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2024's Top 4 Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets, Tested and Ranked

By Rachel Sherman

June 18, 2024
Our team reveals the top-performing brands in the competitive laundry detergent sheet market

There's been a recent innovation in the cleaning world that's disrupting the industry.


The innovation is called Laundry Detergent Sheets


These laundry sheets are small thin sheets of material that are packed with pre-measured concentration of detergent and dissolve in the washing machine, eliminating the need to measure and pour detergent.


Laundry sheets are exploding in popularity as they're eco-friendly, space-saving, use plastic free packaging and are completely mess free (no more spillage).


Due to their 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 5 brands that were able to remove stains the best.

Do Laundry Detergent Sheets really work?

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


However this depends on the ingredients used in the Laundry Sheet.  


The ingredients used from brand to brand seemed to be completely different, which meant the cleaning power was vastly different as well. 

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.

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

Our team of editors analyzed 18 laundry detergent sheets from 14 different brands, tackling many different stains and operating our washing machines for 2 days.


The evaluation criteria for each detergent sheet included its ability in removing 20 usual stains, restoring the original whiteness of a standard pre-stained fabric swatch, and its speed and thoroughness of dissolution in water. We also carefully inspected the labels on these detergent sheets to ensure they had proper safety warnings and clear instructions. 

FREDDIE: Best Overall Laundry Detergent Sheet 

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 Satisfaction Guarantee

Cons:

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

  • Only sold in 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.


What were the cons?


The only drawback is that the Sheets are currently exclusively sold online through their official website and not available in store or Amazon. However the benefit of ordering from their website is that they offer a 30 day money-back guarantee which not all other brands have.

👨 UPDATE: Freddie is currently running a Father's Day Sale with up to 50% Off + Free Shipping. No coupon code needed. Sale ends June 18, 2024.

EC30: Excellent Runner-Up

Cleaning Ability: A

Pros:

  • Good at removing tough stains like coffee but didn't remove red wine as well as Freddie

  • Suitable for all machines and temps

  • Safe for whites, colors, and delicates

Cons:

  • Slow to dissolve 

  • Only available in two scents

EC30 laundry sheets gained second place for their remarkable stain-removing capabilities.  From chocolate smears to tomato sauce spills, these sheets eliminated even the most challenging marks from clothes. Their whitening performance was also unmatched and effectively brought back the whiteness of fabrics that impressed our team.


However, it's worth noting that the EC30 swatches were slow to dissolve, even in hot water. During our tests, we observed noticeable chunks floating in water even after more than 5 minutes of agitation. In comparison, other brands' sheets dissolved much faster, ranging from 2 seconds to 2 minutes. While there was no remnants of the detergent sheets in the washing machine after the cleaning cycle, this may be something to watch out for at home.

NORWEX: Outstanding Performer

Cleaning Ability: B+

Pros:

  • USDA Certified Biobased Product

  • Effective in removing less stubborn stains like ketchup, wine, and syrups

  • Dissolves in less than 1 minute

Cons:

  • Higher cost compared to alternatives

  • Only available in one scent

Norwex's Laundry Detergent Sheets earned the third-highest overall spot. These sheets exhibited an impressive cleaning and whitening performance on pre-stained gray fabric swatches. Plus, they dissolved in just under 1 minute when used with cold water, providing convenient and efficient usage. 


Norwex's Laundry Detergent Sheets are USDA Certified Biobased Products, making them an environmentally conscious choice. While Norwex sheets excelled in removing everyday stains like ketchup and grape juice, they required additional effort to tackle more stubborn stains such as tea and lipstick. It's also important to mention that among the detergent sheets tested, Norwex's strips ranked as the most expensive option.

TRU EARTH: Reliable Choice

Cleaning Ability: B

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.

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