14 Jan 2026
Capsules or liquid cheat sheet:
- smol Laundry Capsules: pre-dosed, zero faff, no mess. Powerful at 20°C in a 30-min wash. Cardboard packaging, microplastic-free, vegan and cruelty free.
- smol Laundry Liquid: refillable, no single-use plastic, flexible dosing, brilliant for handwashing + pre-treating. 35% lower carbon vs big brand liquid.
- Both: independently tested to show they clean to match the big brands while cutting chemicals + carbon.
Are you a capsule convert or a liquid lover?
We get asked all the time: “which is better, Laundry Capsules or Laundry Liquid?”
Truth is, they’re BOTH heavy on dirt and lighter on the planet. But the way you wash, and what you like in your laundry routine, might make one of them more of your perfect match.
So let’s see how they stack up.
Capsules close-up.
Pros to Laundry Capsules:
✅ | Pre-dosed to remove the guesswork. Just place one in the drum and go. |
✅ | Mess-free. No drips, spills, or sticky lids. |
✅ | Big results at low temps. Designed to dissolve fast in 30-min washes at just 20°C and performance tested against big brands. |
✅ | A choice of bio, non-bio, or fragrance-free (Allergy UK certified). |
✅ | Packaged in recyclable cardboard, certified microplastic-free, vegan + cruelty free. |
✅ | 35% lower carbon footprint vs big brand pods.¹ |
✅ | Less chemicals than mainstream pods.² |
Cons to Laundry Capsules: (None really, but we’ll try…)
- Less flexible on dosage (you can’t tweak half a capsule if you’ve got a smaller load).
- Not so handy for handwashing or pre-treating stains.
Capsules are for anyone who wants convenience, zero mess, and laundry that’s as easy as it gets.
Liquid lowdown.
Pros to Laundry Liquid:
✅ | Fast-acting. No need to dissolve so it starts cleaning straight away. |
✅ | Brilliant even on cold washes. Tested to match the big brands. |
✅ | Bio or non-bio formulas to suit your skin and clothes. |
✅ | Refillable bottle-for-life in recycled aluminium or recycled plastic |
✅ | Tiny doses mean less waste. Just 10 pumps per load (that’s 20ml). |
✅ | 35% lower carbon footprint vs big brand laundry liquid.¹ |
✅ | Flexible dosing. Adjust for drum size, water softness, or extra-dirty loads. |
✅ | |
✅ | Perfect pre-treatment: just target stains directly with a squirt. |
Cons to Laundry Liquid (they’re mild ones).
- A bit more effort than capsules. You do need to measure (though pumps keep it tidy).
- No fragrance-free version (yet).
Liquid is the winner for those who love control, flexibility, and want a refill system to cut plastic waste.
So, which should you choose?
If ease and speed are what you’re after, go for Capsules.
For flexibility and control wash by wash, go Liquid.
Or… why not both? A great many of our customers have both options. Capsules for everyday ease, liquid on standby for pre-treating and handwashing.
Either way, you’re cutting chemicals, carbon and plastic compared to the big brands.
Capsule and liquid FAQs.
In summary:
Capsules and liquid will both give a deep hygienic clean and remove stains from your laundry while cutting your carbon footprint and ditching single-use plastic.
Which is best for you?
Depends how you like to wash. Whichever way you go, smol’s got your laundry covered.
¹ Life Cycle Analysis by Independent Sustainability Experts eLoop
² See Our Claims
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
ABOUT OUR AUTHORS