Put the sheet directly into the drum. 2. Fill drum with laundry. 3. Start your regular washing cycle. When it comes to formulas, it’s harder to define. There is legislation in place in the UK, for example, to ensure that ‘surfactants’ (the ingredients that make detergents bubbly) do biodegrade, albeit in very specific circumstances. Similarly, the quantity of phosphates allowed in laundry detergents is also limited by law. This means that some claims made by ‘eco’ products may be equally true of many products that don’t claim to be ‘eco-friendly’. With a pleasant, fresh scent, Miele’s powder does what it says on the tin. Whites are bright after just one wash and stains are easily shifted. However, it will lift colours, so make sure you only use it with plain whites. Miele says that its powder is suitable for use at 20˚, 30˚, 40˚, 60˚ and 95˚C, so it should work with a huge range of programmes, as well as at energy-saving low temperatures. Expect to get around 42 loads from one box. This recyclable bottle’s handle made it the most comfortable to hold and easiest to use of all the bio detergents on test. It triumphed over baby food, makeup and blood stains, fully erasing them from cotton and polycotton, and it did not fade our coloured items.

Dissolve half a sheet in warm/cold water. 2. Add laundry and wash by hand. 3. Thoroughly rinse with water. Safety Vegan, free from microplastics and preservatives, and dermatologically tested to be kind to skin, these sheets are a great eco-friendly choice. We were particularly impressed with their performance at low temperatures, where they still got clothes clean. Whichever detergent you buy, there are also more sustainable ways you can use it at home. Running your cycle at a lower temperature, for example, is a good start, as you’ll also be using less energy to wash your clothes. Both the cap and bottle are recyclable and the product is cruelty-free. This isn’t the most eco-friendly detergent, but it can be used at lower temperatures, which helps to make it more environmentally friendly. Whether a detergent is 'eco-friendly' comes down to many factors, from the way it's made to how it's disposed of, and everything in between.Sheets – The latest innovation in laundry detergents is laundry sheets. These dissolve in the washing machine like capsules, but most can be used at low temperatures and are extremely eco-friendly.

Discover the feather-light Magic Leaves laundry detergent sheets that make washing so convenient. One water-soluble sheet ensures a deep clean and radiant freshness – even at low temperatures. Washing has never been easier: Just pop one sheet into the washing drum and experience a highly convenient way to wash your laundry – even on short cycles. The ultra-lightweight and compact format is easy to carry, easy to use and easy to store. Important Information

Discover the feather-light laundry detergent sheets that make washing so convenient. One water-soluble sheet ensures a deep clean and radiant freshness - even at low temperatures. Washing has never been easier: Just pop one sheet into the washing drum and experience a highly convenient way to wash your laundry - even on short cycles. The ultra-lightweight and compact format is easy to carry, easy to use and easy to store.

Put simply, biological laundry detergents contain enzymes, which target and remove stains from your clothes. They also contain a bleaching agent for more stubborn stains, although there’s no bleach in colour biological detergents. You can also use bio detergents at lower temperatures, which reduces the risk of clothes shrinking and helps trim your household bills.Liquids and gels – Generally more expensive than powder, liquids and gels don’t contain bleach so may struggle with heavily soiled clothes. Nonetheless, they’re great for keeping colours bright and for everyday washing, plus they go straight into the washing machine drum (either in the detergent lid, or a specific capsule), minimising mess.

It’s a popular choice for those with sensitive skin, though, as it doesn’t irritate at all. Again, this isn’t the most eco-friendly product on the market, but we do like the fact that it cleans clothes well even on a cold wash. One thing to note is that although it does an excellent job on colours, it’s not a particularly effective detergent for whites.Washing powder – Traditional powder is economical as it tends to be cheaper than liquids. Powder generally comes with a small measuring scoop and goes directly into the detergent drawer. This can lead to clogging of the drawer, so make sure you clean it regularly. But buying a laundry detergent isn’t as simple as it used to be, as there’s a huge variety of products to choose from. You’ll find powders, gels, liquids, capsules and even washing sheets, with some detergents designed to wash specific types of clothes. It can be difficult knowing where to start.