Sustainable Products
Laundry Detergent
EcoWarehouse stocks natural and plastic-free laundry detergent for NZ households, including soap nuts, laundry detergent sheets, soap nut liquid, and oxygen bleach. These replace conventional detergent with options that are free from synthetic fragrance, SLS, optical brighteners, and unnecessary packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Soap nuts are the most hypoallergenic laundry option available, containing no added ingredients beyond the dried fruit shell. They are particularly well suited to sensitive skin and eczema-prone individuals. Fragrance-free laundry detergent sheets are a strong alternative for those wanting a more conventional format without synthetic fragrance or skin irritants.
Yes. EcoWarehouse's laundry detergent sheets are formulated to dissolve and perform in cold water and work in both front-loader and top-loader washing machines. Cold washing is also better for most fabrics and significantly reduces energy use per wash.
Place 4 to 6 soap nut shells in the small cotton muslin bag provided, tie it closed, and add it to the drum with your laundry. After washing, remove the bag and allow the nuts to dry between uses. Each load of shells can typically be reused 4 to 6 times before they lose their effectiveness — they will feel slippery and pale when spent. Used shells can be composted.
Laundry sheets offer some practical advantages: they are pre-measured (eliminating overuse), plastic-free, lightweight, and take up minimal storage space. They perform comparably to conventional detergent for everyday laundry. For heavily soiled work clothes or cloth nappies, a more concentrated powder or liquid may be more effective. For average household laundry, sheets are an excellent choice.
White vinegar added to the fabric softener dispenser (approximately 60ml per load) reduces static, softens fabrics, and removes soap residue. Wool dryer balls reduce static and drying time without any chemical residue. Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) brightens whites and removes stains without the harshness of chlorine bleach.
Yes. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) is safe for most colours and does not cause bleaching or damage to dyed fabrics at recommended concentrations. It is effective for removing food stains, yellowing, and odours from coloured laundry. Always follow the concentration instructions on the product.
