Detergent Sheets vs Liquids: Which Is Greener?

Ditching plastic jugs for green laundry? We've got you. Our detergent sheet versus liquid smackdown cuts through the noise to reveal which leaves clothes fresh and the earth flawless.


Quick links:

What are detergent sheets?

What are liquid detergents?

Are detergent strips better for the environment?

What are the best laundry detergent strips?

What are the best liquid detergents?

How to choose the right detergent

Liquid vs pods vs sheets vs powder


If you’re ready to make the switch to detergent sheets and protect the planet, buy our eco-friendly strips and enjoy their simple power.

Detergent Sheets

Beyond their cleaning muscle, liquidless laundry detergent squares help reduce plastic waste from traditional bottled detergent. Just one of the many reasons eco-minded folks are making the switch.


Detergent sheets go by many names—laundry sheets, laundry tabs, single dose sheets, detergent strips—but they all offer a fuss-free, planet-friendly way to keep your clothes fresh and bright. Once you experience detergent sheets, you may never go back to heavy plastic jugs again!

Pros


  • No plastic used in manufacturing
  • Lightweight to transport and store
  • Easy to use; no overdosing, waste, or spills
  • Small storage footprint
  • Packaging is easy to recycle
  • Work in all types of washers and for hand-wash garments

Cons


  • None

Liquid Detergents

Liquid laundry detergents have been a popular choice for tackling dirty clothes. Their liquid format allows them to fully dissolve in any temperature of water during washing. Liquid detergents are available in both traditional pour bottles and pre-measured pod formats for convenience. But how do they stack up compared to detergent strips? Let’s take a look.

Pros


  • Dissolve well in all water temperatures
  • Easy to dispense from bottles or pods
  • Can be used to pretreat stains

Cons


  • Generate plastic bottle waste
  • Bulky and heavy bottles
  • Risk of spills or dosing errors
  • Harsh chemicals contaminate the environment

Are Laundry Detergent Sheets Better for the Environment?

Our detergent strips are way better for the environment than liquid detergent. Here’s why:


  • They use way less packaging. We're talking about no plastic bottles or jugs at all. Those bulky containers generate tons of waste. Detergent sheets skip all that with their super slim, compact cardboard packaging.
  • Speaking of small, the tiny size also cuts down on fuel during shipping. Lugging around all the added water weight in liquid detergents guzzles gas and harms the air. Detergent strips are clean and green.
  • The concentrated formula in these mighty mini tabs packs some serious stain-fighting power. They get your clothes fresh and bright without any wasted product. 
  • By making the eco-friendly switch to detergent strips, you're joining the fight against plastic pollution. Every load of laundry helps propel us closer to a sustainable future. How cool is that?

What are the Best Laundry Detergent Strips?

What's the secret to finding the perfect detergent sheets? We've got the inside scoop on what makes laundry strips really rock. Let's unpack the criteria:


  1. Earth-loving ingredients: top sheets are formulated with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are gentle on the planet. Harsh chemicals and pollutants? No thanks.
  2. Amazing cleaning power: quality strips will wipe out tough stains, odors, and dirt to leave clothes pristine. No laundro-letdowns here.
  3. Dissolves completely: the best strips should fully dissolve without any plastics or microplastics messing up waterways.
  4. Minimal packaging: quality strips come in compact, lightweight paper or cardboard boxes. Lower waste and emissions.
  5. Works on any machine: great strips will provide a perfect clean whether you have a top loader, front loader, or even washing by hand.
  6. Affordable: an eco option shouldn't break the bank. The top strips provide value and earth-friendly laundry.

Our Smart Sheep strips check every box. They're powerful, sustainable, and convenient from start to eco-friendly finish!

What are the Best Liquid Detergents for Sensitive Skin?

Searching for a liquid detergent that won't irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions? Check the label and steer clear of harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes, which can lead to rashes, hives, and irritation. Instead, look for hypoallergenic and plant-based formulas specifically made for sensitive skin types. Here are some of the best detergents for sensitive skin:


  1. Tide Free and Gentle is dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin. It is free from dyes and perfumes, making it gentle on the skin while still providing effective cleaning power.
  2. Seventh Generation Free and Clear is made with plant-based ingredients and is free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and artificial brighteners. It is a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
  3. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is formulated with plant-based enzymes and natural cleansers. It is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes.
  4. All Free Clear is free from perfumes and dyes, making it a gentle option for those with sensitivities.
  5. ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent is free from dyes, fragrances, and enzymes, making it suitable for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Our eco-friendly detergent strips are great for sensitive skin because we use skin-friendly ingredients and none of the bad stuff.

How to Choose the Right Detergent

When it comes to picking a green detergent for your laundry needs, there are a few key factors to consider:


  • Minimal waste: look for detergent sheets and tabs that avoid plastic jugs and bottles. Their paper-based packaging creates much less waste compared to traditional liquid detergents.
  • Plastic-free packaging: detergent strips use recyclable and plastic-free paperboard, unlike most liquid or powder detergents packaged in plastic.
  • Lower carbon footprint: with less water content, detergent strips require less energy for manufacturing and transportation, resulting in fewer emissions.
  • Biodegradability: many strips use PVA film that breaks down into harmless components without leaving behind microplastics.
  • No toxic pollutants: eco-friendly sheets avoid chemicals like bleach or dyes that can be harmful when washed down drains.
  • Powerful stain removal: effective concentrated formulas dissolve to clean clothes thoroughly, despite being sustainable.

Choosing detergent sheets enables you to be eco-friendly and keep clothes looking their best. It's a green laundry win-win!


