18+ Best Japanese laundry detergent: Liquid, pods, powder

Japanese laundry detergent has become a global favorite thanks to its advanced cleaning technology, gentle formulas, and refreshing scents that make everyday washing effortless. From liquid detergents to pods and traditional washing powders, these products are designed to keep clothes spotless while protecting fabric quality.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 18+ best Japanese laundry products that suit different needs, whether you want powerful stain removal, eco-friendly options, or a gentle wash for sensitive skin. Keep reading to discover the top picks and shop authentic Japanese washing detergent at Japan With Love today!

When it comes to everyday laundry, Japanese laundry detergent in liquid form is the most popular choice thanks to its convenience and powerful cleaning. The top 6 recommended options are: 

1. Ariel Ion Power Gel Science Plus
2. Acron Liquid Laundry Detergent
3. Super Nanox
4. Bold Liquid Laundry Detergent
5. Attack Super Clear Gel
6. Lavons Floral Chic Laundry Detergent with Softener

Ariel Ion Power Gel Science Plus is one of the most popular Japanese laundry detergents thanks to its enzyme-powered cleaning and antibacterial technology. Its concentrated liquid formula penetrates deep into fabrics to remove sweat, sebum, and stubborn odors. What makes this detergent especially appealing is its ability to prevent bacteria growth, which means fresher laundry even when drying clothes indoors. Families in Japan love it because it balances power with fabric care.

With a light and refreshing fragrance, Ariel Ion Power Gel Science Plus keeps laundry clean and fresh without overwhelming scents. It works well in both top-load and front-load washing machines, making it versatile for households around the world. If you’re a fan of Japanese home essentials in general, you might also want to check out finely crafted tools like Japanese sewing scissors, which are known for the same precision and quality as household products.

• Brand: Ariel (Procter & Gamble Japan)
• Ingredients: Enzyme-based cleaning agents, antibacterial components
• Scent: Light, clean fragrance
• Can use for: Families, indoor drying, antibacterial laundry needs
• Price: From $6–10 depending on size (770 g refill to 1.26 kg bottle)

Lion’s Acron Liquid Laundry Detergent is a gentle yet effective choice designed for delicate clothes that need extra care. Its formula includes fiber-protection agents that help maintain elasticity, prevent pilling, and keep garments looking newer for longer. Unlike harsher detergents, Acron is formulated to be kind to fabrics like wool, silk, linen, and other sensitive materials, making it perfect for fashion lovers who want to preserve their favorite outfits.

Super Nanox by Lion is famous for its ultra-concentrated formula, which means just a small amount is powerful enough to remove tough stains like oil, sweat, and food residue. The detergent penetrates deeply into fabric fibers, lifting dirt that ordinary detergents may leave behind. It’s designed to save space in your laundry area and reduce packaging waste, while still delivering maximum effectiveness.

This detergent is particularly loved in Japan for its ability to keep clothes looking fresh and new over time. Its light scent does not overpower, making it suitable for people who prefer subtle fragrances. If you want a compact, eco-friendly yet high-performance Japanese washing detergent, Super Nanox is a great pick.

• Brand: Lion
• Ingredients: High-concentration enzyme cleaning agents
• Scent: Mild, clean fragrance
• Can use for: Families, eco-conscious users, tough stain removal
• Price: Around $8–12 per 450 ml bottle; refills available at lower cost

Bold Liquid is more than just a detergent, it’s a 2-in-1 solution that combines cleaning power with the benefits of a fabric softener. This makes it perfect for people who want fresh, fluffy laundry without needing two separate products. It effectively removes stains while leaving clothes soft to the touch, reducing wrinkles and static cling.

Available in various fragrances, Bold is especially popular for its pleasant and long-lasting scents that stay on clothes even after drying. This detergent is recommended for busy households or anyone looking to simplify their laundry routine while still enjoying soft, great-smelling clothes.

