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Attn: Giveaway at the end of the post!
I have not been a fan of conventional laundry detergents for a long time. My general fondness of natural detergents and laundering methods was cemented when I did the research for a cloth diaper detergent chart on one of my other sites. You should check out the chart…it was meant for cloth diapers in particular but it is a good resource for detergents for ANY kind of laundry. I have basically taken a ton of different detergents and rated them based upon their use of enzymes, optical brighteners, dyes, fragrance, and fabric softeners….which are pretty much all bad news and I explain why at the bottom of the page.
Something always bothered me about even the most natural detergents though…..the packaging. It is very wasteful…especially the big plastic bottles of liquid detergent.
So I was jazzed recently to get to try Dropps Liquid Laundry Pacs finally. They are tiny little packs of natural liquid detergent with no enzymes, optical brighteners, or fabric softeners. The scented version has dyes and fragrance but the unscented has neither. So the detergent is healthier for humans and for the planet right off the bat but the packaging is also very cool.
A regular plastic jug of liquid detergent is only 2 times concentrated. That means it is 75% water. What a waste! The Dropps on the other hand are 6 times concentrated…so you aren’t paying for a teeny bit of detergent and a bunch of water. Also only 75% of that plastic jug is made from recycled plastic and the cap is not recyclable so 100% of those end up in the landfill.
The Dropps are tiny little baggies of detergent and you throw the whole thing in the wash. The plasticy film completely dissolves like those Listereen breath strips so there is no waste. The Dropps do come in a larger plastic bag but I hear they are changing that aspect of the packaging so I am excited to see what they come up with. Overall this detergent means far less waste and after a few weeks I find that they clean just as effectively as my other detergents and without residue build-up, so Dropps are a big winner in my book. They are good for people with sensitive skin in my opinion too, because that is me for sure…I get hives when things irritate my skin.
I have a bag of unscented and dye free Dropps to give away! Just leave a comment and you are entered to win.
Technorati Tags: Dropps, liquid detergent, eco friendly, recycle, natural
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Lisa said,
February 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm:
I use Allen’s but would love to try something new. Thanks!
Alana said,
February 26, 2008 at 1:06 pm:
Thank you for the great information. Would love to try them out!
Alana’s last blog post..Tackle It Tuesday #7 - Family Picture Wall
jdp said,
February 26, 2008 at 1:16 pm:
I’ve seen these. I’d love to try it. I even sent away for a coupon. Then when I went to use it I couldn’t find any of this within like 60 miles of me.
I wondered about the melt-away type packaging or whatever its called. I wonder what its made out of, if its safe for sensitive skin, if it leaves a residue on clothes, etc.
Maria said,
February 26, 2008 at 1:17 pm:
I’d love to give it a try!
Maria’s last blog post..Up and Down
Karen said,
February 26, 2008 at 1:20 pm:
Do you know if these would work in HE laundry machines?
Rebecca said,
February 26, 2008 at 1:58 pm:
I am also interested in learning whether they’d work for HE machines. The Dropps Laundry Pacs sound interesting. We have an upcoming article on cloth diaper detergents on The Green Baby Guide, but we haven’t looked into these. Thanks!
Rebecca’s last blog post..Minimizing With Baby: Creative Ideas for Multi-Use Items
Angela said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:00 pm:
I’ve been looking at these lately and am getting more tempted by the day. I just want to know if they work!
Angela’s last blog post..Our New House
Melissa said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:01 pm:
I wonder where to buy these locally? The links in your post are not found?
Would love to try, thanks for posting!
Melissa’s last blog post..Natural selection
Devildogwife said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:20 pm:
I haven’t been able to find these locally. I may end up having to order them from Amazon. I would love to try them out first though.
Thanks for the cool giveaway. And, yes, they work in the HE machines. 
Devildogwife’s last blog post..Monday Meanderings and Menu Plan
Michelle Lane said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:23 pm:
These sound really interesting! I’d love to try them!
