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 independently researched today’s leading modern laundry detergents to find options that actually work while meeting my family's standards for low-waste packaging and non-toxic ingredients.
Each detergent featured here was evaluated based on stain removal, scent, residue, cost per load, ingredient quality, ease of use, and overall eco-friendliness. Some impressed us with standout convenience, others with cleaner ingredients—but one clearly earned our top recommendation.
Our results
How we tested detergent
HeySunday detergent sheets quickly became our top pick, delivering powerful cleaning performance in an eco-friendly format. They effectively removed stains and odors like the big box detergent brands, left clothes looking and smelling great, and didn’t leave any residue on dark fabrics. These plant-based sheets are plastic-free, compostable, and dissolve easily in hot or cold water—making them a convenient and sustainable laundry solution.
What stood out most was the fresh scent and the softness of the clothes after washing. Throughout our testing, HeySunday consistently delivered our favorite scent.
Right now, they’re offering a 40% discount, making it a great time to try them! The discount also brings their price per load down to one of the most affordable options that we tested.
If there’s one small drawback, it’s that HeySunday isn’t available on Amazon, which could be a minor inconvenience for some shoppers. But for a product this good, we don’t mind ordering directly from their site. With safe ingredients, zero-waste packaging, and universal machine compatibility, HeySunday offers a modern, responsible upgrade to traditional detergents.
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Detergent Comparison:
Sheets vs. Liquid vs. Pods vs. Powder
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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 pods. However, they are one of the pricier options we tested at $0.54 per load.
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.
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Puracy Liquid earned its spot on our list because it just works — and it does so with a gentler, cleaner ingredient list than most.Made with plant-based enzymes and minerals, it’s a great option for families who want something that’s both effective and safe.
Whether you’re dealing with playground mud, food spills, or everyday grime, it gets clothes clean without relying on harsh chemicals. And it’s gentle enough for everything from baby onesies to your favorite hoodie.
The pump-top bottle is a small detail that makes a big difference — no drips, no overpouring, just a simple press and you’re good to go. Messes often come with liquid detergent, so this is a big plus.
While it does come in plastic, the fact that it’s refillable helps offset that a bit. If you’re looking for a plant-powered liquid detergent that doesn't compromise on cleaning power, Puracy is definitely worth a look.
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Molly’s Suds Powder is a great example of doing more with less. With just four mineral-based ingredients, this detergent delivers an impressive clean. It's free of synthetic additives, dyes, and fragrances.
It was originally developed by a mom and pediatric nurse, and it shows. The formula is gentle enough for babies, people with skin sensitivities, and anyone trying to cut down on chemicals in their home. It handled most everyday stains well in our testing, especially in warm or hot water.
There's a lot to like, and powders are generally a solid eco-friendly detergent format. That said, powders can be a bit messy if you're used to pods or sheets, and it’s not ideal for cold cycles or for taking on the go.
If you're looking for a no-nonsense powder detergent with a thoughtful ingredient list and a gentle touch, Molly’s Suds is our pick.
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If you're looking for a detergent that takes the guesswork out of clean laundry, Seventh Generation Packs are a solid choice.
We liked how easy these pods made the laundry routine: just toss one in and go. They're fragrance-free, dye-free, and made with plant-powered enzymes to break down common stains like grass, food, and dirt. And for those with allergies or sensitivities, they’re hypoallergenic and certified by the EPA’s Safer Choice program — a nice seal of approval.
These pods generally dissolve well, especially in warm water, but we did notice they sometimes struggle to fully break down in colder cycles. And although they leave clothes feeling fresh, though their light scent might not be strong enough for anyone used to traditional laundry fragrances.
They're also not quite as tough on set-in stains as some other options, but for day-to-day loads, they more than hold their own.
They do come at a higher cost, averaging around $0.31 per load at full price, which is one of the pricier options on our list. For a grab-and-go pod that’s gentle, reliable, and cleaner than most mainstream brands, Seventh Generation is a solid pick.
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.