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Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give them a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)
The assignment…
To see if Dirty Labs’ elevated cleaning products are effective, nontoxic options that actually deliver on removing stains, brightening dishes, drying laundry, and more.
What I tested...
The Signature Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent: A scented laundry detergent that contains the brand's enzyme cleaning technology, which targets stains and odors. With notes of magnolia, bergamot, and cedar, this product is also biodegradable, safe for sensitive skin, and free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, and all California Prop 65 chemicals. PS: Based on your preferences, there’s an unscented option. ($14+)
The Aestival Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent: A highly concentrated detergent and booster for your dishes that doesn’t require a prewash. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, free of all California Prop 65 chemicals, parabens, dyes, preservatives, and so much more. PS: It comes scented and unscented, but the scented one has notes of yuzu, geranium, and lemon balm. ($18)
The 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls: Felt balls made of 100% wool — without dyes, fragrances, and chemicals — that’ll freshen, soften, and help to dry fabric. ($18)
The Signature Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent ($18)
Straight A’s in…
Everyday washing. When it comes to washing for general cleanliness and hygiene purposes, this is a great option. My clothing felt soft, looked revived, and smelled fresh without being too intense.
Fragrance. I love the variety of scents — and unique ones for that matter — from Dirty Labs. Their Signature detergent has notes of magnolia, bergamot, and cedar, while their Murasaki one has notes of jasmine, matcha, and vetiver. Their fragrances all smell clean without being headache-inducing. I also love that there is an unscented option as well.
Thoughtful packaging. The laundry detergent bottles are made of recyclable aluminum and there’s a reusable silicone beaker that you can throw directly into the wash to disperse product.
Room for growth…
Stains. For harsher stains (from things like sauces or oils), this did not completely remove them. I found that I would need to add an extra stain remover or bleach to get something more intense out.
Suds. A little goes a long way, so there’s a learning curve to figure out the right amount of detergent for your clothing and load size, even though the silicone beaker helps with that.
Stickiness. While this is typical for all laundry products, my bottle of detergent got sticky and needed to be cleaned regularly. I know that the brand sells a separate dispenser for more precise pouring.
The silicone beaker. While I love that you can pour the detergent into this and throw it straight into the washing machine, it’s so small that I lost it pretty quickly. The measuring conventions on the side are also hard to read.
The Aestival Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent ($18)
Straight A’s in…
Sparkle. This is the product from Dirty Labs I have consistently repurchased because of how much I love it. I was struggling with my dishes coming out cloudy. This detergent solved that problem. My dishes come out shiny and squeaky clean. While I always prewash my dishes (I know, controversial), I did test out this detergent sans-prewash and it still got the job done. For a product that is completely nontoxic, I will forever be impressed.
Fragrance. Their Aestival scent has notes of yuzu, geranium, and lemon balm. I love it because it isn’t too intense and smells fresh.
Thoughtful packaging. The packaging is made of recyclable cardboard and is plastic-free. Plus, each container comes with a responsibly sourced wooden scoop, which is convenient and handy.
Room for growth…
Packaging. I wish that there was a refill version of this product because every time I repurchase, I always get an extra wooden scoop, which I don’t need. Also, because of how thickly packed in the product is, there’s sometimes some spillage. Because of this, I bought a separate canister to dump the detergent into to keep under my sink.
The 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls ($18)
Straight A’s in…
Static, wrinkle, and dry-time reduction. Yep, these actually live up to the hype. I leave mine in the dryer at all times. They help to fluff and separate my laundry as it tumbles.
Room for growth…
Honestly, minimal notes here. I love these for larger loads, especially when I’m drying towels or bedding. The only downside is that sometimes they get lost in the mix of my stuff and searching for them is annoying.
More about the brand…
Works best for…
Those looking for household products with clean ingredients, but don’t know where to start
Anyone who loves cool laundry brands like The Laundress, DedCool, or Tyler Glamorous Wash, and enjoys experimenting with their detergent.
Gets extra credit for…
Fragrance options. Dirty Labs’ fragrances all smell clean and fresh, without being headache-inducing. Plus, the scent combinations are unique and feel luxurious, while still being pretty accessible in terms of cost.
Packaging. The fact that this brand has created packaging that is easily and completely recyclable with built-in design perks is a win.
How I did my homework…
I swapped out my typical laundry and dishwasher detergent for Dirty Labs’ products for the last three months and counting, paying attention to softness, stains, scent on clothing, lingering fragrance, and how sparkly my dishes were coming out of the dishwasher. I noted these findings in comparison to other hero, go-to brands you can find at local grocery stores.
Footnotes…
Shop Dirty Labs products at dirtylabs.com, Amazon, and at select Whole Foods locations.
The Signature Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent, $14+
The Aestival Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent, $18
The 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls, $18
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