As more Australians aim to reduce plastic waste and embrace eco-friendly alternatives, laundry sheets (also called laundry strips) have gained popularity. These ultra-thin, water-soluble sheets promise a convenient, mess-free laundry routine with minimal packaging. But recent independent testing raises an important question: Are laundry sheets actually cleaning your clothes properly?
What the Testing Shows
According to recent results from Consumer NZ, many laundry sheets on the market perform poorly in stain removal, particularly on common stains like oil, dirt, and food. In some cases, these products did worse than using plain water. That’s a serious concern for anyone expecting clean, fresh-smelling laundry after every wash.
The main issue lies in the limited cleaning power of many sheet-based formulas. To remain compact and dissolve quickly, they often contain fewer active ingredients or rely on less effective alternatives. While this helps them appear “greener” on the surface, it comes at the cost of actual cleaning performance.
Why Liquids Still Lead the Pack
When it comes to overall cleaning effectiveness, liquid laundry detergent consistently outperforms sheets. Liquids offer a greater range of surfactants and stain-fighting agents, allowing them to break down grease, lift soil, and tackle stubborn marks with ease. They're particularly effective in cold water cycles and for pre-treating tough stains.
In contrast, most laundry sheets are pre-measured for average loads, which limits their versatility. They often fall short in larger or heavily soiled loads, and the lack of customisation can lead to inconsistent results. Liquids, on the other hand, give you full control over dosing—use more or less depending on your needs.
Eco Doesn’t Have to Mean Ineffective
The appeal of laundry sheets lies in their reduced packaging, lower weight in shipping, and often plastic-free format. These are important advantages, especially for environmentally conscious shoppers. But the trade-off in cleaning performance means that consumers may end up needing multiple wash cycles, which increases water and energy use—and ultimately undermines those sustainability goals.
Thankfully, not all eco options are ineffective. Many liquid detergents now come in concentrated formulas, reducing packaging and environmental impact while still delivering a powerful clean. Some are also available in refillable or low-waste formats, offering the best of both worlds.
The Bottom Line
While laundry sheets offer convenience and appealing environmental claims, they may not deliver the cleaning performance needed for real-world laundry challenges. If stain removal, hygiene, and consistent results matter to you, liquid detergent remains the most reliable and effective choice—especially for busy households, families, and anyone washing more than lightly soiled clothing.
If your interested in seeing the full report from Consumer NZ click the link below: