C-UK: 4 Best Laundry Detergent Sheets – Health Essential

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2024's Top 4 Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets, Available in the UK

By Rachel Sherman

September 1, 2024
Are you looking for an eco-friendly, space-saving, and cost-effective way to get stubborn stains out of your clothes?

Laundry Detergent Sheets are the latest innovation in the competitive cleaning industry that’s revolutionizing the way we do laundry.


They’re known to easily tackle even the toughest stains like:

  • Coffee & tea
  • Gum
  • Grease
  • Tomato sauce
  • Grass stains
  • Baby food
  • Red wine
  • Chocolate
  • Butter
  • And so on…

From our testing we found that some brands actually clean and remove stains better than both liquid and pod detergent…


And they work with all types of washing machines including top loading, front loading, or a high efficiency (HE) machine!


But with their explosive popularity, we've seen many new laundry detergent sheet brands pop up, including some that don't meet the highest standards…

That’s why our team of editors decided to take matters into our own hands and test 18 different laundry detergent sheets from 14 different brands, and narrowed it down to the top 4 brands that were able to remove stains the best.

What were we ranking them based on?

1.Stain-fighting ability. We evaluated its ability in removing 20 usual stains, restoring the original whiteness of a standard pre-stained fabric swatch.


2.Ability to dissolve in water. We evaluated its speed and thoroughness of dissolution in water.


3.Safety and ingredient quality. We also carefully inspected the labels on these detergent sheets to ensure they had proper safety warnings and clear instructions – and no chemical nasties.

Must-Have Ingredient For Best Cleaning Results

✅ Bio enzymes

Bio enzymes are a new powerhouse cleaning ingredient that's safe and non-toxic.


Bio enzymes address the root cause of stains by actually breaking down the tiny particles that makeup a stain.


They're also very effective at maintaining the vibrant colors of your clothes, making them look newer for longer.


Bio enzymes were only found in a few small number of laundry sheet brands that we tested. These were the ones that performed the best.

✅ Protease (type of bio enzyme)

Laundry sheets that contain this ingredient are superior at removing stains. Protease is a naturally occurring type of bio enzyme that helps break down proteins found in tough stains like grass, oil, coffee and sweat so they can easily be washed away. 

Other Powerful Natural Ingredients to look for

✅ Glycerin

Glycerin is a natural compound commonly found in skincare products due to its moisturizing properties. In laundry sheets, glycerin acts as a fabric softener, helping to keep your clothes feeling soft and smooth. It also helps to protect your fabrics by reducing friction and static cling, which can cause damage to fibers over time.

✅ Tea Seed Oil

Tea Seed oil is a natural surfactant derived from the seeds of the tea plant. In laundry sheets, tea seed oil helps to create a rich lather lifts dirt and grime from your clothes. It also has excellent cleaning properties, making it a great alternative to harsh chemical surfactants.

Avoid these ingredients

❌ Parabens

These are used as preservatives, but they've been linked to hormonal disruption in numerous studies.

❌ Phosphates

These are often used in laundry detergents to soften water and improve cleaning, but they can be harmful to aquatic life when they enter rivers and lakes.

❌ Optical Brighteners

These can make clothes appear whiter and brighter, but they don't actually clean your clothes. They can also be allergenic and are not readily biodegradable.

Top 4 Laundry Detergent Sheets of 2024 Tested and Ranked


FREDDIE: Laundry Detergent Sheets 🏆

CLEANING ABILITY:  A+ 


PROS: 

  • Best results out of all products tested in removing tough stains (completely removed red wine, coffee, grass)

  • Formulated with Protease bio enzymes, Glycerin and Tea Seed Oil.

  • Safe for whites, colors, and delicates

  • All ingredients safe & Non-toxic

  • Dissolves in less than 1 minute

  • No residue leftover after wash

  • Available in 3 different scents including fragrance free

  • 30 Day Moneyback Satisfaction

CONS:

  • Exclusively sold via their online website (not available in stores or Amazon)

  • Only sold in UK, USA & Canada

These sheets wowed our whole team - it was the top overall scorer by a long shot. 


They were quick to dissolve, left no residue and were able to remove the toughest of stains including coffee, red wine, dirt and even grass.


The cleaning power of these sheets was unmatched, likely due to their use of the naturally occurring bio enzyme called Protease - which is a safe and non-toxic ingredient used to breakdown the tiny particles that make up a stain.

Why did the sheets clean so well?

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. 


Protease can also help break down tough stains and dirt on fabrics at lower temperatures, which reduces the need for hot water and can results in energy saving - making it even better for the environment.


Additionally, bio enzymes are considered a safer and healthier option as they are biodegradable and pose minimal harm to the environment compared to harsh chemicals found in traditional detergents. 


