Hi, I’m Beth!
I'm an eco-conscious consumer with a PhD and I have spent the last several years researching and testing the best eco-friendly products on the market.
Hi, I’m Beth!
I'm an eco-conscious consumer with a PhD and I have spent the last several years researching and testing the best eco-friendly products on the market.
We set out to find the best laundry detergents available today across every format: liquids, pods, powders and sheets.
Each product was evaluated for stain removal, scent, residue, cost per load, ingredients, ease of use and eco-friendliness. Some stood out for their convenience, others for their clean ingredients — and one in particular earned our top spot overall.
Our results
How we tested detergent
The laundry sheet format is one that just works for our family. With HeySunday, we found something that felt like an upgrade across the board vs other common laundry brands.
It delivered the same cleaning power as legacy brands like Tide, Gain, and Persil, but with far less waste, cleaner ingredients, and a huge convenience boost. We were previous Tide Pod users, and getting rid of that oversized plastic jug freed up space in our laundry room and felt like a smarter, lower-waste upgrade.
We especially appreciated the low shipping footprint, the compostable packaging, and how effortless the sheets were to travel with — no risk of powder spills or burst pods in your bag, and no bulky jugs to lug around.
These lightweight laundry strips tackled tough stains like BBQ sauce, left clothes smelling clean (not perfume-y), and rinsed without a trace, even on darks.
They were every bit as effective as the big names, but felt lighter, simpler, and more aligned with how we want to live.
HeySunday is plant-based, non-toxic, and ships from a warehouse in Virginia in fully compostable packaging. It works in all machines, hot or cold, and at just ~$0.25 per load, it's one of the best values in the eco-friendly detergent space.
%20(1).webp)
.webp)
Check Availability
If you're drawn to the convenience of pods but want something gentler, cleaner, and less wasteful than what the big brands offer, Dropps is our top pod pick.
These compact pods strike a rare balance: they deliver solid cleaning power without the synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, or heavy plastic packaging found in traditional options like Tide or Gain. They dissolve quickly in both hot and cold water — no clumping, no leftover film — and left our laundry feeling clean and soft, with a subtle, natural scent that didn’t overpower.
We also liked that Dropps offers a fragrance-free version for those with sensitivities, and their entire product line is plant-based, cruelty-free, and low-waste. Instead of coming in plastic tubs, their pods ship in compostable cardboard boxes that are slim, recyclable, and easy to store
If you're not ready to switch to a detergent sheet but want something that’s far more thoughtful than the average pod, Dropps is the best of both worlds: convenient, effective, and better for your home and the planet.
Check Availability
There’s a reason Tide Pods are one of the most recognizable names in laundry — they’re convenient, widely available, and tough on stains.
In our comparison, Tide delivered solid performance in key areas like stain removal, scent strength, and ease of use. The pre-measured pods make laundry virtually foolproof, and their signature fresh scent is familiar to millions. For everyday loads, Tide Pods do the job quickly and effectively.
But that performance comes with tradeoffs. Tide Pods rely on heavy-duty ingredients that some people may find too harsh — especially for sensitive skin or baby clothes. The pods also come in large plastic tubs, which are not exactly low-waste or travel-friendly. We also noticed some residue on darker fabrics in cold washes, which could be a deal-breaker for certain machines or laundry routines.
Tide is a tried-and-true (and often affordable) choice. But for shoppers looking for cleaner ingredients, less waste, or a lighter scent profile, there are better options available.
Check Availability
Gain Powder is one of the most recognizable laundry detergents out there — especially if you grew up with its signature, strong scent. It’s easy to find in just about any store, comes in large-format boxes that last a long time, and delivers solid results on everyday stains when used in warm water.
That said, this is a very traditional detergent, and it comes with some tradeoffs. The powder format has pros and cons. It's fantastic for precise portioning, but can be messy to scoop and measure, especially if you're in a hurry or have a front-loading machine.
We also noticed that it didn't dissolve fully in cold water, which led to clumping or residue — particularly on dark clothing. And like most mainstream detergents, Gain Powder includes synthetic fragrances, fillers, and brighteners that some users may want to avoid.
Still, if you love a bold scent, don’t mind measuring powder, and want an affordable option that works, Gain delivers that classic laundry experience — just without many modern upgrades..
Check Availability
If you want a detergent that’s easy to find, gentle on skin, and doesn’t cost a lot, Arm & Hammer Liquid gets the job done — especially the Free & Clear version, which skips fragrances and dyes.
It handled basic loads well, but isn't the best when tackling heavy-duty stains. It left minimal residue and is a clear winner on pure cost-effectiveness.
But compared to newer options, it starts to feel a bit dated. The plastic jug is bulky, the formula relies on standard chemical cleaners, and there’s no effort toward eco-friendly packaging or modern ingredient transparency.
It’s reliable, sure — but it doesn’t offer much beyond that
For anyone who wants something simple with a pretty neutral scent from a trusted brand, it’s a fair pick. But if you care about sustainability, portability, or plant-based ingredients, there are better options.
After testing detergents across every format — from powders and pods to liquids and sheets — one option kept rising to the top. HeySunday matched the cleaning power of big-name brands like Tide and Gain, but brought a level of simplicity and thoughtfulness that those products just couldn’t compete with.
What really stood out was the format itself. Detergent sheets fit seamlessly into everyday life — no heavy jugs, no plastic tubs, no messy scoops or spills. They’re easy to store, effortless to use, and ideal for everything from weekly laundry loads to trips on the road. Each sheet dissolves quickly in hot or cold water, works in any machine, and rinses completely clean — even on darks.
HeySunday didn’t just perform well — it felt like the kind of product that was designed for how we actually live today. With compostable packaging, clean ingredients, and a price that makes sense, it struck the right balance between effectiveness and sustainability.For us, that made the choice easy — HeySunday is the detergent we’ll be sticking with.
Try HeySunday – 40% Off for First-Time Subscribers!
Thanks for reading!
Eco-conscious consumer, avid hiker, and mother.