8 Name Brand Laundry Detergents At Costco (And If Buying Suds In Bulk Helps You Save)

There are two schools of thought when it comes to doing laundry: You either dread it, or you love everything about it. From the fresh smell of warm clothes pulled straight out of the dryer to the sheer satisfaction of getting a stain out of your favorite sweater, doing the laundry can be one of life's most pleasant chores. According to a study by the American Cleaning Institute, laundry is America's favorite cleaning task. It's estimated that over 35 billion loads of laundry are washed in the U.S. every year, with the average family doing 300 loads each. The water, electricity, and product costs can quickly add up. If you're shopping for the best deals on brand name laundry detergents, there are eight suds you can buy in bulk at Costco to help you save money.

A lot of laundry hacks will leave your clothes smelling fresh, but choosing the right detergent should be your first step. There are endless products to choose from, with different detergents for wool fabrics, colored clothes, brighter whites, liquids, pods, sheets, softeners... the list goes on and on. To make the right selection, you should consider what kind of fabrics you wash most often, how many loads you typically wash each week, and whether you or your family has skin sensitivity that makes fragrance and dye-free options a healthier choice.

"With Tide Pods, laundry can be less of a chore. It's easier, more fun and more consistent," said P&G Fabric Care Vice President Alexandra Keith when the product first launched in 2012. Consumers love the swirly packets that can be thrown into a washing machine without the mess or hassle of liquid detergent. The 156-count Spring Meadow Tide Pods sold in bulk at Costco for $34.99 is a great deal, costing just $.16 per pod. The largest quantities available at retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon are all more expensive, costing $.24 to $.27 per pod.

There's debate about whether it's better to use all-natural or regular laundry detergent. Made from four septic-safe ingredients, Nellie's Laundry Soda was developed without any sulfates, chlorine, fragrance, or brighteners. Available in a 400-load pail from Costco for $54.99, the concentrated powder costs $.14 per load. It's one of the cheapest options out there, with similar quantities at Walmart and Amazon costing $.18 per load. You can save $.01 per load if you buy a larger quantity on Amazon, where Nellie's 1,100 load pail is available for $141.30.

It doesn't top many 'Best of' lists for its cleaning power, but if you enjoy lasting fragrance on your clothes, Gain may be a good choice. Its scent is described as citrusy and floral, with hints of amber. Gain claims its detergent will "infuse your clothes with up to six weeks of freshness from wash to wear." Their +Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent is available in bulk from Costco for $23.99 or $.15 per wash. Prices per load are competitive at Amazon and Target, but you'll spend a little more if you buy the detergent at Walmart.

According to the All Laundry Survey, most people don't consider laundry to be part of their skincare routine. The company's board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky says she recommends All Free & Clear Plus+ laundry detergent to her patients. The 100% perfume and dye free detergent may be gentler on sensitive skin, but if you purchase All Free & Clear Plus+ Liquid Laundry Detergent in bulk from Costco, the $21.99 price tag is definitely gentler on your wallet. The same product and 158 load quantity costs $7 more at Walmart.

ECOS makes plant-powered detergents from 100% vegan ingredients that are never tested on animals. Thanks to the saponifying quality of coconuts, one of their main ingredients, several ECOS products are recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as Safer Choices. If you're looking for eco-friendly changes you can make to your laundry routine, consider bulk buying a two-pack of their Magnolia & Lily Liquid Laundry Detergent from Costco for $39.99. That washes out to just $.09 a load, compared to $.12 at Walmart, $.13 on Amazon, and a whopping $.41 at Target.

The Unscented Company is another brand that offers eco-friendly laundry detergents. To minimize waste, it sells detergent refills in a large bladder within a recyclable cardboard box that you can use to refill your detergent bottle over and over again. A fragrance free product that's biodegradable even in cold water, the company's Liquid Laundry Detergent Bottle & Box includes over 400 fluid ounces of detergent for $54.99 at Costco. At just $.11 per load, it's a bargain compared to stores like Walmart, which sells the exact same detergent kit for $71.50.

Boulder Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent gets its citrusy scent from orange oil instead of synthetic fragrances. Bleach free and safe for colored clothes, these suds work well in regular and high-efficiency washing machines. The 200-load quantity from Costco is $24.99. At $.12 per load, it's definitely cheaper than Walmart's price. But if you prefer to buy on Amazon, it's a wash (pun intended). In fact, if you're among Boulder Clean's dedicated fans, you can save an extra penny per load by purchasing a two-pack from their Amazon store.

When The New York Times tested Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Detergent, reviewers raved that it "easily handled sebum, as well as some of the toughest stains thrown its way, including blackberry, mayonnaise, butter, chocolate, wine... it was one of the best at removing blood, even after the stain sat overnight." A 152-load bottle of this hypoallergenic laundry detergent is available for $29.99 at Costco. The same size is available on Amazon, along with a laundry scrub brush and drip dish, but it costs more than twice the price.