See our main article: Best Laundry Detergent? Let’s Find Out!
Laundry day is always a bit of a challenge, especially when you’re trying to find the perfect detergent that gets your clothes spotless, smells great, and aligns with your values—whether that means eco-friendly ingredients, affordability, or good old-fashioned stain-fighting power. In this article, we’ll compare Arm & Hammer, a popular and affordable option, to various plant-based detergents. Let’s find out which product is the best fit for your laundry needs.
Why Compare Arm & Hammer with Plant-Based Detergents?
Arm & Hammer is known for being affordable and powerful, while plant-based detergents are often chosen for their sustainability and gentle ingredients. But how do they really stack up against each other in terms of cleaning power, price, and environmental impact? Let’s dive into the details!
1. Cleaning Power: Arm & Hammer vs. Plant-Based Competitors
When it comes to cleaning power, Arm & Hammer is a reliable choice for tackling tough stains. Its formula includes baking soda, which acts as a natural deodorizer and stain remover.
How Arm & Hammer Performs:
- Stain Removal: Effective against everyday stains like oil, grass, and food spills.
- Odor Control: The added baking soda works wonders in neutralizing stubborn odors.
Plant-Based Competitors:
- Molly’s Suds: Uses a simple formula of earth-derived ingredients, effective on light to moderate stains.
- ECOS: Uses plant-powered enzymes for stain removal, but struggles with tough oil stains.
Verdict:
If you’re dealing with stubborn, set-in stains, Arm & Hammer might be your best bet. However, if you’re focused on natural ingredients and prefer a gentle approach, Molly’s Suds or ECOS are great options.
2. Price Comparison: Affordable vs. Sustainable
One of the biggest selling points of Arm & Hammer is its price. At only $0.08 per load, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on cleaning performance.
How Do Plant-Based Detergents Compare?
- Biokleen: Costs about $0.12 per load, which is slightly higher but reasonable for a plant-based product.
- Seventh Generation: Comes in at $0.28 per load, making it one of the pricier options in the plant-based lineup.
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a cost-effective detergent that still packs a punch, Arm & Hammer is the clear winner. On the other hand, if environmental concerns are at the top of your list, spending a bit more on Biokleen might be worth it.
3. Ingredients: Gentle vs. Traditional
Plant-based detergents are loved for their gentle, non-toxic formulas that are kind to both your skin and the environment.
Arm & Hammer:
- Composition: Contains conventional surfactants and baking soda.
- Environmental Impact: Not fully plant-based, but does include natural deodorizing agents.
Plant-Based Competitors:
- Molly’s Suds: Made with five safe ingredients, including baking soda and sea salt.
- Seventh Generation: Free from dyes, artificial brighteners, and synthetic fragrances.
Verdict:
If you’re prone to skin sensitivities or want to reduce your chemical footprint, Seventh Generation and Molly’s Suds are better choices. Arm & Hammer, while effective, includes synthetic ingredients that some users might prefer to avoid.
4. Fragrance: Subtle or Scented?
Everyone wants their clothes to smell fresh, but the choice between natural and artificial fragrances can be a deciding factor.
Arm & Hammer:
- Scent Profile: Offers a light, fresh scent thanks to the inclusion of baking soda. Ideal for those who like a clean yet subtle fragrance.
Plant-Based Competitors:
- Tyler Glamorous Wash: Known for its luxurious and long-lasting fragrance—perfect for those who like their laundry to double as an air freshener.
- ECOS: Uses essential oils for a gentle, natural aroma, making it suitable for those sensitive to strong smells.
Verdict:
If you’re someone who loves a bold fragrance, Tyler Glamorous Wash is the way to go. For a more understated scent, ECOS or Arm & Hammer will do the trick.
5. Environmental Considerations: Eco-Friendly Detergents
Reducing your environmental impact is important, and your laundry choices can make a difference.
Arm & Hammer:
- Packaging: Traditional plastic bottles, which may not always be recyclable.
- Ingredients: Not entirely plant-based, though it does feature baking soda, which is a natural cleaner.
Plant-Based Competitors:
- Seventh Generation: Uses recycled packaging and a biodegradable formula.
- Biokleen: Concentrated formula reduces the carbon footprint per load and features eco-friendly ingredients.
Verdict:
For those who want to make greener choices, Seventh Generation and Biokleen clearly have the edge. Arm & Hammer may be effective, but it doesn’t quite meet the same environmental standards as these plant-based products.
6. Convenience: Pods vs. Liquid
While this comparison mostly focuses on liquid detergents, it’s worth mentioning the convenience of other forms like pods.
Arm & Hammer:
- Liquid Format: Easy to measure and use, but can be messy if not handled carefully.
Plant-Based Competitors:
- Tide Pods (Plant-Based Version): Offer a convenient and pre-dosed solution, making laundry easier.
Verdict:
If convenience is a top priority, consider switching to pods for pre-measured doses. Liquid Arm & Hammer is still a convenient option, but pods take the guesswork out of laundry day.
7. Stain-Specific Performance
Different detergents excel at removing different types of stains. Let’s break down how Arm & Hammer compares to plant-based options on various stains.
Arm & Hammer:
- Oil Stains: Does a fantastic job removing motor oil and gear oil stains.
- Food Spills: Effective on common food spills like ketchup and mustard.
Plant-Based Competitors:
- Biokleen: Struggled with oil stains but was effective on plant-based food stains.
- Seventh Generation: Worked well with protein-based stains like egg yolks.
Verdict:
If you’re dealing with heavy-duty stains like oil, Arm & Hammer will do a better job. For more organic stains, Biokleen and Seventh Generation are solid contenders.
8. Sensitive Skin: Arm & Hammer Free & Clear vs. Plant-Based
For those with sensitive skin, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options are a must.
Arm & Hammer Free & Clear:
- Hypoallergenic: Free from dyes and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Performance: Cleans effectively while being gentle.
Plant-Based Competitors:
- Molly’s Suds: Made with five safe ingredients and free from any known skin irritants.
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear: Designed for sensitive skin without sacrificing cleaning power.
Verdict:
Both Arm & Hammer Free & Clear and Seventh Generation are excellent for sensitive skin. If you prefer an all-natural formula, Molly’s Suds is also a great option.
Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between Arm & Hammer and plant-based detergents comes down to what you prioritize in your laundry routine.
- If you’re after affordable, effective cleaning, Arm & Hammer offers the best value for money.
- For those who value eco-friendly ingredients and sustainability, plant-based detergents like Molly’s Suds or Seventh Generation are excellent options.
- If you love luxury scents, Tyler Glamorous Wash will give your laundry a sophisticated fragrance.
For more detailed comparisons and to find the perfect detergent for your needs, visit our full collection of laundry detergents on Project Farm Tools.
Leave a Reply