Michelle Lane’s last blog post..What a Difference a Day Makes!
Chrissy said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:25 pm:
These sound great! Never heard of these before, am interested is seeing how they match up to baby spit up, because there is a ton on our clothes around here!
Rete said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:25 pm:
I’d love to try them — thanks !
Rete’s last blog post..C is for Crazy
Michelle said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:31 pm:
I’d love to try these. According to the description on Amazon they are great for HE washers–just drop one in wherever you normally put liquid detergent!
Michelle’s last blog post..Lunar eclipse watching
Mommy Bee said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:53 pm:
I’ve heard so much about these, but haven’t had the chance to try them yet! I’d love to win them! Thanks for a great giveaway.
luvmybabybee(at)gmail(dot)com
Mommy Bee’s last blog post..Busy and Her?Privacy
Frances said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:56 pm:
Those sound great - thanks for all the helpful info! I’d love to win.
Frances’s last blog post..How is God Calling You Today?
Colleen said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:02 pm:
Am always interested in trying an eco-friendly detergent. I have used Shaklee in the past
kelly said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:14 pm:
love soap
lorien said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:37 pm:
Wow, those look exciting, I’d love to give them a try!
I have been using Lifetree laundry detergent, a 16 oz bottle lasts me over a month, and I do a load of laundry every day!
lorien’s last blog post..click on over!
Patricia said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:39 pm:
Oh Wow! These sound awesome. Thanks for another great review & giveaway!
frugalmom said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:40 pm:
I was just turned onto these. I went to the website and they offer a coupon or a mail in rebate. I have yet to find them locally, tho. They had them at our Target, but they were clearanced out.
frugalmom’s last blog post..How much space do you give them?
Sara said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:41 pm:
I would love to try these! My newborn daughter and I both have very sensitive skin. And I like to support products that will help the earth be in good shape when she is my age.
Jen said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:49 pm:
You always have the best give-aways! These sound really intriguing; I’d never heard of them.
Amberlynn said,
February 26, 2008 at 3:49 pm:
These look great. And thanks for all the work you did for the cloth diapering detergent chart. Looks good.
Amberlynn’s last blog post..Ask, ask, ask, ask, ask
Robin said,
February 26, 2008 at 4:04 pm:
I clean my home naturally and have for a few years, but laundry soap is still an issue even though I have been buying the natural ones, I am still on the lookout for something better. I would like to try this
Robin’s last blog post..Works for me- brownie baking tip and recipe
Melinda S said,
February 26, 2008 at 4:14 pm:
Wow—these would be wonderful!!!! We cloth diaper…so this would be super!!! And great when traveling!!!
Alexandra said,
February 26, 2008 at 4:20 pm:
I have been meaning to try these! They sound awesome!
Laura said,
February 26, 2008 at 4:42 pm:
I like everyone else, would love to try them.
Michelle said,
February 26, 2008 at 4:42 pm:
I just started to use Norwex laundry powder. Environmentally friendly and you only use a couple Tbsp each load. So far so good.
Tricia said,
February 26, 2008 at 5:20 pm:
I have read about Dropps but haven’t yet tried them. Would love to give them a whirl!
Jen Mc said,
February 26, 2008 at 5:32 pm:
Yeah, less packaging! I’d love to try Dropps out!
Tara said,
February 26, 2008 at 5:34 pm:
I was just looking at these the other day. I would love to try before I buy…
Tara’s last blog post..The High Cost and Higher Profits of Standardized Testing
Laural said,
February 26, 2008 at 5:58 pm:
What a great idea! I’d love to give ‘em a try.
Laural’s last blog post..Cool Finds
Kirsten said,
February 26, 2008 at 7:34 pm:
I will be hunting for this product locally so I don’t have to order it on-line! Thanks for he great info:)
Beth Kulick said,
February 26, 2008 at 7:35 pm:
I have never heard of these, I would love to try them!
michelle y said,
February 26, 2008 at 7:36 pm:
Cool! Maybe I should look up your cloth diapering detergent reviews too…will the Dropps be good for cloth diapers, do you think?
