One of the most difficult parts of life in Japan is finding the right laundry detergent and making sure it doesn't contain anything that will ruin your clothes.
Here you can find a list of the most popular laundry detergents in Japan, with descriptions in English and notices about whether they contain bleach or other brighteners. You can also learn about Japanese washing machines and dryers, and other laundry supplies.
If you don't have a washing machine, you can check out our tutorial on using Japanese laundromats. Select a tab below, or scroll through to see the whole section.
Liquid Detergent
NANOX one PRO
Enzymes that break down bacteria-derived DNA at the source, eliminating odour-causing bacteria, stubborn stains, and yellowing in one wash. Special polymer prevents colour fading. No fluorescent brighteners. Rinse once. 100% recycled PET bottle body (nozzle and cap excluded). Powdery soap fragrance. 600g; 10g per 30L.
BioIOS formula with an antibacterial+ function that suppresses odour-producing bacteria metabolism. Removes biofilm from clothing. Clears sliminess from lint filter. Prevents washing machine mould. No fluorescent brighteners. 570g. Indoor-dry formula also available.
Super-antibacterial detergent for indoor-dried laundry. Bleach-level deodorising power, 99% antibacterial, and prevents washing machine mould. Rinse once. 700g. Also available in a standard (non-indoor-dry) formula.
Soaking-level cleaning power against yellowing that has built up over 100 days. Antibacterial and antiviral. Prevents washing machine mould. Rinse once. Contains fluorescent brightener. 880g.
Ultra-concentrated formula that packs high concentrations of cleaning and deodorising actives without fragrance-boosting ingredients — deodorises without masking. Prevents washing machine mould. 460g; 13mL per 30L.
100-hour antibacterial protection against the three main laundry odours: indoor-dry smell, forgotten-laundry smell, and the return-odour when clothes re-wet. Removes envelope-type viruses. No fluorescent brighteners. Rinse once. Mild Fresh Floral scent. 840g.
Eliminates sweat, indoor-dry, and ageing odours at the source. No fragrance, colorants, bleach, or fluorescent brighteners. Rinse once. 500g; 25g per 6kg laundry.
Contains fibre-smoothing agents that reduce friction during washing, easing the prickling sensation felt against dry or irritated skin. Antibacterial, deodorising, indoor-dry compatible. No fluorescent brighteners, bleach, or colorants. Skin-tested under dermatologist supervision. Safe for baby clothes. 420g.
Five-zero damage protection: prevents wrinkling, shape distortion, shrinkage, colour fading, and pilling. Repair-clean technology with SAPA fibre-protecting agents. Rinse once (machine wash delicate course; two rinses for hand washing). For delicate fabrics including wool. Floral Bouquet scent. 450ml.
One ball delivers the cleaning power of a full bottle of liquid detergent. 4-layer structure keeps incompatible ingredients separated for maximum effect. 99% antibacterial, deodorises as effectively as 30-minute bleach soaking, and prevents washing machine mould. Rinse once. 11 balls per pack.
Japan's only fluorescent brightener-free professional gel ball detergent (as of June 2024). 75% surfactant concentration. 4-in-1: high cleaning power, antibacterial, deodorising, and softening. No phosphate or dioxane. 20 harmful substances-free. Child safety lock. 42 balls per pack.
3-in-1 deodorising, antibacterial, and softening formula. 9× the deodorising power of the previous formula. 18-hour antibacterial effect. Targets 9 odour types including sweat, pet, and tobacco. Dust mite repellent. Fragrance by Firmenich master perfumer Gary Marr. Child safety lock. Rinse once. 32 balls per pack.
Pre-measured sticks dissolve completely — drop one into the drum, no measuring needed. Cleaning power exceeds liquid detergent (reformulated March 2025 with improved grease and food-stain removal). Rinse once. Anti-drum mould. No fluorescent brighteners. For cotton, linen, and synthetics.
Bio-enzyme formula with a micro-particle structure that dissolves instantly on contact with water. Removes skin oil, odour, and tough stains. Soak washing compatible (30–40°C warm water, 30 min to 1 hour). For cotton, linen, and synthetics.
Antibacterial and deodorising powder detergent from the Attack range. 99% antibacterial. Deodorising ingredients prevent odour buildup. Indoor-dry compatible. Comes as a main body + refill set (1.5kg total).
Prevents both indoor-dry odour during drying and "return odour" when fabrics re-wet later. 99% antibacterial and virus removal. Double antibacterial agents plus enzymes and deodorising ingredients. Reduced powder-dust formula. 900g; 30g per 30L water.
