Yes they do. From our testing we found that some brands like Freddie actually clean and remove stains better than both liquid and pod detergent.
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2025's Top 5 Laundry Detergent Sheets To Avoid Toxic Ingredients
September 23, 2025
Are you trying to switch to a non-toxic laundry detergent but overwhelmed by all the “natural” and “clean” claims that don’t actually mean much?
If you’ve ever flipped over a bottle of laundry detergent and felt overwhelmed by the list of unpronounceable chemicals, you’re not alone.
Many popular detergents contain ingredients that have been linked to skin irritation, allergies, hormone disruption — and even cancer.
One of the biggest red flags is 1,4-dioxane, a chemical classified by the EPA as a likely human carcinogen, which has been found in some of the most trusted laundry brands.
Add to that harsh preservatives, synthetic dyes, artificial brighteners, phosphates, and undisclosed fragrance allergens, and it’s easy to see why more and more people are making the switch to safer alternatives.
But not all “clean” detergents are created equal.
Some leave clothes smelling musty. Others can’t remove tough stains. That’s why we tested and compared dozens of top-rated laundry detergents to find the ones that are both safe and effective. Whether you're dealing with sensitive skin, trying to avoid harsh chemicals, or just want something that works without the plastic jug — this list is for you.
Our team took matters into our own hands and tested 20 different laundry detergents and narrowed it down to the top 5 brands.
Here’s what we looked for:
✅ Free from 1,4-dioxane, bleach, phosphates, optical brighteners, parabens & dyes
✅ Gentle on sensitive skin
✅ Plastic-free or low-waste packaging
✅ Transparent ingredient lists
✅ Powerful cleaning (especially for stains)
Top 5 Laundry Detergent Sheets of 2025 Tested and Ranked
FREDDIE: Laundry Detergent Sheets 🏆
Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets blew us away and was our favorite laundry detergent by far.
These ultra-concentrated laundry sheets are dermatologist tested, available in both fragrance-free and scented varieties, and verified free from 1,4-dioxane, bleach, phosphates, optical brighteners, parabens, and dyes.
Unlike many “eco” detergents that leave clothes musty or struggle with stains, Freddie handled everything from coffee to baby messes with ease.
Why did the sheets clean so well?
The strong cleaning power of these sheets is likely due to their use of a cleaning enzyme called Protease - which is a safe and non-toxic ingredient used to breakdown the tiny particles that make up a stain
If you look closely at Freddie's sheets, you can see these tiny black dots on them (which none of the other brands have).
These black dots are protective shells that contain protease, which is a plant-derived bio enzyme and a powerhouse in removing stains.
It seems that these protective shells enable Freddie to pack more of the powerful Protease cleaning ingredient into each sheet.
The Sheets dissolved quickly in both hot and cold water during our tests, leaving no residue behind.
What did they smell like?
They come in three varieties - Fragrance Free (unscented), Spring Blossom and Frosty Mountain.
Our team's favorite scent was Spring Blossom which had a soft aroma of blooming petals. Unlike other brands, Freddie's sheets didn't have an overbearing or chemical smell which was a nice surprise.
Our team also loved the packaging - the instructions are very clear so there's little guesswork when deciding the dosage for each load.
🫧 UPDATE: Freddie is currently running a National Clean Up Day Sale with up to 50% Off + Free Shipping. No coupon code needed. Sale ends September 23, 2025.
Molly Suds: Excellent Runner-Up
Molly’s Suds landed in our #2 spot. Like Freddie, it skips harsh chemicals in favor of cleaner, more skin-friendly ingredients. The difference? Molly’s Suds comes in powder form, which you scoop into the drum before starting your wash.
We found it effective at tackling odors and everyday stains, and it’s available in both scented and fragrance-free options. However, the powder format isn’t for everyone — it’s easy to over-pour or spill, especially when handling a large load.
The packaging is plastic, which isn’t ideal, but since it avoids the bulk and waste of traditional liquid detergents, it still earns points for being more eco-friendly than most mainstream options.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who don’t mind using a scoop and want an alternative to sheets or pods.
All Free & Clear: Outstanding Performer
All Free & Clear grabbed the #3 spot. If you’ve ever done laundry in the U.S, you’ve probably seen this jug — it’s everywhere. And there’s a reason for that: it cleans well, even on tough messes, and the Free & Clear version skips fragrances and dyes.
However, the formula isn’t as “clear” as it sounds. It still includes synthetic surfactants like C12-15 PARETH-9. There are also concerns around parabens and optical brightener
It comes in a heavy plastic jug, which isn’t ideal for the environment, and measuring out the liquid can get messy fast — it’s easy to overuse.
If you’re focused purely on performance, it delivers. But if clean ingredients and sustainability are top priorities, there are better choices.