And what about front-loaders, are they ok in them?
Cindi Hoppes said,
February 26, 2008 at 7:43 pm:
Hello! Please enter me in your drawing for the “Dropps!” I really want to try them. I have not seen them in my living area. Thanks very much!
Cindi
christina said,
February 26, 2008 at 8:26 pm:
I have been looking for a more eco friendly laundry soap. Please pick me!
Holly Autry said,
February 26, 2008 at 8:31 pm:
These sound fantastic! I’ve been trying to make my own detergent but would love to try these as well.
Vicki said,
February 26, 2008 at 8:49 pm:
I would love to know how these work in a front loader. I use Charlies, and love it, but the plastic is a killer. I would like to try these out.
Cheryl said,
February 26, 2008 at 8:50 pm:
These look so cool-would love to try them out. We always have TONS of laundry to do.
Jilleen said,
February 26, 2008 at 9:00 pm:
I use Seventh generation, but would like to try something else. What about bio-kleen? Have you rated this before? I would love to try some of these!
Julie said,
February 26, 2008 at 9:11 pm:
I would love to try them. I have always used Tide free, but need to look to at other options that would be more planet friendly.
Jilleen said,
February 26, 2008 at 9:22 pm:
By the way, I saw online that these are available at Walmart if you are trying to find them locally.
Stacy S said,
February 26, 2008 at 9:33 pm:
I read about these somewhere else too, and heard they were great. I’d love to try them out!
lovedandamazed said,
February 26, 2008 at 9:36 pm:
I would love to try Dropps! I’ve heard so many good reviews…
Bebemiqui said,
February 26, 2008 at 10:10 pm:
Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bebemiqui’s last blog post..Help Wanted
courtney said,
February 26, 2008 at 10:24 pm:
i would love to try these! my dear daughter breaks out so easily and i’m always looking for something good for her poor skin!!
evolvedmom said,
February 26, 2008 at 10:29 pm:
I would love to try something like this! Thanks for the tip.
phyllis said,
February 26, 2008 at 11:14 pm:
i’ve been looking for it in the stores now that i’ve read about it on a bunch of blogs. i hope to try it soon!
phyllis’s last blog post..Getting Myself in the Pictures…
Pamela said,
February 26, 2008 at 11:15 pm:
These would be awesome to try! Thanks!
Maggie said,
February 26, 2008 at 11:18 pm:
I’d love to try this!
Maggie’s last blog post..monday book review: sharp teeth by toby barlow
Tara said,
February 26, 2008 at 11:44 pm:
I really want to try these! Please enter me to win.
Tara’s last blog post..Smiles
Paige said,
February 26, 2008 at 11:56 pm:
I would like to try these.
Misty said,
February 26, 2008 at 11:59 pm:
I would love to try these. I presently use Mrs. Meyers.
Stacey said,
February 27, 2008 at 12:08 am:
oooooo a freebie
Betsy said,
February 27, 2008 at 2:34 am:
I would love to win this!
Betsy’s last blog post..Want to waste time and have lots of fun?
Missy said,
February 27, 2008 at 8:14 am:
Is the bag the laundry packets come in recyclable? What a neat concept and glad to learn about it. Thanks for the info!
rachel said,
February 27, 2008 at 9:15 am:
Since I no longer live in the US, I can’t figure out where I’ve seen these before! Must check my local eco stores, though I’ve been buying Ecover products lately…
rachel’s last blog post..news and links
Tina B said,
February 27, 2008 at 10:02 am:
Great job on the chart! We use Method and Seventh Generation as they are readily available here in unscented formulas. Would love to try these new Dropps, but not sure about HE machine either - don’t want to void our warranty!
