Never run out on washing day again with SMOL Capsules by post
Children are messy. If it’s not chocolate, grass stains or globs of banana on their new clothes, it’ going to be a poop explosion or some other unidentifiable stain that causes multiple changes of outfit per day. That’s not to mention the clothes changes we parents must go through to compensate for unexpected sick ups or toddlers wiping snotty sticky fingers on your last pair of work trousers. Washing powder isn’t cheap either, and playing the waiting game for capsules to go on offer can often leave you short of supplies on laundry day.
But there is another way. Whilst procrastinating from my domestic duties, an advert for SMOL popped up in my Facebook feed, and I was intrigued. Washing capsules, delivered straight through my post-box, at a reasonable price? They even do a free trial of 9 washing capsules, with no obligation to sign up for regular deliveries if you aren’t satisfied. This was enough to hook me in and give them a go.
What is SMOL?
SMOL make and deliver you washing capsules in packs of 24, at an interval that matches your rate of washing. After your free trial pack of 9 capsules, regular deliveries arrive at only £3.85 per batch including postage (working out at just 16p per wash), with a choice of bio or non-bio. SMOL was formed by an ex-Marketing Vice President at Unilever, so it’s safe to assume they know what they’re doing when it comes to washing! They also do a plan for dishwasher tablets, priced at a slightly £4.20 for 24 capsules (about 18p per wash).
Disclaimer; I have not been approached by SMOL to review this product. This is something I saw and wanted to try, and have purchased with my own dosh, so all thoughts and opinions are mine.
What do you get each delivery?
In our household, I estimated we got through at least 6 loads of washing in a week, so when I signed up and entered this information, we were assigned a plan where a box would arrive every 3 weeks. This can easily be paused or amended at anytime through your online account. I also signed up for the free trial, a smaller box of 9 tabs.
A few days later, the sample arrived. I was impressed with how eco friendly the package was, yet protective enough for these little liquid capsules to arrive unexploded (that’s a mess no one wants to deal with). There was a leaflet outlining a bit more about the company, and a secured plastic package not much bigger than the capsules themselves. This package looked relatively secure from little fingers, with 2 locking tabs and a sticker to get through (although prevention is the best protection, so these are locked away as per usual with cleaning products). It’s also made from 90% recycled PET, and due to it’s reduced size compared to supermarket brand leaders is a more environmentally friendly option.
How do they clean?
I have used the tabs for at least 10 washes now, and so far, I am super impressed. There is a nice light fragrance to the clothes once they are washed, although nothing too overpowering. We all have relatively sensitive skin, and the littles are prone to eczema. None has us have had a reaction or rash, which is another gold star to SMOL.
I opted for the non-bio tabs, and they have lifted most stains we have thrown at them. We had several baby sleepsuits and vests that had been subjected to the most explosive of nappies (TMI), and with no additional products needed, SMOL blasted through the blast residue. Bibs from weaning were also no problem, with sticky dried banana and crusty baby food stains coming out no troubles. The only downside of the tabs is that they do not contain a fabric conditioner, so if you are used to all in 1 Tabs, this is an additional cost you will need to budget for.
Final Verdict
For the value of SMOL compared to our usual makes of washing detergent, I have stuck with our subscription. Having a detergent that is cheaper than the brand names arriving without having to think about them on the weekly shop is so convenient, and the reduction of waste packaging has made me feel pretty good about my purchase.
Lisa says
I keep seeing these advertised and have been curious to see how they hold up against other brands. I might give them a go now. Thanks x
Jon says
ha! I was just thinking the other day I'm surprised someone hasn't made a subscription for dishwasher and washing machine pods! Bet this really takes off for them!
Pati Robins says
i seen those all over facebook recently and i was wondering just how good they are - now i need to to order those - i dont know how about you but i always forget to buy washing capsules when shopping
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
These sound like a great idea. I hate running out of things like this so it would be nice to not have to worry about it.
Talya Stone says
I always find laundry detergent so expensive and love the value of this - I'm going to look into this for ourselves!
Jenni says
I have to admit, I've never used capsules before. We always use washing powder. Might give them a try though.
Angie says
Hi. I am the same. Always bought washing powder as that's what I've grown up with & I have psoriasis so wanted to stay with what mum used. I'm in my fifties now & was still using the same regime until I saw these. I'm well impressed. Smell gorgeous,dont annoy my skin & I never have to think about washing powder anymore. You wont be disappointed once you try them.
Nikki says
These do sound great. Thanks for the review xxx
Lauren Porter says
I've not seen these before, never would have thought about it but such a good idea! Great that it adapts to your washing needs with how many & often they send them
Melanie williams says
Ooo perfect timing, just literally been talking about using capsules, will give these a whirl xx
Anita Faulkner - Brazen Mummy Writes says
Sounds like a dream - delivered to your door, kind to your skin and not expensive. Great idea. Xx
Emma says
I've also seen them advertised but I was concerned they would need a lot of extra packaging. Thanks for this post, I'll give them a try.
