Doing laundry may not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s a necessary evil to successful adulting.
And while sorting, drying and folding clothes can be a tedious job, the reward of sniffing Alpine fresh laundry - not to mention having fresh clothing options to wear - makes all that effort worth it.
But if you or your household have sensitive skin, it’s vital to know which laundry powder or detergent to buy. Pick the wrong one and your public image of cleanliness will likely be wrecked by intense itching and scratching.
Walk down any supermarket aisle and you’ll instantly spot that washing powder falls into two camps: bio and non-bio.
What’s the difference between bio and non-bio laundry detergent?
Bio options contain certain enzymes which make it easier to obliterate tough dirt and stains. They work at lower temperatures saving energy and money.
Meanwhile non-bio cleaners are formulated without such enzymes, which makes them friendlier to those with sensitive skin.
While using a non-bio is kinder on your skin, the drawback is that deep, stubborn stains will likely need extra firepower in the form of a stain remover on the affected areas.
What are the benefits of non-bio washing powder?
It’s worth it though: if you’re prone to allergies, it’s better to target those really dirty areas instead of covering your clothes in washing powder that’ll make you itch like a stray dog. After all, blood stains are the hardest to get out.
As well as allergy-sufferers, new parents choose non-bio for their baby’s sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for non-bio washing powder options, we’ve rounded up the best below. From big name brands to new, niche players, there’s something for every budget and every household.
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Fairy Non-Bio Powder
Buying things like household cleaning products and laundry detergent in bulk can work out cheaper in the long run. This professional size box of non-bio washing powder from Fairy contains enough for 140 cycles, working out to around 24p a wash.
It’s dermatologically tested and specifically made for those with sensitive skin, with a delightfully comforting fresh scent on clothes once dried.
Despite being non-bio, it cleans clothes very effectively. The only downside is that the box is quite bulky, so it’s a good idea to decant what you need into a separate jar for your laundry area. That said, one box will see large families though for a couple of months, and smaller households for even longer.
Buy now £34.49, Amazon
Homethings Non-Bio Laundry, 72 Eco Washing Pods
If you're fighting the battle against pointless single use plastic, you'll like this option from Homethings. The washing pods come housed in an easily recyclable cardboard box (though you may want to decant into a glass jar to ensure they don't get wet near sink or laundry cupboards).
Unlike other laundry pods, these are filled with powder rather than liquid. Simply sling them into your machine before filling with a dirty load and running on a 30-40 degree temperature cycle. The 100 per cent natural powder will effectively clean clothes and completely dissolve so there's no gritty residue left. These are unscented which makes them particularly suited to those with sensitive skin.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
EcoZone Ultra Concentrated Laundry Liquid, Non Bio
A homegrown brand that focuses on eco-conscious cleaning products, EcoZone offers everything from bathroom cleaners to laundry detergent. This bumper five litre tank is vegan, non-toxic and natural, with enough to see you through a stonking 166 washes (parents, rejoice).
The formula is packed with plant-derived ingredients that will erase stains - yes, even on a cooler wash. That said, the formula is gentle enough to use on baby clothes and school uniforms to the point where it's been approved by Allergy UK. How's that for buying confidence?
For those who prefer pods, EcoZone has a box of non-bio capsules for £6.96.
Buy now £22.16, Amazon
Smol laundry pod subscription - non-bio
Life is too short to worry about having enough laundry detergent. Never be caught short again with this handy subscription service that posts a box of pods at a frequency of your choosing, helpful for households of all sizes.
The laundry pods come in bio as well as non-bio with a concentrated formula to get to work on dirt and stains. Whichever option you go for, you’ll get 24 capsules delivered in eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging.
The best part? You can get a trial box of nine pods for free when you cover the £1 postage.
Buy now £5.30, Smol
Persil Non-Bio Washing Powder 42 washes
Of course one of the country’s laundry market leaders has a non-bio option. Made in recyclable packaging with biodegradable ingredients, Persil’s box of non-bio powder has enough for up to 42 washes and will clean up stains even on a quick or cool wash - good news if you’re wary about household bills. It’s best paired with a fabric conditioner to have your load looking as good as new on the other end of the spin cycle.
Buy now £7.50, Wilko
Ecover Zero Sensitive Non-Bio Washing Powder 1.875kg
Rubber-stamped for use by Allergy UK, Ecover’s washing powder is made for infants and anyone with particularly sensitive skin. There’s absolutely no fragrance and no colouring, with just a cruelty-free formula to minimise the risk of an adverse reaction. The thoughtfulness doesn’t stop there: the detergent comes in a cardboard box itself made of at least 80 per cent post-consumer recycled cardboard. The only downside is that you can’t wash silk or wool in it. Still that’s a pretty shiny halo from where we’re standing.
Buy now £10.50, Boots
