Are pods your preferred option for a hassle-free laundry routine, but you’re worried about their impact on the planet? We’ve got you.
While laundry detergent sheets are a fantastic plastic-free and zero-waste option, many households love the convenience of pods. That’s where Dropps Laundry Detergent comes in. Offering a low-waste, effective alternative to conventional detergent pods, Dropps cut out the unnecessary plastic packaging and cocktail of harsh chemicals, so you don’t have to compromise.
But what makes Dropps so special and how does it compare to traditional detergent options? We’ve done the load so you don’t have to.
Contents
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The Problem With Conventional Laundry Pods
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What Is Dropps Laundry Detergent & What Makes It Different
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Is Dropps Laundry Detergent Plastic Free?
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Is Dropps Laundry Detergent Safe?
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Where To Buy Dropps Laundry Detergent
The Problem With Conventional Laundry Pods
Do you feel like you’re laundry pile is never-ending? It's no surprise! The average American family washes around 300-390 loads of laundry per year. Traditional laundry detergents pose significant environmental issues, from plastic waste to harsh chemicals, meaning each time we clean our clothes we’re harming the planet.
1. Plastic Pollution
Each year, over 900 million plastic laundry jugs are discarded, many of which end up in landfills or oceans. Most conventional detergent pods also come wrapped in single-use plastic packaging, adding to the growing plastic crisis.
2. Microplastics in Water Systems
Washing polyester clothing can release over 6 million microplastics per cycle into our water systems. These tiny plastic particles make their way into oceans, harming marine life and entering our food chain.
3. Water Waste & Carbon Emissions
Many liquid detergents are made of up to 90% water - yes, you’re essentially buying glorified water! This means companies are shipping water across the globe, leading to unnecessary carbon emissions.
4. Toxic Chemicals
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that nearly 70% of general-purpose laundry detergents fail their safety assessments. Many contain phosphates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, which can irritate the skin and harm the environment.
You can read more on toxic ingredients in laundry detergents here!
5. Animal-Derived Ingredients & Testing
Some conventional laundry detergents contain animal-derived ingredients, such as caprylic acid, tallow, and lecithin, and/or are tested on animals.
Here’s the cruelty-free catch: even laundry brands that don’t directly test on animals are owned by companies that do, for example, Tide, which is owned by Procter & Gamble, and Woolite, which is owned by Reckitt Benckiser.
Fortunately, Dropps offers an alternative that provides all the benefits of conventional detergent pods, without the negative impact.
Discover what cruelty-free really means in this blog.
What Is Dropps Laundry Detergent & What Makes It Different

Unlike conventional brands, Dropps Laundry Detergent is designed with sustainability and safety in mind. Here’s why it stands out:
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Certified B Corp: Independently verified to meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
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Plastic-Free Packaging: 100% recyclable cardboard packaging, drastically reducing waste.
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USDA Certified Biobased: Formulated with renewable, plant-based ingredients, making it a safer and more sustainable choice for your home.
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Ultra-Concentrated Formula: Ultra-concentrated, meaning it contains less water and more active cleaning ingredients for powerful stain removal and reduced shipping emissions.
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Cruelty-Free: Certified by Leaping Bunny, guaranteeing that no animal testing is involved in any stage of production.
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No Harsh Chemicals: Free from phthalates, chlorine, phosphates, dyes, parabens, and sulfates, making it a safe choice for both the environment and your skin.
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Carbon-Neutral Shipping: Dropps offsets its carbon footprint through Clearloop, ensuring environmentally responsible transportation.
Shop Dropps Laundry Detergent on EarthHero
Conventional Laundry Pods Vs. Dropps Laundry Detergent
Conventional Laundry Pods |
Dropps Laundry Pods |
Made of up to 90% water |
Ultra-concentrated formula for less water waste |
Large transportation emissions |
Carbon offset emissions |
Made from harsh synthetic chemicals that can be harmful to the planet and skin health |
Made from renewable plant-based sources, free from phthalates, chlorine, phosphates, dyes, parabens, and sulfates |
May contain animal-derived ingredients and/or be tested on animals |
Does not contain animal-derived ingredients and certified cruelty-free |
Packaged in bulky plastic boxes |
Packaged in compostable cardboard boxes |
Is Dropps Laundry Detergent Plastic Free?
Unfortunately, Dropps laundry pods are not entirely plastic-free. While they eliminate single-use plastic packaging, their pods are made of PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol), a water-dissolvable plastic.
According to Dropps website:
"Usage of PVOH in cleaning products does not have any detrimental effects on oceans, rivers, or marine life. PVOH is included on the EPA’s CleanGredients database (the definitive database of chemical ingredients whose formulations have been pre-approved by the U.S. EPA to meet the criteria of their Safer Choice Standard.)" - info.dropps.com
If you’re looking for a 100% plastic-free laundry detergent, consider using laundry detergent sheets or exploring refillable options like this Meliora Laundry Lovers Bundle.
Is Dropps Laundry Detergent Safe?

Absolutely! Dropps is free from harsh chemicals and is safe for sensitive skin, babies, and pets. For little ones’ delicate skin, or those with allergies, the Sensitive Skin and Baby Laundry Detergent Pods are a great choice. They’re:
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Dermatologist-approved
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Hypoallergenic
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Free from dyes and artificial fragrances
Check out their guideline for safe usage
Where To Buy Dropps Laundry Detergent?
You can purchase Dropps Laundry Detergent right here on EarthHero! Whether you're looking for stain-fighting power, extra softness, or a fragrance-free option, we have something for everyone.
5 Best Laundry Detergent Pods
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Stain and Odor Laundry Detergent Pods: Great for tackling tough stains and odors.
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Sensitive Skin and Baby Laundry Detergent Pods: Perfect for those with allergies, sensitive skin, or babies.
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Laundry Scent Booster & Fabric Softener Pods: Adds a gentle, fresh scent and softens fabrics naturally.
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Laundry & Household Oxi Booster Pods: Provides an extra boost for deep-cleaning and whitening clothes.
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Free & Clear Unscented Laundry Detergent Pods: Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic for a simple, gentle clean.
Explore More Sustainable Laundry Products
Dropps Laundry Detergent Reviews
Still not sure? Here’s what EarthHero customers have been saying about Dropps!
Effective and Convenient
Sometimes when trying to find sustainable options, you sacrifice effectiveness and convenience. This is not one of those times. I've been using Dropps for years for laundry and dishwasher capsules, and they are wonderful! I also appreciate the fragrance free option, as someone with allergies. - Anon, Verified Customer
Works In Cold Water
These work great, even in my ancient washer! We have really hard water and they definitely help reduce mineral film and are not overly scented. Dissolves perfectly in cold water temperature as well. - GreenClean, Verified Customer
All You Can Ask For
Easy, convenient, fresh. It's all you can ever ask for for a detergent – and it comes in plastic-free packaging. I'll be using these exclusively moving forward! - Laila S., Verified Customer
If you’re a loyal pod-user, Dropps laundry detergent offers a way to make your laundry routine more sustainable, without compromising convenience.