Freddie's Laundry Detergent Sheets were also very quick to dissolve in both hot and cold water and left no residue. 

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 Labor Day Sale with up to 50% Off + Free Shipping. No coupon code needed. Sale ends September 1, 2024.

Hey Sunday: Excellent Runner-Up

CLEANING ABILITY:    


PROS: 

  • Safe for whites and colors

  • Great stain-fighting and whitening abilities

  • Free shipping and money-back guarantee

CONS:

  • Slow to dissolve

  • Only available in 2 scents

We were excited to try Hey Sunday. The brand has great reviews and boasts about its remarkable stain-removing capabilities.


During our tests, we discovered that they do in fact eliminate even the most challenging stains from clothes. Their whitening performance was also unmatched and effectively brought back the whiteness of fabrics that impressed our team.


That being said, it's worth noting that the Hey Sunday sheets were slow to dissolve, both in cold and in hot water. After running a load, we observed noticeable chunks of residue floating around in the water. To put things into perspective, other brands' sheets dissolved much faster, ranging from 2 seconds to 2 minutes. 


Clean People: Outstanding Performer

CLEANING ABILITY:  B+ 


PROS: 

  • Solid stain-fighting abilities

  • Made with plastic-free and recycled packaging

  • Free shipping and returns

CONS:

  • More expensive per load

  • Only available in 2 scents

Clean People earned the third-highest overall spot. These sheets are compatible with various washing machine types, including high-efficiency (HE), top loaders, and front loaders.


Clean People does an effective job of cleaning your clothes – but it lacks that specialized stain-fighting formula needed to tackle more stubborn stains like coffee and oil. It's also important to mention that among the detergent sheets tested, Clean People’s laundry sheets ranked as one of the most expensive options.


But it’s still a very strong contender. Vegan and cruelty-free, Clean People champion the fight against plastic pollution with their commitment to plastic-free or recycled packaging. Their free shipping and returns policy also spans the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.


TRU EARTH: Reliable Choice

CLEANING ABILITY:    


PROS: 

  • Decent cleaning performance

  • Great for sensitive skin

  • Suitable for all machines and temps

CONS:

  • Left some detergent residue

  • Website is hard to navigate

From our testing, we learned that Tru Earth Laundry Detergent Sheets performed well on some stains like ketchup, however earned one of the lowest scores for other stains like grass and tea. However, we found that these sheets sometimes left a residue on our swatches which is something you might want to look out for.

The instructions on the package were easy to follow and our team did appreciate the fact that the sheets may be great for those with sensitive skin due to their hypoallergenic formulation.


Why our team chose Freddie as the number 1 pick

After evaluating 14 different detergent sheets brands, our team selected Freddie Laundry Detergent Sheets as our number one pick. Several reasons drove our decision, making Freddie stand out from the competition.

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 outperformed its counterparts in removing these stubborn marks. 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. Freddie's commitment to delivering outstanding results while being eco-friendly made it the clear frontrunner among detergent sheets on the market.

Below are some frequently asked questions by our readers:

Do Laundry Detergent Sheets really work?

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.  

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.

Comments
Zoya Ingram
Never heard of Freddie… Can anybody vouch for it?
Like·Reply·
Laurie Morrison
I switched to Freddie about four months ago and it definitely removes stains better than the other brands. My son plays soccer and the grass stains were always impossible to remove but when using Freddie they come right off.
Like·Reply·
Polly Craig McNeil
I love that these brands use plastic-free packaging! It's time we all made the switch from liquid and pod detergents.
Like·Reply·
Beatrice Villegas
Great article, thank you
Like·Reply·
Johnny Torres
I’m fully stocked up on Freddie LOL!! My fav laundry detergent by far
Like·Reply·
Harri Hooper
Super annoying how I bought Freddie at full price last week and now it’s on sale?
Not fair
Like·Reply·
Macie Whitaker
I just clicked on the Freddie link now and it looks like the sale is still live.
Does anyone know how much longer until they take it down?
Like·Reply·
Whitney Hutchinson
I have used Clean People before but wasn’t very satisfied with their cleaning power.
Will check out the other brands as I want to move away from plastic jugs.
Like·Reply·
Alec Patton
Laundry sheets cost significantly more than liquid or powdered detergent. I'll try them when the price comes down.
Like·Reply·
Lennox Shaw
It depends. I get Freddie sheets by subscription and it costs less than the big brands.
Like·Reply·
Candice Maria Cervantes
Thank you for this article. I have tried all the laundry detergent sheets on this list and the ranking is pretty accurate in my experience
Like·Reply·
Renee Bennett
I just ordered some Freddie sheets. We’ll see how it goes.
Like·Reply·
Leslie Johnson
I use Freddie and I like it
Like·Reply·


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