About this deal
Whether itchy skin is getting you down or you’re trying to do your bit for the planet, swapping your regular laundry detergent for non-bio or more eco-friendly alternatives could be a household move worth making.
Vegan, free from microplastics and preservatives, and dermatologically tested to be kind to skin, these sheets are a great eco-friendly choice. We were particularly impressed with their performance at low temperatures, where they still got clothes clean. Ocado’s laundry liquid has a delicate, flowery smell that isn’t overpowering and does an excellent job of gently cleaning delicate fabrics. We think it performs just as well as more expensive branded products. It’s non-bio, so safe to use on children’s clothes as well. With a pleasant, fresh scent, Miele’s powder does what it says on the tin. Whites are bright after just one wash and stains are easily shifted. However, it will lift colours, so make sure you only use it with plain whites. Miele says that its powder is suitable for use at 20˚, 30˚, 40˚, 60˚ and 95˚C, so it should work with a huge range of programmes, as well as at energy-saving low temperatures. Expect to get around 42 loads from one box.Whether a detergent is 'eco-friendly' comes down to many factors, from the way it's made to how it's disposed of, and everything in between. This recyclable bottle’s handle made it the most comfortable to hold and easiest to use of all the bio detergents on test. It triumphed over baby food, makeup and blood stains, fully erasing them from cotton and polycotton, and it did not fade our coloured items.
Dissolve half a sheet in warm/cold water. 2. Add laundry and wash by hand. 3. Thoroughly rinse with water. Safety The GHI has found that powdered laundry detergent is almost always the best at removing stains. That said, budget and personal preference should also play a role in your decision-making process. Put the sheet directly into the drum. 2. Fill drum with laundry. 3. Start your regular washing cycle.
To find the best eco-friendly laundry detergents on the market, we dirtied a pile of cotton and polycotton clothes with common household stains such as tea, mud and makeup. We then ran them through a series of 40-degree cycles with each detergent, before assessing stain removal, whiteness retention and colour fading using a high-tech piece of lab equipment called a DigiEye.
For more certainty about the formula you’re buying, look for certifications from trusted environmental bodies such as the Soil Association or The Vegan Society (if you’re after a palm-oil free product, for example). They will have investigated claims and ingredients to ensure they meet their own environmental standards. The difference between biological and non-biological detergent is that the latter doesn’t contain enzymes and is usually free from dyes and fragrances, too. The enzymes in bio detergents break down amino acids in protein-based stains such as blood and egg, boosting cleaning power, but they can also be an irritant and fade coloured garments. The laundry liquid is also available with natural lavender or juniper scents, if you prefer a fragrance with your detergent. We were really impressed by how well Bio-D performed, plus it’s one of the best environmentally friendly detergents out there.
But buying a laundry detergent isn’t as simple as it used to be, as there’s a huge variety of products to choose from. You’ll find powders, gels, liquids, capsules and even washing sheets, with some detergents designed to wash specific types of clothes. It can be difficult knowing where to start. Non-biological detergents don’t contain enzymes, so they are gentler and better for sensitive skin. They aren’t as effective at removing stains, though. Nonetheless, if you have babies, small children or adults with sensitive skin, they’re the ideal choice. Because the UK is primarily composed of chalk and limestone, around 60% of houses in the country have a hard water supply. Laundry detergents don’t work as well in hard water areas as they struggle to lather up as much. In general, you’ll need to use slightly more detergent in a hard water area, and it’s also vital to remember to run limescale remover through your washing machine on a regular basis.
