Quick math: if your family runs eight loads a week, you are doing over 400 loads of laundry a year. That is a lot of detergent, and most of us just keep buying the same jug we grabbed years ago.
But what if a different brand cleans just as well for half the price? Or smells better? Or is gentler on sensitive skin? Free samples let you find out without spending a dime.
What laundry samples look like
Laundry brands give away more samples than you might think. Here is what usually shows up:
- Single pods or small detergent packets, enough for a load or two.
- Dryer sheets and scent boosters, often a handful tucked in an envelope.
- Stain remover wipes or travel-size pens.
- Coupons riding along with the sample, often for a dollar or two off the full size.
Since most of these are light and flat, they come by regular mail. No signature, no fuss.
Where to find them
The best time to look is when a brand launches something new: a fresh scent, a "free and clear" version, or a new pod format. Launches almost always come with a sample giveaway, and we add those to our list below as soon as we spot them.
Product testing programs like PINCHme and Influenster send laundry products now and then, too. And smaller eco-friendly brands, like the ones making detergent sheets, often give away a free trial pack to win you over.
Insider tip: when a sample comes with a coupon, it usually expires in a few weeks. Stick it on the fridge so you remember to use it.
How to run a fair detergent test
One load is not much to go on, so make it count:
- Use a load you know well. Towels, workout clothes, or the kids' play clothes. You will notice the difference right away.
- Compare cost per load, not price per bottle. A cheaper jug can actually cost more if you need to use more of it.
- Do the sniff test the next day. Some scents fade fast, others hang around in a good way.
- Watch for skin reactions. If anyone at home has sensitive skin, test new detergent on a small load of their clothes first.
- Use the coupon. If you love it, the coupon that came with the sample is your cheapest chance to buy the full size.
Free laundry samples, live right now
Below are the laundry samples we have found that are working today. We check them daily and remove the dead ones, so if you see something you like, grab it.