Sheets vs liquid at a glance
| Detergent sheets (Spot) | Liquid detergent | |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing | Pre-measured; tear in half for small loads | Measure with a cap |
| Packaging | Recyclable paper envelope | Usually a plastic jug |
| Weight and size | Flat and featherlight | Heavy and bulky |
| Mess | None; no drips or sticky caps | Drips and spills possible |
| Travel | No liquid, so no airport liquid limits | Counts as a liquid in a carry-on |
| Stain pre-treatment | Pre-treat with a stain remover | Can be poured straight onto the stain |
| Cost per load | 15.8¢ to 16.7¢ per load, depending on the bundle | Varies widely by brand and bottle size |
Do sheets clean as well as liquid?
Each Spot sheet packs the cleaning power of a capful of liquid. CNN Underscored named Spot the Best Budget Laundry Detergent Sheets and called them very capable cleaners. As with any detergent, results depend on load size, water temperature and soil level, so use two sheets for heavily soiled loads.
Packaging and shipping weight
A liquid detergent jug is mostly water in a plastic bottle. A sheet pack carries the same cleaning power without the water, so it ships lighter and arrives in paper. See the eco-friendly guide for the full picture, including what a sheet still contains.
Where liquid still wins
- Pouring detergent directly onto a stain before washing.
- Large households that buy a very big bottle at a bulk discount.
- If you want a scent other than Fresh Linen. Spot comes in one scent.
Frequently asked questions
Are laundry detergent sheets better than liquid detergent?
It depends on what you value. Sheets are lighter, cleaner to handle, plastic-jug-free and easy to travel with. Liquid is easier to use as a stain pre-treater and some bulk liquids are cheaper per load.
Do detergent sheets work as well as liquid?
Spot sheets are formulated to give the cleaning power of a capful of liquid, and CNN Underscored called them very capable cleaners. Use two sheets for heavily soiled loads.
Are detergent sheets cheaper than liquid?
Spot costs between 15.8¢ and 16.7¢ per load depending on the bundle. Compare that with the cost per load printed on your current detergent.