• Brand: Bold (Procter & Gamble Japan)
• Ingredients: Enzyme-based detergent with added softening agents
• Scent: Multiple options (e.g., floral, fresh, fruity blends)
• Can use for: Families, those who want detergent + softener in one
• Price: Around $10–15 for a standard bottle (850 ml–1 kg)

Attack Super Clear Gel is widely known for its powerful stain-fighting technology that targets odors, sweat, and tough dirt. It’s particularly effective for washing sportswear, uniforms, and everyday clothes that need a deeper clean. The gel consistency dissolves quickly in water, making it suitable for both cold and warm washes.

This detergent is also developed to work well in indoor drying conditions, helping reduce musty smells that can occur in humid environments. With its reliable cleaning and odor-eliminating features, Attack Super Clear Gel has become a trusted choice among Japanese households.

• Brand: Kao (Attack series)
• Ingredients: Enzyme-based gel formula with deodorizing agents
• Scent: Fresh, clean fragrance
• Can use for: Activewear, uniforms, indoor drying, daily laundry
• Price: Around $7–12 depending on size (900 ml–1.2 L bottles)

Lavons Floral Chic is a premium Japanese laundry detergent that combines cleaning power with luxurious fragrance and softening agents. Designed with both practicality and elegance in mind, it not only removes dirt effectively but also acts as a fabric softener. Clothes come out of the wash soft, smooth, and infused with a long-lasting floral chic scent.

This detergent is ideal for those who love the sensory experience of doing laundry. The fragrance is more refined compared to everyday detergents, and it lingers on fabrics without being too strong. Just as Japanese kitchens value the craftsmanship of a stainless steel knife made in Japan with wood handle, laundry lovers can appreciate the balance of practicality and artistry in this product.

• Brand: Lavons
• Ingredients: Cleaning agents with built-in fabric softener and fragrance enhancers
• Scent: Floral Chic (luxurious, long-lasting floral notes)
• Can use for: Everyday clothes, bedding, users who love fragrance-rich detergents
• Price: Around $12–18 for a 600–850 ml bottle

If you’re looking for convenience without compromising on cleaning power, Japanese laundry detergent pods are the perfect choice. Just toss one into the washer, and you get precise cleaning with no mess or measuring. The top 4 best-sellers are:

1. Ariel Power Gel Ball
2. Ariel Living Dry Gel Ball
3. Ariel Sports Gel Ball Laundry Detergent
4. Bold Gel Ball 4D

Ariel Power Gel Ball is one of the most iconic Japanese laundry products thanks to its convenient pre-measured pod format. Each gel ball packs a powerful cleaning formula with enzymes and antibacterial agents that penetrate deep into fabrics. The pod design ensures zero mess and eliminates the need for measuring liquid or powder, making laundry easier and faster.

This detergent is especially suitable for busy families or individuals who want quick, effective cleaning with minimal effort. With its ability to fight stains and odors, Ariel Power Gel Ball delivers consistent results every wash. Just toss one into the drum, and your laundry comes out fresh and clean.

• Brand: Ariel (Procter & Gamble Japan)
• Ingredients: Enzyme-based cleaning agents, antibacterial components
• Scent: Clean and refreshing fragrance
• Can use for: Families, busy professionals, everyday laundry
• Price: Around $12–18 per pack (18–30 pods depending on size)

Specially formulated for those who often dry their laundry indoors, the Ariel Living Dry Gel Ball helps prevent the musty smell that can develop in humid conditions. Its antibacterial formula not only removes dirt but also inhibits bacterial growth during the drying process. This makes it one of the most practical Japanese washing detergents for apartment living or rainy seasons.

The gel balls are individually wrapped for convenience and come with a fresh scent that keeps clothes smelling clean even after indoor drying. If you live in an environment where outdoor drying isn’t always possible, this detergent is an excellent solution.

• Brand: Ariel (Procter & Gamble Japan)
• Ingredients: Enzyme formula with antibacterial deodorizing agents
• Scent: Fresh and mild fragrance designed for indoor drying
• Can use for: Indoor drying, humid climates, small households
• Price: About $14–20 per pack (18–30 pods)

Ariel Sports Gel Ball is designed for active lifestyles, tackling sweat and odor at the source. Each pod contains a concentrated cleaning formula that penetrates fabrics to remove bacteria and stubborn smells from sportswear and gym clothes. It’s perfect for people who exercise frequently or wear uniforms that require deep cleaning.

