These laundry detergent sheets from Grove Collaborative are designed with strong stain-removing power. So if you frequently deal with stubborn marks, such as makeup, grape juice or spaghetti sauce, these are for you. The dissolvable, biodegradable, cruelty-free sheets contain plant-based ingredients without harsh chemicals, dyes or brighteners. The package is plastic-free and completely recyclable, and comes with a low carbon and water footprint. Plus, they’re available in multiple scents.
Pros
- Designed for a more powerful stain removal
- Available in various limited-edition scents
- Subscribe-and-save option
Cons
- Not specifically designed for sensitive skin
What to Look for When Buying Laundry Detergent Sheets
We evaluated many name brands on the market to determine which make the best laundry detergent sheets so you can scroll less and make the right decision for yourself. To find the top choice for your family, consider these factors:
- Ingredients: Many laundry detergent strips use clean ingredients. But if you or a loved one has sensitive skin, check the label to ensure there are no allergens or irritants.
- Number of Loads: Consider your family’s laundry needs. Many sheets are good for two loads. If you do a lot of laundry, look for a pack with a high quantity of sheets.
- Packaging: Most brands of laundry detergent sheets are eco-friendly, but keep an eye out for recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
How We Found the Best Laundry Detergent Sheets
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Do laundry detergent sheets really work?
If you’re switching from fragrant liquid detergent or pods to laundry sheets, you might feel like they don’t work as well at first. Truthfully, there can be a pretty stark difference in the perceived freshness of your clothes, bedding and towels, simply because laundry sheets are made without the fragrances and other ingredients that made traditional laundry detergent smell so clean. In a sense, the neutrality of the clothes can be overwhelming at first. We’ve even heard reports that some brands of laundry sheets leave residues or funky aromas. Of the sheets we’ve tried, though, we haven’t noticed such effects. Like most things, it really depends on the brand and what exactly you’re looking to get from the experience.
Which is better, laundry pods or laundry sheets?
It depends on your standpoint and priorities. Both pods and sheets require less storage space than traditional liquid detergent jugs, so that’s a win for both. From a freshness perspective, our team generally agrees that pods leave our laundry smelling and feeling fresher than sheets, and this is due to the fragrances included in pods. Most laundry sheets lack fragrances (intentionally).
If you’re concerned about waste and want to minimize it, laundry sheets tend to have less packaging waste. Pods generally come in plastic containers or bags, while sheets generally come in cardboard boxes. Pods are also made of plastic to enclose the detergent inside. That said, laundry sheets also contain a good deal of plastic. Many of them are made with polyvinyl alcohol, a water-soluble polymer, a.k.a. a plastic. While research isn’t definitive in this area, it is possible that these PVAs leach into the water used with your laundry, circulating it into the water supply.
At the end of the day, the choice comes down to what makes the most sense for you and your family. As far as waste goes, it’s a tough time to be a consumer—most products involve creating waste in one way or another. Your best bet? Read the ingredients on products you’re interested in and, if necessary, reach out to the companies for any clarifications about their ingredients and manufacturing practices to ensure they align with your values.
Where do you put detergent sheets in the washing machine?
Place laundry sheets directly into the washing machine drum, just like you would with a detergent pod. They can go in before or after clothes.
Are laundry detergent sheets actually biodegradable?
You’ve probably heard that laundry detergent sheets are a more eco-friendly choice than liquid detergent or pods. And that is true in some ways, but that’s not the entire picture. In fact, the marketing around laundry sheets can be pretty misleading. As far as biodegradability, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is marketed as being more biodegradable than other types of plastic. While partly true, it is only fully true under certain circumstances. PVA needs to be exposed to specific microorganisms in order to biodegrade in the way that companies say it does.