A Review Of Miniml Liquid Laundry Detergent - Is It Worth Your Money?
Are you looking for an effective yet affordable laundry detergent in the UK that is kind to the environment? In this review, you’ll find out if Miniml’s liquid detergent is for you.
After writing my list of best vs worst eco-friendly laundry detergents in the UK, many of you wanted to know which products are actually effective.
Miniml’s laundry detergent is the first of many laundry detergent reviews - let me know in the comments what you’d like me to try next!
In this article, I will review the product’s sustainability, how it compares to other eco-friendly options, and why it might be a great choice for you.
So let's dive in and see what this green laundry detergent is all about!
COMING UP
Short summary
Is Miniml eco-friendly?
Is Miniml non-toxic?
- what ingredients do they use?How do you return your empties to Miniml?
What makes Miniml different to other products on the market?
What is the cost per wash of Miniml detergent?
REVIEW: Testing out Miniml
- packaging
- effectiveness
- sensitivity
- scentDiscount code
Disclaimer - this post is not sponsored and any products were purchased by me. Sustainably Lazy is supported by its readers and uses affiliate links to cover the website fees. This means I get a small commission for referring readers to specific sustainable websites, at no cost to you. This does not impact my opinions.
1. Quick summary review
If you’re in a hurry and want to skim, here is a quick visual summary of my Miniml detergent review. For prices and the cost per wash, see section 5.
My discount code is CLEAN10 for 10% off (exp 30/6/23)
2. Is Miniml eco-friendly?
Miniml is a woman-owned, small business on a mission to create a more sustainable future for us all. Their goal is to cut out single-use plastic by inspiring people to refill every bottle they use.
They don’t believe recycling is the answer, instead, they’ve developed a zero-waste closed-loop system to make it possible to refill from a refill shop or the comfort of your home.
Miniml’s key sustainability features:
✅Made in Britain with a focus on local ingredients
✅Vegan and cruelty-free
✅100% naturally-derived fragrances
✅Glass packaging is available for the smaller bottles
✅They use Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic where possible
✅Refillable options to ensure the packaging is being reused.
✅ The formulations are biodegradable and made using naturally derived ingredients.
✅ Ethical Consumer Best Buy award
So is Miniml eco-friendly? After considering Miniml’s sustainability efforts and factoring in the zero waste refill system, I consider Miniml an eco-friendly brand.
3. Is Miniml non-toxic?
Miniml’s ingredients are the perfect solution for those looking to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals while still getting a thorough clean.
The products contain plant-based ingredients derived from vegetable oils, like rapeseed and coconut.
Not only do they provide an effective clean without harsh chemicals but they also avoid controversial ingredients.
What ingredients are in Miniml laundry detergent?
When I first bought this product, Miniml’s ingredient webpage was different. Previously, they’d listed what was in each product which is rare for green detergent brands that tend to hide their formulas from competitors.
When I bought this product, I could see what was in it and I was pleased to note it wasn’t made from petrochemicals. It also didn’t contain any of the preservatives or other controversial ingredients I avoid, hence buying it.
Unfortunately, Miniml has since changed the webpage format to a list of all the ingredients they use, where they are derived, and what they do. But they no longer list which products contain which ingredients. Miniml also list what they do not use on a separate page.
While it is good to know this information, there is no current way of seeing what is in the product if you’re a new customer.
As I did see the list before, I’m content that the ingredients in this product are safe for the environment and non-toxic. However, I wouldn’t usually trust a brand if they won’t share their ingredients.
Miniml products do not contain:
Formaldehyde (toxic preservative)
Microplastics and polymers (in common detergents)
Benzisothiazolinone (preservative/allergen)
Methylisothiazolinone (preservative/allergen)
Optical brighteners (toxic to fish)
Synthetic fragrances (contain hormone disrupters)
EDTA
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)
Synthetic dyes
With Miniml laundry liquid ingredients, you can be sure that you are using a product that will not harm your family or the planet.
4. What are Miniml’s packaging options?
When you buy Miniml detergent, there are a few different packaging choices.
The refills come in plastic, but Miniml has said that they use recycled materials in their bottles, though it is not clear which.
The pouches are not able to be made from recycled plastic, however, contain much less material.
Miniml’s plastic is not single-use as it is their goal for all of it to be reused again and again.
Laundry liquid products:
100ml sample - plastic
500ml bottle - glass (keep forever and refill)
750ml bottle - PET plastic (keep forever and refill)
1 Litre pouch - plastic - not possible to use recycled plastic (use to refill your bottle)
5 Litre - plastic (use to refill your bottle)
20 Litre - plastic (ideal for zero waste stores)
4. How to return your empty packaging to Miniml
Miniml has created a zero-waste closed-loop system. This means they wash and reuse the same packaging again and again.
