Liquids and gels – Generally more expensive than powder, liquids and gels don’t contain bleach so may struggle with heavily soiled clothes. Nonetheless, they’re great for keeping colours bright and for everyday washing, plus they go straight into the washing machine drum (either in the detergent lid, or a specific capsule), minimising mess.

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 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. Totally underwhelmed! Used recommended dose.. did not clean properly.. and not much fragrance... even with double the dose, I ended up re washing with my usual detergent to deal with normal level staining... so I ended up washing same clothes 3 times I don't consider this good for the planet or my purse! Would not buy again.. sadly also it's put me off buying similar products. Number of sheets: 32, Number of washes: 32, Minimum wash temp: all temperatures Where to buy laundry detergent sheets In addition to bio and non-bio, you’ll also find specialist detergents for colours, sensitive fabrics (such as wool and silk) and handwashing.Just pop one or two in the washing machine depending on your laundry load (no judgement if your basket is overflowing) and then let them do their thing on either a hot or cold wash. We've rounded up some of the best laundry detergent sheets to pop into your washing machine, guilt-free. Best laundry detergents at a glance If you have particularly sensitive skin that doesn't love fragrance then these eco sheets from Earth Breeze need to be on your radar.

sheets can stretch to up to 64 washes, everything is fully recyclable and there are no animal related products making these vegan too. These dissolve completely in hot and cold water and help to keep a humungous 700,000,000 (yes, that's really seven hundred million) plastic jugs out of landfill each year. Put the sheet directly into the drum. 2. Fill drum with laundry. 3. Start your regular washing cycle. Washing powder – Traditional powder is economical as it tends to be cheaper than liquids. Powder generally comes with a small measuring scoop and goes directly into the detergent drawer. This can lead to clogging of the drawer, so make sure you clean it regularly.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. Mess and fuss free, they have a fresh cotton and jasmine scent which will radiate beautifully from your washed laundry.

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. Not quite as mainstream yet as its more traditional alternatives, the best laundry detergent sheets are a great option if you're looking for something that uses less water, and plastic and is all-around more environmentally friendly.Whichever detergent you buy, there are also more sustainable ways you can use it at home. Running your cycle at a lower temperature, for example, is a good start, as you’ll also be using less energy to wash your clothes. Both the cap and bottle are recyclable and the product is cruelty-free. This isn’t the most eco-friendly detergent, but it can be used at lower temperatures, which helps to make it more environmentally friendly. Free from palm oil, zero waste, cruelty free and super easy to use, these sheets will dissolve at any temperature. 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.