Eco-Test tested 26 detergents for washing power, environmental friendliness and ingredients. The results surprise!
In a recent study, Eco-Test examined 26 detergents. It is positive that all detergents wash about equally well. However, there are also some that are harmful to the environment and especially to health. Among other things, the testers found soluble plastic and an ingredient that is potentially toxic to reproduction .
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This is how the test went
For the test, Eco-Test examined 26 heavy-duty detergents , also known as universal detergents, for their washing performance, as they are suitable for all textiles and for white and heavily soiled fabrics. The detergents tested included private brands from drugstores and discounters such as dm or Aldi, popular brands such as Persil and Lenor, and ecological detergents from Sonett and Frosch.
To test how well the detergents remove soil, five different fabric samples were soiled with 15 different stains. Among other things, red wine, pens and make-up were used. The stains dried up for a week and were then washed. In addition, Öko-Test examined how much black and white T-shirts discolored.
The results of Öko-Test are surprising
- Only five out of 26 detergents, including Sonett and Frosch, scored “good”.
- The remaining 21 detergents were only rated “satisfactory” because they contained, among other things, synthetic polymers that get into the waste water during washing.
- Only the ecological detergents Frosch and Sonett were fragrance-free
Lenor 2in1 (28 cents) and Persil Universal Megaperls (30 cents), on the other hand, only received “satisfactory”. The testers criticized the plastic compounds, fragrances and optical brighteners in the product. In addition, the fabrics were slightly discolored.
Allergic reactions due to optical brighteners
Microplastics found in laundry detergent
Reproductive toxic fragrance found
Overall, all detergents, except Sonett’s, contained fragrances. However, these can cause allergies and are difficult to degrade in the environment. Allergy sufferers can recognize perfumed detergent by the inscriptions “Duftstoff”, “Parfum” and “Fragrance”.
Modular detergents are better for the environment
