05-06-2025
4 Laundry Detergents That Come in Plastic-Free Packaging (And What We Think of Them)
In this edition of Clean Everything, we're talking about laundry detergent that comes in plastic-free packaging — and why some options out there might not actually be a more sustainable choice.
Let's talk detergent. Senior staff writer and laundry expert Andrea Barnes says that reducing plastic packaging is one area in which the laundry industry as a whole is taking steps to minimize waste. But it's complicated — just because a laundry detergent comes in plastic-free packaging doesn't mean it's automatically a more sustainable choice.
Andrea anticipates that we're sure to see more and more somewhat experimental detergents enter the scene over the coming years. We'll continue to test them to find the best detergents that don't sacrifice convenience or cleaning power. And in the meantime, here are four laundry detergents that don't come in plastic we've tested so far — and what we think of them: A hyper-concentrated liquid detergent that comes in a metal bottle: In our testing, we've found that this liquid detergent is the best for the sustainability conscious. It's admittedly expensive, yes. But it's free of potentially irritating ingredients, comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle, and is highly effective at removing stains and odors.
In our testing, we've found that this liquid detergent is the best for the sustainability conscious. It's admittedly expensive, yes. But it's free of potentially irritating ingredients, comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle, and is highly effective at removing stains and odors. Powder that comes in a cardboard box: This powerful powder detergent outperformed all the other powders we tested, removing some of the toughest stains and odors with ease. Plus, unlike other boxed detergents we've tested, it's easy to open and store long term.
This powerful powder detergent outperformed all the other powders we tested, removing some of the toughest stains and odors with ease. Plus, unlike other boxed detergents we've tested, it's easy to open and store long term. Laundry detergent sheets: We're not a fan. Though they claim to cut down on excess packaging and weight, in our tests, we found that laundry detergent sheets are just, well, terrible at cleaning laundry. Says Andrea: 'Simply put: If you use laundry sheets, you're more likely to have to wash stained or smelly laundry multiple times and/or with hot water to get it even tolerably clean. That makes using laundry sheets inconvenient, and it likely negates any positive environmental impact.'
We're not a fan. Though they claim to cut down on excess packaging and weight, in our tests, we found that laundry detergent sheets are just, well, terrible at cleaning laundry. Says Andrea: 'Simply put: If you use laundry sheets, you're more likely to have to wash stained or smelly laundry multiple times and/or with hot water to get it even tolerably clean. That makes using laundry sheets inconvenient, and it likely negates any positive environmental impact.' Solid laundry detergent tiles: These sponge-like laundry detergent tiles are easy to toss into the washing machine — and are far better cleaners than sheets. But they aren't perfect. They're not quite as effective on oily stains as traditional detergent is, and they're heavily fragranced (though Andrea is looking forward to testing the soon-to-be released fragrance-free version). The tiles show promise as a potential solid detergent of the future, but in order for them to gain popularity, the formula needs some tweaking.
Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter
Recently, the Trump administration proposed several plans to roll back federal regulation of energy- and water-saving home appliances — including shutting down Energy Star, a popular certification program for high-efficiency products that save more energy and water. This might impact your choices the next time you're shopping for a laundry machine and many other appliances. Here's what to know.
A little motivation: There's a thriving ecosystem of dust mites, dead skin cells, and sweat in bed with you.
They're nearly unanimously recommended by homeowners and our bug experts.
New pressure washers are getting smaller and quieter, with plenty of satisfying scouring power for outdoor surfaces.
It tries (and mostly fails) to pick stuff up for you, from socks to dog toys.
Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter; source photos by Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter, AdobeStock
Broadway dresser Michelina Evans comes to work equipped to fix just about any wardrobe malfunction: a stain, a rip, a snapped shoe strap, or a broken heel. One of her go-tos? To manage odors lingering on costumes backstage, she sprays some cheap vodka on them. Though the booze initially smells, it dries scent-free and leaves no discoloration on costumes.