3× concentrated — just 10g per wash; a 500g pack delivers 50 washes. 47% lighter than a standard-size equivalent. Paper spoon included (no plastic scoop). Contains oxygen bleach.
Ion-based formula developed specifically for mud stains on sports uniforms and workwear (baseball, football, rugby). Natural herb-based deodorising and antibacterial. Colour-safe oxygen bleach. Citrus scent. Note: contains phosphate — prohibited in Shiga and Ibaraki prefectures.
Professional-grade powder with oxygen-bleach-based sanitising and deodorising action. No fluorescent brightener — safe for off-white, beige, and light-coloured fabrics. Phosphate-free. Weak alkaline. 2.5kg; 20g per 30L water.
Phosphate-free formula with increased protein-stain enzyme for strong cleaning even in large loads. Contains fluorescent brightener. 3.2kg, approx. 100 washes (32g per 30L water). Easy-carry handle.
Five-star hotel-level softness and scent. White tea fragrance layered with white rose, jasmine, and herbs. Keeps fabrics fluffy even after 100 washes, with fragrance lasting up to one week. Indoor-dry compatible, anti-static, deodorising. Safe for baby clothes.
Diamond Aroma technology delivers 2× the scent release during wear versus the previous formula. Fragrance lasts 12 hours. Orange blossom, cherry, and woody accords. Anti-wrinkle, anti-pilling, anti-static, and antibacterial.
Contains natural oils of Turkish rose, Italian lemon, and marigold. Scent evolves over time — citrus top, white floral heart, musk-amber base — lasting all day. Antibacterial, quick-dry, anti-static, and pollen-resistant.
Hamming's highest-softness formula with naturally derived softening agents. Free from colorants. Eliminates prickling and stiffness. Fresh rose scent (reformulated 2023 to be crisper and more natural). Safe for baby clothes.
Fruity-floral fragrance with a luxury perfume-like presence from wash through wear. No microplastic capsules. Certified organic plant extracts. Prevents indoor-dry odour, reduces static, and inhibits wrinkles. Safe for baby clothes.
Developed in collaboration with a world-renowned fragrance house. White musk scent themed "Moonlit Promise" — a quiet candlelit evening mood. Long-lasting fragrance. Safe for baby clothes.
Green tea and citrus top (lemon, bergamot, grapefruit), lily-of-the-valley, rose, and fig leaf heart, cedarwood, musk, and amber base. Prevents indoor-dry odour, reduces static and pollen adhesion. No microplastics. Certified organic plant extracts. Safe for baby clothes.
3-in-1 formula: serum penetrates fibres with every wash to reduce wrinkles, extend fragrance, and neutralise odour. White peach and chamomile scent. Safe for baby clothes.
Watery-green top, lily and magnolia heart, woody-amber-musk base. Pure musk and amber used generously for a transparent, soft scent. Deodorising and anti-static. 570ml.
Contains Danish-developed cellulase enzyme that selectively targets damaged fibres — removing pilling and fuzz over repeated washes without harming the fabric. Crisp citrus-green scent by a luxury-brand perfumer. Deodorising, antibacterial, anti-static. Safe for baby clothes. 500ml.
Proprietary aroma technology (咲きたてアロマ製法) preserves the chosen scent character from the moment you pour to the last wear. Natural aroma oil and sweet orange oil blend. Green apple, peach, lily-of-the-valley, and rose. Anti-static, deodorising, pollen-resistant. Safe for baby clothes.
Classic Hamming formula with naturally derived softening agents. White floral scent. Traps air into fibres for a fluffy, gentle feel. Anti-static and anti-pilling.
Plant-derived ingredients selected for skin comfort, free from colorants. Mild pure-soap scent. Skin-tested under dermatologist supervision. Deodorising and softening.
Two types of coconut-derived softening agents. No synthetic fragrance, colorants, silicone, or petroleum-based surfactants. Food-derived deodorising ingredient. 2× the water absorption of typical softeners. Biodegradable. RSPO-certified. 1% of sales supports Borneo conservation.
Themed "Sunday morning, drifting in bed" — a sweet, relaxing accord of lily-of-the-valley, peony blossom, and white musk. Premium fragrance that lasts all day.
Powder oxygen bleach. No surfactants, no fragrance, no chlorine. Sodium percarbonate breaks down into oxygen, water, and sodium carbonate — rinse-safe and environmentally gentle. Safe for coloured fabrics. Multi-purpose: laundry, dishes, and bathroom tiles. 1 scoop (~28g) per 4L of 40–60°C water; soak approx. 20 minutes (up to 6 hours). 500g.
