent is the perfect addition to your laundry routine. It's eco-friendly and is formulated with natural ingredients, including enzymes, that break down and get rid of tough stains and odors.
Loni Labs Bio Detergent doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, making it a safe choice for you, your family, and the environment.
2. Rockin’ Green Natural Laundry Powder
Rockin' Green Natural Laundry Powder is a natural and effective laundry detergent. Made with plant-based ingredients, this powder is tough on stains and odors while being gentle on fabrics and skin. It’s made with any harsh chemicals, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, making it safe for sensitive skin.
3. Charlie’s Soap Booster & Hard Water Treatment
Charlie's Soap Booster & Hard Water Treatment is an effective way to deal with hard water laundry issues. This booster is specially formulated to tackle mineral buildup caused by hard water, ensuring a thorough and efficient clean in each load.
It works by enhancing the performance of your detergent, improving its ability to remove stains and odors. Charlie's Soap Booster & Hard Water Treatment is safe for all fabrics.
4. Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus OxiClean
Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus OxiClean is a dynamic duo for powerful stain-fighting and cleaning action. This detergent combines the trusted cleaning power of Arm & Hammer with the stain-lifting capabilities of OxiClean. It effectively removes tough stains, brightens colors, and leaves your clothes fresh and clean.
5. Persil Liquid Detergent ProClean Intense Fresh
Persil Liquid Detergent ProClean Intense Fresh provides a powerful and refreshing clean for your laundry. The advanced formula penetrates deep into fabric fibers, effectively removing tough stains and odors. The Intense Fresh scent leaves your clothes smelling clean and fresh.
6. Molly's Suds Laundry Powder Ultra-Concentrated
Molly's Suds Laundry Powder Ultra-Concentrated is a high-quality and eco-friendly addition to your laundry routine. This powder detergent is made with natural, plant-based ingredients that effectively clean and remove stains, odors, and residue. It is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Molly's Suds Laundry Powder Ultra-Concentrated is also biodegradable and cruelty-free.
7. All with Stainlifters Free Clear Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent
All with Stainlifters Free Clear Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent is a top choice for tackling tough stains and keeping your clothes cleaner than ever. This detergent combines the power of Stainlifters with a gentle and fragrance-free formula. It effectively removes stains and odors without any dyes, perfumes, or other harsh chemicals.
All with Stainlifters Free Clear Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent is safe for all washable fabrics and can be used in standard and HE washing machines.
8. Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is a game-changer for tackling stubborn stains and odors. This powerful booster is specially formulated with bio-enzymes that break down tough residues caused by hard water and other organic matter. After just one wash, your clothes will be cleaner and fresher than ever before.
It works effectively on various fabrics and can be used as a pre-soak or added directly to your laundry load. Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals.
9. Tide Ultra OXI Liquid Laundry Detergent
Tide Ultra OXI Liquid Laundry Detergent is a powerful and versatile way to give your clothes a thorough deep cleaning. This detergent combines the stain-fighting power of OXI with the trusted performance of Tide. It effectively removes tough stains, brightens colors, and revitalizes fabrics.
Tide Ultra OXI Liquid Laundry Detergent works in all water temperatures and is compatible with both standard and HE washing machines.
10. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Scent Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Scent Laundry Detergent offers a delightful and effective cleaning experience. Infused with the soothing scent of lavender, this detergent leaves your laundry smelling fresh and inviting. The plant-derived formula is tough on stains while being gentle on fabrics and skin.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent is biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and phthalates, making it a safer choice for both your clothes and the environment.
11. Seventh Generation EasyDose Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Tired of messy measuring cups? Make laundry quick and convenient with Seventh Generation EasyDose Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent. All you have to do is flip, squeeze, and you’ve got the perfect amount to clean the dirtiest of loads.
This plant-based detergent features an ultra-concentrated formula that offers powerful cleaning while minimizing waste. Seventh Generation EasyDose Laundry Detergent is free from dyes, synthetic fragrances, and optical brighteners, making it a gentle choice for sensitive skin and your clothes.
12. Dropps Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Dropps Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent are pre-measured detergent pods made with a powerful formula that effectively tackles stains and dirt while being gentle on fabrics and skin. These pods don’t contain any harsh chemicals, dyes, or artificial fragrances.