The pods also leave behind a refreshing scent that lasts, helping clothes feel clean and energized after every wash. With its specialized formula for sweat-heavy laundry, Ariel Sports Gel Ball stands out as a must-have for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone leading an active lifestyle.

• Brand: Ariel (Procter & Gamble Japan)
• Ingredients: Enzyme-rich cleaning agents, odor-fighting antibacterial components
• Scent: Fresh, sporty fragrance
• Can use for: Sportswear, uniforms, active families
• Price: Around $15–22 per pack (18–30 pods)

Bold Gel Ball 4D is a unique laundry pod that combines detergent, stain remover, deodorizer, and softener into one convenient capsule. Its advanced 4D design ensures that all four functions work together for maximum efficiency, giving you not only clean laundry but also soft, fragrant clothes straight from the wash.

This product is ideal for households that want an “all-in-one” solution without needing to buy multiple products. The long-lasting fragrance and built-in softener make it especially appealing for families who enjoy clothes that feel fluffy and smell fresh.

• Brand: Bold (Procter & Gamble Japan)
• Ingredients: Enzyme detergent, stain-removing agents, softening and deodorizing formula
• Scent: Multiple options (floral, fresh, fruity) with long-lasting fragrance
• Can use for: Families, busy individuals, all-in-one laundry care
• Price: Around $15–22 per pack (18–30 pods)

For those who prefer the traditional and powerful cleaning action of powders, Japanese washing powder remains a trusted choice. The top 5 favorites include 

1. Attack Reset Power
2. Ariel Science Plus (powder detergent)
3. Top Platinum Clear
4. Fragrance New Beads
5. Blue Diamond powder

Attack Reset Power is a powerful Japanese washing powder known for its deep-cleaning ability. It’s formulated with oxygen bleach and antibacterial agents that penetrate fabric fibers to remove tough stains and odors. This makes it highly effective for heavily soiled clothes, workwear, or school uniforms.

A key feature is its indoor drying performance, the formula helps prevent musty smells even when laundry is dried inside. With its whitening and deodorizing properties, Attack Reset Power is a reliable choice for families who want a powder detergent that provides professional-level cleaning.

• Brand: Kao (Attack series)
• Ingredients: Oxygen bleach, enzyme-based cleaning formula, antibacterial agents
• Scent: Clean, refreshing fragrance
• Can use for: Families, uniforms, workwear, indoor drying
• Price: About $10–15 per box (800 g–1 kg)

Ariel Science Plus Powder is a trusted detergent in Japan for its powerful stain and odor removal. It works by combining enzyme cleaning with brightening agents, helping clothes look fresh and vibrant after every wash. This powder dissolves quickly and works well in both cold and warm water, making it versatile for different washing preferences.

Another highlight of Ariel Science Plus is its deodorizing effect, which is particularly helpful in humid environments. Clothes washed with this detergent come out looking clean and smelling fresh, making it a favorite among households that value both cleanliness and efficiency.

• Brand: Ariel (Procter & Gamble Japan)
• Ingredients: Enzyme-based powder, brightening and deodorizing agents
• Scent: Mild, refreshing fragrance
• Can use for: Daily laundry, stain removal, families in humid climates
• Price: Around $9–14 per box (800 g–1 kg)

Top Platinum Clear is a premium Japanese washing powder designed for advanced stain removal and fabric protection. It uses enzyme-rich ingredients that penetrate deeply into fibers, helping eliminate stubborn stains such as grease, sweat, and food residue. The powder also dissolves quickly, reducing residue even in low-temperature washes.

This detergent is particularly well-suited for families who want a powerful, reliable product that maintains fabric quality. With a fresh and clean fragrance, Top Platinum Clear delivers laundry that not only looks bright but also smells crisp after every wash.

• Brand: Lion (Top series)
• Ingredients: Enzyme-based cleaning agents with brightening components
• Scent: Clean, refreshing fragrance
• Can use for: Families, daily laundry, stain-heavy clothing
• Price: Around $9–14 per box (800 g–1 kg)

Fragrance New Beads is well-known in Japan for its long-lasting perfume-like scent. Unlike standard washing powders, this detergent is designed to leave clothes with a pleasant fragrance that lingers throughout the day. It cleans thoroughly while also acting almost like a built-in fabric softener, keeping clothes soft and smooth.