Powder oxygen bleach with added surfactants for enhanced stain removal. Standard OxiClean contains no surfactants; EX adds them for more effective cleaning. Safe for coloured fabrics. 1 scoop per 4L of 40–60°C water; soak up to 6 hours. 500g.
Powder oxygen bleach with fluorescent brightening agents and enzymes, formulated to restore brightness to white fabrics. Safe for coloured fabrics, but beige or light-coloured items may whiten — patch test first. For white dress shirts, uniforms, and athletic wear. 1360g.
Powder oxygen bleach with bleach activator (漂白活性化剤). Stronger removal of collar marks, sweat stains, blood, and yellowing. Safe for coloured fabrics (patch test recommended). 5g per 1L of 40°C water; soak 30 minutes. Do not use on wool, silk, leather, or items with metal attachments. 500g.
Enzyme + oxygen bleach booster. Four stain-fighting enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase) break down protein, oil, starch, and fibre stains. A repair enzyme (ケアセルラーゼ) also targets pilling and damaged fibres. Safe for coloured fabrics and baby clothes. Soak 30 minutes to 2 hours; do not exceed 2 hours. 5g per 1L of water.
Chlorine bleach for white plain fabrics only. Active ingredient: sodium hypochlorite 6%. Bleaches, disinfects, and removes deep yellowing. Soak up to 30 minutes (max 2 hours); rinse twice after use.
White fabrics only. Do NOT use on coloured or patterned fabrics — sodium hypochlorite removes all dyes. Do NOT mix with other cleaners (acidic cleaners, vinegar, alcohol) — produces toxic chlorine gas. Use in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves. 1500ml.
When hanging your laundry up inside or outside to dry, it is common to use a variety of hangers to make drying easier and more convenient. The most common types of hangers are mobiles with a number of clothespins attached, connected sets of regular clothes hangers, and separate regular clothes hangers. Laundry hangers can be purchased at any home goods store, most grocery stores, and 100 yen shops.
Washing Machines
Washing machines come in two basic types: top-loading and front-loading. In recent years, front-loading washers have become more popular, but they are typically more expensive than top-loaders. Japanese top-loading washing machines, however, either have a very short agitator or a low-profile agitator on the bottom of the drum, so they function similarly to a front-loading washing machine. Washing machines can be purchased at any electronics store, some home goods stores, and resale shops.
Clothes Dryers
Electric clothes dryers are uncommon in Japan due to the cost of electricity to run them. Some washing machines have a dryer function, but are not common. Other washing machines have an Air Fluff option, but is only useful for very lightweight fabrics. If you have space and don't mind the cost and little selection, however, clothes dryers can be purchased wherever washing machines are sold (typically electronics stores).
Laundromats
Laundromats in Japan
Laundromats are common in Japan. Sometimes people go to laundromats to wash bedding instead of going to a dry cleaner, or use them to do regular laundry in the rainy season because it is hard to dry laundry outside due to the humidity.
People who suffer from Hay Fever in the Spring and Summer use laundromats to keep pollen from sticking to their clothing.
Below is an explanation of how to use the machines in a laundromat. Though every laundromat's machines are different, they are all used mostly the same way.
1. Types of machines at a laundromat
Washing machine The washing machines are quite big, so you can wash large loads. Some machines also have a hot water setting.
Dryers Most dryers take only 30 minutes for a full dry cycle.
Washer & Dryer Combo Machines These machines wash and dry in the same machine, making it more convenient to do laundry.
Sneaker washers Some laundromats have special washing machines to wash sneakers and other cloth shoes. A shoe dryer is usually above the washing machine. Simply put your shoes on the metal inserts and start the machine.
2. What do you need to bring?
You need these three things.
- Coins (usually 100 yen coins and 500 yen coins are accepted. Not every laundromat has a change machine. Some places have a pre-paid card system.)
- Your laundry
- Baskets or bags to put your laundry in.
Question: Do you need laundry detergent and fabric softener?
Answer: Most laundromats use machines that automatically dispense detergent and softener. (Older laundromats, and perhaps laundromats in the countryside, require you to bring your own detergent.)
Japanese
Romaji
Function
Pronunciation
洗剤不要 (せんざいふよう)
Senzai fuyou
You don't need laundry detergent
洗剤は、自動投入されます (せんざいは、じどうとうにゅうされます)
Senzai wa, jidou tounyuu saremasu
Detergent is automatically dispensed inside the machine.
3. How much does it cost and how much can you put in?
The cost is determined by the weight of the load and how long you wash it. Most machines have capacity lines drawn on the outside or inside of the drum, or sometimes on the door. Some machines have only a maximum capacity line.
