XTRA Laundry Detergent Reviews: Why You Should Try One?

I’ve been through my fair share of laundry detergents, from pricey name brands to eco-friendly upstarts, but XTRA laundry detergent has earned a permanent spot in my laundry room. It’s affordable, reliable, and punches above its weight in cleaning power.

Whether you’re tackling sweaty gym clothes or muddy kids’ jeans, XTRA gets the job done without breaking the bank. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with XTRA, break down its strengths and weaknesses, compare it to other popular detergents, and offer practical tips to make your laundry routine a breeze.

Trust me, XTRA is worth trying.

My Experience With XTRA Laundry Detergent

I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first grabbed a bottle of XTRA Liquid Laundry Detergent in the Mountain Rain scent from my local grocery store.

It was on sale for $2.50 for a 52-load bottle, and I thought, “This is too good to be true.”

I’ve always leaned toward pricier brands, assuming you get what you pay for.

But with a household of three kids, two dogs, and a husband who loves gardening, my laundry pile is a constant battleground of grass stains, pet hair, and mystery smudges.

I needed something that could keep up without draining my wallet.

The first load I washed with XTRA was a mix of my kids’ soccer uniforms, some towels, and a few of my workout shirts that always seem to hold onto that lingering gym smell. I followed the instructions, pouring a small capful into my high-efficiency (HE) front-loader.

The scent hit me first—clean, crisp, and not overpowering, like a breeze through a forest after rain. When the cycle finished, I pulled out the clothes, and they felt soft, looked bright, and smelled fresh.

Even the stubborn sweat odor in my workout gear was gone, which is no small feat. I didn’t need to toss in extra stain removers or boosters, which I’d grown used to doing with other budget detergents.

Over the next few weeks, I put XTRA through its paces. I washed everything from delicate sweaters to my husband’s dirt-caked work jeans. The detergent handled most stains well, though I noticed it struggled a bit with set-in grease marks from a particularly messy taco night.

Still, for everyday laundry—socks, sheets, and school uniforms—it was a champ. The affordability kept me coming back. At roughly 5 cents per load, it’s a fraction of what I’d spent on premium brands, yet the results were comparable.

I also tried the Tropical Passion scent, with its fruity papaya and guava notes, which made laundry day feel like a mini vacation. My only gripe? The scent didn’t linger as long as I’d hoped after drying, but that’s a small price to pay for clean clothes on a budget.

What surprised me most was how well XTRA worked in my HE machine. I’ve had issues with other budget detergents creating too many suds or leaving residue, but XTRA dissolved cleanly, leaving no trace in the drum or on my clothes.

I even tested it on a load of whites, expecting some dinginess, but they came out bright and crisp. My husband’s work socks, usually a lost cause, looked nearly new after a wash with the Plus OxiClean version. It’s not perfect for every stain, but for the price, XTRA has become my go-to for keeping our chaotic household’s laundry under control.

Pros of XTRA Laundry Detergent

• Affordability That Doesn’t Skimp on Quality

Let’s talk money.

XTRA is a budget-friendly dream, often costing less than $3 for a bottle that handles dozens of loads.

I’ve paid triple that for other detergents that didn’t clean noticeably better.

Despite its low price, XTRA doesn’t feel cheap.

It tackles dirt, sweat, and most food stains with ease, making it a go-to for families like mine who need reliable cleaning without the hefty price tag.

You’re getting big-brand performance at a fraction of the cost, which feels like a win every time I hit the grocery store.

• Versatility for All Machines

I love that XTRA works in both standard and HE washing machines. I’ve got a front-loader at home, but when I visit my mom, who still uses her old top-loader, I can bring the same bottle.

No need to buy separate detergents or worry about suds overload in my HE machine. The formula is designed to dissolve efficiently, leaving no residue on clothes or in the drum, which keeps my washer running smoothly.

• Pleasant and Varied Scents

XTRA’s scent lineup is a standout. From the crisp Mountain Rain to the exotic Tropical Passion, there’s something for everyone. I’m partial to Mountain Rain because it’s fresh without being cloying, but my kids love the fruity Calypso Fresh.