Dropps Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent is compatible with all washing machines and works in both standard and high-efficiency settings.
13. Grove Co. Ultra-Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
Grove Co. Ultra-Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent is a great option to add to your laundry routine, especially if you have hard water. This eco-friendly detergent is made with plant-based ingredients and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
It provides powerful cleaning action to remove stains and odors and is compatible with standard and HE washing machines. Keep your clothes smelling great while doing your part to make a positive impact on the environment with Grove Co. Ultra-Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent.
14. Clean People Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent Sheets
Clean People Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent Sheets are a convenient and effective solution for your laundry needs. These innovative sheets are pre-measured, eliminating the need for messy measuring cups. All you have to do is toss a sheet into the washing machine and watch it dissolve to quickly deliver powerful cleaning action.
The ultra-concentrated formula effectively removes stains and odors, leaving clothes smelling great after each wash.
15. Purex Dirt Lift Action Concentrated Detergent
Purex Dirt Lift Action Concentrated Detergent is a powerful and reliable choice for tackling tough stains and dirt. The advanced formula penetrates deep into fabric fibers, effectively lifting away grime and leaving your clothes clean and fresh. It’s safe and effective to use in all water temperatures and is suitable for both standard and high-efficiency washing machines.
Enjoy the confidence of clean and refreshed clothes with Purex Dirt Lift Action Concentrated Detergent.
16. Thymes Mandarin Coriander Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Clean your clothes naturally with Thymes Mandarin Coriander Concentrated Laundry Detergent. This nature-infused detergent gets rid of tough stains and odors with a super blend of powerful cleansing ingredients like ingredients like lemon balm, parsley, fennel, and enzymes.
It's 2X concentrated, which means that a little goes a long way. With this product, you'll elevate your laundry experience.
17. Attitude Laundry Detergent
Attitude Laundry Detergent is a trusted product for all of your laundry needs. This detergent is made from natural, plant-based ingredients, ensuring a gentle and effective clean for your clothes. It tackles stains and odors without using any harsh chemicals, dyes, or artificial fragrances.
Attitude Laundry Detergent is also hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Choose from great scents like citrus zest, lavender, and pink grapefruit.
18. Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods are a convenient and eco-friendly way to tackle your dirtiest laundry. These pre-measured pods contain a powerful plant-based formula that effectively cleans clothes and removes tough stains.
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. The biodegradable and phosphate-free formula makes them a sustainable choice, hassle-free choice.
19. Capri Blue Volcano Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Capri Blue Volcano Concentrated Laundry Detergent effectively removes stains and dirt while leaving your clothes smelling fresh. It’s made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, or synthetic colors. Each batch is infused with grapefruit and tangerine essential oils for a fresh clean
Capri Blue Volcano Concentrated Laundry Detergent is easy to use and compatible with all washing machines.
20. Zuma Nutrition Organic Laundry Detergent Concentrate
Zuma Nutrition Organic Laundry Detergent Concentrate is a natural detergent that provides a thorough clean for your clothes. It’s made from organic ingredients and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or dyes. It effectively removes stains and odors while being gentle on fabrics and skin.
Zuma Nutrition Organic Laundry Detergent Concentrate is biodegradable and eco-friendly, providing a healthier and more sustainable choice for your laundry routine.
Hard water laundry tips
Using the right hard water laundry detergent is only part of effectively cleaning your clothes. Here are some other tips to follow to keep your clothes clean, smelling great, and residue-free.
Use more detergent
Hard water makes it harder to get your clothes fully clean. Minerals in the water cause the detergent to have less cleaning power, which means more dirt, grime, and stains are left behind. The easy fix is to use more detergent to ensure your clothes get a thorough washing.
Wash in warmer water
A warm water wash can also help to minimize issues caused by hard water. Warmer water combats the effects of hard water by increasing the rate of chemical reactions. Typically, the hotter the water, the cleaner your clothes will be.
While warm water won’t completely solve hard water problems, you should see an improvement in the cleanliness of your clothes. Before using a warm or hot cycle, ensure that the fabrics you’re washing won’t be damaged.
Add borax to each wash
Adding ½ cup laundry borax to your laundry can be a huge help. Borax softens the water and boosts surfactant performance. This means cleaner clothes and less damage caused by hard water.