Washing machines operate most efficiently when filled up to and below the top line, so filling over the line is not advised. Usually the pricing scale is displayed on the machine. This will be explained in the next section.
4. How long should I wash it?
The length and cost of the wash is determined by the weight of the load. This information is usually written on the front of the washer. The maximum capacity load (up to the line on the drum) will be the heaviest and most expensive.
You can see the amount (kg), minutes (分), and price 円 (yen) displayed on the machine.
洗濯：wash 標準：normal cycle 少量：Small load
Note: The prices shown in the table below are examples from a specific machine and may not reflect current pricing. Prices vary by location and machine. Always check the pricing displayed on the machine you are using.
5. How to use machines at a laundromat
A. How to use washing machines (wash only)
洗濯機(せんたくき sentakuki：washing machine)
Japanese
Romaji
English
Example cost (varies by location)
Pronunciation
準備 (じゅんび)
junbi
Prep: put laundry in and close the door firmly
N/A
コースを選択してください (こーすをせんたくしてください)
koosu wo sentaku shite kudasai
Choose cycle
N/A
標準 (ひょうじゅん)
hyoujun
Regular/Normal load
22kg 30min ￥1,100
少量 (しょうりょう)
shouryou
Small load
15kg 30min ￥1,900
料金を投入してください (りょうきんをとうにゅうしてください)
ryoukin wo tounyuu shite kudasai
Please insert coins
N/A
You can see the lines on the door that say 標準コース (Regular/Normal load) & 少量コース (Small load).
- If you have a small amount of laundry to do, fill the drum up to or below the bottom line.
- If you have a larger amount of laundry, fill the drum up to or below the top line.
Some machines have these lines written outside or inside the drum, so make sure to locate the lines for the machine you're using to make sure it runs properly. After putting your laundry inside the machine, close the door, and insert the correct amount of money for your load size.
*Some machines will start automatically when money is inserted; others require you to push the Start (スタート) button.
B. How to use a dryer
Put your clean, wet laundry inside the drum and close the door. Make sure your laundry does not go over the maximum capacity line on the drum or door, and make sure the door is secure. The dryer will start automatically after the coins are inserted. After you insert your money, the cycle timer will count down the remaining minutes. The image below is an example of a cycle timer.
Japanese
Romaji
English
Pronunciation
準備 (じゅんび)
Junbi
Prep
料金投入 (りょうきんとうにゅう)
Ryoukin wo tounyuu
Insert coins
残り時間 (のこりじかん)
Nokori jikan
Time left till finish
C. How to use washer dryer combo machines
- Make sure the machine is empty and put in your laundry. Some machines have a button to wash the drum for a few minutes for free (in case you're concerned about the cleanliness of the drum. Please note, not all machines have this function.)
- Press the button (押) of the cycle you want to run.
- Once you insert your coins, this will initiate the washing cycle you chose, so if you want to clean the drum, make sure you push the drum wash button BEFORE you put your money in.
- You can use the chart below to help you navigate the cycle types on these machines.
Japanese
Romaji
English
Pronunciation
洗濯乾燥機 (せんたくかんそうき)
Sentaku kansouki
Washer & Dryer Combo
乾燥機 (かんそうき)
kansouki
Dryer
準備 (じゅんび)
Junbi
Prep (put laundry in and close door)
コースを選択してください (こーすをせんたくしてください)
Koosu wo sentaku shite kudasai
Choose cycle
洗濯と乾燥 (せんたくとかんそう)
Sentaku to kansou
Wash and Dry
洗濯のみ (せんたくのみ)
Sentaku nomi
Wash only
乾燥のみ (かんそうのみ)
Kansou nomi
Dry only
料金を投入してください (りょうきんをとうにゅうしてください)
Ryoukin wo tounyuu shite kudasai
Please insert coins
When using the Dryer Only function of a Washer/Dryer Combo machine Item categories and average drying time:
Item categories
Average drying time
Lightweight items
20～30 mins
Heavyweight items (like jeans and jackets)
40～50 mins
Single (Twin bed size) blanket
30～40 mins
Double bed size blanket
40～50 mins
Kotatsu blanket
40～50 mins
Note
- For washer dryer combo machines: You can choose wash only, dry only, and wash and dry.
- For separate washers and dryers: You don't have to choose anything, just put in the amount of money for the cycle you want.
- When the machine is loaded, insert your coins and press the start button. (Some machines start working as soon as you insert coins without pressing the start button.)
- The timer will begin counting down to finish.
- Detergent and water will automatically dispense into the drum.
