Liquid or Powder Detergent? This Is the Ultimate Guide for You

What Is Organic Detergent and Why Should You Choose It?

Organic detergent is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Unlike chemical detergents, it contains no harmful ingredients such as phosphates, optical brighteners, or synthetic fragrances. Instead, the ingredients are plant-based and naturally biodegradable. This makes your detergent much better for the environment and your skin.

At Grace is Green, we believe that your liquid or powder detergent should not only be effective, but also environmentally safe. That’s why we carefully select our products based on their impact on people and nature. Choosing organic detergent is a step in the right direction, whether you opt for the liquid or powder variant. With eco-friendly detergent from one of our brands, we move one step closer to a cleaner world.

4x Our Top Picks for Liquid or Powder Detergent

1. Planet Pure – Powerful and Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Grace is Green offers three types of detergent from Planet Pure: liquid, powder, and soap nuts. Planet Pure is suitable for all fabrics, cleans effectively, and is kind to the planet. That’s why we consider it a safe and reliable choice for liquid or powder detergent. The packaging is recyclable and the detergent is 100% biodegradable, minimizing environmental impact — sometimes even down to zero. With this detergent, you're taking a step toward planet-friendly living! Check out the Planet Pure Eco Detergent >

Did you know that Europe produces a staggering 3 million tons of detergent annually? This makes non-toxic, organic detergents more essential than ever. Want to learn more about the harmful ingredients in regular detergents? We cover that later in this blog!

2. SKOSH – Completely Fragrance- and Color-Free Powder

SKOSH offers several great laundry solutions for colored, white, and mixed loads. The detergent powder is free of fragrances and dyes, allowing you to toss your laundry in the washer worry-free. SKOSH powder strikes a perfect balance between effective cleaning and eco-responsibility: the products contain zero harsh chemicals or microplastics. Choose a more sustainable future with SKOSH organic detergent powder >

3. Mulieres – Liquid Detergent With a Delightful Scent

Mulieres liquid detergent is especially popular for its delightful, sweet scent. It fills your laundry with a bit of summer and is made from 99.97% natural ingredients. It’s also skin-friendly and highly effective — even for people with sensitive skin. Check out the Mulieres eco-friendly detergent here >

4. Byoms – Probiotic-Based Detergent

Tired of harsh and environmentally unfriendly detergents? Byoms’ probiotic detergent is perfect for you. It’s suitable for all types of laundry — from sportswear to wool and silk. Probiotic means the detergent uses natural bacteria to outcompete harmful ones (like odor-causing microbes). Completely natural! Check out Byoms’ organic detergent >

Is Organic Detergent Better for Your Washing Machine?

Yes! Choosing an organic detergent benefits not only you and the environment but your washing machine as well. Eco-friendly detergents do not contain harsh chemicals like phosphates, bleach, or synthetic fragrances — which can cause sludge buildup, corrode pipes, and accumulate inside your machine. In contrast, the plant-based ingredients in organic detergents help keep your washer clean and its parts functioning longer. Be sure to use the right compartment for your detergent — we explain this in more detail later in the blog.

What’s Better: Powder or Liquid Detergent?

These days, there’s a wide array of options in stores and online. Liquid detergent or powder — supermarket shelves are filled with both. Grace is Green breaks down the benefits of each type: which is better, powder or liquid detergent? And which gives you the cleanest, freshest results?

The choice between liquid and powder detergent depends on your laundry needs and personal preferences. Both have their own strengths.

Top Benefits of Liquid Detergent

• Handy dosing cap makes it easy to use

• Dissolves quickly

• Leaves fewer residues

• Scent tends to linger longer

• Packaged in recycled plastic bottles (from Grace is Green’s collection)

• Works better at low temperatures and with short wash cycles

Planet Pure’s Wild Rose liquid detergent has a lovely, sweet scent. Check it out here!

Top Benefits of Powder Detergent

• Powder detergent is often cheaper

• Works more effectively for whites and delivers a brighter result

• Packaged in recycled cardboard

• More effective at removing stubborn stains

Check out SKOSH’s eco-friendly powder detergent here

What’s Better for Your Washing Machine: Liquid or Powder?

