I Tried Laundry Detergent Sheets to Substitute Laundry Pods—Here’s How it Went
Updated: Jun. 27, 2024
Laundry detergent sheets dissolve quickly to fight stains and reduce waste. We tested Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets at home to see how they performed.
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Move over laundry pods—there’s a new way to wash clothes without measuring out liquid or powder laundry detergent. In July, Grove Co. launched laundry detergent sheets, which are plant-based and dissolve better than plastic pods and create less waste. Plus, they’re super easy to transport on camping trips and to vacation home rentals without making a leaky mess.
But do laundry sheets really get your clothes clean? We tried laundry detergent sheets to see how they perform in real life—and in hot and cold wash cycles—to find out. Want more laundry detergent options? We also reviewed CleanCult laundry detergent.
What is a laundry detergent sheet?
Laundry detergent sheets are pretty much what they sound like. If you’re familiar with the size and shape of a dryer sheet, you won’t be surprised by what a laundry detergent sheet looks like. The main difference is that laundry detergent sheets are stiff when dry, and they completely dissolve in cold or hot water.
The Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets are made with plant-based ingredients and are completely biodegradable. They’re also subtly scented with lavender essential oil and plant extracts. If you love the sound of that, here are more of the best smelling laundry detergents.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets
These laundry detergent sheets are a sustainable way to wash your clothes and are equally effective at removing stains and leaving your laundry smelling fresh as traditional detergents.
These laundry detergent sheets are a sustainable way to wash your clothes and are equally effective at removing stains and leaving your laundry smelling fresh as traditional detergents.
Grove Co. laundry detergent sheet features
Grove Co.’s laundry detergent sheets are pre-measured, so they are easy to use and completely mess-free. They come in a recyclable cardboard box and dissolve completely in the washing machine, reducing waste and eliminating the need for a plastic bottle. Laundry sheets take up far less space than traditional laundry detergent, and they are effective at cleaning clothes, leaving them with a fresh and natural scent. Grove Co.’s laundry sheets also fight stains and are safe for both standard and high-efficiency washing machines. They can be used with hot, warm or cold water.
How we tested Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets
To test Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets, I did multiple loads of laundry in my top-loading washing machine. For the first test, I kept it simple. I tossed a single laundry detergent sheet in the machine’s drum and turned the washing cycle to whites with hot water. The laundry sheet dissolved completely in about 30 seconds and created sudsy bubbles scented with lavender. I added the soiled white towels, closed the lid, and waited for the cycle to complete.
Once the spin cycle finished, I pulled the wet towels from the washing machine. I noticed the lavender scent was subtle and not overly powerful. A few spots of mascara stains and makeup were gone. After drying with the same wool dryer balls I always use, the towels were fluffy and soft. The load smelled fresh, but I couldn’t really detect the lavender scent.
I also washed sweaty workout clothes and a load of jeans in cold water with Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets. Sometimes I have issues with laundry detergent not dissolving all the way in cold water and leaving a film on my dark clothes, but that wasn’t a problem in my Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets tests. I also liked how fast and mess-free it is to use the laundry sheets—no measuring or pouring required.
One note, I wash smaller loads of laundry because my washing machine isn’t very big. If you were doing large loads of laundry with bulky items you’d need to use two laundry detergent sheets.
The Grove Co. laundry sheets are an excellent choice for travel. If you’re camping, going to the laundromat, or renting a vacation house, it’s super easy to pack a box of lightweight laundry sheets instead of a heavy container of messy liquid laundry detergent. Another plus? The cardboard packaging is recyclable, and the product is plastic-free.
Pros
- Formula thoroughly cleans and lightly scents clothes
- Easy to transport with no mess
- Plant-based sheets don’t include plastic; packaging is recyclable cardboard
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Can also be used to hand wash items
- One box does 32 loads of laundry
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than laundry pods
- Larger loads require two sheets
FAQ
Where are Grove Co. laundry sheets manufactured?
Though Grove Co.’s laundry sheets are manufactured overseas, the brand is headquarted in the United States. Grove Co. is also a Certified B Corp, which means that it accountable for upholding high standards for its social and environmental impact.
Do laundry sheets work as well as liquid detergents?
The same way that not all liquid laundry detergents do not yield the same results, neither do laundry detergent sheets. High-quality laundry detergent sheets will remove stains, clean your clothes effectively, and leave a fresh scent behind. Poor quality laundry sheets may leave a residue on your clothes or leave stains behind.
Is Grove Co. really non-toxic?
All of Grove Co.’s products are non-toxic, and the brand prides iself on ingredient transparency, carrying plant-based formulas, and ensuring products are cruelty-free. Grove Co. also supports ethical supply chains of sustainable materials.
What other reviewers/experts had to say
Grove Co.’s laundry sheets have overwhelmingly positive reviews. Amazon shopper Melissa G. said, “Clothes come out clean and never need a second run through. Even sweaters that have needed a second run from excessive moisture/odor only need to be washed once. These cost cents more than other detergents but so worth it!”
“After years of using liquid laundry detergent, various brands, our front loading washing machine always had a residual odor. Weekly cleaning, using machine cleaning tablets and wiping ithe rubber drum and door gasket with disinfecting wipes, never really eliminated the odor. Within a few days of using these laundry sheets, our machine is odor free,” says reviewer Charles R.
Product comparison
Grove Co.’s laundry detegergent sheets come in four scents, including an unscented option that is ideal for people with allergies. While other brands do offer multiple scents, Grove Co.’s fragrances are light and all natural and cater to people with all different scent preferences. Where other types of laundry sheets are prone to leaving residue behind, Grove Co.’s do not. Grove Co’s laundry sheets excel at stain removal when compared to other brands, however they are also more expensive than other comparable products.
Final verdict
Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets are worth the space in your laundry room. They dissolve easily in hot or cold water and deliver stain-fighting results on multiple fabric types. Though the price point is slightly higher than laundry pods, the laundry detergent sheets reduce waste and plastic consumption. They also clean clothes effectively and are super simple to use and transport. That’s a laundry win!
Where to buy Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Grove Co. Laundry Detergent Sheets
These laundry detergent sheets are environmentally friendly and help cut down on plastic waste.
Grove Co’s laundry sheets can be purchased directly from Grove Co.’s website, but you can also pick them up on Amazon. One box tackles 32 loads of laundry and costs $13, though you can recieve a 5% discount if you subscribe through Grove Co.
Originally Published: July 16, 2021