If you refill Miniml from an eco shop, you won’t need to do this. The return system is for online customers and businesses.
How many empty Miniml refills do I need before I return them?
To save on postage and packaging, Miniml asks that you return a certain amount of items. There are weight and diameter requirements on the Royal Mail return page.
You can return:
4 x 5 litre refill containers
4 x 1 litre refill pouches
5 x 500ML empty bottles
1 x 20 litre container
Photo by Miniml
How Miniml’s close loop Return system works:
Order your Miniml goodies online - they arrive in a cardboard box
Refill your empty bottle with a 5-litre container or a 1-litre pouch
Once you have the required amount of empty containers, fill out the Royal Mail return form* using your order number and you will get a free postage label.
Miniml will wash and sanitise the packaging and then reuse them for other orders.
*Please note that the new 1-litre pouches are not listed on the Royal Mail return page, I’ve contacted Miniml about this and they confirmed that you can return 4 pouches via this method (see image below). If the page has changed then just ignore me because they will have updated it :-)
My response from Miniml asking if you return pouches via the Royal Mail form
5. What makes Miniml different to other products on the market?
You may be wondering if Miniml is as good as other detergents on the market, both conventional products and other eco-friendly brands.
Many eco products use soap-based formulas, whereas Miniml uses plant-based surfactants derived from vegetable oils, like coconut. While some people are happy with a soap-based detergent, Miniml will be more effective in hard water areas.
This is because soap attaches to minerals and turns into scum, which can clog up your washing machine if you don’t use a separate water softener.
Like mainstream brands, Miniml laundry detergent cleans effectively but uses ingredients that are better for the environment. It's also safer for workers because it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals or perfumes.
The main difference you’ll find is that Miniml doesn’t have the strong scent you get from controversial detergents. However, this means it shouldn’t irritate your skin and can be used to wash baby clothes.
When bought in bulk, Miniml is good value for money. Although there will always be some cheaper petrochemical options that beat eco products.
6. What is the cost per wash of Miniml detergent?
Miniml sells 3 different sizes of liquid detergent, you can save money by buying in bulk. Many people buy the 500ml bottle first and then use the 5L or 1L to refill it. You could also refill your own bottle or jar, just make sure it is effectively cleaned first.
COST PER WASH:
The glass bottle is 500ml and costs £3.95 = 26p per wash
The refill pouch is 1 litre and costs £5.65 = 19p per wash
The bulk container is 5 litres and costs £21.45 = 13p per wash
Check if prices are still accurate.
7. Miniml Liquid Detergent Review
This is a review of Miniml liquid laundry detergent - fresh linen.
Effectiveness - I am happy with the effectiveness of Miniml’s detergent. My clothes come out clean and fresh. While it does remove most stains, there are a few stubborn ones it struggled with. I’m not sure that anything could get out whatever ends up of my son’s school uniform though!
Packaging - I chose the 500ml glass packaging to test out as I prefer to avoid plastic. I like the 5-litre containers and use them for refilling many cleaning products in my home. They can be quite heavy when they are full and may not be suitable for anyone with wrist problems. There isn’t a dosing cap so you need to use an old one or a measuring spoon. The refill options are plastic but I like that you can send the refill pouches and container options back to Miniml to be reused for free. I’d wish it was more clear which bottles are made from recycled materials.
Sensitivity - As a person with sensitive skin that gets itchy skin from mainstream detergents, I was pleased to find that Miniml detergent did not cause me or my kids any skin irritation.
Scent - I avoid synthetic fragrances due to the presence of phthalates and other hormone-disrupting chemicals so I was pleased to learn that Miniml uses 100% naturally-derived fragrances. Strong scents come from synthetic fragrances so if you are a person who likes their clothes to smell like perfume after they are washed, you may struggle to adjust to Miniml as there is not a strong scent.
Some people like to use Waft laundry perfume to add scent to their clothes
Review Summary
Overall, I am happy with Miniml laundry detergent and will definitely buy it again (once I’m done reviewing other detergents, that is). I like that you can buy in bulk to save money and that any plastic packaging is reused again and again.
Miniml is the perfect brand for people wanting to live a zero-waste lifestyle.
8. Discount code
Miniml has given me a discount code to give to my readers.
Use CLEAN10 to get 10% off cleaning products (expires 30/6/23)
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