Laundry detergent

Fewer chemicals. Greater sustainability. The same clean results. Our all-purpose laundry detergent, made with soap, cleans effectively without unnecessary chemicals. One product for both whites and colors—gentle on skin and the environment, yet just as powerful against dirt. For all materials, including wool.

Frequently asked questions & answers

How much detergent is actually needed to get laundry clean?

It depends on how hard the water is. Hard water requires more detergent. However, most households in Sweden have soft water. It also depends on how heavily soiled the laundry is, how much laundry there is, and the size of the machine. For lightly soiled laundry, a standard-sized machine, and soft water, use 35 ml. Increase the amount as needed, but do not overdose. 

How much detergent is needed for hand washing?

10–15 ml for a 10 L basin of water; here too, you can use a little more detergent if the laundry is heavily soiled.

What applies to a full and a half-full machine?

The dosage on the bottle is for a full load; reduce it if you have less laundry.

Is it environmentally friendly?

Yes.

Why do you think SLES is unnecessary in laundry detergent?

We do not use SLES in our laundry detergent; here are the reasons:

* It does not emulsify grease effectively.

* It causes foaming problems, which means that foam suppressants need to be added—another chemical to the ingredient list. Explanation: A surfactant that creates foam forms an emulsion with air and water and therefore does not work on cleaning, which involves emulsifying oil and water. The purpose of laundry detergent is to clean, not to create bubbles that are pleasant to look at. If you want to look at pretty bubbles, it is better to buy soap bubbles ;)

* SLES is sensitive to calcium and magnesium found in water (the more Ca and Mg, the higher the water hardness), which is why “water softeners” such as phosphonates are added—yet another chemical to the list. (Nonionic surfactants, which we use, are not sensitive to hard water.)

How can I reduce my use of laundry detergent to be more environmentally friendly?

Wash only when necessary; air it out instead if possible. Pre-treat stains, and don’t lower washing temperatures too much.

Is it fragrance-free?

There is one variant with fragrance and one without.

Is it hypoallergenic?

People with allergies should always choose the fragrance-free option. Regardless of the product, anyone with allergies should opt for fragrance-free products, including skin creams, shampoos, and products containing essential oils. Always choose products without added fragrance if you have allergies. 

Can it be used for baby clothes?

Yes, please choose fragrance-free. Small children do not need scents on their clothes.

Can it be used for white, black, and colored laundry?

Yes, that’s fine. However, our laundry detergent contains neither bleach nor optical brighteners. If you feel that a garment needs bleaching, we recommend 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda.

Does it work on different materials (wool, silk, sportswear)?

Our laundry detergent contains no enzymes, so even wool can be washed with it. However, delicate garments and sensitive materials should always be washed according to the care instructions on the garment and with great care.

Does it remove musty odors from polyester clothing (sportswear)?

Yes, wash according to the care instructions and preferably use our citrus-scented laundry detergent.

What are the most common ingredients in laundry detergent, and how do they affect my clothes and skin?

Detergents contain surfactants, and all surfactants affect the surface tension of water. Therefore, recommendations should be followed, and you should ensure that you have an approved wastewater drain. Bleaching agents in detergents affect textiles just as the name suggests: they bleach them, which puts strain on the textile fibers. Optical brighteners are particles that settle on the surface and create the illusion that the garment is whiter than it really is, and detergents often contain perfumes. 

How do different wash cycles and temperatures affect the effectiveness of laundry detergent?

All cleaning, including laundry, is based on four factors: temperature, time, mechanical cleaning, and chemicals. If you lower the temperature, you need to increase another factor. The wash cycle and machine provide the mechanical component; you set the temperature and time here. The detergent provides the fourth component.
Imagine that you are washing dishes by hand or washing your hands—how hot does the water need to be? Your body temperature is 37°C (normally); does the water you wash dishes in feel hot or cold? Then think about the laundry and stains in front of you: at what temperature does it seem reasonable that you could remove these stains? A wash cycle at 30°C is therefore colder than your body temperature. Lowering the temperature is an argument for saving energy, and that is true, but it is not a saving if your clothes do not get clean or stains do not disappear because the washing temperature is too low, and you end up buying a new garment instead.  

How does hard or soft water affect the effectiveness of laundry detergent?

If you have hard or moderately hard water, you need more detergent. Soft water requires less detergent.

Water hardness is expressed in German degrees of hardness, °dH (°dH = degrees of German hardness). The higher the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions, the harder the water. 1°dH corresponds to 7.1 milligrams of calcium per liter and 4.3 milligrams of magnesium per liter.

  • 0-2: very soft
  • 2-5: soft
  • 5-10: moderately hard
  • 10-21: hard
  • >21: very hard

What should I do if I spill laundry detergent directly on my clothes or on the floor?

Wipe up and wash off immediately.

How do I clean my washing machine to prevent bad odors and bacterial growth?

Feel free to read our guide on the blog here: CLICK HERE

Does it remove tough stains such as oil, blood, and grass?

Stains should be pretreated. Feel free to read our guide on the blog here: Stains on clothes—how to remove them!