Do Laundry Sheets Actually Work? An Honest Guide

Laundry sheets are one of the most popular plastic-free swaps, but it's fair to ask: do they actually work? Here's an honest look at how they work, how to get the best results, and what's really in them.

What are laundry sheets?

Laundry sheets are thin, pre-measured sheets of detergent. You simply drop one into your washing machine drum, and it dissolves completely in hot or cold water. There's no bottle, no measuring cup and no spills.

Do they clean as well as liquid or powder?

For everyday washing, yes. Each sheet is a pre-measured dose of detergent that dissolves fully in the wash. The key is using the right number of sheets for your load:

• 1 sheet for a normal laundry load
• 2 sheets for a more powerful clean
• 3 sheets for larger loads, such as bedding or towels
  

They work in front-loading machines, top loaders and for hand washing.

What's in our laundry sheets?

Our non-bio laundry sheets are made with corn starch, coconut-derived surfactants and PVA. They are free from optical brighteners, dyes, phosphates, chlorine and parabens, and they contain no enzymes.

Are they suitable for sensitive skin?

Our laundry sheets were dermatologically tested by Dermatest on 30 people, including sensitive skin types, and rated Excellent, with no relevant skin reactions reported. They also carry Cruelty Free International approval and Vegetarian Society Vegan Accreditation.

What about PVA? Is it a microplastic?

PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is the binding agent that holds the sheet together. Under current EU REACH rules, PVA is not classified as a microplastic, because the restriction applies to solid polymer particles and PVA dissolves in water.

Are laundry sheets compostable?

No. Our laundry sheets are not certified compostable. They have been tested for biodegradability under OECD 301B, which measures how a substance breaks down in water, and the dissolved formula biodegrades in wastewater. This is a different test from composting standards such as EN 13432.

What about the packaging?

The sheets come in FSC-certified recyclable cardboard, so you can put the box straight in your household recycling.

Lavender or fragrance-free?

• Lavender: a gentle scent from a blend of eucalyptus, lavender and patchouli oils.
• Fragrance-free: no added fragrance, a good choice if you prefer unscented laundry.
  

Shop lavender laundry sheets →
Shop fragrance-free laundry sheets →

The bottom line

Laundry sheets do the job for everyday washing, as long as you match the number of sheets to the size of your load. They're light, mess-free and come in recyclable cardboard instead of a plastic bottle.