Detergent pods can make doing laundry or running the dishwasher slightly more convenient. The pre-portioned packets make it easy to toss a pod in, hit ‘start,’ and cross the chore off your to-do list. However, recent research suggests the thin, dissolvable wrapping of laundry pods might actually be harmful to humans, animals, and water systems. Thankfully, there are numerous eco-friendly alternatives that reduce plastic waste and pollution. Here are six alternatives to detergent pods that get the cleaning job done without damaging the environment.
Negative Impacts of Using Detergent Pods
“Many laundry and dishwashing pods contain other harmful chemicals that release toxic [volatile organic compounds] during the cleaning cycle, and leave residues on your dishes or clothes,” says Marilee Nelson, environmental consultant and Branch Basics co-founder. “The convenience does not outweigh the drawbacks and risks to the health of people, animals, aquatic life, and plants.”
Recent scientific research suggests that detergent pods can be harmful to the environment and our health. Although some research refutes these claims, there is an argument that the harm is primarily from microplastics that can be discharged into the water and aren’t completely removed by conventional water treatment. “Laundry and dishwasher pods contribute, as they typically are wrapped in a petroleum-based polyvinyl alcohol plastic (PVA or PVOH), which dissolves in water,” Nelson says.
Not all grades of PVA are fully biodegradable, so it may slip through water treatment processes and continue into the environment. Studies estimate that around 75% of PVA from these detergent pods may go unprocessed and released back into the environment. “PVA enters waterways as sewage sludge, or settles in soils and enters the food chain impacting human, animal, plant, and aquatic life,” Nelson says. Although detergent pods are supposed to use a biodegradable and fully dissolvable grade of PVA, most people are aware of the growing microplastic pollution crisis and are looking for alternatives.
That said, if you want clean clothes and dishware, it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Plastic bottles fill landfills, and washing clothes, in particular, causes textiles to shed microfibers. Because these daily chores are a staple in any cleaning routine, finding the right cleaning products for cleaning laundry and dishes really matters.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Detergent Pods
So, if detergent pods come with environmental and health consequences, what products are safe—and eco-friendly—to use in the laundry or dishwasher? Thankfully, many safe alternatives get the job done just as well. These are our favorite options.
Eco-Friendly Powder Detergents
Powdered detergent requires less water to produce than liquid detergent, and even has a longer shelf life. “These forms also allow users to control the amount of detergent used, potentially reducing overuse,” Nelson says. But just like liquid detergents, it’s about buying the right, environmentally-conscious brand with products free from synthetic dyes and fragrances. Keeping an eye out for the EPA’s Safer Choice label can be a starting point for using detergents that are safe for humans and the environment.
Soap Nuts
Soap nuts or berries are a natural and chemical-free laundry detergent. They are the dried shells of the soapberry nut, which contains saponin, a natural cleaner. When placed inside a reusable bag and tossed in the washing machine, they can clean the laundry effectively in hot or cold water.
Laundry Strips or Sheets
As thin as card stock paper, laundry strips or sheets are another eco-friendly option for the washing machine that don’t add microplastics to the water supply. Most are also sold in cardboard wrapping rather than plastic. Try brands like TruEarth, Smart Strips, or Clearalif for single sheets to pop into the washing machine that are biodegradable, lightweight, and free from harsh chemicals.
Laundry Balls
Laundry balls for washing machines are another environmentally friendly option compared to liquid detergents. These are a reusable option for less plastic consumption and can last for hundreds of washes. Not all laundry washing balls are as effective, but the ones with the option to add liquid detergent or pellets into the ball are a good starting point.
Castile Soaps
Castile soap is a versatile, vegetable-oil-based soap that is natural, vegan, and biodegradable. Originally from the Castile region of Spain centuries ago, Castile soap combined olive oil and sodium bicarbonate to create hard soaps. These days, Castile soap comes in liquid and bar form, making it a kid- and pet-safe household staple that can work for laundry, dishwashing, and even bathing.
DIY Soaps
Some homemade soaps and cleaners can also be eco-friendly and even cost-effective, depending on what ingredients you use (baking soda, washing soda, borax, or even Castile soap). These can be stored in reusable containers and customized to your preferences.
