It’s hard to find a laundry detergent that is both effective and environmentally friendly, but Seventh Generation and Method have the perfect combination. However, they are different products with different strengths.
Seventh Generation laundry detergent is designed to remove 60 kinds of difficult stains. They have a variety of fragrances created using essential oils. The Free & Clear version is fragrance and scent-free for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Method laundry detergents are synthetically fragranced, although they claim only to use plant-friendly fragrances. Seventh Generation fully forgoes synthetic scents and dyes. This is the primary difference in the ingredient standards.
Although both businesses provide environmentally friendly goods, certain synthetic substances are used in manufacturing. Thus they are not entirely natural or organic.
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Differences between Method and Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
Pricing
Generally, Seventh Generation laundry detergent is more expensive. However, prices may vary with where you buy the product from. You can find Seventh Generation products at many physical stores and online.
Ensure to consider the cost per fluid ounce while comparing prices. Even though concentrated detergent often costs more per ounce, a little goes a long way. Look at the loads per bottle on the packaging while comparing laundry detergent, then determine the price per load.
Ingredients
Seventh Generation uses biodegradable plant-based cleaning ingredients. Plant extracts such as citrus and eucalyptus are used to provide fresh scents. The company also avoids using harsh chemicals in its products, including optical brighteners, phosphates, and petroleum-based ingredients. It is gluten and triclosan-free.
An independent material research organization evaluates Method’s ingredients for environmental and public health safety. Method won’t utilize an ingredient if there is even a remote probability that it is harmful. It contains ingredients such as water, Laureth-7, glycerin, and alcohol denat.
Packaging
Seventh Generation products come in plastic bottles, which can be recycled. Method bottles are also plastic but less widely recyclable than Seventh Gen. Seventh Generation also offers cardboard box packaging.
Scents
Method has a variety of fragrances such as honeycrisp apple, rosemary, grapefruit, almond, ginger mango, waterfall, fresh air, ginger yuzu, mint clementine, and fresh lavender. Seventh Generation has fragrances such as summer orchard, tropical grove, powder fresh, alpine falls, fresh citrus, fresh lavender, lemon, mandarin and yuzu, hibiscus and cardamon, lavender, and cedarwood.
Cleaning Power
Fresher, cleaner clothes are what most consumers are looking for in a laundry detergent. Both brands provide effective cleaning without leaving residue behind. Seventh Generation’s formula is milder than Method’s. Although the cleaning power is similar, Seventh Generation tends to be more gentle on clothes and fabrics.
Seventh Generation has a cleaning booster that helps with tough stains, so you don’t always have to rely on an extra stain remover. Seventh Generation products are concentrated and can be used in high-efficiency and standard washing machines. The packaging shows exact measurements of how much to use per load of laundry, making it easy to use less and save money. This is the number one feature that Seventh Generation has over Method.
Method uses optical brighteners that cause whites to appear brighter and whiter, making them a more natural alternative to harsh bleaches. It also uses a natural enzyme-based system to break down stains. The cleaning solution is paraben, chlorine, formaldehyde, phthalates, and phosphate-free.
Ease of Use
Method’s bottles are plastic and difficult to squeeze out of shape. The shape may be more friendly for storage, but it’s more challenging to use than the Seventh Generation bottles, which are easier to handle. Seventh Generation also wins for overall simplicity and convenience. It comes in bigger bottles, which will last longer.
Similarities Between Method and Seventh Generation Detergents
Method and Seventh Generation produce biodegradable cleaning products. They also use a variety of surfactants, emulsifiers, and thickening agents to clean the laundry. Although Method claims to be environmentally friendly, they still incorporate some synthetic ingredients in their products, while Seventh Generation is committed to using only natural ingredients. Both manufacturers are well-known in the industry, as they have been providing effective and safe cleaning products for many years.
Importance of Using Biodegradable Laundry Detergents
Biodegradable laundry detergents decompose quickly in the environment and do not contaminate water sources, and kill wildlife. For example, a detergent washed from clothing in a stream can kill fish because it prevents them from absorbing oxygen in the water. Also, detergents won’t decompose quickly in sewage treatment plants. So even if they are flushed down toilets, they can resurface months later through outflow pipes into natural waters.
Eco-friendly laundry detergent is gentler on the skin because the ingredients are natural. They also won’t irritate sensitive skin. The synthetic chemicals in non-organic detergents are often derived from petrochemicals and can cause several ailments, such as allergies. The cleaning function of products like laundry detergents is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment.
Should You Buy Seventh Generation or Method?
If you are looking for a plant-based laundry detergent that is effective and has natural scents, then Seventh Generation is the best choice for you. If you want a detergent with eco-friendly components, lovely packaging, and reasonable price tags, go with Method. However, the most important factor is whether or not you are satisfied with the product’s performance.
What Else Should One Consider When Choosing Detergent?
Many natural laundry detergents are on the market, but you must read the labels carefully. Not all “green” laundry detergents are what they seem to be. In addition, keep in mind that formulas change over time, so you should check the ingredients before buying a product. It would be best to ensure your detergent is compatible with your washing machine.
You can’t just buy any brand of laundry detergent and hope for the best results. You must consider the different ingredients and how they are used in your chosen product. For example, some brands use surfactants that strip away natural oils from your skin and hair, which may result in dry skin or a dull look. You should also check the Global Certification for a more eco-friendly option.
While Method laundry detergent wins for convenience, Seventh Generation is a better cleaner using 100% natural ingredients. Even though Method does use some safer ingredients, Seventh Generation is better for the environment.