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Get The Dirt

your questions answered by our very own smol scientist.

17 Sept 2025

Get the dirt with our smol scientist:

  • Cold is cool: bio capsules work brilliantly at 20 to 30°C, thanks to enzymes that love lower temps.
  • Bio vs non-bio: it’s all about enzymes. Bio cleans with them, non-bio skips them (better for sensitive skin).
  • Dirty socks? Bio + stain gel = whiter whites.
  • smol vs big brands: we’ve tested across 21 stains and 4 fabrics. Spoiler: smol keeps up.
  • Safety first: no endocrine disruptors, and non-toxic when used as directed.

You sent in the dirt, and Nay (our resident smol scientist) didn’t flinch. 


From cold washes to sweaty socks, here’s what she had to say…

is it true bio capsules work better at lower temperatures?


Yes! In fact, enzymes are like little clean-up ninjas that prefer cooler conditions. At high temps, they can break down and stop working. But at 20°C to 30°C they’re in their element, smashing stains and saving energy at the same time.


We’ve performance-tested our bio capsules at 20°C and found they clean just as well as the big brands so you can trust the science and lower the dial. The planet and your wallet thanks you too.



what’s the difference between bio and non-bio?


It all comes down to enzymes.


Bio (biological detergent) contains enzymes, which break down stains.

Non-bio: no enzymes, so it’s gentler on sensitive skin.


That’s why lots of families (especially those with little ones) reach for non-bio. Our non-bio capsules are dermatologically tested, gentle on skin, and our fragrance-free non-bio option is even Allergy UK certified.



dirty school socks!


The eternal battle. As part of our performance tests, our bio capsules scored just as highly as the big brands for whitening. But if you really want to boost things, add our stain gel into the mix. You’ll see 27% more stain removal across the board and a massive 35% boost on grease and grime. 


And don’t forget, our bio capsules now include a brand-new enzyme that specifically targets sweat and grime. School socks, PE kits, football gear… we’ve got you.



any plans for new washing up liquid scents?


Watch this space…



are smol products free from endocrine disruptors? Are they non-toxic?


Short answer: yes and yes.


All smol products meet strict UK & EU safety standards. We don’t use endocrine disruptors. And our products are non-toxic when used as directed.


N.B. cool science fact (as Nay explains beautifully): technically anything can be toxic in high doses… even water. But at the ingredient levels we use, smol products are safe for you and your home.



how do enzymes actually work in detergent?


Think of them as stain-busting ninjas. Each type has its own special power: for example, lipase breaks down grease (bye-bye pizza splatters).


They don’t just mask stains, they actually break them up so they can be washed away. Genius.



do smol products clean as well as the big supermarket ones?


Only one way to know: test, test, test. So we did.


Our laundry capsules were independently tested on 21 stains across 4 different fabrics against leading supermarket brands. And the verdict? smol holds its own. Just as good, stain for stain.



does laundry detergent really work at 20°C?


Yes. And we’ve proven it. Our capsules dissolve and perform brilliantly at 20°C. The lab results show they remove stains just as effectively as big brands, even on a cool wash.


For day-to-day? Nay recommends we stick to 20°C to save energy and protect clothes. But if someone at home is unwell or you’re washing underwear, towels, or hospital-grade laundry, it’s best to follow NHS/industry guidance and bump up the heat.

so who’s ready for more dirt?

This was just the start. 


Got a burning cleaning question or want to know more about smol behind the scenes? Keep your questions coming and our smol experts will be back soon, tackling whatever comes their way.