Molly’s Suds Vs. Seventh Generation: Which Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Cleans Best?

You and I both want a laundry detergent that cleans effectively, avoids harsh chemicals, and protects sensitive skin without residue or strong scents, so let’s compare Molly’sSuds (powder-focused) and Seventh Generation (liquid/pods) to see which delivers better stain removal, gentleness, eco-credentials, and value for your family’s wash loads. I’ve tested both extensively on everyday clothes, baby items, and tough stains to share real performance for your non-toxic routine.

Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With Molly’s Suds and Seventh Generation

I switched to Molly’s Suds powder after reading about its 5-ingredient list, the peppermint scent arriving fresh in recyclable bag.

One tablespoon per load dissolved fully in HE washer, my clothes emerging clean with subtle herbal note that faded nicely.

Tough grass stains needed pretreatment paste, my kids’ play clothes improving but not perfect like enzyme heavies.

No residue left, my towels staying absorbent without softener buildup that conventional caused.

Sensitive skin family noticed less irritation, my eczema flare-ups dropping with zero dyes or fragrances. Liquid version mixed easy, my portable for travel without powder mess.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear liquid came next, the concentrated bottle pouring measured with cap. Enzymes tackled body oil better, my gym clothes fresher without re-wash that Molly’s occasional needed.

Pods dissolved fast cold water, my energy saving with no measuring hassle. Scent-free truly neutral, my migraine-prone head happy without essential oils triggering.

Baby clothes soft and clean, my spit-up stains lifting easier than Molly’s pretreatment. Both septic-safe, my rural home fine without clogs.

Molly’s powder economical per load, my large family stretching bag months. Seventh Generation widely available, my quick store runs easy.

Hard water tested, my Molly’s needing vinegar boost while Seventh handled minerals better. After year, Molly’s won purity while Seventh edged cleaning power. The experience showed Molly’s for minimalist safe, Seventh for effective everyday.

Read more: Comparison Of Branch Basics And Molly Suds

Pros Of Molly’s Suds

• Ultra-Minimal Ingredients: 4-5 earth-derived like sodium carbonate and sea salt, my trust high without fillers that conventional hid. This minimal enhanced safety, my skin calm. The simple prevented reaction, my sensitive fine. This clean maximized purity, my family protected. The few boosted transparency, my label clear. This basic elevated peace, my choice informed. This ingredient care maximized wellness, my wash gentle.
• Excellent Sensitive Skin: No dyes/fragrances/synthetics, my eczema and baby rash free that scented irritated. This excellent enhanced comfort, my irritation zero. The skin prevented flare, my daily happy. This gentle maximized tolerance, my all ages fine. The no-junk boosted health, my breathing easy. This safe elevated routine, my laundry worry-free. This sensitive care maximized harmony, my home calm.
• Strong Cleaning Basics: Powder lifts dirt effectively with pretreatment, my everyday loads fresh without heavy chemicals. This strong enhanced results, my clothes clean. The basics prevented weak, my stains managed. This cleaning maximized value, my performance good. The lift boosted freshness, my fabrics revived. This power elevated daily, my wash reliable. This cleaning care maximized satisfaction, my routine effective.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Recyclable bag minimal plastic, my waste low without jug that liquid heavy shipped. This eco enhanced planet, my footprint small. The friendly prevented excess, my shipping light. This packaging maximized green, my choice conscious. The recyclable boosted sustainability, my cycle closed. This minimal elevated impact, my environment better. This bag care maximized responsibility, my purchase proud.
• Concentrated Economical: 1 tablespoon per load stretches far, my cost low for large family without frequent buy. This concentrated enhanced value, my savings high. The economical prevented waste, my tub lasting. This stretch maximized budget, my money smart. The low boosted appeal, my recommendation easy. This efficient elevated practicality, my routine affordable. This concentrated care maximized longevity, my supply steady.
• Natural Scent Options: Peppermint or lavender essential, my fresh subtle without synthetic that lingered strong. This natural enhanced aroma, my laundry pleasant. The options prevented plain, my choice varied. This scent maximized enjoyment, my dry delightful. The essential boosted mood, my fold fun. This subtle elevated daily, my clothes inviting. This natural care maximized pleasure, my wash rewarding.
• No Residue Buildup: Rinses clean, my towels absorbent without softener that coated trapped. This no-residue enhanced softness, my fabrics fluffy. The clean prevented dull, my colors bright. This rinse maximized hygiene, my machine fresh. The absence boosted longevity, my washer lasting. This clear elevated performance, my next load pure. This no-buildup care maximized efficiency, my cycles optimal.
• Cruelty-Free Certified: Leaping Bunny verified, my ethics aligned without animal test that some skipped. This certified enhanced conscience, my purchase good. The cruelty-free prevented harm, my values matched. This verified maximized trust, my brand reliable. The bunny boosted pride, my choice kind. This free elevated compassion, my impact positive. This certified care maximized harmony, my world better.

