I Finally Found a Laundry Detergent Sheet That’s 100% Plastic-Free

While I’m brand-loyal when it comes to some household products, I play the field with laundry detergent. I’ve hopped around from various liquid options over the years, but now that I have to lug a heavy bottle (and a stuffed laundry bag) to the laundromat every week I’m thinking of breaking up with liquid laundry detergents for good. The only issue is, other types of laundry detergents leave little to be desired; powders are messy, and pods are notoriously wasteful and full of microplastics (which, truthfully, I thought I’d never be able to escape from — until I found Proofed! Laundry Detergent Sheets). 

The innovative laundry detergent sheets seem to address my gripes with traditional laundry detergents: They’re effective, easy to store, and, most impressively, 100% plastic-free. Needless to say, my interest was piqued. If yours is too, keep reading to learn more.

They’re essentially dried-down sheets of concentrated laundry detergent that dissolve in the washing machine. Lots of brands are making them, but none have made them completely plastic-free (until now with the Proofed! sheets). Yes, most sheets (and laundry detergent pods) contain sneaky microplastics, like polyvinyl alcohol or PVA, which are used as a binding agent. They break down in the wash but never really go away, as they leak into water systems and contribute to the growing plastic pollution problem. 

Instead, the Proofed! Laundry Detergent Sheets use plant-based binders that promise to dissolve completely, along with a combination of plant-based surfactants and enzymes that effectively banish stains, odors, and grime. They’re available in Clean and Sport scents, which are both derived from essential oils, and a fragrance-free option if you’re especially sensitive to fragrance. One sheet is all you need per cycle, although the brand says you can double up if needed for larger loads. 

While the effort to cut out plastic from my daily life is ongoing, I love that the Proofed! Laundry Detergent Sheets will keep it out of my laundry routine completely. Proofed! doesn’t seem to sacrifice efficacy along the way, either; the brand states that the plastic-free composition actually makes the sheets more dissolvable than competitors’, so I don’t need to worry about soapy residue on my clothes.

What’s more, the powerful enzyme-powered formula claims to break down stubborn stains and grime without the use of harsh brighteners. As a clumsy, spill-prone person, this is music to my ears. 

You also can’t beat the convenience. Unlike bulky containers of liquid or powder detergents, these don’t require measuring, which means less waste and no spills (hooray!). They also seem way easier to store in my cramped apartment. The compact box of 32 sheets can be tucked away in a drawer between uses, and it won’t weigh down my already-stuffed laundry bag on walks to the laundromat (no more fussing with heavy bottles of detergent!). I can even see myself packing a few sheets on long trips, just in case. 

It looks like the laundry detergent sheets will make the arduous task of washing my clothes infinitely more bearable, which is reason enough to buy myself a box. If you feel the same, I’d suggest snagging a box too! 

Buy: Proofed! Laundry Detergent Sheets, $13