The Ultimate Guide to Doing Laundry More Sustainably

🔥 3min read

👀 376,827 views

8 September 2025

Why Laundry Needs a Rethink

Laundry is part of nearly every household’s weekly routine — but it’s also one of the most resource-intensive and polluting parts of our daily lives.

Uses large amounts of water and energy

Releases chemicals into greywater systems

Often relies on plastic-heavy products

Involves energy-hungry machines for drying

But the good news? Sustainable laundry isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. With just a few smart swaps, you can dramatically reduce your impact. 

 

Here’s how to start:

1. Switch to an Eco-Friendly Detergent

The problem: 

Most detergents are packed in plastic, made with petroleum-derived surfactants, and contain optical brighteners, dyes, and synthetic fragrance blends — all of which end up in your clothes, your skin, and your water supply.

The Sustainable Swap: 

Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Sheets are ultra-light, plastic-free, and formulated without harsh ingredients.

No plastic jugs

No dyes, brighteners, or SDBS

Biodegradable, greywater-safe formula

Compact & travel-friendly

Just R3.49 - R8.00 per wash

2. Wash on Lower Temps

Why It Matters:

Heating water accounts for up to 90% of a washing machine’s energy use. Lowering the temperature can drastically reduce your carbon footprint — and it’s gentler on clothes, too.

Best Practice:

Use cold or 30°C water whenever possible

Erthhaus sheets work effectively in cold washes

Pre-treat stains rather than turning up the heat

3. Wash Full Loads — But Don’t Overstuff

Why It Matters:

Washing partial loads wastes water and electricity. But overstuffing your drum reduces the effectiveness of the clean, often forcing a second wash.

Best Practice:

Aim for a full but balanced load

Leave a hand’s width of space at the top of your drum

Use pre-measured detergent (like Erthhaus) to avoid overuse

Try Erthhaus

4. Air Dry When You Can

Why It Matters:

Tumble dryers are energy-intensive. Plus, over-drying clothes wears down fibers faster — leading to more waste and faster fashion turnover.

Best Practice:

Air dry outdoors when weather allows

Invest in an indoor drying rack

If you do use a dryer, clean the lint filter every time for efficiency

5. Skip Fabric Softeners

The Problem:

Most softeners and dryer sheets are loaded with quats, harsh synthetic fragrances, and petroleum-derived compounds — which are not only unnecessary but harmful to water systems and skin.

Better Option:

Choose detergents that don’t leave clothes stiff or clingy — like Erthhaus

Try Erthhaus

6. Choose Concentrated & Low-Waste Formats

Why It Matters:

Many detergents are 90% water, shipped in massive plastic jugs. That means you’re paying to ship weight — and contributing to unnecessary emissions and landfill waste.

Better Option: Erthhaus is

Flat-packed and ultra-light

Highly concentrated

Packaged in paper FSC-certified boxes

Efficiently shipped to reduce emissions

7. Clean Your Machine (Yes, Really)

Why It Matters:

Eco cycles won’t work properly if your drum is full of gunk. Detergent residue and bacteria buildup force the machine to work harder — and can make your clothes smell musty.

Tip:

Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar and baking soda once a month

Use a detergent like Erthhaus that does not cause build up of gunk

why switch to erthhaus

Erthhaus Eco-friendly detergent sheets

Conventional 

Detergents

Cost per wash

R3.49-R8.00

R4.10–R8.00

Plastic-free

Pre-measured, no waste

Skin-safe ingredients

Mild & transparent

Often questionable

Fragrance-Free option

Yes

Rare

Greywater-safe

Yes

Usually not

Compact & travel-friendly

Light shipping footprint

Lightweight, less CO₂

High weight & volume

Try Erthhaus

here's what south african's have to say

ready to wash better?

Popular

98% highly recommend erthhaus
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets

1-Pack
R 329.00

Save 0%

Up to 80 washes

From R4.11 per wash

R75 Shipping
Choose Fragrance

30-day money-back guarantee

Best Seller

98% highly recommend erthhaus
Laundry Detergent Sheets 3 Pack

3-Pack
R 888.30

R 897.00

Save 10%

Up to 240 washes

From R3.70 per wash

R75 Shipping
Choose Fragrance

Build Bundle

30-day money-back guarantee

Best Value

98% highly recommend erthhaus
Laundry Detergent Sheets 6 Pack

6-Pack
R 1,677.90

R 1,794.00

Save 15%

Up to 480 washes

From R3.49 per wash

Free delivery
Choose Fragrance

Build Bundle

30-day money-back guarantee

A Detergent Price Comparison

Average Cost Per Wash

Detergent 

Powder

Detergent 

Liquid

Detergent 

Pods

Average Cost Per Wash

R3.49 - R8

R4 - R6

R6 - R9

R6 - R9

From R3.49

Detergent 

Powder

R4 - R6

Detergent 

Liquid

R6 - R9

Detergent 

Pods

R6 - R9

Try Erthhaus

what the science says

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.

