14 Jan 2026
capsules or liquid?
- 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 liquid laundry:
- 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. Zero single-use plastic waste.
- 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.
- Great for washing laundry by hand or for delicates.
- Perfect pre-treatment: just target stains directly with a squirt.
cons to liquid laundry (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.
do capsules dissolve at 20°C?
Yes. We tested them on 21 stains across 4 fabrics, and they dissolved and cleaned as well as the big brands in 30 minute, 20°C washes.²
is laundry liquid safe for sensitive skin?
Our non-bio liquid is dermatologically tested and gentle, though if you need fragrance-free we recommend our fragrance-free capsules (Allergy UK certified).
which is more sustainable: laundry capsules or liquid?
Both cut carbon by around 35% compared to big brand equivalents. Capsules come in recyclable cardboard and are microplastic-free. Liquid avoids single-use plastic with its refill system so it’s really what works best for you.
can I handwash with capsules?
Capsules are designed for machine washing. For handwashing, delicates, or pre-treating, liquid is your best bet.
is smol non-toxic?
Yes. All smol products meet strict UK & EU safety regulations, and are non-toxic when used as directed. Like anything (even water!) the dose makes the poison but at the levels we use, smol is safe for you, your home, and the planet.
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