What Are the Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Strips?
Forget toxic chemicals and plastic jugs of liquid. Eco-friendly laundry strips are about to become your new secret weapon for fresh, clean clothes. These compact sheets dissolve quickly in the washing machine, eliminating plastic waste while still getting your clothes clean.
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What are the best eco-friendly strips?
Why are sheets better than liquid?
Switching from liquid to strips
Let’s explore the world of eco-friendly detergent strips (also known as detergent sheets). Say goodbye to bulky bottles and hello to convenience without the environmental guilt.
For maximum stain-fighting power plus sustainability, try Smart Sheep detergent strips. These effective, earth-friendly sheets are compact, plastic-free, and designed to dissolve quickly while tackling your toughest laundry messes.
What Are Eco-Friendly Laundry Strips?
Eco-friendly laundry strips are concentrated, dissolvable sheets that contain laundry detergent and other cleaning ingredients. Simply toss a strip in the wash instead of pouring from a plastic detergent bottle.
The strips harness the power of plant-based ingredients to get your clothes clean, fresh, and bright without harming the planet.
The main benefits of strips over liquid detergent include:
- Plastic free. Strips eliminate single-use plastic bottles.
- Compact. Strips take up much less storage space.
- Dissolve completely. No messy residue left in your washer.
- Portable. Easy to toss in a bag when traveling.
Detergent strips come in a few different varieties:
- Detergent strips. For basic washing needs.
- Scent boosters. Enhance freshness and add natural fragrance.
- Stain remover strips. Tackle tough stains like grease and wine.
- Whitening strips. Brighten dingy whites without bleach.
Using Laundry Detergent Sheets
You'll get the best cleaning results with most detergent sheets if you wash your clothes in warm or hot water. However, many sheets work effectively in cold water as well for energy savings, so check the product details to be sure.
For white laundry, hot water will help the sheets better brighten fabrics and remove stains. But for colored fabrics, stick to warm or cold water to prevent any fading.
Our detergent sheets are compatible with all types of washing machines—you can use them in top loaders, front loaders, standard machines, and high-efficiency models.
Also, our laundry sheets are safe for all fabrics, including delicates like silks or woolens.
Troubleshooting Laundry Strips
If you find your detergent sheets are not getting stains out, first try pre-treating any tough stains with a stain removal stick or spray before washing. For very dirty loads, add an extra strip for some extra cleaning power. And if you notice a stain on a garment, wash it immediately rather than letting it sit and set in.
In some cases, sheets may not fully dissolve during the wash cycle. Be sure to place the sheets directly into the drum rather than getting stuck in the dispenser drawer.
For top loaders, wait until the tub has filled partially with water before adding the sheets so they can dissolve. Running an occasional cleaning cycle in your machine will also help remove any built-up residue.
Choosing the Right Detergent Sheets
When it comes to choosing the right laundry detergent sheets, there are a few factors you should keep in mind:
- Ingredients: look for strips made with natural ingredients and free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, chlorine bleach, and optical brighteners.
- Packaging: look for products that come in compostable or reusable packaging. Materials such as glass, cardboard, and aluminum are much more likely to be recycled than plastics.
- Ethical sourcing and practices: opt for products that are certified organic or fair trade, and avoid those that contain palm oil or other ingredients derived from unsustainable or unethical practices.
- Number of loads: if you do a lot of laundry, look for a pack that includes several sheets.
- Stain fighting abilities: if you need help tackling tough stains, choose strips with activated enzymes or oxidizers that can break down stains from grease, sweat, wine, and more.
- Cruelty-free: ensure that the products have not been tested on animals—if they have, it is not a sustainable option.
Smart Sheep detergent strips meet all of the criteria for an effective and eco-friendly laundry product. Buy them today and enjoy convenient, sustainable laundry.
Review of The Best Eco Friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
With so many detergent sheets on the market today, it is hard to choose one that meets all your requirements. We have compiled a list of the best eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets for you to consider. Here they are:
Earth Breeze
Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets contain concentrated cleaning power from coconut-based surfactants that lift stains and freshen clothes. PETA has certified them as cruelty-free. They are also EWG Verified as an environmentally friendly product.
Earth Breeze sheets come in both fresh scent and fragrance-free options. They are eco-friendly and come in plastic-free packaging.
Notable features:
- Safe to use in high-efficiency washers
- Good for front loaders and top loaders
- Works well in both hot and cold water.
- Can last up to 18 months when stored in a cool, dry place
- Uses zero-waste, biodegradable, recyclable packaging that requires 94% less carbon emissions to transport.
- Comes in easy-to-use, pre-measured sheets that have a dermatologist-approved formula that removes unnecessary chemicals that cause skin irritation
Tru Earth Eco-Strips
Tru Earth laundry detergent sheets are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. Their products are also EWG Verified for environmental safety. These detergent strips come in both fresh linen and fragrance-free options.
