Keep your clothes always smelling fresh and soft with these best Japanese laundry detergents! Check it out below!
Transform your laundry routine with the best Japanese laundry detergents, acclaimed for their efficiency and innovation.
Our guide introduces you to top-performing formulas that tackle tough stains while being gentle on fabrics, ensuring your clothes emerge clean, fresh, and with a lasting scent. Find your ideal match for impeccable laundry results.
Which is the best laundry detergent Japan?
My team and I tested 20+ detergents on the basis of ingredients, fragrance, and machine-friendliness. We found Attack BioEX Laundry Detergent Powder to be the best Japanese fabric conditioner.
Attack BioEX Laundry Detergent Powder effectively helps in getting rid of mud and oil stains. It does not leave behind a nasty detergent odor, allowing you to dry your laundry indoors. The package comes with a measuring spoon so that you can easily measure the desired amount of detergent. The laundry detergent is pretty affordable and has a soft floral scent, which is definitely very pleasing.
Best Japanese Laundry Detergents - Quick Summary
| Best Japanese Laundry Detergent | Type | Link |
| Saraya Arau Baby Laundry Detergent | Liquid | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Attack BioEX Laundry Detergent | Powder | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Ariel Laundry Detergent Powder | Powder | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Ecover Zero 2x Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent | Liquid | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Ecover Delicate Laundry Detergent | Liquid | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Pigeon Baby Laundry Detergent | Liquid | Check it out on Amazon! |
| P&G Bold Fresh Clean 3D Gel Laundry Detergent | 3D Gel Ball | Check it out on Amazon! |
| P&G Bold Blossom 3D Gel Ball Laundry Detergent | 3D Gel Ball | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Sarasaty Lingerie Detergent | Liquid | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Pigeon Liquid Laundry Detergent | Liquid | Check it out on Amazon! |
Best Laundry Detergents In Japan
Arau Baby Laundry Detergent
The first best Japanese laundry detergent on this list is priceless, especially if you have little ones around or simply have sensitive skin that reacts to strong detergents. Arau baby liquid detergent comes in a cute bottle and is known to be one of the gentlest laundry detergents in the market.
I love how this laundry detergent leaves your baby’s clothes feeling soft and snuggly, without the use of fabric softener. I also really like the pleasant fruity smell it leaves on your clothes that you don't require to wear perfume. Arau baby liquid detergent can be used on adult clothes and other washable items as well.
If by chance you wash your clothes with your hands, don't worry about allergies on your palms as this detergent contains no chemicals. It has a unique formula that dissolves and rinses away quickly.
Key Features:
- A gentle softener that is perfect for your babies’ clothes
- If you have sensitive skin, you may want to give this detergent a try
- Leaves clothes soft and snuggly, without any fabric softener
- Dissolves and rinses away quickly
- Cleans well and leaves behind a pleasant and light scent of herbs and fruit extracts
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic: Arau Baby Laundry Detergent is specifically designed for babies, making it hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Chemical-free: The detergent is free from harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, ensuring a safer and more natural option for baby's clothes.
- Plant-based formula: It is made from plant-based ingredients, which can be appealing for those seeking eco-friendly and sustainable products.
- Gentle cleaning: The detergent effectively cleans baby clothes while being gentle enough to maintain the softness and durability of the fabrics.
- Suitable for cloth diapers: It is often recommended for use with cloth diapers, as it helps remove stains and odors without damaging the diaper material.
Cons:
- Limited availability: Depending on your location, Arau Baby Laundry Detergent may not be widely available in all stores, making it less accessible for some consumers.
- Potentially higher cost: Compared to regular laundry detergents, baby-specific detergents like Arau Baby Laundry Detergent can sometimes be more expensive.
- Scent may not be appealing to everyone: While some people appreciate the absence of artificial fragrances, others may miss the fresh scent that traditional detergents provide.
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 8.5/10
- Fragrance: 9.5/10
- Price: 8.5/10
- Related: Japanese Washing Machine
- Related: Japanese Stain Remover
- Related: Japanese Clothes Disinfectant Spray
Attack BioEX Laundry Detergent Powder
The next best Japanese laundry detergent is one of the most popular and common laundry detergents in Japan, Attack BioX Detergent. It is one of the highly-rated detergents for its cleaning power; it effectively helps you get rid of mud and oil stains.
I remember to have stained my white shirt once and I tried everything to get rid of it. Attack BioX was the only solution that make it clean and crisp. Another reason that makes this laundry detergent my favorite is that it does not leave behind a nasty detergent odor, allowing you to dry your laundry indoors.
The package comes with a measuring spoon so that you can easily measure the desired amount of detergent. It is also said that one spoon of this detergent is enough to bring out amazing whiteness in your clothes.
