Doing laundry can feel like a never-ending chore. Between sorting, washing, drying, and folding, it takes up a chunk of time every week. That’s why laundry detergent sheets have become so popular lately. They provide a convenient, mess-free way to tackle laundry day. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which detergent sheets are the best?
I’ve tested and reviewed the top brands of laundry detergent sheets to help you find the right fit. I looked at factors like cleaning power, scent, fabric care, sustainability, and cost. Read on for my picks for the best laundry detergent sheets and why I recommend them.
My Top 3 Picks
| Brand | Best for | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tru Earth Eco-Strips | Sensitive skin | Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, free of dyes, chlorine, and artificial fragrances |
| Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods | User-friendly | Tear-open pouches, neutral, light scent, stain-fighting enzymes |
| Earth Breeze Natural Laundry Sheets | Eco-friendly | Plant-based formula, biodegradable, non-toxic |
Tru Earth Eco-Strips
Best for Sensitive Skin
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Free of dyes, chlorine, and artificial fragrances
- Gets clothes clean without irritation
Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods
Most User-Friendly
- Tear-open pouches for easy use
- Neutral, light scent
- Stain-fighting enzymes
Earth Breeze Natural Laundry Sheets
Best Eco-Friendly Option
- Plant-based formula
- Biodegradable and non-toxic
- Works well in all water temperatures
Reviews of the Best Laundry Detergent Sheets
Here is an in-depth look at my top picks for laundry detergent sheets:
Tru Earth Eco-Strips
Tru Earth’s hypoallergenic eco-strips are the best choice if you have sensitive skin. Many laundry detergents contain irritating chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can cause rashes and discomfort. Tru Earth uses a plant-based, non-toxic formula that is free of dyes, chlorine, and artificial fragrances.
I found that these sheets cleaned my clothes thoroughly without leaving behind any residue. They have a very light, fresh scent from natural essential oils. My skin felt totally comfortable against my clothes after washing.
The eco-strips come in a compact cardboard box that makes them easy to store and travel with. Tru Earth also partners with trees.org to plant a tree for every purchase. These are a great pick for clean, comfortable laundry that’s gentle on skin.
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested
- Free of dyes, chlorine, artificial fragrances
- Light fresh scent from natural essential oils
- Compact packaging made of recycled materials
- Partnership plants a tree per purchase
Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods
For convenience, it’s hard to beat Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods. Each pod is individually wrapped in a soluble pouch that you just toss in the wash. The pouches allow for mess-free handling.
Inside each pouch is a concentrated liquid detergent. I found the pods worked well at fighting odors and getting out stubborn stains like grass and tomato sauce. The light floral scent is refreshing but not overpowering.
The pods are septic and sewer safe. While not as eco-friendly as some sheets, they are made of plant-based ingredients and the packaging is recycle-friendly. Overall, I think Dropps pods are a great option if you want a fuss-free laundry solution.
Key Features:
- Tear-open water-soluble pouches
- Concentrated liquid formula fights stains
- Light, refreshing floral scent
- Septic and sewer safe
- Recyclable packaging
Earth Breeze Natural Laundry Sheets
For a low-waste laundry routine, Earth Breeze sheets are my top eco-friendly pick. These biodegradable sheets are made of plant-derived cleaning agents like soap bark and citric acid. They contain no bleach, dyes, or synthetic perfumes.
While they don’t have added fragrance, the botanical ingredients leave clothes smelling fresh and clean. Earth Breeze sheets worked well at home in both hot and cold water cycles. They got out body oils, food stains, and mildew smells from towels.
The packaging consists of a cardboard box made of recycled paper. Each 65-load tub prevents 65 plastic jugs from entering landfills. For green living, Earth Breeze sheets make doing laundry easy on the environment.
Key Features:
- Biodegradable plant-based formula
- No bleach, dyes, synthetic perfumes
- Gets clothes clean in all water temps
- Recycled paper packaging
- Prevents plastic waste
How Laundry Detergent Sheets Work
Laundry detergent sheets provide an easy way to pre-measure the detergent for each load. Most sheets are approximately 2-3 inches square in size. They contain concentrated laundry detergent embedded into a water-soluble membrane.
To use them, you simply toss a single sheet into the drum of your washing machine at the start of the wash cycle. As the water flows in, the sheet dissolves and releases the detergent.
