Which Eco-Cleansers Really Work?

Laundry Products

Note: We tested various stains on a cotton t-shirt, a 50% cotton 50% polyester shirt, jeans, and 100% polyester pants using a front-loading, energy efficient machine. Because front-loading machines require less detergent, we used less than you may have to use in a standard machine.

Planet Liquid
A mild, unscented liquid in an easy-to-pour bottle with a clearly marked measuring cap. The label says Planet isn't recommended for front-loading washers, but it did a great job on blood, oil, dirt, grass, egg, and wine.

Bi-O-Kleen Powder
This vaguely orange-scented detergent comes in a squirt bottle, requiring you to measure out a tablespoon (spoon not included). Bi-O-Kleen did not do well on blood, oil, dirt & grass. It is featured in the Green Home store.

Ecover Liquid
Ecover features an easy-to-use measuring cap and a pleasant lime scent. The liquid did well on everything but oil.

Planet Powder
This mild, unscented powder comes in a compact box with a measuring scoop. Did well on protein stains and wine, but had some trouble with grass, oil, and odors.

Ecover Bleach
This completely liquid bleach alternative did fairly well with protein and wine stains but failed to remove oil, dirt, and grass.

Soapworks Bleach
A powdered bleach substitute that worked well on everything but grass and dirt. Soapworks claims to be unscented, but it made the clothes smell pleasantly clean.

Ecover Fabric Softener
A clumsy measuring cup made this liquid hard to use without spilling. Clothes came out smelling clean and fresh but were still fairly staticy and not noticeably softer.

Summary
Led by Planet, the liquid detergents fared slightly better than the powders but none completely got rid of oil and grass stains. The bleach alternatives improved whiteness much like standard bleach but without the powerful chemical smell.

Other Products:

Dishwashing Liquid | Laundry Products | Glass Cleaners

Basin, Tub & Tile Cleaners | All Purpose Cleaners | Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Where to find these Products | What to watch out for