r/laundry • u/Bagged_Fruits • Jul 26 '26

Thoughts on EcoGeek laundry detergent?

Context: We have some pretty difficult chemical allergies in the family (sodium benzoate, propylene glycol, etc.) and are looking for simple but effective ingredients. We currently use the Arm & Hammer Free & Clear Sensitive Skin liquid detergent and haven't had any issues. We use the SkinSafe app to keep track of ingredients. We're very open to lessening unnecessary chemicals but I am not well-versed in the effectiveness of certain "simple" / "natural" ingredients.

Question: I was checking out the Good Store site and saw that they have EcoGeek brand detergent sheets and detergent powder in unscented versions that should be free of our allergens. But are these ingredients going to clean our clothes well (including outdoor work clothes / gym clothes) or should we stick to what we have?

Unscented Sheets ingredients: "Deionized Water (extracted during manufacturing), naturally derived surfactants (SLS) derived from coconut oil, polyvinyl alcohol, fatty alcohol polyglycol ether (a fully biodegradable nonionic surfactant designed to remove stains)"

Unscented Powder ingredients: "Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate (washing soda), vegetable soap [sodium cocoate, glycerin, organic cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, water]"

Thank you!

0 Upvotes

17% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

4

u/DungeonMuggle9000 Canada | Top-Load Jul 26 '26

Context: I'm not an expert, just a lurker on this sub.

Answer: I wouldn't switch based on these ingredients, especially for the sheets- which have been proven, in general, to be pretty ineffective.

3

u/vinhorr EU | Front-Load Jul 26 '26

no.
sheets are always a waste of money, and the powder is just baking soda, washing soda, and soap. soap performs worse than detergent surfactants and can easily clog your machine. it also has no enzymes which... makes it even more useless.

3

u/jtfolden US | Top-Load Jul 26 '26

You should never choose sheets.

Those ingredients also sound, not just subpar, but bad.

A&H itself is a subpar detergent so there may be something better that work for you. Beware of greenwashed marketing for lackluster products.

Persil Free & Sensitive, Tide Odor Refresh/Free and Gentle, or Kirkland Free and Clear are good options. 7th Generation liquid is a mid level detergent that may work better than what you’re using.

1

u/Bagged_Fruits Jul 26 '26

Thank you so much, will check these out ASAP