The Top Line:

NOT a buy. For the cleaning power, good reduction in plastics, and lovely citrus and woods scent: we like it. We also like that it uses no synthetic dyes, fragrances or other brighteners. However, it’s just too expensive when looking at other options. Unfortunately we have to pass on Grove Collaborative’s Ultra-concentrated liquid detergent until the price changes.

The Breakdown:

• Cost & Products: $9.95 for 24oz or 33 loads

• How ‘Clean’ Is This? Somewhat clean; 96% bio-based and natural enzymes, so better than your average grocery store brand.

• Packaging: Recyclable pouch which reduces packaging by 60-80% — meant to be used with their reusable dispenser (we have not yet purchased)

• Purchasing & Shipping: We have ordered from Grove Collaborative three times. The desktop site is growing on us and is better than mobile, but still not intuitive to navigate.

• PSA: The subscriptions are applied automatically. There is a ton of flexibility - but it’s on you to remember. If you try to order before your next due shipment, all of the items are pre-loaded into your cart. We like the thought behind it, but would prefer opt-in versus opt-out.

• Good to know: Refills and subscription is the name of the game at Grove Collaborative. They try to reduce packaging but sometimes unsuccessfully.

  Grove Collaborative is a B-corporation. Normal corporations have a goal to make more money for their owners. B-Corps do that too, but they also set specific, social and ethical goals such as governance, environment, and workers. Read about Grove Collaborative’s goals here.

• Coupons: None that we know if - but you get a hefty amount of gifts the first time you order.

• What’s Your Impact? 60-80% reduction in plastic with every 33-load refill bag. That’s a lot.

The Experience

Context: We have used Seventh Generation, Tide, Method. For stains, we are still using OxiClean’s stain remover here and there.

• Since we are not using their automatic spout, we are guesstimating/using a measuring spoon

• We got Citrus & Woods: scent is really light and doesn’t overwhelm your clothes

• Soap rinses out fully

• Clothes come out clean and feel refreshed

The Cost

Context: We assumed that the average household of 4 will generate 7 loads of laundry per week or 365 loads per year! Comparing Grove Collaborative’s laundry detergent to a long list of other detergents like Meliora, Charlie’s, Cleancult, Dropps as well as more common Tide, Seventh Generation, and Gain.

Money Report: Honestly - the Grove Collaborative ultra-concentrated liquid is on the high end of expensive laundry items. We are not fans of that.

The Good:

✔ No harsh chemicals and no synthetic dyes or brighteners

✔ Light and lovely scent - derived naturally

✔ Decent reduction in plastic

✔ Auto-measure detergent for loads with the Grove Collaborative container

The Bad:

✗ On the high end of expensive

✗ Easiest to measure only when using the Grove Collaborative’s glass container

Our Recommendation:
NOT a buy. For the cleaning power, good reduction in plastics, and lovely citrus and woods scent: we like it. However, it’s just too expensive when looking at other options. We also like that it uses no synthetic dyes, fragrances or other brighteners. Unfortunately we have to pass on Grove Collaborative’s Ultra-concentrated liquid detergent until the price changes.

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!