There are so many types of bio laundry detergents on the market these days and often it can feel overwhelming to choose which one may be best suited to you!
Maybe you’re used to a powder option and don’t want to change, maybe you base your choice on the scent of the product, or maybe it’s the environmental factors that help you narrow it down.
Whether one or all of these describes you, don’t fret because there will be at least one option on our list that will be perfect for you.
Best Bio Laundry Detergents in the UK
1. Persil Powercaps Bio Washing Capsule
Type: Capsules
Persil’s Powercaps Bio Washing capsules are designed to tackle the most stubborn of stains, even on your shortest wash cycle, and to do so with entirely plant-based and biodegradable ingredients.
These capsules are a convenient 3-in-1 design that is effective in getting rid of any bobbles on your clothes while still ensuring they come out of the machine shining and clean, as well as smelling fresh and pleasant.
The pouch that the capsules come in is resealable and reusable, created with minimal plastic usage in mind.
To use the Persil Powercaps capsules correctly, be sure to add one or two to the drum of your machine depending on if you are running a small wash or a medium to large wash.
If you want an extra boost to the overall effectiveness of the product, try adding your favourite fabric conditioner to the cycle as well.
Some users have mentioned how it has been a fantastic option for sensitive skin and that they saw a difference almost immediately upon trying Persil’s product after moving from another brand.
However, a few users also mentioned how they struggled with the capsules not dissolving properly in the wash and leaving gloopy blobs of gel on their clothes or bedding.
2. Surf Tropical Lily & Ylang-Ylang Laundry Powder
Type: Powder
Surf’s Tropical Lily & Ylang-Ylang Laundry Powder is a classic laundry detergent that can be depended on again and again and will remain reliable every time.
This product contains fully natural essential oils and leaves a lingering and long-lasting scent on your washing long after it has dried.
Surf’s washing powder has been concentrated even more and now uses 10% less packaging than before, which makes it more environmentally friendly and ensures that less powder will be required to give equally powerful results.
The higher concentration also means that a smaller amount of powder will also still provide outstanding results, with your items coming out of the machine smelling floral and looking bright.
The laundry powder is an incredibly popular option, but this scent can also be found in several of Surf’s other products, including their washing liquid and their washing capsules. It’s also fully safe for delicates, whites, and dyed items, and will work excellently in a cold wash as well as a hot one.
The best way to use this product is to measure out 50gs of the powder before pouring it into the drawer of your washing machine, along with your choice of fabric conditioner in the appropriate compartments.
It is not advised to add the powder into the drum of the machine, and the powder is not designed to pre-treat stains ahead of a wash.
Most users agree that this product has superb value for money as it remains one of the most affordable products while still working as well, if not better, as competing brands.
3. Persil Bio Laundry Liquid Detergent
Type: Liquid
Persil is making a second appearance on the list, this time with their bio liquid detergent. They have provided another excellent product, also made with plant-based and biodegradable stain removers, which are highly effective on stains while remaining largely environmentally friendly.
This product is quick to remove stains, no matter which wash cycle you choose to run and will be just as effective on a 30°C cycle.
An additional perk of this product is that the bottle is fully recyclable and is made from recycled plastic, which helps to reduce plastic use in the production process.
The bottle is also now smaller, and the detergent more concentrated, ensuring that less is required for an equally efficient wash. The instructions say that only 27 ml is required for a successful cycle that will leave your clothes spotless and stain-free.
Many users find the effectiveness of Persil’s bio laundry liquid detergent to be very impressive and consistently reliable, but some have mentioned that they feel the liquid detergent does not last as long as capsules or powder, even with the more concentrated option.
4. Presto! Universal Bio Laundry Capsules
Type: Capsules
Presto! Universal Bio Laundry Capsules are powerful detergent capsules with a useful anti-greying technology that is safe to use on all garments, including whites and delicates. It also works exceptionally to remove tough stains, including grease and other harsh marks.
The capsules are convenient to use as you don’t need to measure out how much detergent to use. Instead, you just add one capsule to the washing machine drum for a regular load, or two capsules if you’re washing clothing that is particularly dirty.
Presto’s product has a pleasant scent, but it is not overwhelmingly strong and is best used in conjunction with a fabric conditioner that will ensure that your laundry remains laced with your favourite scent at the end of the wash cycle.
In terms of affordability, the Presto! product is not the cheapest option but still remains good value for money. It’s cheaper than better known brands.
5. Ecover Bio Laundry Detergent
Type: Liquid
Ecover Bio Laundry Detergent is one of the pricier options on the list but is entirely plant-based and is made from mineral ingredients.
The bottle is also made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and it comes with a 5-litre refill option that is guaranteed to use almost 30% less plastic.
The product has a delightful Honeysuckle and Jasmine scent that is both calming and pleasant, while not overpowering.
Many users have commented on the relaxing and divine fragrance of this liquid detergent and have said that it remains effective on sensitive skin.
Ecover’s detergent is designed to work efficiently to remove stains, while also eradicating bobbles from cotton fibres after a number of washes.
To use this product correctly, use 35 ml of the liquid detergent for a standard load and 50mls for a large load. The product will be effective in both hot and cold washes but is not designed for delicates, wool, or silk.
How to Choose the Best Laundry Detergent for Your Household
Narrowing down the many laundry detergent options can be a challenge, especially when it comes to figuring out which ones have the aspects that are a priority for you.
Is price a priority?
If you are looking for the most affordable option on the list, then you would likely be most suited to the Surf laundry powder.
This powder detergent is an extremely effective option and will last ages while still ensuring your laundry comes out of the machine stain-free and with brighter colours.
Do you prefer a liquid option?
If a liquid detergent is what you are looking for then you would benefit from Persil’s bio laundry liquid detergent. This is an affordable but efficient product that is made with plant-based and biodegradable stain removers and is also effective in a cold wash.
Looking for an unscented product?
If you’d prefer your bio laundry detergent to remain fragrance-free then the best option on this list is the Presto! Universal Bio Laundry Detergent, which is not fully unscented but has a very mild smell that does not linger for long on the laundry once the cycle is over.
It is a good option for sensitive skin or for those who prefer to choose fabric conditioners to add their preferred scent to their laundry, or an unscented conditioner to ensure no fragrances are lingering at all.
Bio Detergent FAQs
What is the difference between bio and non-bio detergents?
There are several key differences here, the main one being that bio detergents have enzymes that make it easier for the dirt accumulation in your laundry to be broken down. These enzymes can sometimes be harsher on sensitive skin and are not quite as environmentally friendly.
Will bio detergents damage my clothes?
In general, using bio detergents should not affect the majority of your clothes, but it is best not to wash certain garments with a bio detergent, including silk, wool, and other more delicate fabrics.
Is a bio detergent safe for my baby’s clothes?
Technically yes, it should be safe to use a bio detergent for baby clothes, as it is usually more effective on the tougher stains, and is more efficient in a cold wash, but it can also be harsh on sensitive skin and could cause a reaction in some babies.
Conclusion
All of the options on this list are excellent and have their own reasons for being a great choice. However, our number one pick has to be the Persil Powercaps Bio Washing capsules. This product is both effective and made with plant-based and biodegradable ingredients.
This product is also a brilliant option for sensitive skin, especially for a bio product!
An adventurous book lover with an animal obsession and a proclivity for travel and spontaneity. Used to passionately despise cleaning but has grown to enjoy it thanks to learning all the best tricks and shortcuts to guaranteeing a stress-free routine and a spotless home.
