If you’re looking for an eco-friendly laundry detergent, Branch Basics and Molly Suds are two great options to consider. Both brands offer effective, non-toxic cleaners made from plant-based ingredients. But they have some key differences when it comes to their formulas, scents, packaging, and more.
This in-depth guide explores the pros and cons of Branch Basics and Molly Suds laundry detergents. Read on to discover which sustainable detergent is best for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Branch Basics | Molly Suds |
| Works in all water temps | Cold water version |
| No added fragrance | Light scents available |
| Cardboard box packaging | Cardboard box packaging |
| For babies and sensitive skin | Not specifically for sensitive skin |
| Higher price per oz | Lower price per oz |
| No scent options | Lavender, lemon verbena, eucalyptus mint, unscented |
| Versatile for stains | Enzyme-powered formula |
Overview Of Branch Basics
Branch Basics is a family-owned company founded in 2013 in San Diego, CA. Their laundry detergent is made from just three plant-based ingredients:
- Sodium carbonate
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Sodium carbonate peroxide
These ingredients work together to lift stains and odors without any harsh chemicals. Branch Basics detergent is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
The formula is highly concentrated, so you only need about 1-2 tablespoons per load. It comes as a powder in a cardboard box, which reduces plastic waste compared to liquid detergents.
Branch Basics is not scented. So it won’t leave behind any lingering perfumes on your clothes. The powder dissolves well in both hot and cold water cycles.
This versatile detergent works for all machine types including HE. Many customers report it works great for cloth diapers too. The company also offers sensitive skin-friendly laundry powder specifically formulated for babies.
Overview Of Molly Suds
Molly Suds is a detergent brand by Earth Brite based in Carlsbad, CA. Their original cold water laundry powder first launched in 2014.
The powder formula contains just four main ingredients:
- Sodium carbonate
- Sodium per carbonate
- Sodium silicate
- Sodium sulfate
It’s free of dyes, brighteners, phosphates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh additives. Molly Suds is gentle on skin but tough on stains.
While Branch Basics only comes unscented, Molly Suds offers lightly scented options. The subtle essential oil fragrances include lavender, lemon verbena, eucalyptus mint, and unscented.
Molly Suds cold water powder works best in cold water cycles. The company recently launched a hot water version designed for warm and hot water washing.
Both versions come in recyclable cardboard boxes. The powders dissolve fast without residue or buildup.
How Branch Basics And Molly Suds Compare
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s compare some key factors:
Ingredients: Branch Basics and Molly Suds share some main ingredients like sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. But Molly Suds also contains sodium per carbonate for extra stain-fighting power. Branch Basics relies on sodium carbonate peroxide instead.
Scent: Branch Basics is completely unscented. Molly Suds offers light essential oil fragrances.
Wash temperature: Branch Basics works well in all temperatures. Molly Suds recently launched a hot water formula, but the original works best in cold.
Packaging: Both use recyclable cardboard over plastic. Branch Basics also offers compostable paper pouches.
Price: Branch Basics is $14.99 for 24 ounces, or about 62 cents per ounce. Molly Suds is $10.49 for 32 ounces, or 33 cents per ounce.
Company values: Both brands are committed to sustainability and avoiding harsh ingredients. Molly Suds is certified cruelty-free and EWG Verified. Branch Basics is a certified B Corporation.
Performance reviews: Customers overall report great results from both detergents on real-world stains and odors. Branch Basics seems to have a slight edge for cloth diapers and sensitive skin.
Watch the video to know more!
Now let’s take an even closer look at the pros and cons of each brand.
Pros And Cons Of Branch Basics And Molly Suds
Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Pros
- Works in all water temperatures
- No fragrances or essential oils
- Also offers baby/sensitive skin formula
- Cardboard box and paper pouch packaging
- Widely reported as cloth diaper safe
- Can pretreat stains without added ingredients
- Effective on workout and grease stains
- Hypoallergenic and non-irritating
- Dissolves quickly without buildup
- Small scoops needed per wash
- Economical concentrated formula
Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Cons
- Only available unscented
- Higher price per ounce than Molly Suds
- May need booster on tough stains
- Can’t select lighter scent like Molly Suds
Molly Suds Laundry Detergent Pros
- Lower price point per ounce
- Light essential oil scent options
- Enzyme-powered formula for stains
- Cold water version works well in cold cycles
- Launched hot water powder for warm/hot cycles
- Recyclable cardboard packaging
- Cruelty-free and EWG Verified brand
- Good for cloth diapers and baby clothes
- Small scoops needed per wash
- Dissolves fast without buildup
Molly Suds Laundry Detergent Cons
- Original powder only for cold water
- Fragrances may bother sensitive skin
- Not hypoallergenic like Branch Basics
- May need added booster on tough stains
- Not specifically made for baby skin
- Fewer reviews available than Branch Basics
Also Read: Comparison Between Coit And Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner.
As you can see, both options have excellent merits as green detergents. Choosing between them depends on your priorities.
Branch Basics is ideal if you want:
- A hypoallergenic formula safe for babies
- To use detergent in hot and cold cycles
- An unscented powder
Molly Suds is a better match if you prefer:
- Light essential oil scents
- The most affordable natural detergent
- An all-purpose cold water powder
- Cruelty-free and EWG-verified brand
Either brand offers effective plant-based cleaning power over conventional detergents. They dissolve well without residue or buildup. And a little bit of powder goes a long way for clean, fresh laundry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner’s are different brands. But they share some similarities:
Plant-based, biodegradable ingredients
Hypoallergenic, unscented formulas
Versatile for household cleaning
Commitment to sustainability
Available in liquid and powder formulas
The main difference is Dr. Bronner’s relies on liquid castile soap. Branch Basics offers powder detergent.
Traditional detergents with added sudsing agents produce the most suds. Plant-based options like Branch Basics and Molly Suds make less bubbles. But don’t let that fool you – they still get clothes clean!
Yes, customers consistently report Branch Basics works extremely well for laundry. The powder formula dissolves fast while lifting stains and odors. It’s effective in both cold and hot water. Many also safely use it on cloth diapers.
Yes, both the Molly Suds cold water and hot water powders are safe for High Efficiency (HE) washing machines. They dissolve fully without any sudsing issues or buildup.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to green laundry detergents, both Branch Basics and Molly Suds are excellent plant-based options. They offer stain-fighting power without harsh chemicals.
Choose Branch Basics for a versatile, hypoallergenic formula safe for all water temperatures and skin types. Opt for light scent options from Molly Suds to freshen clothes on a budget. Either brand makes an eco-friendly cleaning upgrade from conventional detergents.
Hopefully this comparison helps you select the best plant-based laundry detergent for your needs. Ditch the chemicals and make the switch to Branch Basics or Molly Suds today! Your clothes and the planet will thank you.