In the endless quest for the best solution for laundry products, shoppers are being bombarded with information and ads on which is the best detergent option for them and the environment. Each option has its pros and cons, but when compared side by side it's much easier to figure out the best option for you.
LIQUID DETERGENT: versatile, but with drawbacks
Liquid + powder detergents have been on the scene since the development of the washing machine, and whilst being able to measure out the exact amount of detergent desired can be super helpful, it often leads to over-dosing - releasing more chemicals than necessary into the environment. Liquid detergents are sold already pre-diluted with water which makes them heavy, meaning that they have a higher carbon footprint to transport, as well as having to be packaged in plastic. Eco shops often have refillable liquid detergents, but these can be messy to refill and take time and energy to transport back from the store (which isn’t suited to all lifestyles).
PODS: convenience with a cost
Laundry pods burst onto the scene in the 2012 promising convenience and simplicity. They’re pre-measured, meaning that you’re using the recommended dose per wash ( not adding more chemicals than necessary into the environment) and mess-free. However, if you have a smaller load (which although isn’t as environmentally friendly, does occasionally have to happen) you can’t reduce the amount of detergent in the wash - which can lead to a buildup of detergents within those clothes. Due to the individual packaging, they can also be more expensive - especially if you have a large machine that needs 2 pods per wash.
SHEETS: The future of detergents?
But now there’s a new player in the game – which might provide the perfect balance between convenience and sustainability. Laundry sheets are pre-measured for perfect dosing, but can also be split in half or cut into smaller pieces for smaller loads. They can even be used for handwashing, by tearing a sheet in half and swirling it in a bowl of warm water. They’re thin, lightweight and waterless, reducing their carbon footprint during transport, and can arrive in easily recyclable or compostable packaging.
How you like to wash your Things always comes down to personal preference, but here at Homethings we like to give you the option that we think makes the most sense. That’s why we’re switching our pod formula to laundry sheets. Still no harsh chemicals, still no shipping water, and now even more versatile. Let’s clean up.