An Honest Review Of 6 Eco-friendly Laundry Detergents
Not all laundry detergents are made equal. Some clean your clothes exceptionally, while others leave stains. Some are poisonous to aquatic life and some are just freaking expensive.
As a blogger, I am asked to trial many things and receive all sorts of lovely gifts. Earlier this year I looked at my laundry shelf and realised how many I had tested. It was only natural for me to write a blog post to review them here to help you on your hunt for the best washing power in NZ.
I’ve spent my spare time reviewing 6 eco-friendly laundry detergents. Time well spent? I’m hoping like crazy that my efforts help you find a laundry detergent that suits you.
Each detergent reviewed below is:
Available in Aotearoa New Zealand
Cruelty Free
Made in Aotearoa New Zealand or Australia (mostly handmade in small batches)
Free of harsh chemicals
All detergents have varying price points and are better for the planet and people. I have tested these detergents by using them in our weekly washing loads. We are a childless couple with a muddy dog - just so you know what testing they have gone through.
Before I jump into my riveting review, here are some basic ways to improve your sustainable-laundry-game:
Wash at 30 degrees celsius or below. Why? It’s estimated that only 10% of the energy used to power a washing machine is used to power the motor. 90% is used to heat the water!
Use a Cora Ball or Guppy Friend to collect micro plastics that shed from your synthetic clothes when washed (use code ETHICALLYKATE for 5% off the ones at CaliWoods).
Spot wash + air dry + don’t wash your clothes just because you have worn them. Why? Being thrown around in a washing machine adds to wear and tear. The less it happens, the longer a garment will last.
Use metal pegs. Mine are from Bento Ninja (code ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off) - my dog chews the wooden ones and the plastic ones are a no-go for obvious reasons.
Line dry. Why? Dryers use energy, take up space, and cost money. If you must use a dryer, use woollen dryer balls. These dry your clothes faster, therefore using less energy. They will also break down in your home compost at the end of their life.
Wash full loads, never half loads, or just that one shirt. That’s such a waste!
A front loader uses less power and less detergent than a top loader (if you can, opt for a front loading machine).
Read the care label, and follow it.
Image by Francisco Photos
ecostore Geranium & Orange Laundry Liquid
32c/wash (approximate, depends on what quantity you purchase) ~ liquid form ~ refill stations nation-wide ~ readily available in most supermarkets ~ made in Aotearoa New Zealand ~ take back scheme for all (sugarcane) bottles ~
This laundry liquid is a favourite in our household. It’s what we have used for years, and continue to use even throughout my detergent trials (because we know it works!). Although it’s the most expensive option out of the 6 I trialled (though this depends on the quantity you purchase), the minimal extra is worth it. The geranium and orange scent is delicious, though you can opt for scent-free too. We fill ours up at GoodFor Store but you can find refill stations all over the country.
Why would I buy this? Refill availability, always cleans the clothes, delicious smell.
Image by Francisco Photos
Veto Washing Powder
25c/wash ~ powder form ~ purchase online ~ made in Aotearoa New Zealand ~ home compostable packaging ~
veto washing powder comes in three scents; rose, lavender, and jasmine. I tried the lavender one and it was great. A standard powder, nothing riveting to report. I would recommend pouring the powder straight into an airtight container, as the paper bag isn’t a great way to store it long term.
Why would I buy this? Incredibly cost effective, subtle smell, range of scent options, cute home compostable packaging.
Happi Earth
25c/wash ~ liquid concentrate form ~ purchase online ~ made in Australia ~ refillable packaging ~
Happi Earth is a different concept to your usual powder or liquid. It’s a concentrate, so no water is being purchased or shipped (this reduces carbon emissions). The pump is metal, and the refill pouches are made from craft paper and lined with plastic. A pouch should last you an entire year, so this is a great option for households who want the easy route. When the pouch is finished, send it back to Happi Earth to sterilise, and refill.
The concept is great, but the execution isn’t quite there. The concentrate sometimes leaks out the side of the pump and gets a little messy. Additionally, sometimes it doesn’t come out and you have to direct it on a particular angle. I also don’t love the colour and texture of the concentrate, but I cannot fault it’s ability to wash my clothes.
Why would I buy this? I probably wouldn’t.
Image by Francisco Photos
Figgy & Co. Laundry Powder
16c - 41c/wash ~ powder form ~ purchase online ~ made in Aotearoa New Zealand ~ home compostable packaging ~ options for DIY or pre-made ~ detergent free ~
Figgy & Co. have so many accessible laundry detergent options. Order the pre-made tubs (41c/wash) or make 7.5kgs of it at once (with the help of Figgy & Co’s ingredients) for 0.16c/wash. I would recommend storing whatever option you choose in an airtight container. If you want the savings, but are skeptical about the DIY aspect, read their helpful blog here that should encourage you to go for it.
I’ve also learnt a lot about detergents from Figgy & Co; their laundry powder is detergent free. Detergent can have negative consequences on aquatic life, so instead, Figgy & Co hand batch their liquid soap which acts as their surfactant and ensures they stick to their values of planet friendly products.
Why would I buy this? Super cheap DIY option, reliable, can change the scent to whatever I want, detergent free (best for planet).
Earthwise Laundry Liquid
21c/wash ~ liquid form ~ purchase at most super markets ~ made in Aotearoa New Zealand ~ packaging made from 75% recycled plastic ~
If this wasn’t in plastic, it might be my favourite. It ALWAYS does the job. I trialled the non-scented one, which was disappointing because I love that fresh washing smell, but I see they have other scent options. Earthwise has the ‘Environmental Choice’ tick, and has been dermatologically tested - so it might be best for those with sensitive hands too.
Why would I buy this? I wouldn’t - there are many more plastic free options on the market that work well for me.
Eco warehouse SoapNut Shells
13c/wash ~ soap nut form ~ purchase online ~ produced in India ~ home compostable packaging ~
SoapNuts are a foreign concept to most of us. They were to me! How they work: “The shells of these fruits contain a natural substance called Saponin. Once released into water, they create mild suds similar to soap and will effectively remove dirt and oils from clothes and garments.”
I pop 7 soap nuts into a little cotton bag, and throw it in the wash. The SoapNuts can be used 3-4 times before you need to put them in the compost and fill the little bag up again. I dash a few drops of essential oils onto the bag too. Although I had more success with them than other reviews I’ve read, I found myself sub-consciously reaching for the other laundry detergent options over time, especially when I was washing a particularly smelly load. I know some households who absolutely swear by them! Even with kids! Worth a try I reckon, though be warned.
Why would I buy this? I probably wouldn’t, but I’ll keep on trying them.
ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off EcoWarehouse
Image by Francisco Photos
All images taken by the incredible Francisco Photos.