Which? tests on two leading environmentally (friendlier) laundry detergents resulted in the following conclusion, “unfortunately they can’t compete with the big brands for cleaning results although both are worth considering for lightly soiled loads”. I can’t say I’m surprised but it’s still early days.
As a compromise, it might be a good idea to buy both. Buy one of the best brands for tough stains and fairly dirty washing but also keep one of the better quality green detergents for lightly soiled laundry. That way you are still doing something to help without paying the price in unsatisfactory wash results.
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Topics covered
- Laundry detergent FAQs
- Best Buys (Full test results)
- Biological verses normal detergent
- Eco laundry detergents
- Dishwasher tablets
- 10 products you DON'T need
Laundry detergent – Best buys & Reviews (goes to Which? – plenty of free information but take out the £1 trial for full access)
it is rubbish
I’ve used ‘green’ detergents for years and do not see a difference…
Of course it all depends on how you set your standards, but my laundry always comes out clean and fresh.
When clothing is stained I do use stain treatments before washing normally, but then you should do that with ‘non-green’ detergents as well.
What makes “green” detergents different is that they use natural ingredients instead of chemical ones. Because of that, they are hardly a burden to the environment. Imagine using up a packet of detergent only to find out that the suds you emitted were loaded with chemicals that will make the plants in your garden whither. The use of natural cleaning solutions is advisable. If your clothes have stains, citrus solutions like lemon juice can work big time. You just have to make the right choices.
Try Eco-Smart Simply Sensitive (non-bio) – highly recommended by Good Housekeeping magazine (winner 2008 consumer awards) as it gives excellent results at a good price. Available from Waitrose, The Co-op or on-line. Approx £2.99 for 30 tabs or 15 washes (or cheaper if you buy in bulk direct from Eco-Smart). It’s the best ecological wash powder I’ve tried and I’m a self-employed gardener so have particularly grubby work clothes. On the downside there is a slime/mould build up despite a weekly white wash at 60 degrees.