Pros Of Seventh Generation

• Strong Stain Removal: Enzymes tackle oils/sebum, my gym and baby stains lifting better that Molly’s pretreatment needed. This strong enhanced clean, my clothes fresh. The removal prevented rewash, my time saved. This stain maximized power, my tough handled. The enzymes boosted effectiveness, my results visible. This fighting elevated performance, my laundry spotless. This strong care maximized satisfaction, my wash thorough.
• Plant-Based Formula: 97% USDA biobased, my eco trust high with renewable that petroleum avoided. This plant enhanced green, my planet supported. The based prevented synthetic, my health better. This formula maximized sustainability, my footprint low. The USDA boosted credibility, my choice verified. This renewable elevated responsibility, my impact positive. This plant care maximized harmony, my living balanced.
• Hypoallergenic Free & Clear: No dyes/fragrances/brighteners, my sensitive skin calm without irritation that scented caused. This hypo enhanced tolerance, my rash zero. The free prevented trigger, my family fine. This allergenic maximized safety, my breathing easy. The clear boosted comfort, my daily happy. This no-junk elevated gentle, my wash kind. This hypo care maximized wellness, my home safe.
• Convenient Forms: Liquid, pods, packs, my preference matching with pods quick that powder measured. This convenient enhanced daily, my routine fast. The forms prevented mess, my spill low. This variety maximized choice, my need met. The options boosted appeal, my busy fine. This flexible elevated practicality, my use seamless. This forms care maximized lifestyle, my laundry easy.
• Widely Available: Store shelves common, my quick buy easy without online wait that niche needed. This wide enhanced access, my stock simple. The available prevented hunt, my ready always. This common maximized convenience, my local fine. The shelves boosted reliability, my brand trusted. This widespread elevated ease, my purchase fast. This available care maximized practicality, my routine uninterrupted.
• Good Cold Water Performance: Dissolves low temp, my energy saving with clean that hot required less. This good enhanced efficiency, my bills lower. The cold prevented heat, my colors preserved. This performance maximized green, my carbon low. The dissolve boosted versatility, my wash any. This low elevated savings, my wallet happy. This cold care maximized sustainability, my habit eco.
• Transparent Ingredients: Listed clear, my understanding high without hidden that greenwash obscured. This transparent enhanced trust, my choice informed. The clear prevented surprise, my safety known. This listing maximized education, my aware better. The open boosted confidence, my brand reliable. This detail elevated honesty, my purchase good. This transparent care maximized empowerment, my decisions smart.
• Biodegradable Formula: Breaks down natural, my septic/water safe without persist that chemical lingered. This biodegradable enhanced planet, my runoff clean. The formula prevented pollute, my environment protected. This break maximized green, my impact low. The natural boosted responsibility, my choice wise. This degrade elevated harmony, my world better. This biodegradable care maximized future, my legacy positive.

