Eco-friendly laundry sheets: what to check and cost per load

What laundry sheets are

Laundry sheets, strips and leaves are thin, pre-measured pieces of detergent that dissolve in the wash. They are light and compact, which makes them easy to store and travel with. Some are sold in small cardboard boxes, which can mean less plastic than a bottle. How well they clean depends on the brand, your machine and the load, so we do not make claims about that.

What to check on the label

• Number of loads and load size: some sheets are for one full load, and some are sized for a half load or need two for a big load.
• HE compatibility: check that the product states that it works with your washer type.
• Fragrance-free or free and clear: check the ingredient list if fragrance bothers you.
• Water temperature: some products suggest a minimum temperature for the sheet to dissolve fully. Check the directions.
• Film and dissolving: many sheets use a water-soluble film, often polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). How completely such films break down in wastewater treatment is debated, and views differ. We do not take a side. If it matters to you, read what the maker says about the film.

Our angle: the real cost per load

A sheet that costs less per load can cost more if you still need a stain remover, a booster or a second sheet for large loads. Add those into your cost. Count how many sheets you need for your usual load, divide the price by the number of loads that gives you, then add anything else you regularly buy to make the same laundry come out clean. Compare that with liquid or powder on the same basis, including the price of packaging you recycle or throw away.

1. Check how many sheets your usual load takes.
2. Divide the price by the number of loads you actually get.
3. Add the cost of any extra product you use with it.

Buying tips

• Try a small box first, especially if you use cold water.
• Keep sheets dry. Moisture can make them stick together.
• Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Follow the care labels on your clothes.