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Greg Foot investigates laundry detergents. What are the differences between bio and non-bio? Do low temperature washes really work? And how sustainable are the eco brands?

Pods, liquids and powders: which laundry detergent really cleans up?

A trip down the laundry aisle can leave you faced with a welter of confusing marketing claims. From stain-busting formulas and lower-temperature washes to eco-friendly promises, every detergent seems to offer cleaner clothes, lower energy use and a lighter environmental footprint.

Listener Rosanna came to Sliced Bread for help making sense of it all. She wants to know what really separates bio from non-bio detergents, whether pods, liquids and powders perform differently and if eco brands live up to their sustainability claims.

To get the answers, Greg is joined by Professor Steven Abbott, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and an expert in cleaning agents.

All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.

RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY
PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT

Available now

24 minutes

On radio

Tomorrow 17:30
BBC Radio 4

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  • Sliced Bread

    Greg Foot investigates the so-called wonder products making bold claims.