This powder is perfect for people who love their laundry to smell as good as it looks. With options such as floral and fruity blends, Fragrance New Beads adds an element of luxury to everyday laundry. It’s a favorite among households that enjoy fragrance-rich products.

• Brand: Kao (New Beads series)
• Ingredients: Enzyme cleaning formula with added fragrance capsules
• Scent: Floral and fruity fragrance blends
• Can use for: Everyday laundry, bedding, fragrance lovers
• Price: Around $10–15 per box (800 g–1 kg)

Blue Diamond Powder is a traditional yet highly effective Japanese washing powder. It is formulated with oxygen bleach, which helps remove stains and odors without the harshness of chlorine bleach. This makes it both effective and fabric-friendly, suitable for keeping clothes bright and fresh over time.

Its deodorizing properties are especially useful for households with children or active members, as it helps eliminate sweat and odor trapped in fabrics. Blue Diamond Powder is a dependable, cost-effective choice for those who want deep cleaning with added freshness.

• Brand: Blue Diamond (Japan domestic brand)
• Ingredients: Oxygen bleach, enzyme-based cleaning formula
• Scent: Light, clean fragrance
• Can use for: Families, children’s clothes, odor removal
• Price: About $8–12 per box (800 g–1 kg)

When it comes to tackling tough stains, whitening clothes, and keeping laundry hygienically clean, Japanese bleach detergents are a household essential. Among the many options available, the top 3 best-selling choices are:

1. Haiter Bleach
2. Wide Haiter Ex Power
3. Bright W

Haiter Bleach is one of the most iconic Japanese laundry products, trusted for decades in households across Japan. It is designed to effectively remove stains, kill bacteria, and deodorize clothes, making it ideal for deep cleaning. This chlorine-based bleach works quickly to restore the whiteness of fabrics while also sanitizing laundry.

Beyond clothing, Haiter Bleach can also be used to clean household items such as towels, sheets, and even kitchen cloths. It’s a versatile solution for those who want both hygiene and freshness in their laundry routine.

• Brand: Kao
• Ingredients: Chlorine-based bleach, disinfectant agents
• Scent: Strong bleach scent
• Can use for: White clothes, towels, sheets, household fabrics
• Price: Around $5–9 per bottle (600–1000 ml)

Wide Haiter Ex Power is a non-chlorine oxygen bleach, making it safer for colored fabrics while still offering strong stain and odor removal. It penetrates deeply into fibers to lift dirt, sweat, and bacteria without damaging the texture of clothes. This makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin or for washing children’s clothing.

One of its biggest advantages is that it works effectively even in cold water washes, saving energy while keeping laundry hygienically clean. It is a popular choice for families who want gentle yet effective cleaning.

• Brand: Kao
• Ingredients: Oxygen bleach, enzyme cleaning agents
• Scent: Mild, clean scent
• Can use for: Colored clothes, baby clothes, everyday laundry
• Price: Around $6–10 per bottle (500–1000 ml)

Bright W is a specialized Japanese washing detergent with bleaching power that is designed to target yellowing and dullness in fabrics. Unlike harsh chlorine bleaches, it uses oxygen-based whitening agents to gently brighten clothes while preserving fabric quality.

This detergent is especially useful for white shirts, uniforms, and bedding that tend to lose brightness over time. With regular use, Bright W helps maintain the original crisp and fresh look of your laundry.

• Brand: Lion
• Ingredients: Oxygen bleach, brightening agents
• Scent: Light, fresh fragrance
• Can use for: White clothes, uniforms, bedding
• Price: Around $7–11 per bottle (600–900 ml)

Choosing the right Japanese laundry detergent can completely transform your laundry routine, giving you cleaner, fresher, and longer-lasting clothes with every wash. From powerful liquid gels and convenient pods to traditional washing powders and bleach detergents, Japan offers high-quality solutions trusted by households worldwide.

Before choosing the best Japanese laundry detergent, many shoppers still have common questions about sensitivity, availability, and whether fabric softener is used in Japan. Here are some quick answers to help guide your decision.