The detergent lifts dirt, oils, and stains from the fabric so they can rinse away cleanly. Most brands recommend using one sheet per regular load, and two sheets for extra-large or heavily soiled loads.
The sheets streamline laundry by consolidating measuring and pouring detergent into one simple step. They provide a mess-free, portable way to do laundry anywhere. The packaging also cuts down on plastic waste compared to liquid detergent jugs.
Advantages of Laundry Detergent Sheets
Convenience – No measuring or pouring needed. Just toss a sheet in the drum.
Portability – Lightweight sheets are ideal for travel, college, or laundry on-the-go.
Less Mess – Sheets prevent spilled liquids or detergent buildup in the washing machine.
Economical – Sheets contain a pre-measured dose so you don’t waste detergent.
Eco-Friendly – Paper packaging has less plastic waste than jugs or bottles. Many sheets use plant-based formulas.
Gentleness – Hypoallergenic sheets are ideal for sensitive skin.
Odor Removal – Concentrated formulas fight tough smells like sweat, mildew and smoke.
Stain Removal – Enzymes target food, grass, grease stains, and more.
What to Look for When Buying
Ingredients
Check that the ingredients are free of irritants if you have sensitive skin. Some use plant-based ingredients and natural essential oils. Look for non-toxic formulas safe for septic systems.
Scent
Scent can be a personal preference. Some enjoy light floral or linen scents, while others may want no scent at all. Make sure any added fragrance comes from natural oils, not synthetic perfumes.
Packaging
Look for sheets made with recycled materials and less plastic. Can the packaging be recycled or refilled to reduce waste? How many loads will a single package provide?
Cleaning Power
Make sure the sheets contain enough detergent to get normal-to-heavy soils out of fabrics. Check that they work across water temperatures if you like to wash in cold water.
Price
Prices currently range from about 15 to 35 cents per sheet. Calculate the cost per load and compare to buying jug detergent. Check pricing on multi-pack boxes.
Expert Tips for Using Laundry Detergent Sheets
- For best results, add sheets at the start of the cycle so they fully dissolve.
- Use one sheet for light-to-normal soils, two for heavy stains or large loads.
- Stick to one brand instead of switching between kinds of sheets.
- Open a window if using scented sheets, which can linger in the machine.
- Use sheets formulated for cold water to save energy when washing in cold.
- Be careful of overdrying certain sheets that could leave residue on fabrics.
- Rub spots pre-treat heavily stained areas, then wash as normal.
- Set your machine to the correct size load to allow sheets to properly dissolve.
- Clean your machine monthly by running a hot cycle with vinegar to prevent detergent buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use laundry detergent sheets?
Simply place one laundry detergent sheet in the drum of your machine at the start of the wash cycle. Use two sheets for heavily soiled or extra-large loads. The sheet will dissolve in the water and release the concentrated cleaning formula.
Are laundry sheets as effective as liquid detergent?
Quality laundry sheets contain concentrated detergent that cleans just as effectively as liquid. Look for sheets with stain-fighting enzymes and odor removal power. Avoid cheaper versions that may not clean as well.
Can you use dryer sheets and laundry detergent sheets together?
Yes, you can use fabric softener dryer sheets after washing clothes with laundry detergent sheets. Just don’t confuse the two—laundry sheets go in the washer to clean clothes, while dryer sheets go in the dryer to soften.
Should you use hot or cold water with laundry sheets?
Laundry sheets work in all water temperatures. Hot water will dissolve sheets faster while cold water is more eco-friendly. Look for sheets formulated for cold water washing. Avoid extremely hot water that could degrade sheets before dissolving.
What are the best scents for laundry detergent sheets?
Scent preference is subjective, but popular options include light floral, fresh linen, citrus, and light or clean scents. Avoid strong perfumes that could irritate skin and noses. For allergy-friendly sheets, look for ones free of dyes and synthetic fragrances.
The Bottom Line
Laundry detergent sheets provide a convenient, portable way to get your clothes clean without creating a mess. Tru Earth, Dropps, and Earth Breeze offer excellent options that are gentle on fabrics and make doing laundry simple. When learning how to use plastic-free laundry detergent, it’s important to look for sheets that fit your preferences, such as eco-friendly ingredients or hypoallergenic formulas. With the right detergent sheets for your needs, you can simplify laundry day while also reducing your environmental impact.