Love your website and have recommended it to several people this past week. Thanks for your hard work.
Lauren said,
February 27, 2008 at 10:23 am:
Love your blog…I’ll be changing my detergent!
MyraSchell said,
February 27, 2008 at 10:45 am:
I can’t wait to give this product a try!
Katy said,
February 27, 2008 at 11:15 am:
I’ve been using Seventh Generation for my household, but it’s sometimes tough to buy the right thing on a student-and-startup budget — I’m always tempted by the big cheapo brands, especially when there are coupons, sigh. I’d love to give these a whirl!
Jenny said,
February 27, 2008 at 11:21 am:
Wow, these sound really promising. I wonder how they do with cloth diapers?
Jenny’s last blog post..week 7 & 8: 2008 in 2008
Liz said,
February 27, 2008 at 11:27 am:
I would love to try these out!
thanks
Liz
Liz’s last blog post..Recycled Bicycle Tire Rug
Ane said,
February 27, 2008 at 11:54 am:
These sound wonderful. I have been checking into natural cleaners and haven’t found any I could afford when I did find them within 100 miles of where I live.
I have allergies to nearly every kind of strong odors and I think my grandchildren are developing the same problem.
Becky said,
February 27, 2008 at 12:12 pm:
I have never heard of these! I would love to try these before buying a whole bag. I use the Shaklee stuff or Charlie’s Soap now and I like both of them.
Joshua Grabreck said,
February 27, 2008 at 12:58 pm:
The idea of nearly waste free packaging on these is really exciting. I hate throwing away those big plastic containers. For years I have been using them to hold stuff in my garage but I am running out of uses. I will surely be picking some of these up.
Mackenzie said,
February 27, 2008 at 1:10 pm:
I’d love to win this!!!1
Sara L. said,
February 27, 2008 at 1:42 pm:
I would love to try these out on my “sensitive skin” family! Thanks for the chance to win a bag!
Anna Hackman said,
February 27, 2008 at 1:49 pm:
I am glad that it does not come with softners. I can’t use a product that has that any type of softner in it which includes the soy softner. Also, I wonder if there is any problem with the packaging dissolving in the water especially for those who use grey water for irrigation or septic? What is it made of?. Sounds like a great idea though.
I would love to try it for my kids since they all have ezcema. Anna http://www.green-talk.com
Anna Hackman’s last blog post..The Lunch Sak, Kooling off the Earth a Kid’s Way
Grace said,
February 27, 2008 at 3:19 pm:
I’m interested in using more eco-friendly products. How do the Dropps work/perform with a HE front loading machine?
Laura said,
February 27, 2008 at 3:35 pm:
I was just thinking about natural alternatives to laundry soap the other day!! I have always been the natural living type of person (food, cosmetics etc.) I just got married and had a baby and I am stearing my family in that direction. What would You reccomend for making the transition and where do I start? maybe You could write something on going natural. I would love a chance to try out the laundry dropps too!
Carrie said,
February 27, 2008 at 5:04 pm:
Ooh! Ooh! I want!
Carrie’s last blog post..Natural Moms Podcast #75
Sarah said,
February 27, 2008 at 5:46 pm:
WOW. Love your giveaways. I’d love to try those out. I need to check out that article on detergent too. I just switched my baby over to cloth diapers this week!
Sarah’s last blog post..Belated Photos
Lindsay said,
February 27, 2008 at 6:56 pm:
Would love to give these a shot. Great post.
Rachel said,
February 27, 2008 at 7:25 pm:
I would love to try these! Thanks for the info!
Shelly said,
February 27, 2008 at 7:37 pm:
I really want to try these and cannot find them in a store
Beth said,
February 27, 2008 at 7:47 pm:
Thanks for the chance to try it! I’d love to!
Missy said,
February 27, 2008 at 8:00 pm:
Thanxs for the heads up on Dropps. Had not heard of them prior to reading about it on your blog. Great find.