The laundry detergent is pretty affordable and has a soft floral scent, which is definitely very pleasing.
Key Features:
- Most popular and common laundry detergents in Japan
- Highly-rated for its cleaning power
- Helps get rid of mud and oil stains
- Does not leave behind a strong odor, so you can dry your laundry indoors
- One spoonful is enough to bring an amazing whiteness
- Affordable
- Has a soft floral fragrance
Pros:
- Powerful stain removal: Attack BioEX Laundry Detergent Powder is known for its strong stain-fighting capabilities, making it effective in removing tough stains from clothes.
- High cleaning performance: The detergent powder is formulated to provide excellent cleaning results, even in cold water, saving energy and preserving the quality of the fabrics.
- Suitable for various fabrics: Attack BioEX is designed to work well with a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, synthetic materials, and blends, ensuring versatility in your laundry needs.
- Concentrated formula: The detergent powder is often highly concentrated, requiring less product per load, which can make it more cost-effective in the long run.
- Pleasant scent options: Attack BioEX offers a variety of fragrance options, allowing you to choose a scent that suits your personal preference.
Cons:
- Potentially harsh on sensitive skin: Due to its strong cleaning power, some individuals with sensitive skin may find Attack BioEX Laundry Detergent Powder too harsh and may experience skin irritation.
- Chemical ingredients: Like many conventional laundry detergents, Attack BioEX contains synthetic chemicals, such as surfactants and enzymes, which may not align with the preferences of those seeking more natural or eco-friendly options.
- Availability outside certain regions: Depending on your location, Attack BioEX Laundry Detergent Powder may not be readily available in all stores or regions, limiting accessibility for some consumers.
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 9.5/10
- Fragrance: 9.5/10
- Price: 9.5/10
Ariel Laundry Detergent Powder
Ariel is one of the most well-known brands. Of course, it had to make this list of the best Japanese laundry detergent. This detergent powder contains W Bleach. I really appreciate the power of this laundry detergent, one wash, and the stains are off.
If you like fragranced laundry detergents, this might not be the one for you but it's definitely good for cleaning your clothes. I also liked the fact that it's environment-friendly and biodegradable.
The seven effects of this laundry detergent are excellent and help you remove excessively stubborn stains and dirt too. No matter what kind of stain you are dealing with, you can sit back and relax and this Ariel detergent powder helps get rid of them all. It claims 99.9 percent eradication of stains.
Key Features:
- Well-known brand with an excellent reputation
- Contains W Bleach
- Helps you remove stubborn stains
- Claims that it can eradicate 99.9 percent of stains easily
Pros:
- Effective stain removal: Ariel Laundry Detergent Powder is known for its powerful stain-fighting capabilities, helping to remove tough stains from clothes effectively.
- High cleaning performance: The detergent powder is formulated to provide excellent cleaning results, even in tough conditions like greasy stains or heavily soiled garments.
- Wide availability: Ariel is a popular brand, and its laundry detergent powder is widely available in many stores, making it easily accessible for consumers.
- Fragrance options: Ariel offers a range of fragrance options, allowing you to choose a scent that suits your preference and leaves your clothes smelling fresh.
- Affordable: In many cases, Ariel Laundry Detergent Powder is competitively priced, making it a cost-effective option for everyday laundry needs.
Cons:
- Potential skin sensitivity: Some individuals with sensitive skin may find Ariel Laundry Detergent Powder too harsh and may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is recommended to use a gentler detergent if you have sensitive skin.
- Chemical ingredients: Like many conventional laundry detergents, Ariel contains synthetic chemicals, such as surfactants and enzymes, which may not align with the preferences of those seeking more natural or eco-friendly options.
- Environmental impact: Ariel Laundry Detergent Powder does not have the same level of environmental friendliness as some eco-friendly alternatives, as it may contain chemicals that are not easily biodegradable.
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 9/10
- Fragrance: 7.5/10
- Price: 9/10
Ecover Zero 2x Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent
This is yet another one of the best Japanese laundry detergent that is highly rated. It is a fragrance-free laundry detergent, which is great for people who are sensitive to the strong scent left behind by laundry detergents. It has excellent cleaning power and can get rid of most stains and dirt.
This is an ideal laundry detergent for people who care about the environment, like me. It didn't cause any allergy to my sensitive skin and hence, is hypollergic. All the ingredients used in this Japanese laundry detergent are safe and plant-based.
Ecover Laundry Detergent is also dermatologically tested and declared safe so you can even wash clothes of your kids with this detergent. However, if you're allergic to methylisothiazolinone, beware as this detergent contains that ingredeint.
Key Features:
- Highly-rated laundry detergent
- Fragrance-free, which is great for people who are sensitive to strong scents
- Excellent cleaning power
- Gets rid of most stains and dirt
- Eco-friendly laundry detergent
Pros:
- Eco-friendly: Ecover Zero is made with plant-based ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances.