Sarah-Marie Collins says
I haven't heard of these before but they sound great. I love the fact that they are more environmentally friendly!
Rachael says
I really love SMOL capsules - I love how well they clean and also how they save on so much waste!
Tina says
I am super impressed. I stopped buying fabric conditioner a while ago to reduce chemicals in the water system. Clothes actually feel softer with SMOL. There are no palm oils in the products either.
You can post the containers back once you have accrued a batch.
Charlotte Cook says
I didn't realise you can post the containers back, will look into this. Great that a company is taking responsibility for their wastage
Phillip Deackes says
May I suggest you try white vinegar instead of fabric conditioner? Fabric conditioner is a product the petro-chemical industry and works by coating each fibre with an oily film which makes your clothes soft. The downside (apart from the obvious environmental issue) is that moisture absorbency is greatly reduced. This is why it is not recommended to use fabric conditioner with towels, sportswear or bed linen.
Using vinegar in the final rinse is amazing. It counters the alkalinity of the detergent (which is what causes the fibres to harden) and has no effect on wicking. Used in the right proportions it leaves no smell and your clothes come out soft and indeed smell of fabric. Nothing else, just clean fabric. It also conditions your washing machine as vinegar dissolves limescale. It really is a win win situation.
I buy 4 x 5 litre containers of Golden Swan White Vinegar from Amazon which costs around £12 - so hugely cheaper than fabric conditioner. I use 80mls for a full load and I reduce the amount for smaller loads.
This is the website which got me interested: https://www.realskeptic.com/2009/07/26/vinegar-as-a-fabric-softener/
Charlotte Cook says
Thank you for the suggestion, I will read more into this :), anything that can help reduce our environmental impact is great by me
As an Engineer my gut feeling would be that the vinegar would eat away at the rubber seals over time and reduce your overall machine life (I've heard tales of this when used as a dishwasher rinse aid) but I definitely want to research this more and make an article.
Phillip Deackes says
Given the actual concentration of vinegar in the final rinse do you really feel it would have an impact on the rubber seals? It would certainly be interesting to find out. If so it could be a deal-breaker.
Phillip Deackes says
Following up my own post I've also looked into it and feel you are right. I'm concerned enough to stop using vinegar and have instead bought 20 litres of Sonett Laundry Rinse which has a similar effect to vinegar but is based on food-grade citric acid which I gather has little effect on rubber. Sourcing in the UK it costs around £44 for the 20 litres but from Amazon Germany it costs £33 including delivery to the UK.
Some info here, but if anyone is interested buy from Amazon Germany!
https://www.greenfibres.com/product/327/62515/sonett-laundry-rinse.html
Phillip Deackes says
Ooops! That should have read 10 litres, not 20!
Charlotte Cook says
Awesome to hear you've managed to find an alternative that's still eco-friendlier than softener. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Corinne says
I have recently returned to using washing powder in cardboard boxes as this seemed the most environmentally friendly option. In the pictures it looks like the Smol capsules are plastic and come in a plastic box. Is that the case? If so, how is this a better option for the environment? Or is it just that they contain less plastic than other capsules? I’m interested to know before used a free sample.
Charlotte Cook says
This was a response SMOL posted to a similar concern on their Facebook page -
"Please excuse the length of the following but it might help you understand our position. Like all brands Smol is bound by laws to ensure that our packaging is child impeding. The packs are necessary at present to protect the cases in transit (especially in wet weather) however we are working with some special new materials which are plastic free and soon to announce some changes.
We did extensive research into packaging. Cardboard packs through production use around 70-80% more energy and create a vastly higher carbon footprint. In addition, they need to be waterproof and tear resistant. Once cardboard has been treated with this plasticised wax (like powder detergent boxes are) they are not recyclable. They may be collected from kerbside but are oftentimes rejected at plant because they pollute the recycling process – then they go to landfill where they take up lots of space due to their bulky nature or if they do manage to rot they release methane and leave behind a toxic residue.
We felt at the time of production that recycled plastic that is 100% recyclable was the best way forward, while we are in the development stages of plastic free packaging. We currently use PET1 plastic which is a valuable plastic in terms of recycling while we work with new materials to go plastic free altogether. The film capsule is made from a polyvinyl alcohol which is fully soluble and biodegradable. It breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. It is not a plastic ?
Smol is cruelty free and we have recently received our leaping bunny status. We do not test on animals or sell to countries that still insist on animal testing nor does Smol contain animal products or ingredients. We are very much committed to our environment even ensuring that our fragrance comes from ethically sourced essential oils. The Royal Mail delivers our packages hence why we made them small enough for your letter box. It is important to us that we work together to ensure our world is a better place for our children's future. ???"
Corinne says
Wow! What a comprehensive reply! Thankyou.