Notable features:
- Made with renewable, plant-based ingredients
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Available with added softeners and optical brighteners
- Paraben-free, phosphate-free, carbon neutral
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Kind Laundry
Kind Laundry detergent strips are biodegradable, vegan, and free of harmful chemicals such as phosphates, sulfates, and parabens.
With a fragrance-free and an Ocean Breeze option, Kind Laundry is good for those with certain sensitivities.
Notable features:
- Works in standard and HE washing machines
- Free of sulfates that can be harsh on skin and fabrics
- Dissolves completely even in cold water loads
- Packaged in compostable cardboard
- No animal-derived ingredients or animal testing
Ecoroots
Eco Roots laundry detergent sheets are paraben-free, phthalate-free, phosphate-free, and free from optical brighteners or any other harsh chemicals. They are also biodegradable, free of synthetic fragrances and palm oil, safe for all types of washing machines, and septic-safe.
Eco Roots strips come in unscented and Fresh Breeze options.
Notable features:
- Safe to use with standard machines and HE front-loading washing machines
- Works with cold and hot water washing
- Packaged in plastic-free compostable cardboard
- Vegan and cruelty-free
HeySunday
HeySunday laundry sheets are free from stuff like phosphates, phthalates, 1,4 dioxane, bleach, and dyes. They offer scented and fragrance-free options, so you can choose what works best for you.
HeySunday sheets have an OECD 301B certification for biodegradability.
Notable features:
- 100% plastic-free and packaged in biodegradable and compostable materials for a more sustainable clean.
- Septic-safe, making them perfect for various types of washing machines and wastewater systems.
- Shipped in compostable containers and eliminate interior packaging.
Good Juju
Good Juju detergent sheets are made from an ultra-concentrated formula that is paraben, phthalate, vegan, and hypoallergenic. These detergent strips are packaged in lightweight, plastic-free packaging, which reduces transportation-related carbon emissions.
They contain plant enzymes to help with stain and odor removal.
Notable features:
- Work in all washing machines, including HE
- Safe for hand washing
- Biodegradable and hypoallergenic
- Waste-free and free from any harsh chemicals
- Vegan
Eco Living Club
The formulas of Eco Living Club laundry strips are Vegan Leaping Bunny approved. Each sheet is powered by powerful plant-based cleaning enzymes that are safe for both colored and white fabrics.
Notable features:
- Dermatologist tested and certified hypoallergenic
- Safe to use in high-efficiency washers
- Save shelf space and reduce carbon emissions
- Works in hot or cold water
- Suitable for handwashing
- Greywater friendly
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Smart Sheep
Smart Sheep's plant-based, dissolvable detergent strips are manufactured in the USA. The enzyme-powered formula targets stains and reduces plastic waste.
Notable features:
- Uses enzyme formula to target grease, sweat, mud and more
- Made from biodegradable, renewable materials like plant extracts and essential oils
- Meticulously crafted and tested to ensure maximum quality
- Completely free from plastic
- Suitable for all washing machine types
Why are Detergent Strips Better Than Liquid Detergents?
Our eco-friendly detergent strips are better than chemical-based liquid detergents in many ways:
- More sustainable and less wasteful. Laundry strips come in small, compact packaging that produces less plastic waste compared to bulky liquid detergent bottles. The strips dissolve completely in water, leaving no residue or microplastics behind.
- Safer ingredients. Most laundry strips are made from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are gentler on skin and the environment versus harsh chemicals found in many liquid detergents. They are free of dyes, perfumes, and other unnecessary additives.
- Convenience. Strips are portable, easy to store, and allow you to customize the amount used per load. No spills or messes like liquid detergents.
- Gentler on clothes. The plant-based enzymes in many laundry strips are effective yet gentle on fabrics. They help preserve clothes and reduce wear and tear over time.
- Better for sensitive skin. Laundry strips avoid irritants found in liquid detergents, which is great for people with sensitive skin or allergies. They are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Switching to Laundry Detergent Sheets?
If you want to reduce your environmental impact, consider switching to detergent sheets as a greener alternative to traditional bottled liquid detergents.
Traditional detergents are produced using significant amounts of water, energy, and crude oil derivatives. They generate massive amounts of plastic waste, with the average household using up to 150 plastic bottles over a lifetime. That results in over 2.4 million tons of detergent container waste in the US annually. All that plastic ends up polluting landfills and waterways.
Detergent sheets provide comparable cleaning power to traditional detergents without all the plastic. They use a high-pressure mechanical production method rather than chemical synthesis, allowing a concentrated formula to be compressed into a thin, soluble sheet. Many also harness the power of plant-based ingredients like enzymes and soapberries rather than synthetic compounds.
