Simply put, biological laundry detergents contain an enzyme that actively works to break down stains and remove them from fabric. While this is obviously great news for the more (ahem) sullied of clothes, it is by definition a little bit harsher, so it can be damaging to delicate clothing (wool and silk, for example) and more sensitive skin. Although some disagree, the rule of thumb is that it's best to try different types and see what works for your family. You can also use Method’s detergents as a “pre-treat” on clothing before it goes in the machine. The brand said: “Rub a little detergent onto an irksome stain. Wait five minutes and wash as usual.” These pods are known for dissolving very well in water of all temperatures but there is a chance that they will leave a residue on your clothes, especially if they get squashed down under a big load. The best fabric softener to buy is the Fairy Fabric Softener. Safe for the whole family, it’s hypoallergenic and has been dermatologically tested, which means it shouldn't irritate your skin. It also keeps your clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh for days. Ariel’s All-In-One pods are also an excellent value for money option when buying in bulk and are another great choice for a fantastic result in a cold wash cycle.

I use Fairy Non Bio powder and softener. Smells lovely and had NO reactions even from my nephew who is a nightmare with washing powders.’ If you would like to make a concerted effort to lower your environmental impact, then your best option would be to choose the pods that dissolve fully in a cold wash. Just bought some Fairy gel. Used with Fairy fabric conditioner, and it smells amazing. The house smells so nice now.” (Recommended by Frozenintime) Cost per wash: 19p | Number of washes: 52 | Litres: 1.8L | Brand: Lenor | Format: Liquid | Scent: Amber and Siam Wood | Skin type: Normal | Feature: Stunning scent What we love I use Fairy Non Bio gel. DS has sensitive skin so I have to be careful with detergents. Only recently started using softener - use Fairy too!’I find the same, and I've had many washing machines over the years. I can smell [the fabric softener] when I bring the wet clothes out of the machine, but once they are dry, I don't smell anything. Then I tried Lenor Burst of Sunshine. It has a lovely scent that lasts for ages.” (Loved by Mumsnet user PivotPivotPivottt) Our verdict I like that Fairy is a trusted brand and felt confident that the product would be gentle for my young childrens’ skin. I liked the size of the bottle (plenty of washes) and the smell is clean and light, quite delicate. I like my clothes smelling a bit more strongly of fabric conditioner but I like my kids clothes to just be clean and soft. The whole Fairy Non Bio range, including Fairy washing liquid, has clever technology which makes fabrics super soft and stops them rubbing on your baby’s skin. (We don’t know how it works but our Netmums parents love it!) Ease of Storage - How will you store your laundry detergent? Being able to buy in bulk will make laundry detergent much cheaper, but if you don’t have somewhere to keep it, this can become a huge pain. You could try one of the letterbox subscription services, such as Smol; however, if you are out all day, this can be a nuisance, too. There wouldn't be anything I would personally change about the Products, I love them! I've even put the conditioner diluted in a spray bottle and spray it around the House to freshen everything up, it's beautiful!

With Lenor's Burst of Sunshine Fabric Conditioner, you can breathe in the fresh scent of summer, no matter the season. When you use this fabric softener, all your clothes, bed sheets, and towels can enjoy the soft freshness and warm fragrances of linden blossom and calendula flowers with subtle notes of amber and Siam wood for up to a week. With temperatures rising and the effects of climate change being felt worldwide, more and more parents are looking for simple, affordable, eco-friendly product swaps on our forums, with Ecover being one of the most recommended brands. Although it may be on the pricier side, Mumsnetters promise the initial expense is worth it for the inner glow of goodness, delicious scent and the ability to buy cost-effective five-litre refills. If you are fed up with laundry products that smell great in the bottle but find that same fresh fragrance doesn’t transfer to your washing, then Wilton London Cedarwood Laundry Liquid is the product for you. I use Non Bio Fairy Pods. My son is 8 months and I've used it with him from day one and will do with new baby in October. It smells amazing!’ It’s entirely up to you. However, lots of parents in our Netmums forum agree that non bio is the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin.

Laundry Pod FAQs

As with other posters the dosing cap was brilliant, saved wastage and allowed an accurate measurement. The clothes smelt fresh without being overpowering. I found the softener worked well on small wash loads but not on larger ones. The downside is that it is a bit pricey, so you may decide to keep a bottle in just for your bed sheets or posh towels, rather than for general everyday use. And beware if you live in a hard water area, as you will need to use more of the product, which will end up costing you more in the long run.

We love that this fabric softener helps to reduce static cling and has a soft floral scent. And who doesn’t love buying a big bottle of fabric softener that can last for up to 240 washes? That should see you through a few months of washing, at least. What can be the best alternative to fabric softeners?

How to wash your baby's clothes

Your baby might be tiny, but they have a surprising amount of clothes. And to keep them happy and content, you want everything they wear to be as huggably soft against their skin as possible. It is also worth remembering that you cannot use this type of detergent for pre-treating clothing or spot cleaning, and often they cannot be used for handwashing either. We’d all prefer a week on a desert island, but if you want to be mentally transported to an exotic paradise each time you run a load of laundry, look no further than Surf. Choosing between pods, powder, gel or liquid to get the best results is a decisive topic split by skin type, budget and personal preference, but at the heart of it all is a universal want to have clothes that are cleaner than clean and make us feel good. After all, it is one of life’s daily essentials, and with energy prices rising, no one wants to run multiple cycles trying to lift the stubborn stains of tomato soup from baby grows or grass stains from a school P.E. kit. So, how do you choose between those that’ll have you slipping between clean, scented bed sheets and those that’ll discolour clothing and irritate skin? Type: Some fabric softeners and conditioners only use natural ingredients, while others are purely chemical. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and it comes down to personal preference when choosing the right one. Natural fabric softeners are gentle on fabrics, better for the environment, and more subtle in their scent. However, they may be more expensive. Chemical fabric softeners are often strongly scented (ideal for those who want fragranced fabrics) and are often cheaper due to being manufactured by larger companies. However, it’s worth noting that chemical softeners can reduce the absorbency of towels.

Bio-D washing powder is a true source of goodness for those who want to simultaneously save the planet and clean their family's laundry, with a lengthy and impressive list of expert endorsements.These pods also smelt amazing and I loved that the brand sells a fabric softener as well as scent boosters in the same range, meaning my clothes had an incredible fragrance to them. Fear not! Our Netmums community rate Fairy Non Bio for it’s stain-shifting powers. Simply pop a Fairy Non Bio POD in your washing machine before loading the clothes, or use Fairy Non Bio washing powder or liquid for clothes that are brilliantly clean.