Capsules – Liquid capsules are incredibly simple – just pop one into your machine. There’s no mess or fuss and the capsules simply dissolve in the wash to form soap suds. Be aware, though, that some capsules struggle to dissolve at lower temperatures.

Sheets – The latest innovation in laundry detergents is laundry sheets. These dissolve in the washing machine like capsules, but most can be used at low temperatures and are extremely eco-friendly. Liquids and gels – Generally more expensive than powder, liquids and gels don’t contain bleach so may struggle with heavily soiled clothes. Nonetheless, they’re great for keeping colours bright and for everyday washing, plus they go straight into the washing machine drum (either in the detergent lid, or a specific capsule), minimising mess.Because the UK is primarily composed of chalk and limestone, around 60% of houses in the country have a hard water supply. Laundry detergents don’t work as well in hard water areas as they struggle to lather up as much. In general, you’ll need to use slightly more detergent in a hard water area, and it’s also vital to remember to run limescale remover through your washing machine on a regular basis. Washing powder – Traditional powder is economical as it tends to be cheaper than liquids. Powder generally comes with a small measuring scoop and goes directly into the detergent drawer. This can lead to clogging of the drawer, so make sure you clean it regularly. Put the sheet directly into the drum. 2. Fill drum with laundry. 3. Start your regular washing cycle. In addition to bio and non-bio, you’ll also find specialist detergents for colours, sensitive fabrics (such as wool and silk) and handwashing.

Put simply, biological laundry detergents contain enzymes, which target and remove stains from your clothes. They also contain a bleaching agent for more stubborn stains, although there’s no bleach in colour biological detergents. You can also use bio detergents at lower temperatures, which reduces the risk of clothes shrinking and helps trim your household bills.Both the cap and bottle are recyclable and the product is cruelty-free. This isn’t the most eco-friendly detergent, but it can be used at lower temperatures, which helps to make it more environmentally friendly. Dissolve half a sheet in warm/cold water. 2. Add laundry and wash by hand. 3. Thoroughly rinse with water. Safety For more certainty about the formula you’re buying, look for certifications from trusted environmental bodies such as the Soil Association or The Vegan Society (if you’re after a palm-oil free product, for example). They will have investigated claims and ingredients to ensure they meet their own environmental standards. Whether itchy skin is getting you down or you’re trying to do your bit for the planet, swapping your regular laundry detergent for non-bio or more eco-friendly alternatives could be a household move worth making. Whether a detergent is 'eco-friendly' comes down to many factors, from the way it's made to how it's disposed of, and everything in between.