Review of biodegradable laundry detergents

Almost everyone knows the benefits of biodegradable laundry detergents. They are naturally sourced, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly—all of which make them completely safe for both humans and the environment. These safe detergents are labeled "Eco," and below we'll explore their benefits and which brands are the best.

What are the benefits of such products?

All biodegradable products are distinguished by their impeccable composition and are made from natural baby soap, plant extracts, substances and enzymes. Most importantly, eco-friendly powders do not contain phosphates – salts that enhance the effect of surfactants. This has its advantages: bleaches penetrate fabric better, clean and soften hard tap water more effectively, but they are highly irritating to the skin and respiratory tract and harmful to the environment. When released into fresh water, they cause algae blooms and the release of toxins.

Due to the addition of phosphates to powders, drinking water supplies are sharply reduced and the ecological system is disrupted.

Many Western countries prohibit adding phosphate salts to detergents. However, this isn't always the case, especially if the detergents are Russian-made. Therefore, it's important to carefully read the list of phosphate-free ingredients, taking care of yourself and the environment.

Ecover Zero

Belgian household chemicals are considered versatile and safe, offering dozens of laundry, dishwashing, and plumbing cleaning products. Among the laundry detergents, concentrates, bleaches, and fabric softeners, Ecover NON BIO Zero stands out—a plant-mineral-based powder blend. It contains no petroleum products, fragrances, pigments, optical components, or phosphates, making it:

• leaves no foreign odor;
• suitable for children's underwear due to its hypoallergenic base;
• effectively removes stains;
• does not wash out color;
• dissolves quickly;
• has biodegradable packaging.

Ecover offers convenient product volumes: liquid – from 750 ml to 1.5 l, dry – from 400 g to 3 kg.

But it has its drawbacks. For example, the product doesn't remove difficult, set-in stains, removing only fresh stains. Its high cost is also a downside.

EverCleanNew

EverCleanNew, a domestic brand, produces baby detergents, as well as all-purpose detergents called Premium White for bleaching and Premium Color for colored items. The former is considered the safest, as it's soap-based only. The Premium series contains anionic surfactants, strong bleaches, and fragrances, which reduces its eco-friendliness. However, all of their detergents are universal and suitable for all fabrics except wool and silk.

Available in convenient volumes of 950 ml, 400 g or 2.4 kg.

In terms of cleaning performance, EverCleanNew boasts odor-free laundry, reduced consumption, and softness. However, it's important to note that only light stains are completely removed, while fruit and set-in stains remain intact even after several cycles. Clumping may also occur if the recommended dosage is significantly exceeded when adding detergent to the detergent tray.

Nordland ECO

Another detergent from a foreign manufacturer is the Spanish Nordland ECO. It is called a new generation powder, as it does not contain phosphate salts, aggressive fragrances and flavors, gently removes stains, rinses out completely and is 90% biodegradable. Made in Spain and can be used in every wash.

Available in 1.8kg size only.

The brand attracts with the following advantages:

• leaves no odor;
• economically consumed;
• Convenient to use thanks to the measuring cup.

But there are some drawbacks. Firstly, the powder won't remove stubborn stains. Secondly, Nordland ECO is rarely shipped to Russia, making it difficult to find in mass-market stores. The only way to get it is online, which can take several weeks for delivery.

Molecola Ecological

The Russian eco-friendly line under the Molecola brand offers detergents with plant enzymes. Suitable for washing even the most delicate items, they preserve color saturation, are gentle on the fabric, leave no odor, and are hypoallergenic. They also boast economical consumption, biodegradable packaging, and a special measuring spoon.

Used for hand and machine washing to clean cotton, linen, viscose, and synthetic fabrics. It removes only fresh stains in water above 30 degrees Celsius. Be careful when loading thick fabrics into the drum, as the product does not rinse out well. Available in a 1.2 kg pack.

Biomio

Recognized as the highest-quality and safest of all "Eco"-labeled baby detergents, its key advantages include its ability to wash at temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius, while simultaneously softening fabrics and preserving color intensity. Furthermore, the formula is not tested on animals, comes in biodegradable packaging, and can be used with any laundry cycle.

Under the BioMio brand in the Eco series, additional detergents, conditioners and bleaches are also produced.

The manufacturer offers several options:

• universal concentrate for color – Bio-color;
• powder for white and light colors – Bio-white;
• Gel for gentle cleansing – Bio-sensitive.

The natural composition often affects the effectiveness of washing – the product does not remove stains of organic origin. Consumers point out the unreliable packaging and the powder-filled measuring spoon, which has to be dug out by hand, as disadvantages. Produced in only one volume – 1.5 kg.

EcoleivBio

Ecoleiv's organic laundry detergents are not tested on animals or on animals. These versatile powders and gels are completely biodegradable and rinse out easily. They use 2-3 times less detergent, allowing for significant savings without compromising laundry performance. The following advantages round out the list of benefits:

• Contains aloe vera extract and betaine.
• Removes even the most difficult stains.
• Gives softness.

Ecoleiv offers several types of products: for children – Baby, universal – Universal, for colored – Color, for light – White.

The detergent washes best at water temperatures between 35 and 60 degrees Celsius. It's available in 1.25 kg boxes. Keep in mind that it leaves a noticeable odor after washing, and a measuring spoon isn't always included.

EcomixBaby

EcomixBaby, designed exclusively for machine washing, has proven itself to be an excellent choice. Its highlight is its convenient packaging with a special closure that prevents moisture from penetrating and clumping. It's available in two varieties—"Living Color" and "Universal"—with the same capacity of 450 g. The advantages of this detergent are as follows:

• leaves no odor;
• refreshes linen;
• removes stains quickly;
• softens fabrics.

However, this detergent does have its drawbacks, including its uselessness on heavily soiled items and its high cost.

GardenKids

Garden, a domestic manufacturer, offers baby powder. In addition to the Kids series, there are also universal products labeled "Universal." They are based on natural soap, made according to GOST standards, using palm and coconut oils, sodium citrate, silver, and baking soda. In addition to the safe ingredients, consumers also note other benefits:

• giving the linen softness and tenderness;
• no fragrances or flavorings;
• fast dissolution and easy rinsing;
• tightness of packaging;
• Convenient dosing spoon included.

Sold in boxes of 1.35 kg and 400 g.

There are also some disadvantages: the need to heat the water to at least 60 degrees and the rapid consumption of the product. Also, the powder does not remove stubborn stains and is rarely found in stores. The mixture is poured directly into the drum, which also causes inconvenience.

Ecole Mountain Air

The domestic brand Ecole is also a biodegradable laundry detergent. In addition to the universal "Mountain Air," they also offer "Lavender," "Sea Coolness," and "Lemon." They also produce "Aloe Vera," which is considered a baby detergent. Concentrates are also available separately. All of these formulations are made with soda and offer the following benefits:

• Relatively small dosages.
• Water softening (no need to additionally use products like Calgon).
• Complete rinsing.

The main drawback is the presence of phosphate salt and a strong fragrance, which somewhat diminishes the naturalness of powdered detergents. Heavy stains are not removed, especially if washed at temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius. An odor also remains on items.

By choosing biodegradable detergents, you can be confident in your health and the environment. Just be sure to carefully read the ingredients to avoid wasting your money.

   

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