- Effective: Ecover Zero is still effective at cleaning your clothes, even without harsh chemicals.
- Hypoallergenic: Ecover Zero is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
- Affordable: Ecover Zero is a more affordable option than some other eco-friendly laundry detergents.
Cons:
- No fragrance: Some people may prefer a laundry detergent with a fragrance.
- Not as concentrated as some other detergents: Ecover Zero is not as concentrated as some other detergents, so you may need to use more of it.
- Can be difficult to find: Ecover Zero may be difficult to find in some stores.
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 9.5/10
- Fragrance: none
- Price: 8.5/10
ECover Delicate Laundry Detergent
Yet another best Japanese laundry detergent by Ecover is this delicate laundry detergent that is ideal for all types of fabrics. It works very well on wool and silk fabrics and can be used in a hand wash as well as a machine wash. It maintains the softness of the fabrics and helps retain the colors.
The laundry detergent has non-petrochemical, plant, and mineral-based ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin. In fact, this laundry detergent can be safely used on your baby’s fabrics.
Key Features:
- Ideal for all types of fabrics
- Works on wool and silk fabrics really well
- Can be used both in handwash and machine wash
- Maintains the softness and color of the fabrics
- Non-petrochemical, plant, and mineral-based ingredients
- Safe for sensitive skin and baby’s clothes
Pros:
- Plant-based and biodegradable ingredients
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances
- Suitable for all types of delicate fabrics, including silk, wool, and cashmere
- Gentle on colors
- Economical
- Recyclable packaging
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other laundry detergents
- Not as effective at removing tough stains as some other detergents
- May not be as effective at cleaning heavily soiled clothing
- The scent may be too strong for some people
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 9/10
- Fragrance: 5/10
- Price: 6.5/10
Pigeon Baby Laundry Detergent
The Pigeon Baby laundry detergent is specially formulated to wash away all kinds of dirt and stains. Since it is for the laundry of little ones, the ingredients are non-irritating, anti-bacterial, as well as paraben-free.
One of the best Japanese laundry detergent, it is a highly efficient laundry detergent that will help you get rid of your little baby’s mishaps such as food, urine, and other tough stains. Despite its high efficiency, we cannot doubt its gentleness.
Key Features:
- Specially formulated to wash away the toughest of the stains
- Non-irritating, anti-bacterial, and paraben-free ingredients
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Keeps your baby’s clothes soft and clean
- Gentle formula
Pros:
- Gentle on baby's skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of harsh chemicals and dyes
- Effective at removing stains
- Leaves clothes smelling fresh
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons:
- May not be as effective at removing tough stains as some other detergents
- May not be as concentrated as some other detergents, so you may need to use more
- May not be as available in some stores
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 8/10
- Fragrance: 8.5/10
- Price: 8.5/10
P&G Bold Fresh Clean 3D Gel Laundry Detergent
The 3D detergent gel by P&G is a pretty great buy, especially if you are looking for a fun product that does its job efficiently and effectively. The blue gel has a fresh and cool fragrance that we love. It lingers on the clothes, which is a plus point for the product.
Apart from the brilliant fragrance, the 3D gell also works well at its cleaning job. It can help you get rid of even the toughest of the stains quite easily. It's definitely the best smelling Japanese laundry detergent.
Key Features:
- Fresh and cool fragrance that lingers on
- Does a great job at cleaning fabrics
- Gets rid of even the most stubborn stains and dirt
Pros:
- Powerful cleaning formula removes tough stains and odors
- Fresh, clean scent lasts all day
- Safe for use on all colors and fabrics
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Free of harsh chemicals and dyes
- Affordable and easy to find
Cons:
- Can be tough on delicate fabrics
- Can leave a residue on some fabrics
- Not as effective at removing grease and oil stains as some other detergents
- Can be difficult to remove from clothes if it spills
- Not as concentrated as some other detergents, so you may need to use more
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 9.5/10
- Fragrance: 9/10
- Price: 8.5/10
Sarasaty Lingerie Detergent
While it is essential for us to get the best Japanese laundry detergent for our clothes, our lingerie demands equal love, care, and attention. The Sarasaty Lingerie Detergent takes special care of your lingerie and helps maintain softness and cleanliness. It is a gentle formula that does not damage the underwear.
All you need to do is soak your lingerie in this soap for about 30 mins before rinsing and cleaning. The detergent rinses off easily without leaving behind residue. The formula is also safe for your skin. The cleaning power is excellent and it leaves behind a fresh and floral scent. It's one of the top Japanese laundry soap.