Dirty Labs: Reliable Choice
Dirty Labs rounds out our list at #4. It’s sleek, modern, and impressively science-forward — using bioenzymes to tackle stains while being free from sulfates, dyes, and synthetic preservatives.
We loved the aluminum bottle design, which is a smart move for sustainability (aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials available). It’s also ultra-concentrated, meaning less waste per load.
The only real downside? The price. Dirty Labs is significantly more expensive per load than most competitors, which can be hard to justify for families or frequent washers.
That said, if you’re willing to pay more for cutting-edge, skin-safe, and planet-conscious laundry care, it’s a standout.
Seventh Generation: Reliable Choice
Seventh Generation Free & Clear comes in at #5. It’s a well-known brand that performs decently in the wash and is a common go-to for people with sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free and plant-based, with an emphasis on being hypoallergenic.
That said, it’s not perfect. Despite the brand’s eco-conscious image, the formula contains preservatives like methylisothiazolinone, which have been linked to skin irritation and allergic reactions. That knocked it down a few points in our testing.
We do appreciate the use of recycled plastic in their jugs — but it’s still plastic, and the liquid format isn’t as eco-efficient to ship or store.
A good middle-ground detergent for those who want to avoid strong fragrances but aren’t ready to jump to powders or sheets.
More reasons why Freddie was our #1 pick
Cleaning Performance: First and foremost, Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets demonstrated exceptional cleaning performance across a wide range of stains. Our comprehensive testing process involved challenging stains such as coffee, red wine, grass, and grease, and Freddie consistently performed better than other brands tested in removing tough stains like coffee, red wine, and grass. Its powerful formula effectively penetrated fabrics, leaving them remarkably clean and fresh.
Whitening Power: In addition to its outstanding stain-removal capabilities, Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets exhibited exceptional whitening power. Pre-stained fabric swatches were subjected to Freddie's cleaning process, and the results were impressive. Freddie successfully restored the original whiteness of the fabrics, eliminating discoloration and revitalizing the appearance of even heavily soiled items.
Dissolution Efficiency: One of the key factors that set Freddie apart was its dissolution efficiency. These detergent sheets dissolved quickly and thoroughly in both cold and hot water, ensuring optimal dispersion and distribution of the cleaning agents during the wash cycle. This allowed for maximum cleaning performance, ensuring every garment received the right amount of cleaning power.
User-Friendliness: Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets provided clear and user-friendly instructions on their labels, along with necessary safety precautions. This attention to detail demonstrated their commitment to consumer satisfaction and safety. Moreover, Freddie's commitment to environmental responsibility was evident, with their sheets being free from unnecessary fillers and harsh chemicals, making them eco-friendly and gentle on fabrics.
Multiple Scents: Another notable aspect that contributed to Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets being our number one pick is the variety of scent options available. Freddie understands that different individuals have unique preferences when it comes to fragrance. That's why they offer three distinct scents: Spring Blossom, Frosty Mountain and Fragrance Free, catering to individuals with sensitivities or those who prefer to avoid added fragrances. This versatility in scent options showcases Freddie's commitment to providing a personalized and enjoyable laundry experience for every user.
Price Tag: In addition to its outstanding cleaning performance and innovative features, Freddie also offers an appealing pricing advantage. For those who opt for a subscription, Freddie provides a very cost effective price per load compared to the other detergent sheet brands.
Consumer Feedback: Lastly, the positive customer feedback and reviews we received about Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets further solidified our decision. Customers praised the convenience and effectiveness that Freddie provided, making it a top choice for many households.
In conclusion, Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets emerged as our number one pick due to its exceptional cleaning performance, impressive stain removal and whitening capabilities, efficient dissolution, clear instructions, and positive customer feedback.
Below are some frequently asked questions by our readers:
Do Laundry Detergent Sheets really work?
Do they work with all washing machines?
Yes, laundry detergent sheets work with all types of washing machines including top loading, front loading, or a high efficiency (HE) machine - they all work.
Are laundry sheets safe for my washing machine?
Yes, they dissolve completely in water, leaving no residue on your clothes or in your machine. They're also formulated to be gentle on fabrics and work in all types of machines, including high-efficiency models.
What water temperature should I use?
Laundry sheets are designed to dissolve and function effectively in any water temperature, hot or cold.
Can I use multiple laundry sheets for a large load?
Yes, if you have a larger or particularly dirty load of laundry, you can use more than one sheet. Check the product instructions for recommendations on how many sheets to use per load size.
Do laundry sheets have a shelf-life?
This varies from brand to brand but usually for about 2 years.
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Not fair
Does anyone know how much longer until they take it down?
Will check out the other brands as I want to move away from plastic jugs.