Dropps Laundry Pods 2024 Review | Sustainable, Biodegradable Laundry Detergent
The Top Line: Dropps are a MAYBE BUY from a cost and convenience standpoint, but we do want to note that this product does include a polymer called Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) — which, while it can biodegradable, it requires very specific conditions in order to do so that most US wastewater treatment facilities in the US are not set up for (study on degradation of PVA in US Wastewater Treatment Plants), which can lead to partially degraded plastic in the environment. Additionally, while still a cost effective option, there are now other options that are at a similar or lower price point, especially since they seem to no longer offer their super bulk option (or 1,000+ pods) for significantly lower pricing.
TLDR: Biodegradable products that include PVA (which is found in many dishwasher and detergent pods) isn’t quite as clean as it is advertised to be, but still a step up from traditional bottled cleaners.
*Review Updated February 2024* to reflect latest pricing and products
*Review Updated November 2023* to include the latest research on polymer Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) that is in this product.
The Breakdown:
Cost & Products: Dropps is middle of the road in terms of pricing compared to what we see in the market.
How ‘Clean’ Is This? Recyclable and compostable packaging, biodegradable and plant-derived ingredients, and pre-measured pods reduce overuse of detergent (which most people are guilty of!) However, this products does include PVA (which is found in many dishwasher and detergent pods) isn’t quite as clean as it is advertised to be, but still a step up from traditional bottled cleaners.
Packaging: Minimal packaging, all recyclable or biodegradable.
Purchasing & Shipping: Great experience, we purchased from the Dropps website, and it shipped less than 3 hours later (impressive!). Some of the detergent pods are also available on Amazon.
Good to Know: We appreciate that they have an option for Active Wash as we currently use another product for our workout clothes that come in plastic jugs.
Coupons: None, discounts for subscribing.
What’s Your Impact? Traditional liquid laundry detergents are usually packaged in high density polyethylene. 68% of these bottles are not recycled and contribute to the approximately 275 metric tons of plastic waste that goes into our oceans and waterways annually. A family of 4 would typically go through 5-6 plastic jugs of laundry detergent (that can be used for 64 loads) over the course of a year.
Note: This product does include a polymer called Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) — which, while it can biodegradable, it requires very specific conditions in order to do so that most US wastewater treatment facilities in the US are not set up for (study on degradation of PVA in US Wastewater Treatment Plants), which can lead to partially degraded plastic in the environment. TLDR: Biodegradable products that include PVA (which is found in many dishwasher and detergent pods) isn’t quite as clean as it is advertised to be, but still a step up from traditional bottled cleaners.
The Efficacy:
Context: We are already excited about the price and shopping/shipping experience, we just want to make sure Dropps actually washes well!
Scent was light, and just smelled clean.
Laundry came out very clean, even some pieces that had stains on it!
Laundry pods completely dissolved in wash, did not see any residue.
The Cost:
Context: We assumed that a family of 4 will generate 7 loads of laundry a week, or 364 loads a year.
Money Thoughts: By far the cheapest option, Dropps is a no-brainer from a value perspective.
The Good:
✔ Free of dyes, chlorine, phosphates, enzymes, optical brighteners
✔ Biodegradable formula contains plant-derived ingredients
✔ Their smaller load pods can also double as great travel laundry detergent for hand washing!
✔ Pre-measured pods reduce overuse of detergent (which most people are guilty of)
✔ Zero waste packaging and product
✔ Very light scents that do not overpower
✔ Blows competition out of the water from a price perspective
✔ We liked the educational card that came in the box! (We learned that we can wash cashmere on the cold cycle)
The Bad:
✗ No real complaints!
Our Recommendation:
Dropps Laundry Pods are a MAYBE BUY from a cost and convenience standpoint, but we do want to note that this product does include a polymer called Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) — which, while it can biodegradable, it requires very specific conditions in order to do so that most US wastewater treatment facilities in the US are not set up for (study on degradation of PVA in US Wastewater Treatment Plants), which can lead to partially degraded plastic in the environment. Additionally, while still a cost effective option, there are now other options that are at a similar or lower price point, especially since they seem to no longer offer their super bulk option (or 1,000+ pods) for significantly lower pricing.
TLDR: Biodegradable products that include PVA (which is found in many dishwasher and detergent pods) isn’t quite as clean as it is advertised to be, but still a step up from traditional bottled cleaners.
*Review Updated February 2024* to reflect latest pricing and products
*Review Updated November 2023* to include the latest research on polymer Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) that is in this product.
We're on a mission to reduce our personal carbon footprint with small, hopefully easy, changes in our home to fight against climate change. This means we're looking for products that may be all natural, ideally zero waste, reusable or compostable -- while still being affordable!