Key Features:
- Great detergent specifically for lingerie
- Maintains softness of the fabrics
- A gentle formula that does not damage the underwear
- Rinses off easily without leaving behind residue
- Safe for skin; it does not cause irritation
- Excellent cleaning power
- Leaves behind a fresh floral scent
Pros:
- Gentle on delicate fabrics
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains natural ingredients
- Leaves clothes soft and fresh-smelling
- Affordable
Cons:
- May not be as effective at removing tough stains
- Not as concentrated as some other detergents
- May not be as effective in cold water
- Not available in all stores
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 8.5/10
- Fragrance: 9/10
- Price: 9.5/10
Pigeon Liquid Laundry Detergent
Yet another safe and gentle laundry cleaning option for your little ones, this Pigeon liquid detergent ensures that your baby’s clothes remain clean and soft. It thoroughly cleans the fabrics and helps remove stubborn food stains as well as other types of stains.
The detergent is phosphate and fluorescent-free, making it safe for the gentle skin of the baby. It's the gentlest laundry detergent in Japan.
Key Features:
- Safe and gentle cleaning option for your little ones
- Keeps clothes soft
- Helps remove stubborn food and other stains
- Phosphate and fluorescent-free, so it is safe for the baby
Pros:
- Gentle on delicate fabrics
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains natural ingredients
- Leaves clothes soft and fresh-smelling
- Affordable
- Available in a variety of scents
- Made in Japan
Cons:
- May not be as effective at removing tough stains
- Not as concentrated as some other detergents
- May not be as effective in cold water
- Not available in all stores
Editor's Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 8.5/10
- Fragrance: 9/10
- Price: 9/10
Other Japanese Laundry Products
Bleach 衣料用漂白剤
If you’re shopping at a Japanese store then you’ll most probably find the Japanese bleach bottle around the Japanese detergent bottle. It may seem confusing to figure out which is which so look for the word 衣料用漂白剤 on the bottle. Also, the color and design of the bleach bottle will be much more minimalistic when compared to the Japanese laundry detergent bottle and fabric softener bottle.
Japanese Fabric Softener 柔軟剤 / 柔軟仕上げ剤
Japanese fabric softener bottles look a lot like detergent bottles so don’t get confused. Look for 柔軟仕上げ剤 on the Japanese fabric softener bottle. The colors, flowers, fruits designed on the bottle is the scent the fabric softener is going to be. So pick one that suits you best!
How to Choose the Best Japanese Laundry Detergent: Buying Guide
Choosing the right laundry detergent in Japan can be tricky with unfamiliar labels. Here's a quick guide:
- Understand your needs: Consider water hardness (liquid for hard water), desired scent (unscented or "kaori"), and fabric type (delicates need "しゃれいしゃ" or "ドライマーク用").
- Popular brands: Look for "Top," "NANOX," "New Beads," "Attack," or "Ariel" for general laundry. "Arau," "さらさ" (Sarasa), or eco-conscious brands like "Ecover" offer fragrance and additive-free options.
- Powder vs. Liquid: Liquid is popular and dissolves easily, but powder can be cheaper. Refills for both are widely available.
- Combination Products: Look for "柔軟剤配合 (juunanzaihaigou)" if you want detergent with built-in fabric softener. Opt for separate products if you prefer more control.
- Price and Location: Drugstores and discount stores often have the best deals. Online retailers like Amazon Japan offer occasional discounts.
How do you use Japanese detergent?
Measure the amount of detergent required in a single load washing and put it on the machine. Start the washing machine and load it beforehand. The machine will wash your clothes itself and remove the detergent after washing.
Do Japanese use laundry detergent?
Japanese people do use laundry detergents to wash their clothes. Most of them use washing machines to wash their clothes by loading their washing machine and putting in the required amount of detergent. Attack Washing detergent is the most selling one in Japan
How to Air-Dry Laundry Without It Smelling
You’ll find lots of odor-blocking, antibacterial laundry detergents in Japan, especially since it’s so humid here. But none of that matters if you don’t air-dry your laundry in the right way.
If you let your laundry dry inside the house, it takes longer to dry giving odor-causing bacteria to flourish pon the clothes. The best way to avoid this is to quickly and effectively air dry your laundry.
Step 1: Hang the laundry up as soon as the wash cycle is over
Step 2: Give enough space between each item of clothing so that air can circulate freely
Step 3: For items like towels or any long piece of clothing, hand it in such a way that there’s very little overlap
Step 4: If you have a dehumidifier, air purifier, or fan in the room then directly exposing the laundry to air will help circulate the air and dry quicker.
Clean and Fresh Laundry always
These were some of the best and our most favorite Japanese laundry detergents that seriously make doing the laundry job so much easier. These detergents are effective and efficient, helping us get rid of stubborn and tough stains as well as mud and dirt without too much effort. Be sure to give these laundry detergents a try, you sure will be thanking us later.
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