This is the Future of Laundry Detergent (And it Actually Works)
Tide released its Tide evo detergent tile at SXSW 2024, and of all the innovative moves we've watched brands explore over the last few years, we expect this one to catch. The popular household detergent brand has engineered a compact, concentrated woven fiber product that's designed for cold water cycles. Measuring as a 3-inch square, it's lightweight but you can tell that it's loaded with cleaning power.
The products beginning to gain traction in the detergent market solve many of the concerns posed by traditional laundry detergents:
they eliminate excessive packaging we associate with liquid laundry detergent
they omit unnecessary liquid (which leads to heavier shipping, pricier distribution, poor carbon footprint)
they're free of extra fillers
they don't require warm/hot water cycles
There aren't many products on the market that work well with cold water cycles. Why do we care about washing clothing in cold water? Products built for cold water washes offer consumers the opportunity to save as much as 90% in energy consumption, over laundry products that require hot water for regular loads. As Tide shared enthusiastically in its press release earlier this year:
"Tide evo embodies over a decade of research and development, signifying a major advancement in how we approach cleanliness and efficiency in our daily lives," shared Sundar Raman, Chief Executive Officer, P&G Fabric & Home Care. "[This marks] a new phase of innovation in laundry care."
Tide's newest release is sold in recyclable paperboard packaging. The pack of 44 tiles is comparably tiny — an important detail for those of you limited by storage space – and much easier and cleaner to use than a large jug of liquid detergent.
Emily Fazio
What about laundry detergent sheets?
Laundry detergent sheets have been on the market for longer, but have faced more skepticism. That said, we were excited to recently receive samples of Carbona's laundry detergent sheets, which have since been tested on a number of hard-to-clean garments (it's youth baseball season, you know).
Just like Tide evo, the detergent sheet is placed at the bottom of the washing machine before you load your laundry. It dissolves in all water temperatures, including cold water. Unlike Tide, the laundry sheets are also available as a Free & Clear product for consumers seeking a perfume-free experience or a solution for sensitive skin.
Do they work? Yes, just as well as any other detergent we use, tacking tough stains.
We Also Like Concentrated Detergent Pouches
Another product we've been using after receiving it in a press kit: TrulyFree Laundry Detergent Concentrate. Before you tune this out, I know it's hard to get behind a product that isn't at your fingertips during your routine grocery run. But trust me, if you're willing to buy online, one is good. The powder detergent is sold in a small pouch, and mixes with water in a reusable plastic container. The liquid detergent lasts for 50 loads, or thereabout, and the product uses clean laundry detergent ingredients and essential oils. It smells good, it works well, and the whole family seems to like it.