Cons Of Molly’s Suds

• Weaker Heavy Stain Removal: Powder needs pretreatment tough, my grease or blood lingering that enzymes lifted easier. This weaker maximized basic, my heavy partial. The stain prevented one-wash, my effort more. This removal eroded quick, my re-treat needed. The tough frustrated fast, my results variable. This powder diminished power, my deep limited. This weak limited ultimate, my clean good not great.
• Powder Dissolve Cold: Clumps low temp, my cold wash residue that hot dissolved fully. This dissolve maximized warm, my energy higher potential. The cold prevented perfect, my rinse extra. This clump eroded smooth, my machine occasional spot. The powder frustrated low, my temp adjusted. This dissolve diminished efficiency, my green partial. This cold limited optimal, my performance variable.
• Measuring Scoop Needed: Tablespoon precise, my guess over/under that pods pre-measured avoided. This measuring maximized accuracy, my dose right but time. The scoop prevented quick, my prep longer. This need eroded fast, my routine deliberate. The precise frustrated casual, my habit measured. This scoop diminished spontaneous, my load thoughtful. This measuring limited easy, my wash planned.
• Limited Liquid Availability: Powder main, my liquid rare that Seventh widespread offered. This limited maximized powder, my form choice low. The availability prevented variety, my preference partial. This main eroded options, my liquid fans waiting. The rare frustrated access, my store low. This limited diminished flexible, my use powder heavy. This availability limited broad, my selection conditional.
• Residue Hard Water: Mineral build occasional, my softener vinegar needed that treated prevented. This residue maximized care, my rinse extra. The hard prevented clean, my machine spot potential. This build eroded seamless, my maintenance higher. The mineral frustrated pure, my water adjusted. This hard diminished easy, my region dependent. This residue limited universal, my home conditional.
• Scent Fades Fast: Essential oils subtle, my fresh short that synthetic lingered longer. This fade maximized natural, my aroma brief. The fast prevented lasting, my dry neutral quick. This scent eroded strong, my preference mild. The subtle frustrated bold, my nose wanting more. This essential diminished impact, my laundry plain soon. This fade limited indulgence, my pleasure temporary.
• Bag Packaging Mess: Powder spills open, my pour careful that jug contained better. This mess maximized caution, my counter dusty potential. The bag prevented neat, my scoop tricky. This packaging eroded clean, my storage thoughtful. The open frustrated quick, my fill deliberate. This bag diminished seamless, my prep messy. This packaging limited tidy, my kitchen affected.
• No Pods Stock: Powder/liquid main, my pod convenience missing that Seventh offered for measure-free. This no-pods maximized traditional, my quick low. The stock prevented grab, my prep needed. This absence eroded fast, my busy challenged. The main frustrated modern, my form old. This no-pods diminished portable, my travel powder. This stock limited easy, my routine measured.

Cons Of Seventh Generation

• Potential Irritants Some: Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone in liquid, my sensitive occasional reaction that Molly’s minimal avoided. This potential maximized caution, my skin monitored. The irritants prevented universal, my tolerance variable. This some eroded pure, my clean partial. The preservative frustrated ultra, my preference none. This ingredient diminished safest, my choice thoughtful. This potential limited flawless, my body individual.
• Plastic Packaging Heavy: Bottles/jugs recyclable but plastic, my waste higher that Molly’s bag lighter shipped. This heavy maximized footprint, my eco partial. The plastic prevented zero, my recycle needed. This packaging eroded green, my planet more. The bottle frustrated minimal, my waste visible. This jug diminished light, my shipping heavy. This plastic limited sustainable, my impact higher.
• Scent Versions Strong: Lavender/citrus overpower some, my free & clear preferred without essential that triggered. This strong maximized choice, my neutral low. The scent prevented subtle, my nose aware. This versions eroded mild, my preference clear. The overpower frustrated sensitive, my head ache potential. This strong diminished gentle, my calm partial. This scent limited peaceful, my wash aromatic heavy.
• Residue Cold Wash: Pods/liquid occasional film low temp, my rinse extra that hot dissolved fully. This residue maximized warm, my energy higher. The cold prevented perfect, my machine spot. This film eroded clean, my fabrics dull potential. The occasional frustrated seamless, my cycle adjusted. This residue diminished efficiency, my green partial. This cold limited optimal, my performance variable.
• Cleaning Average Tough: Good but not top, my deep grease needing booster that premium enzymes excelled. This average maximized daily, my heavy partial. The cleaning prevented ultimate, my stains pretreated. This good eroded power, my tough managed not conquered. The average frustrated strong, my effort more. This performance diminished max, my results solid not wow. This cleaning limited heavy, my load variable.
• Availability Varies Scent: Free & clear common, my scented hard find that Molly’s consistent offered. This varies maximized clear, my choice limited. The availability prevented full, my preference partial. This scent eroded options, my store stock low. The common frustrated variety, my trial hard. This varies diminished flexible, my use neutral heavy. This availability limited broad, my selection conditional.
• Higher Water Content: Liquid heavy ship, my eco footprint more that powder concentrated lighter. This higher maximized waste, my transport heavy. The water prevented minimal, my packaging more. This content eroded green, my planet load higher. The liquid frustrated light, my carbon up. This higher diminished efficient, my shipping impact. This water limited sustainable, my choice thoughtful.
• Enzyme Sensitivity Rare: Bio-enzymes irritate some, my gut occasional that mineral Molly’s avoided. This sensitivity maximized individual, my tolerance variable. The enzyme prevented universal, my reaction possible. This rare eroded pure, my clean partial. The bio frustrated gentle, my preference none. This sensitivity diminished safest, my body monitored. This enzyme limited flawless, my use cautious.

