Dropps Cleaning Products Review: Sustainable, Simple, and Effective?
I’ve been using Dropps cleaning products for years now, and I absolutely love them. Long before I started writing blog posts, I was already recommending Dropps to friends. So, this review feels like a long-overdue task—finally putting into words why I keep coming back to these products.
What is Dropps?
Dropps offers a range of eco-friendly cleaning products—laundry detergents, dishwasher pods, dish cloths, fabric softeners, and more. I first discovered them while searching for a cleaner, safer dishwashing solution. The idea of eating off plates with chemical residues was just…gross.
Back then, you could only buy Dropps from their website. The packaging was humble, almost plain. Now, things have evolved: Dropps products are available on Amazon and even in Target stores. The branding has gotten a colorful refresh, but the core values remain the same—simple, effective ingredients and zero plastic packaging.
What Makes Dropps Different?
As I mentioned, Dropps stands out for its commitment to clean, biobased ingredients. For instance, their unscented dishwasher detergent contains just ten ingredients, according to their website. Their unscented sensitive laundry detergent? Only nine.
Dropps also positions itself as a mission-driven company with goals like:
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Saving water
- Carbon-conscious (aka “clean air”) shipping
- Ethical manufacturing practices
If you care about the environmental impact of your household products, Dropps is definitely worth a look.
Here is a screenshot of the ingredient list given by its official website.
What Does Eco-Friendly and Health-Friendly Cleaning Actually Mean?
When we talk about eco-friendly and health-conscious cleaning products, we’re usually referring to formulas that are:
- Biodegradable: Ingredients break down naturally and don’t pollute waterways.
- Non-toxic: Safe for humans and pets—no harsh chemicals, especially for kids or those with sensitive skin.
- Sustainably packaged: Minimal or no plastic, recyclable or compostable materials.
- Free from harmful chemicals: Avoiding ingredients that have been linked to environmental damage or health concerns.
So, what are the actual ingredients to look for—and which ones to avoid?
✅ Good Ingredients (Safer & Eco-Friendly)
- Sodium carbonate (washing soda): A mineral-based cleaner that softens water and boosts cleaning power.
- Sodium percarbonate: A safe alternative to bleach, often used in oxygen-based cleaners.
- Citric acid: Naturally derived from citrus; great for cutting grease and balancing pH.
- Enzymes: Naturally occurring proteins that break down stains without harsh chemicals.
- Essential oils: Used for fragrance, often less irritating than synthetic scents (though some people are still sensitive to them).
- Plant-based surfactants: These help lift dirt and grease without relying on petroleum.
🚫 Ingredients to Avoid (Harsh or Potentially Harmful)
- Phosphates: Harmful to aquatic ecosystems; banned in many states for that reason.
- Chlorine bleach: Effective but harsh; can irritate skin and lungs, and is toxic to marine life.
- Artificial dyes: Added purely for visual appeal; they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Synthetic fragrances: Often made from dozens of undisclosed chemicals, some linked to endocrine disruption.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”): Used as disinfectants and softeners but are linked to skin irritation and asthma.
- SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate): Foaming agents that can be harsh on sensitive skin and are sometimes contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a potential carcinogen).
Choosing products that skip these ingredients doesn’t just help the environment—it’s also a way to create a safer, healthier home, especially if you have pets, kids, or sensitive skin.
More Resources:
How Do Dropps Products Perform?
A fair question—because no matter how great the mission is, the products still need to work.
In my experience, they do. I don’t use rinse aid with the dishwasher pods, and my dishes come out clean. I’ve occasionally used Cascade when I run out of Dropps, and I find the cleaning power comparable.
As for laundry detergent, I alternate between Dropps and All Free & Clear. Both deliver solid results. No complaints here.
Are They Expensive?
Eco-friendly often means expensive, right? It can feel like we’re being punished for trying to go green. But if you know how frugal I am, you’ll know I don’t pay premium unless it truly makes sense.
I crunched the numbers: if you subscribe and buy the largest box, each dishwasher pod costs less than 30 cents. Add in regular coupons, and the price is actually lower than some Cascade and Finish options.
Final Thoughts
Dropps has come a long way since I first discovered them—growing from a niche eco-brand to a widely available, reliable household name. What hasn’t changed is their dedication to clean ingredients, low-waste packaging, and sustainability that doesn’t feel preachy or performative.
If you’re looking to reduce plastic in your home, simplify your cleaning routine, or just try products that are kinder to your skin and the planet, Dropps is a solid place to start. They’ve earned my trust over the years—not just for their mission, but because their products actually do the job.
So yes, I’m finally writing this review. And yes, I’ll still be recommending Dropps to my friends—only now, I have a blog post to send them to.