Just by switching to this small, eco-friendly alternative, you can make a meaningful impact. Detergent sheets are a convenient way to reduce your contribution to plastic pollution while still getting powerful cleaning performance.
Beyond being better for the environment, laundry sheets offer practical advantages that can simplify doing laundry. They are compact, lightweight, and mess-free compared to bulky plastic detergent bottles that can spill and leave sticky residues. Detergent sheets are conveniently portable for travel or college dorm living, too.
They effectively condense powerful cleaning ingredients into a thin sheet that simply dissolves in the wash. Just toss one in the drum and go—no measuring or pouring required. And many options use plant-based formulas free of harsh chemicals, dyes, and artificial perfumes that can irritate skin.
Making a small switch to detergent sheets allows you to feel good about reducing waste and plastic pollution without sacrificing convenience or cleaning power.
Laundry Strips FAQ
Are laundry strips really eco-friendly?
Yes, strips avoid plastic jugs and reduce waste, plus many contain plant-based ingredients and biodegradable formulas. This makes detergent strips an eco-friendly alternative to liquid detergents.
Are detergent strips better for the environment?
Detergent strips have a lower environmental impact than traditional laundry detergent. Strips avoid the plastic bottles, lids, and measuring scoops that end up in landfills and oceans.
Their highly concentrated formula requires less water, energy, and materials to manufacture and transport per load compared to bulky liquid detergents. Many strips also use plant-based ingredients and biodegradable formulas that break down safely rather than lingering.
By making the switch from traditional liquid to strips, consumers can greatly reduce their laundry's carbon footprint and plastic waste.
Are detergent strips worth it?
For those wanting an eco-friendly, convenient laundry option, the benefits of detergent sheets like mess-free use and portability can make them worth the slightly higher cost per wash compared to liquid detergent.
Which is the greenest way to wash your clothes?
The greenest laundry methods prioritize saving energy and water while minimizing waste through sustainable living. Washing clothes in cold water saves energy otherwise used for heating water while still effectively cleaning your clothes, especially when paired with a quality eco laundry detergent.
Choosing detergents like detergent sheets or cardboard-packaged concentrates avoids plastic waste. Also consider air drying clothes on a rack or line rather than machine drying—this saves electricity and prevents wear and tear on fabrics.
For best results, wash full loads and use the express or speed cycle to conserve resources. Properly caring for clothes so they last longer is also environmentally friendly.
Do detergent strips have plastic in them?
No, detergent strips themselves are plastic-free, made only from dissolving natural materials. However, some come packaged in plastic tubs, so check for plastic-free packaging.
What sheet material is environmentally friendly?
Bamboo, organic cotton, hemp, and lyocell/TENCEL sheets are the most eco-friendly materials that are biodegradable, sustainably sourced, and free of chemicals.
Are laundry sheets better than liquid or powdered detergents?
Detergent sheets are better than liquid or powdered detergent for a lot of reasons. Here are some of them:
- Take up less space than the average detergent container
- No mess when measuring or pouring
- Reduce the amount of plastic waste
- Zero waste packaging
- Made primarily from plant-based ingredients
- Travel friendly
- Available without added fragrance, they are suitable for individuals with dry or sensitive skin
What are some of the best eco-friendly detergents?
Here are some of the best eco-friendly detergents that we have not already mentioned:
- Loni Bio laundry detergent
- Tide Purclean
- Homevative laundry detergent sheets
- Renuv laundry detergent sheets
- Grove collaborative detergent strips
- Clean People laundry sheets
Are detergent pods better than liquid detergent?
Detergent pods reduce plastic waste from bottles but still contain some plastic in the pod film. They are convenient but can be pricey per load. Liquid detergent in cardboard packaging or laundry strips is often more affordable and has less plastic. For sustainability, naked detergent bars or loose powder detergents are other plastic-free laundry options over pods.
What are some zero waste laundry detergents?
There are a few great options for zero waste laundry detergents, like laundry strips, concentrated laundry detergents packaged in cardboard instead of plastic, and even some homemade DIY detergent recipes.
Laundry strips dissolve completely without leaving plastic waste behind. Concentrated detergents contain ultra-concentrated formulas, so you use less per wash.
How do I choose sustainable laundry detergents?
Look for laundry detergents that use plant-based formulas, plastic-free packaging, and eco-friendly production methods. Sustainable laundry detergents often come in the form of strips, concentrates, powders, or eco-friendly liquids in cardboard bottles.
Further Reading
What are the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin?
How long do wool dryer balls last, anyway?
How many dryer balls do you need in a load of laundry?
What can I use instead of fabric softener?
Are wool dryer balls better than tennis balls?
