We Did the Math — And the Results Might Surprise You
When people hear “eco-friendly,” many assume expensive. And yes, at first glance, green products often carry a higher price tag than conventional alternatives. But when you break down the real numbers — and look beyond the shelf price — it’s clear that choosing better doesn’t mean spending more.
We set out to compare the true per-wash cost of our eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets to a wide range of popular detergents on South African shelves: powders, liquids, pods, and even other eco brands.
We didn’t stop at the math — we looked at the hidden costs too: plastic waste, overuse, skin irritation, ingredient safety, and carbon footprint. Because clean shouldn’t cost the Earth — or your wallet.
1. Price Comparison: Cost Per Wash
We reviewed a range of detergent formats and prices available in South Africa, including standard and eco-friendly options.
So, is Erthhaus the cheapest per wash? Not always. Erthhaus cost per wash depends on size of laundry load, how often you’re doing washing and if you purchase a single box or one of our bundles. But it’s right inline with the market — and when you zoom out, the price tells only half the story.
2. But It’s Not Just About Rands and Cents
Many conventional detergents come with hidden costs you don’t see on the price tag:
Over pouring, spillage and wasted product
Plastic jugs and tubs that end up in landfills
Artificial dyes and harsh fragrance chemicals that trigger skin reactions
Surfactants and fillers that leave residue on clothes
Preservatives that aren’t greywater-safe
Carbon-intensive shipping due to weight and packaging
3. Shipping & Storage: The Cost You Don’t See
Most laundry detergents are 80–90% water. That means you’re paying to ship water in plastic jugs across the country. It’s inefficient, heavy, and carbon-intensive.
Erthhaus sheets are ultra-lightweight and compact. A single box weighs just 250g and does up to 80 loads — that’s 90% less weight and space compared to jugs or tubs.
Yes. Erthhaus offers not just a great cost-per-wash — but a better laundry experience overall. One that’s simpler, safer, cleaner, and lighter on the planet. Because clean shouldn’t cost the Earth — or your wallet.
For decades, laundry detergents have promised bright whites and fresh scent — but few talk about what’s really inside. Independent studies are sounding the alarm: many traditional laundry powders, pods, and liquids are made with harsh chemicals that harm human health, pollute our environment, and add to the plastic crisis.
Laundry detergents and detergent residue after rinsing directly disrupt tight junction barrier integrity in human bronchial epithelial cells
Wang et al. (2019)
What it found: Researchers revealed that harsh chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) can leave behind trace residues on clothes after rinsing — and even these small amounts have been shown to irritate and damage the delicate cells lining the lungs, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Why Erthhaus is different: Our ultra-mild, biodegradable formula is made without harsh surfactants or residue-heavy additives — and many customers with sensitivities tell us they finally found a detergent they can use.
Health hazards associated with laundry detergent pods
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012)
What it found: Laundry pods pose health risks mainly due to their highly concentrated chemical formulas, bright candy-like appearance, and easily burstable plastic film. These factors have led to accidental ingestions by children, resulting in vomiting, respiratory distress, eye injuries, and in severe cases, hospitalization.
Why Erthhaus is different: Erthhaus does not use pods, plastic film packaging, or highly concentrated chemical cocktails. The sheets are flat, dry, and much safer for households with children.
Laundry detergents and surfactants-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation
Saito et al. (2023)
What it found: The study found that common detergent surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate triggered airway inflammation in mice by increasing IL-33 levels and activating immune cells linked to asthma and allergic reactions.
Why Erthhaus is different: Erthhaus does not contain SLS, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, or similar irritant surfactants, and uses low-irritation, plant-based alternatives. Its formula is designed to leave minimal residue, reducing the risk of airborne or skin-related sensitivities.
Assessment of Non-Occupational 1,4-Dioxane Exposure Pathways from Drinking Water and Product Use
Dawson et al. (2022)
What it found: Toxic by-products are hiding in traditional detergents. A hidden chemical by-product called 1,4-dioxane — found in many conventional detergents — is a probable human carcinogen and water pollutant that’s hard to remove through filtration.
Why Erthhaus is different: Erthhaus laundry sheets are free from ethoxylated surfactants—the main source of 1,4-dioxane contamination—and are made with safe, biodegradable ingredients that don’t create toxic by-products, making them a cleaner, safer choice for your home.
