Do Laundry Sheets Dissolve in Cold Water?

Do you find that you need to wash delicates in cold water, or do you prefer to wash at cooler temperatures to save on energy bills and reduce reliance on heated wash cycles? If you prefer to wash at cooler temperatures, you’ll want to avoid detergents that use certain ingredients. In fact, laundry detergent sheets with fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients are a great alternative. Read on to discover whether laundry detergent sheets remain suitable in cooler washes.

Do Laundry Sheets Really Dissolve in Cold Water?

It’s crucial that laundry detergent sheets can dissolve in cold and hot water to suit your range of washes. Whether you want to wash delicate items in cold water or have a heavy load that requires a high temperature, you need your detergent to dissolve to clean the load. Therefore, understanding the process of dissolving is crucial if you want to comprehend how laundry detergent sheets dissolve over a range of temperatures.

The process of dissolving occurs when a substance breaks down into smaller particles and then disperses within a solvent. A solvent in the medium through which the solute (the substance) is broken down. This breakdown and dispersing form a solution. When applied to the washing process, the detergent is the solute that breaks down and spreads through the water (the solvent) to form a soapy combination. 

However, temperature can affect this process. When heat is applied, there is more kinetic energy compared to when no heat is present. An increase in temperature generally means that more energy is provided to break the forces holding the solute particles together. For example, when heat is applied to the washing detergent because of the hot water, the laundry detergent sheets can dissolve more quickly. However, when there is no heat, there is less kinetic energy. 

However, this doesn’t mean there is no dissolving. Freddie’s laundry detergent sheets are all about giving you a great wash, just using less plastic in the process. With Freddie’s water-soluble film, the sheets still dissolve even in cold water in their entirety, leaving no residue on your clothes or linen. 

How Do Laundry Sheets Perform in Cold Washes?

With approximately 90% of the energy used by your washing machine going to heating water, it’s essential for the planet (and for your bank account) that you can wash at lower or cold temperatures. There is a range of methods for cleaning your clothes or linen on a cold wash, including liquids, powders, and pods. However, you’ll find that Freddie’s sheets are as suitable as liquids or these other methods, while using mindful ingredients. 

It’s true that if you use a laundry detergent sheet that isn’t designed to dissolve in cold water, then you might find the liquid alternative more effective. However, it’s worth remembering that many powders may not dissolve fully in cold water, which can sometimes lead to residue on fabrics. Likewise, while liquid detergent alternatives have traditionally been relied on more for colder washes, Freddie’s laundry detergent sheets are designed to dissolve fully, meaning they can still wash your clothes in cold water. 

Are Cold-Water Laundry Sheets Suitable for Skin?

It’s crucial to check the ingredient list of any detergent, especially if anyone in your household has sensitivities, such as eczema. One way to check if your skin is likely to react to the laundry detergent sheets is to check the list of ingredients. This is particularly important if you have young children; their skin may react differently to certain ingredients, so reviewing the ingredient list is crucial.

If you or someone in your family has sensitive skin, it’s best to find a laundry detergent sheet without a fragrance, as fragrances can often be a trigger for skin conditions. With Freddie laundry detergent sheets, there is a range of fragrance or fragrance-free options to choose from. 

It’s also crucial that you choose a laundry detergent sheet (like Freddie!) that is formulated without bleach, phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane. Some households prefer to avoid these ingredients, so always check the list when buying your laundry detergent sheets. 

Laundry detergent sheets are also great if you’re looking to reduce your plastic waste. Unfortunately, liquid detergents often come in plastic containers, which contribute to single-use plastic waste. In Europe alone, there are 32 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. If you want to reduce reliance on plastic detergent containers, then buying detergent without plastic packaging can help reduce your single-use plastic usage.

But what about waterways? Again, most laundry detergent sheets are designed to dissolve fully and be compatible with most household septic systems.

Can You Use Laundry Sheets in Any Washer Temperature?

Laundry detergent sheets work in any water temperature, provided that you purchase water-soluble laundry detergent sheets, which fully dissolve in water. If not, you may find that residue remains on your clothes or linen in colder washes. Not only would this mean that your clothes remain dirty, but it could also lead to additional skin irritation from the leftover residue. 

Several factors should be considered when selecting the water temperature for washing. Are your items delicate? Might they be likely to shrink? Or are they linens in need of an effective warm wash? If you have a reliable laundry detergent sheet like Freddie’s, then you can use the same sheet across cold, warm, or hot washes. Freddie’s laundry detergent sheets are compatible with every washing machine, including HE (high efficiency) washers. 

How Long Do Laundry Sheets Stay Fresh?

If you’re looking to save yourself money in the long term, the laundry sheets are a great solution. Unlike the average 6-month expiration dates for liquid detergents, laundry detergent sheets can have a shelf life of 2-3 years if properly stored (in a cool, dry place). This is 2-3 times that of uncontaminated liquid pods. 

Unlike powder or liquid, if you knock a box of sheets over, that’s all that happens: no mess, no mopping. Easy to store and hassle-free, laundry detergent sheets are ideal for busy individuals, families, and those seeking to save money and minimize storage space. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Laundry Sheets Remove Tough Stains in Cold Water?

All laundry detergents may struggle to remove stains in cold water, but as long as you pre-treat the stain before washing, you have a good chance of removing it. Cold water means that the dissolving of the laundry sheet happens at a slower rate; however, the detergent sheets can still support cleaning in cold water.

Do Laundry Sheets Work for Handwashing in Cold Water?

Absolutely! You need to ensure that your laundry detergent sheet is entirely water-soluble and that you fully dissolve it before adding your clothes to the basin you are washing in. Then once the sheet is dissolved, you can rinse your clothes or see to the stains, and then leave your items to dry.

Can You Use Laundry Sheets on Delicate Clothes in Cold Water?

Yes, laundry detergent sheets are great for all types of clothes and items, whether it's a sturdy bed sheet or delicate underwear. The cold water process slows the rate of dissolving, so you must buy a laundry detergent sheet that is thoroughly water-soluble. That way, it will still work in cold, warm, or hot temperatures. 

Shop Freddie's Dissolvable Laundry Sheets

Just because you need to wash some items on a cold or cooler wash, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for messy liquid detergents or those with excessive plastic packaging. Discover Freddie’s range of laundry detergent sheets today; you can choose a fragrance or non-fragrance sheet that works for you. Then wash it in hot, warm, or cold water as you need. It’s as simple as that.