These scents make laundry feel less like a chore and more like a sensory treat. Even better, the fragrances aren’t so strong that they overwhelm sensitive noses in my household.

• Effective Stain Removal for Everyday Messes

For daily laundry, XTRA shines. It handles grass stains from my kids’ sports gear, pet odors from our dog’s bedding, and even coffee spills on my white shirts.

The Plus OxiClean version is particularly impressive, combining XTRA’s cleaning power with OxiClean’s stain-fighting boost. I’ve found it especially effective on fresh stains like ketchup or juice, often without needing pretreatment.

• Eco-Friendly Packaging Options

XTRA isn’t marketed as a “green” detergent, but I appreciate that some of their larger bottles come in recyclable packaging. The concentrated formula means you use less per load, which reduces plastic waste over time.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction for a budget brand.

• Easy-to-Use Measuring

The cap on XTRA bottles is a small but appreciated detail. It’s clearly marked for measuring, so I don’t have to guess how much to use. This makes it easy to avoid overpouring, which saves detergent and prevents buildup in my machine.

For someone like me who’s always rushing through chores, this simplicity is a lifesaver.

Cons of XTRA Laundry Detergent

• Struggles with Tough, Set-In Stains

While XTRA is great for everyday laundry, it’s not a miracle worker for stubborn, set-in stains.

I’ve noticed that grease stains from cooking or oil-based makeup require extra effort, like pretreating with a stain remover or running a second cycle.

If your laundry often includes heavy-duty stains, you might need to pair XTRA with a dedicated stain fighter or opt for a pricier brand for those loads.

• Scent Longevity Could Be Better

I love the initial burst of fragrance when I open the washer, but the scent tends to fade after drying. This isn’t a dealbreaker for me, since the clothes are still clean, but if you’re someone who wants that fresh-laundry smell to last for days, XTRA might leave you wanting.

Adding a scented fabric softener helps, but I’d prefer if the detergent’s fragrance held up longer.

• Limited Availability in Some Stores

XTRA isn’t as widely stocked as big names like Tide or Persil. I’ve found it at Walmart and some grocery stores, but smaller retailers or specialty shops often don’t carry it.

This can be a hassle if you don’t live near a major retailer or prefer shopping locally. Ordering online is an option, but I like the convenience of grabbing detergent during my regular shopping trips.

• Not Ideal for Sensitive Skin

While XTRA offers a variety of scents, it doesn’t have a dedicated free-and-clear formula for sensitive skin. My friend with eczema tried it and found it caused mild irritation.

If you or your family have skin sensitivities, you might need to stick with hypoallergenic options like All Free & Clear or Persil’s sensitive skin formula.

• Less Effective in Hard Water

If you live in an area with hard water, like I do occasionally when visiting my parents, XTRA’s performance can dip. Hard water can reduce the detergent’s ability to lather and clean effectively.

I’ve had to use a bit more detergent or add a water softener to get the same results I’m used to at home. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Tips For Using XTRA Laundry Detergent

• Measure Carefully to Avoid Residue

One thing I’ve learned is that less is more with XTRA. The concentrated formula means you don’t need to pour a ton into each load. For a medium load, I stick to the recommended capful—about 1.5 ounces.

Overdoing it can lead to suds buildup in HE machines, which might leave residue on clothes or clog your washer. Check the bottle’s dosage guide, and if you’re dealing with hard water, you might need a bit more, but don’t go overboard.

I once poured too much and ended up with soapy streaks on my towels—not fun.

• Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

Using XTRA in my front-loader has been smooth, but any liquid detergent can contribute to buildup over time. I run a cleaning cycle every month using a washing machine cleaner or a mix of vinegar and baking soda.

This keeps the drum fresh and prevents any musty smells from transferring to my clothes. If you notice your washer smelling funky, it’s a sign to give it some TLC. A clean machine means XTRA can work its magic without any interference.

• Pretreat Tough Stains for Best Results

For stubborn stains like grease or ink, I’ve found that pretreating makes a big difference. I dab a small amount of XTRA directly onto the stain, rub it in with an old toothbrush, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.