Missy.
Julie said,
February 28, 2008 at 12:58 am:
Never heard of this. I use a product from Melaleuca (tea tree oil). Would love to try something new.
Julie
Kristin said,
February 28, 2008 at 1:20 am:
I’ve been looking for something different. My kids and I have so many sensitivities…sounds great
Stretch Mark Mama said,
February 28, 2008 at 2:46 am:
I just love a clever new (and better) product!
Nina said,
February 28, 2008 at 1:13 pm:
I use 7th Generation, but would love to try something else.
Heather Clark said,
February 28, 2008 at 1:46 pm:
Oh, those sound fabulous! I have eczema on my arms and my little lady has some really dry skin too. I’ve been using some Melalueca laundry soap I had purchased but it is still irritating and the plastic bottle annoys me. Keep up those great tips!
Kristina said,
February 28, 2008 at 2:00 pm:
Thanks, would love to try them
Rachel said,
February 28, 2008 at 2:19 pm:
Hmm.. have you tried them on your cloth diapers yet? Well, I’d love to try!
Rebecca said,
February 28, 2008 at 3:50 pm:
Someone mentioned above that Dropps CAN be used in HE washers. I will have to give these a try on cloth diapers and report back!
Rebecca’s last blog post..The Best Green Baby Blogs
Zynnia said,
February 28, 2008 at 7:19 pm:
I’d love to try these too. I’ve never heard of them before.
lovelilacs said,
February 28, 2008 at 7:49 pm:
Thanks for the review! I currently use BioKleen Free & Clear, which I love, but I am always looking for better products!
tammy b said,
February 28, 2008 at 11:12 pm:
count me in, i’d love to give them a try.
Shayla Vokey said,
March 1, 2008 at 12:04 am:
I would love to try these!
Julia said,
March 1, 2008 at 1:21 am:
I just returned a bottle of Arm n Hammer clothes detergent to a major retailor because it smelled so strongly I could sniff it from 300 feet away as the overpowering scent from my dryer vent drifted across our property…Normally I buy unscented detergent but slipped up on this one. Needless to say this product you have found would be fabulous for the smell annoyed like me.
Greg W said,
March 1, 2008 at 6:48 pm:
My family uses Costco brand, yes I know it is probably more water than it should be, but we get approx 90 loads for $11.39. We only use half what the label recommends and still get clean clothes.
It’s kind of tough to argue for using Dropp when it costs sooo much more.
Bobsy said,
March 1, 2008 at 8:19 pm:
I *think* that if they are like the ones in teh UK that the plastic dissolveble bit is acually made from corn starch so hopefully not too many chemical nasties…….
Ann H said,
March 1, 2008 at 9:52 pm:
Thanks so much for this information! I have been having the same issue w/the packaging and would love to try this product. I’ve tried the detergent at my local co-op that has a refill station but I don’t think it works very well! Right now, I am trying Melaleuca detergent and it seems to work fine but I always wonder if the companies that claim to be “eco” friendly really are… Thanks so much for the work you are doing! Ann
Helen said,
March 3, 2008 at 11:47 pm:
I use Charlie’s Soap but would be interested in trying something new
: )
Penny said,
March 4, 2008 at 8:22 am:
I would love to try these. I am stationed in Japan my daughter has sever eczema and it is hard to find an all natural detergent that doesn’t irritate her skin. Thank you
Danielle S said,
March 4, 2008 at 12:41 pm:
omg! I need this so bad!
danielle
Lindsay said,
March 4, 2008 at 3:25 pm:
I have been looking into a lot of natural detergents lately preparing for my first baby, but so few of them are for HE washing machines. These sound super convenient!
Eco Wrap - Dropps Winner and Green Headlines | Natural Family Living Blog said,
March 7, 2008 at 10:40 am:
[...] off I have selected a winner for the bag of Dropps using random.org and it is comment #89, lovelilacs. [...]