Shop Now

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.

Read Study

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.

Read Study

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.

Read Study

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.

Read Study

sa's #1 eco-friendly 
laundry detergent sheets

98% highly recommend Erthhaus 🇿🇦
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets

Gentle on 

sensitive skin

Powerful cleaning

Vegan & cruelty-free

Quick dissolution

Biodegradable & plastic free

Plant-based ingredients

Works with all washers

Pre-measured sheets

Handwashing friendly

"A game-changer! They're super easy to use and effective at cleaning my clothes. I love that they're eco-friendly and help reduce plastic waste. The natural fragrance is a nice touch, and I feel great knowing I'm making a positive impact. Highly recommend!"

- Sarah M, Cape Town

Verified buyer

98% highly recommend Erthhaus 🇿🇦

sa's #1 eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets

Compact, potent, easy-to-use, and eco-friendly giving you up to 80 washes per box. Just toss a sheet for a powerful clean and gentle fabric care. With biodegradable ingredients, it's effective and kind to the planet. Experience lasting freshness wherever you go.

Gentle on sensitive skin

Powerful cleaning

Vegan & cruelty-free

Quick dissolution

Biodegradable & plastic free

Plant-based ingredients

Works with all washers

Pre-measured sheets

Endocrine disrupter free

Handwashing friendly

Pick your pack

FREE shipping on orders over R1000 🎁
10, 10, 15,
default, percentage, percentage,
1, 3, 6,
{ "Orchard Breeze":{"price":"32900","compare_at_price":"32900","id":"44320538460329","quantity":"864","inv_p":"deny","inv_m":"shopify"} , "Forest Breeze":{"price":"32900","compare_at_price":"32900","id":"44320538427561","quantity":"864","inv_p":"deny","inv_m":"shopify"} , "Fragrance Free":{"price":"32900","compare_at_price":"32900","id":"44320538493097","quantity":"95","inv_p":"deny","inv_m":"shopify"} }
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{ "Orchard Breeze":{"id":"44320538460329"} , "Forest Breeze":{"id":"44320538427561"} , "Fragrance Free":{"id":"44320538493097"} }
Estimate delivery between Sep 16 - Sep 19

Why South African's Love Us

South Africans are embracing Erthhaus Laundry Detergent Sheets for their unmatched convenience, eco-friendly design, and exceptional cleaning power. Perfect for busy households, these compact sheets take the guesswork out of laundry by eliminating the need for measuring or storing bulky detergents. Made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, erthhaus supports South Africa’s growing eco-conscious movement, delivering powerful cleaning while protecting the environment. Plus, their quick-dissolving formula makes them perfect for conserving water.

Clean Ingredients

✅ Free From These Nasty Ingredients: Parabens, phthalates, optical brighteners, synthetic dyes, phosphates, formaldehyde, chlorine bleach, ammonia, 1,4-dioxane, sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds ingredients.

 

🌎 Biodegradability That’s Proven: OECD 301B test: Over 98% biodegradation within 28 days. PVOH base: Fully water-soluble and inherently biodegradable in soil, marine environments, and wastewater systems.

 

🧪 Hypoallergenic + Cruelty-Free: No ingredients flagged as endocrine disruptors or carcinogens. No animal testing. Plant-based and safe for sensitive skin. 

View All Ingrdients

Scent Guide

Orchard Breeze 

- Top: Citrus, Bergamot, fruit, berries, blackcurrant, apple

- Middle: Flowers, roses, jasmine

- Base: wood, sandalwood, balsam

 

Forest Breeze

- Top: Apple, peach, blackcurrant, plum, citrus, melon

- Middle: Rose, lily of the valley, lotus, osmanthus

- Base: wood, musk, amber 

 

Fragrance Free 

No fragrance.

Delivery Information

Where are orders shipped from? All orders are shipped from our warehouse facility in Cape Town.

 

What is the delivery timeframe? Your order will arrive within 1-5 business days. Longer delivery times may occur if your delivery address is in an outlying area. See Shipping Policy for more info.

 

Are there any shipping costs or extra fees? We offer free shipping on all orders over R1000. For orders below R1000, a standard shipping fee applies. There are no extra courier fees, duties, or charges. 

 

Which couriers do you use? For reliable and fast nationwide delivery, we partner with multiple courier service providers.

 

Do you offer nationwide delivery? Yes, we offer door-to-door delivery throughout South Africa.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Try Erthhaus risk-free for 30 days. If you're not satisfied, we offer a 100% refund with no questions asked.