Review of Method’s New Laundry Detergent

While shopping at my local CVS today, in need of a few essentials such as wine, dog food, and laundry detergent, I turned down a narrow isle and stopped dead in my tracks. There it stood, on a shelf full of the normal assortment of laundry detergents you typically see. Some in big, gaudy looking bottles. Cheaper ones in big boxes with old-fashioned brands like Arm & Hammer. My typical routine is a quick scan for something semi-natural, such as Green Works or Ecos. I’m not exactly a newbie to the newer, greener approach to cleaning.
I like the idea of wearing clothes that have a nice, natural smell that you can barely notice. My eyes happened to catch sight of a brand new, Method laundry detergent that I would like to talk about and also review in this article.

While scanning the isle, this unique-looking bottle had me really curious. It was so small! It stood barely 7 inches tall. What kind of cleaning power could this possibly contain? Upon closer inspection, I saw it was the Method brand. I’ve seen Method brand most often in Target stores. I’ve used a couple of their products, and I thought they were fairly effective. I also bought them to cut down on chemicals in the house. The more I learn about skin and respiratory absorption, the more I cringe about buying loaded atom-bombs of cleansers, no matter how effective they claim to be.

To be informative, I visited the website and found all sorts of fascinating facts on this stuff. The SMARTCLEAN technology is apparently a brand new way of formulating the H2o and the surfectants that’s totally unique and therefore requires minimal amounts for the same job. Also, I’m really stuck on this skin sensitive thing and wanted to make sure I wasn’t buying a tub of cortizone cream on my next outing, and it said it’s very skin-friendly and it’s 95% natural, plant-based ingredients. I’m getting that little new-product, adrenaline rush starting to happen!

From a price standpoint, a drugstore is not always offering your best detergent values. I just needed some things fast, and was shopping at a shop next door in the same center. I paid $8.99 for 10 fluid ounces, promising 25 Loads per bottle. It says 4 pumps = 1 Load, however, that is for a medium load, and that’s not as visible unless you really take the time to read the backthoroughly. This detergent can be used with H.E. and Standard machines. It comes in Non-Scented and Fresh Air scent which I like because I gravitate towards less is more mentality when it comes to perfumes. Also, my kids happen to have sensitive skin and get bouts of excema which doesn’t do well with artificial scents. The key word being “artificial.” Since Method is plant-based as well as hypoallergenic, I decided to try the FRESH AIR scent and see how it went. The following is my unbiased review of Method Laundry Detergent.

My trusty, twelve-year old washer filled up with warm water about 1/4 full, and the detergent came out almost in a straight, horizontal line. It happened pretty fast so some went inside the inner rim of my washing-machine lid. No biggie, it’s only one pump of stuff wasted. I ended up putting six total pumps for a large load, and stuffed some dark colors in for starters. The bubbles were light and airy, and smelled nice and fresh as advertised. I was starting to feel a little guilty for so much fragrance (I usually mix 3/4 unscented with 1/4 scented) but I rationed it was just a test and I could always go back if we all started itching and smelling to high heaven. After it’s stint in the dryer, my load was ready for the moment of truth. Of course it will be some time to identify any long-term issues with skin irritation, but I can get a good idea of results when folding and I promise to “don an item or two” for feel-good-test!

The 1 – 5 STAR Test Results
Freshness Quotient Right out of the Washing Machine: 4.5
Odor/Aroma of Product: 4
Green Review: 4.5
Cleanliness Review: 5
Feel of Clothes out of Dryer when Folding: 3.75
Yumminess-Factor of clothes when Wearing: 3.75
Skin Sensitivity Review: TBD