Wait, there's more! Let's dive into a few other ways eco-friendly laundry sheets are extra green:


  • Eco-friendly sheets ditch harmful chemicals like bleach or dyes that pollute waterways.
  • With gentle ingredients, detergent sheets prevent damage to marine ecosystems.
  • Experts estimate up to 700 million fewer plastic containers in US landfills if we all used sheets!
  • Plant-based components break down naturally without disrupting the environment.

Laundry Detergent Pods vs Liquid vs Sheets vs Powder

Laundry detergent comes in several formats: pods, liquid, powder, and sheets. Each has its pros and cons when it comes to convenience, customization, and environmental impact. 


  • Detergent pods provide pre-measured, dissolvable portions but produce plastic waste that can pollute oceans and leak chemicals. 
  • Liquid detergent allows adjustable measurements using the built-in cup, but requires bulky plastic jugs that create waste. Depending on the detergent formula, liquid detergents frequently contain toxic chemicals.
  • Laundry powder can also be measured and comes in recyclable cardboard, but some contain added dyes, fragrances, and fillers.

The most eco-friendly option is laundry detergent sheets—dissolvable paper-based strips pre-dosed for one load. Sheets dramatically reduce plastic waste compared to pods and jugs. Their lightweight paper construction also cuts down on transport emissions versus transporting water-heavy liquids. 


Our detergent strips use plant-based formulas free of dyes, perfumes, and fillers that can irritate skin. 


Given the major environmental benefits of reducing single-use plastics and shipping emissions, laundry detergent sheets are the best choice for an eco-friendly wash. 


Homes looking to make more sustainable choices can feel good switching to detergent sheets over conventional options encased in wasteful plastic and chemical-laden formulas. Just one change can prevent pounds of plastic from polluting fragile ecosystems.

Detergent Sheets vs Liquid Detergents FAQ

Do laundry detergent sheets work?

Laundry detergent sheets are highly effective at cleaning clothes. Concentrated cleaning ingredients on the sheets dissolve in water, providing powerful stain-removing and fabric-refreshing capabilities. Simply toss a sheet into the washing machine with your laundry, and it will dissolve to release the detergent and provide excellent cleaning results.

Which is better: laundry liquid powder or sheets?

Our strips make for convenient and eco-friendly laundry detergents. They are compact, lightweight, and dissolve easily in water, making them mess-free and easy to use. Detergent sheets also eliminate the need for bulky plastic jugs, reducing waste and environmental impact. They provide effective cleaning power and can be equally effective in removing stains and freshening clothes.

Do laundry sheets replace detergent?

Laundry sheets replace traditional liquid or powder detergents. They offer a convenient and mess-free alternative to measuring and pouring liquid or powder detergents, making laundry easier and more efficient.

Should you use detergent sheets?

Yes, you should start using detergent sheets. Detergent sheets offer convenience, mess-free usage, and reduced packaging waste compared to traditional liquid or powder detergents. They are also often formulated with eco-friendly ingredients and are a safer choice compared to traditional laundry detergents.

What are the cons of detergent sheets?

The biggest con of detergent sheets is that they cannot be used to pretreat or spot clean stains. Some people use liquid detergent to pretreat stains, even though it's not all that great at stain removal. If you want to pretreat stains, buy our stain stick and apply it to stained areas.

How do I use detergent strips?

Detergent strips are simple to use. Just toss a strip into each load of laundry. Use one strip for small and medium loads and two strips if your load is large or heavily soiled. 


  1. To use, simply tear off a premeasured strip.
  2. Place the strip in the washing machine drum.
  3. Add the laundry.
  4. Start your preferred wash cycle.
  5. When the cycle is finished, take out your washed clothes.

Which is better, fabric softener sheets or liquid?

Sheets quickly reduce static and add scent, but don't last. Liquid softens more thoroughly, and the fragrance is longer-lasting, but it requires plastic bottles.


For an eco-friendly option with the best of both worlds, buy our wool dryer balls. Reusable for years, our all-natural wool balls soften fabrics, decrease static, and shorten dry time without any plastic waste or chemicals.

Is powdered detergent better than liquid?

Powdered detergent is typically more effective at stain removal and more budget-friendly. However, liquid detergent can be easier to use for pre-treating and high-efficiency machines. It dissolves readily.


For a sustainable option, consider our detergent strips—they pack concentrated cleaning power into each plastic-free strip. Their biodegradable paper packaging skips plastic waste while still getting clothes clean.

What are some of the most popular detergent strip brands?

Here is a list of some popular detergent strip brands:


  1. Smart Sheep
  2. Earth Breeze 
  3. Tru Earth
  4. EcoStrip
  5. Dropps
  6. Laundry Sheets
  7. Eco Nuts
  8. No Tox Life
  9. Meliora Cleaning Products

How do detergent strips work?

Detergent strips are soap sheets that lather up when you add water. To use them, place a single strip in the washing machine drum. When the wash cycle starts, the strip will dissolve as water flows in, releasing concentrated cleaning ingredients that penetrate fabrics to lift stains and refresh clothes without any plastic waste.

Does laundry soap perform better in soft or hard water?

Laundry soap performs better in soft water compared to hard water. Hard water contains mineral deposits that can bond with soap molecules and create soap scum or residue. In soft water that lacks these minerals, soap can dissolve fully and activate properly to penetrate fabrics for cleaning. 

Are detergent sheets safe for children and pets?

Our plant-based sheets are safe around children and pets when used properly. Just be sure to store strips out of reach so they aren't mistaken for snacks. There's no need to worry as long as the sheets aren't ingested.

Further Reading

What are the best wool dryer balls?

What are the benefits of wool dryer balls?

Are plastic dryer balls any good?

Wool dryer balls vs dryer sheets—who wins?

What is the best natural stain remover for clothes?

Essential oil recipes for wool dryer balls

What are the best dryer balls for down jackets?

Where can I buy wool dryer balls?

Should I put tennis balls in the dryer?