• Shop Shop

What are 'laundry detergent sheets,' and what makes them a better choice than regular detergent?

Detergent sheets are more sustainable and create less waste — and they usually cost about the same as traditional detergent.

Laundry detergent sheets

Photo Credit: iStock

Have you heard of laundry detergent sheets? These wafer-thin strips dissolve during the wash cycle and leave behind no residue. And unlike some traditional detergents, they don't contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to the environment or your health. 

If you're looking to make the switch to a cleaner, more convenient laundry option, here's everything to know about laundry detergent sheets.

What are laundry detergent sheets?

Laundry detergent sheets may just look like small pieces of fabric, but they're actually a highly effective detergent option. They come in a range of scents, so you can easily find something to suit your laundry needs. 

These sheets work similarly to dryer sheets, except they fully clean your clothes in the wash and dissolve in the process. 

What makes laundry detergent sheets eco-friendly?

Laundry detergent sheets are often made from biodegradable materials. They also dissolve quickly in water and don't require any additional packaging, so there's less waste created overall. 

Plus, you can use a single sheet per load of laundry, whereas with traditional detergent, it's easy to waste liquid or powder by adding more than you need. And, since you don't have to measure out a specific amount of detergent for each load, it's much easier to get the right amount of laundry detergent every time. 

Many traditional laundry detergents are also packaged in plastic, which is extremely difficult to recycle and can spend hundreds of years in a landfill or ocean before finally breaking down

How do detergent sheets compare to traditional laundry detergents? 

Detergent sheets are more sustainable and create less waste — and according to Consumer Reports, they cost about the same on average.

What's more, they're easy to carry and can save you time, since you don't have to measure anything to use them. Just toss a sheet in the washer and you're good to go.

If you're looking to make the switch to detergent sheets, here's a list of our favorite options — plus a few other great sustainable laundry products, like laundry pods and powder.

The Cool Down may receive a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Price and availability are subject to change. Learn more about our Product Mission here.

1

sheets laundry club detergent sheets

Why It's Cool
Just drop one of these laundry detergent sheets made from clean ingredients into your load of laundry and neatly avoid the plastic waste and toxic chemicals of traditional detergents. Even better, they come in plastic-free packaging.

$16.65

Shop Now

Thumbnail
2

meliora eco laundry powder

Why It's Cool
Meliora is a Chicago-based company with a modest line of cleaning products and a long list of sustainable and ethical certifications. Their eco stain stick is also a lifesaving alternative to Tide pens!

$19.99

Shop Now

meliora eco laundry powder
3

Dropps

Why It's Cool
Tough stains don't require harsh chemicals. Dropps gentle laundry detergent, fabric softener, and Oxi booster pods all come in super convenient plastic-free pods and make the cleanup easy. Plus their scents are dreamy - Orange Blossom is our fave!

$12.50

Shop Now

Dropps Household Oxi Booster Pods; laundry detergent sheets
4

bestowed essentials zero waste laundry powder

Why It's Cool
A socially-focused zero waste small business located in South Dakota, Bestowed Essentials products are a must-have for anyone interested in reducing their trash. Their price points are also extremely affordable.

$15.99

Shop Now

bestowed essentials zero waste green;laundry detergent sheets laundry powder
5

dirty labs bio-liquid laundry detergent

Why It's Cool
Sweaty days the gym stinking up your clothes? Dirty Lab's formula packs a powerful clean with no harmful chemicals. Plus, the recyclable aluminum packaging is slick and actually worth showing off in your laundry room!

$15.00

Shop Now

Dirty Labs green laundry

Follow The Cool Down on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Cool Divider