This boosts the detergent’s effectiveness and saves me from running extra cycles. The Plus OxiClean version is especially handy for this, as it packs an extra punch against stains like ketchup or grass.

• Store Properly to Maintain Freshness

I keep my XTRA bottle in a cool, dry spot in my laundry room to preserve its scent and cleaning power. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a humid basement, as this can degrade the formula over time.

Also, make sure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent spills or evaporation—trust me, I learned this the hard way after a messy spill on my shelf. Proper storage keeps XTRA effective for every load.

• Use the Right Water Temperature

XTRA works well in cold water, which I love for saving energy, but for heavily soiled loads like towels or work clothes, I switch to warm or hot water. The detergent’s enzymes activate better at higher temperatures, giving you a deeper clean.

Just check your clothing labels to avoid shrinking or fading delicate fabrics. I ruined a favorite sweater once by ignoring this—don’t make my mistake.

• Rotate Scents for Variety

One fun tip I’ve picked up is rotating XTRA’s scents to keep things interesting. I alternate between Mountain Rain and Tropical Passion depending on my mood. It’s a small thing, but it makes laundry day feel less monotonous.

Plus, it lets me match the scent to the load—fruity for kids’ clothes, crisp for bedding. Just be sure to store opened bottles properly so the scents stay vibrant.

Comparison of XTRA Laundry Detergent With Other Detergents

• Persil Laundry Detergent

Persil has a reputation for being a stain-fighting powerhouse, and I can see why.

When I tested Persil ProClean Liquid, it tackled tough stains like red wine and chocolate better than XTRA, especially on cotton fabrics.

The cleaning power is impressive, often removing stains in a single wash without pretreatment.

I used it on a white shirt splattered with spaghetti sauce, and it came out spotless.

However, Persil comes with a higher price tag—around 45 cents per load compared to XTRA’s 5 cents. That’s a big jump if you’re doing multiple loads a week. I also found Persil’s scent, while pleasant, to be stronger and more lingering, which isn’t ideal if you prefer subtler fragrances.

For sensitive skin, Persil offers a free-and-clear option, which XTRA lacks, making it a better choice for allergy-prone households. Still, for everyday laundry, I didn’t notice enough of a performance gap to justify the cost difference.

XTRA holds its own for routine washes, and I’d rather save the extra cash for something else.

• All Laundry Detergent

All Free & Clear is my go-to when I’m washing for someone with sensitive skin, like my niece who gets rashes from scented detergents.

It’s formulated without dyes or perfumes, which is a big plus for allergy sufferers, and it still cleans well for everyday messes like dirt and sweat.

I tried it on a load of my kids’ school uniforms, and it did a decent job, though it wasn’t as effective on fresh juice stains as XTRA’s Plus OxiClean formula.

All is pricier than XTRA—about 20 cents per load—but it’s widely available and often on sale.

The lack of scent is a drawback if you love a fresh-laundry smell, but it’s a trade-off for skin safety. If you don’t need a hypoallergenic option, XTRA’s affordability and scent variety give it an edge for general use. But if skin sensitivity is a concern, All is the safer bet.

• Total Home Laundry Detergent

Total Home, a store brand I picked up at a local retailer, is another budget-friendly option, often priced similarly to XTRA at around 6-8 cents per load.

It’s a solid performer for basic cleaning, handling light stains and odors well.

I used it on a load of towels and bedding, and they came out fresh enough.

However, when I compared it to XTRA, I noticed Total Home struggled with heavier stains like grass or grease, requiring more pretreatment.

Its scent options are limited, and the ones I tried felt generic compared to XTRA’s vibrant Tropical Passion or Mountain Rain. Total Home is a decent choice if you’re pinching pennies and don’t mind a no-frills detergent, but XTRA’s better stain-fighting power and fun fragrances make it more enjoyable to use.

For the slight price difference, I’d stick with XTRA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why XTRA Is Worth Your Money?

After months of using XTRA, I’m hooked. It’s affordable, versatile, and makes laundry day a little more enjoyable with its fresh scents. Whether you’re washing a mountain of kids’ clothes or refreshing your gym gear, XTRA delivers clean results without the premium price.

Pair it with smart laundry habits, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite detergent.