D. Washing machine for sneakers and other cloth shoes
* Capacity: 2 pairs of adult size shoes OR 4 pairs of kids' size shoes
Japanese
Romaji
English
洗濯機 (せんたくき)
sentakuki
Washing machine
1.料金を投入 (りょうきんをとうにゅう)
Ryoukin wo tounyuu
Insert coins
2.選択脱水層を洗います (せんたくだっすいそうをあらいます)
Sentaku dassuisou wo araimasu
Drum cleaning (press the shower button)
3.スニーカを入れます (すにーかーをいれます)
Suniika wo iremasu
Tightly tie the laces of each shoe and put the shoes in the washer
4.上ぶたを閉めます (うわぶたをしめます)
Uwabuta wo shimemasu
Close the lid and the machine will start (wash cycle lasts 20 min)
* Item categories and average drying time
Japanese
English
Average Time
ジョギングシューズ
Jogging shoes
20 mins
バスケットシューズ
Basketball shoes
40 mins
テニスシューズ
Tennis shoes
40 mins
子供用シューズ
Kids shoes
20 mins
6. After washing and drying
When your laundry is done, you can use a provided laundry cart or your own basket to move your laundry to a table. Some people fold their clothes on the tables and go home. If you do not want to pay to dry your clothes, you can take your wet clothes home and dry them outside.
Other amenities at the laundromat
Change machine
Table and Rolling basket/laundry cart
Usage chart. Please refer to the note below.
Note:
Please check the usage chart to see what items can and cannot be washed at your laundromat.
Items that may be washed are marked with 〇.
Items that may not be washed are marked with ×.
Items marked with △ may be washed providing they meet the stipulated criteria on the usage chart.
Japanese
Romaji
English
Pronunciation
洗濯 (せんたく)
sentaku
laundry
乾燥 (かんそう)
kansou
dry
毛布 (もうふ)
moufu
blanket
布団 (ふとん)
futon
futon
アクリル
akuriru
acrylic
コタツ布団 (こたつぶとん)
kotatsu Buton
blanket for kotatsu
羽毛 (うもう)
umou
down (goose down, etc.)
綿 (めん)
men
cotton
羊毛 (ようもう)
youmou
wool
枕 (まくら)
makura
pillow
カーテン
kaaten
curtains
カーペット
kaapetto
carpet
座布団 (ざぶとん)
zabuton
cushion
ぬいぐるみ
nuigurumi
stuffed toys
衣類 (いるい)
irui
clothing
ダウンジャケット
daun jaketto
down jacket
ウール (うーる)
uuru
Wool
シルク/ 絹 (きぬ)
shiruku/ kinu
Silk
肌着 (はだぎ)
hadagi
long underwear / innerwear
下着 (したぎ)
shitagi
underwear, panties
洗濯ネット (せんたくねっと)
sentaku netto
laundry bag (for washing delicate items)
How to Use Your Washing Machine
1. Push 入(On) on the right to turn on. To turn off you can push 切 (Off)
Japanese
Romaji
Function
Pronunciation
電源 (でんげん)
dengen
Power
入 (いり)
iri
On
切 (きり)
kiri
Off
スタート
sutaato
Start
一時停止 (いちじていし)
ichijiteishi
Pause
2. You can choose the cycle by pushing Course (コース) until the desired cycle is lit up.
The default setting is a Standard (標準) cycle. To customize your load, press each the Wash (洗い), Rinse (すすぎ), and Spin (脱水) buttons to the desired wash length, number of rinses, and length of spin, respectively.
Japanese
Romaji
English
Pronunciation
標準 (ひょうじゅん)
hyoujun
Standard
つけおき
tsukeoki
Soak
スピーディー
supiidi
Quick Wash
メモリー
memori
Save a custom setting
毛布 (もうふ)
moufu
Blanket
予約 (よやく)
yoyaku
Auto Wash Timer (set number of hours to load finish)
洗い (あらい)
arai
Wash
すすぎ脱水 (すすぎだっすい)
susugi
Rinse
脱水 (だっすい)
dassui
Spin
風乾燥 (かぜかんそう)
kazekansou
Air Fluff
コース
koosu
Course/Cycle
3. Press Start (スタート).
Most washing machines will weigh the contents of the drum by spinning it a few times, and then automatically dispense the appropriate amount of water. If you disagree with the machine's calibration, you can change the water level by pressing the Water Level (水位) button until the desired Liter amount is lit. Then, put in the appropriate amount of soap for the amount of water your machine will use, and close the lid. If you need to stop the machine for any reason, press the Pause (一時停止) button. This will stop the machine and unlock the lid.