We often hear people assume that liquid detergent is better for their washing machine, but that’s not always the case. Both types have pros and cons. For example, powder detergent can prevent limescale buildup, while liquid detergent can sometimes cause sludge (a type of buildup) inside the machine. When using organic liquid or powder detergent, you’re much less likely to encounter these issues.

Proper machine maintenance is crucial for avoiding detergent-related problems. Run an empty hot wash (60–90°C) now and then with soda or vinegar to keep your machine clean and ensure the best laundry results. So, which is better for your washer: powder or liquid detergent? That’s a personal decision — but maintenance is always key.

Are There Other Eco-Friendly Detergent Options Besides Liquid or Powder?

More and more people are opting for sustainable laundry solutions. Not only are they better for the planet, they’re also effective and gentler on your machine. Organic detergent also comes in some fun, innovative forms. These two options save even more plastic:

1. Eco Egg – Innovative Solution With Pellets

A popular alternative is the Eco Egg. This reusable laundry egg is filled with mineral pellets that clean your clothes without chemicals. You save plastic bottles, avoid overdosing, and reduce waste — win-win! We value customer feedback highly, because change only happens together. Learn more about our values at About Us at Grace is Green. Here's what one tester had to say:

Megan Vermaas – “I think the Eco Egg is a smart, creative alternative to conventional detergent, which causes so much unnecessary plastic waste.”

Read more user reviews and details in our blog: Eco-Friendly Detergent Tested: Eco Egg

2. Planet Pure – Planet-Friendly, Natural Soap Nuts

Natural soap nuts are an eco-friendly laundry solution. They’re hypoallergenic and care for your clothes gently and effectively, without harmful chemicals. Soap nuts — also known as washing nuts — are the fruits of the Sapindus tree and naturally contain saponin, a natural soap. With these, you’re going 100% plant-based! Saponin is a natural cleaning agent found in plants like soap nuts, quinoa, and soy. It foams slightly when it contacts water — nature’s very own soap. It’s an even more natural option than organic liquid or powder detergent.

Check out Planet Pure’s natural soap nuts here!

Which Detergent Is Truly Eco-Friendly?

Eco-friendly liquid or powder detergent is made from natural ingredients, biodegradable substances, and sustainable packaging. You can also look for official certifications to help guide your decision — like the Vegan Society label or the EU Ecolabel. If you’re looking for an anti-allergenic, eco-friendly detergent, the Allergy Certified label is a good one to look out for. The Ecolabel and Vegan Society certifications guarantee your detergent meets strict EU standards for sustainability and quality.

Harmful Ingredients in Detergents
Chemical detergents — even those for colors and delicates — are highly polluting. Though each product may only contain a small amount of harmful substances, less than a gram, this still adds up to tons of chemical waste each year. Conventional liquid or powder detergents often contain:

• Surfactants: These are synthetic soap substitutes that clean well but pollute even more. For example, LAS is toxic to aquatic life.

• Optical brighteners: Often include perborates, which are highly damaging to the environment.

• Fragrances: Many detergents contain musk, a non-biodegradable fragrance harmful to nature.

Grace is Green offers alternative detergents made with as many natural and biodegradable ingredients as possible. Check the product descriptions to find the right match for you.

Which Compartment Does the Detergent Go In?

This is a very common question. Which compartment to use for liquid or powder detergent depends on the type of eco-friendly detergent you have, so we’re happy to explain. Using the correct compartment is crucial for optimal performance! Otherwise, your detergent may enter the wash cycle at the wrong time, reducing rinse quality and leaving your laundry musty.

Liquid and powder detergents go in different compartments: powder goes in the main compartment (usually compartment II), while liquid detergent can go in the main compartment (II) or in a dosing ball. Some washing machines include a blue insert in the main compartment. If you have one, pour your liquid detergent there. If not, just use the main compartment. Note: Using too much liquid or powder detergent can leave residue on your clothes and inside the machine. So proper dosing is better for both the environment and your laundry. Instructions can be found on the product packaging and on our website.

Still Unsure Which Organic Detergent to Choose?

Still on the fence about which eco-friendly detergent is right for you? Or wondering if an alternative like the Eco Egg or Planet Pure soap nuts would suit you better? Then check out our full range of detergents at Grace is Green. Running out of liquid or powder detergent? Now is the perfect time to switch to an eco-friendly alternative. You’ll make your laundry greener — without compromising on freshness or quality.

Check out our range of liquid or powder detergents