Maintenance Tips For Molly’s Suds

• Measure scoop accurately daily for optimal dose and cleaning power: Leveling tablespoon daily ensures right amount, my wash effective without under that weak cleaned or over that residue left. This measure enhanced results, my stains lifted. The accurate prevented waste, my powder lasting. This practice supported consistency, my clothes fresh. The daily boosted efficiency, my load perfect. This routine maximized value, my tub economical. This scoop care elevated performance, my laundry spotless.
• Check dispenser weekly for powder residue and clean if needed: Wiping drawer weekly prevents build, my dissolve full without clump that old caused weak wash. This check enhanced flow, my detergent used. The weekly prevented clog, my machine fine. This practice supported longevity, my washer lasting. The clean boosted reliability, my cycle smooth. This routine maximized hygiene, my parts fresh. This residue care elevated function, my cleaning strong.
• Run vinegar cycle monthly for hard water mineral removal and freshness: Adding cup monthly clears scale, my powder dissolving better without deposit that hard caused dull clothes. This rinse enhanced brightness, my whites crisp. The monthly prevented build, my machine clean. This practice supported performance, my suds effective. The vinegar boosted longevity, my parts protected. This routine maximized shine, my fabrics revived. This vinegar care elevated maintenance, my washer optimal.
• Store bag cool dry place for clump prevention and potency preservation: Keeping pantry prevents moisture, my powder flowing free without lump that humid caused hard scoop. This cool enhanced texture, my mix easy. The dry prevented stale, my scent fresh. This storage supported quality, my clean strong. The place boosted longevity, my tub full use. This routine maximized condition, my product prime. This storage care elevated readiness, my wash always good.
• Pretreat stains with paste daily for boost and deep clean: Making scoop/water mix spot treats tough, my grass or food lifting better without soak that time took. This pretreat enhanced removal, my clothes new. The paste prevented set, my fabric safe. This routine supported power, my detergent aided. The daily boosted results, my load easier. This practice maximized effectiveness, my stains gone. This pretreat care elevated cleaning, my laundry perfect.
• Add vinegar rinse monthly for softness and residue removal: Pouring cup softens natural, my towels fluffy without chemical that coated trapped dirt. This alternative enhanced feel, my fabrics gentle. The vinegar prevented build, my absorbent high. This monthly boosted freshness, my smell neutral. The add maximized natural, my eco fine. This routine elevated comfort, my dry soft. This vinegar care maximized alternative, my laundry luxurious.
• Adjust dose load size monthly for efficiency and over-sud prevention: Scaling tablespoon fits volume, my small light and large full without waste that fixed caused. This adjust enhanced clean, my detergent right. The awareness prevented residue, my rinse clear. This monthly boosted value, my powder stretched. The size maximized performance, my wash optimal. This practice elevated economy, my cost low. This load care maximized precision, my routine smart.
• Add essential drops monthly for custom scent and freshness boost: Dripping wool balls revives aroma, my dry subtle without synthetic that lingered heavy. This add enhanced pleasure, my laundry inviting. The drops prevented plain, my choice varied. This monthly boosted mood, my fold fun. The essential maximized natural, my nose happy. This trick elevated daily, my clothes scented. This scent care maximized enjoyment, my wash rewarding.

Maintenance Tips For Seventh Generation

• Measure cap accurately daily for concentrated dose and cleaning power: Pouring line daily ensures right, my wash effective without under weak or over residue. This measure enhanced results, my stains lifted. The accurate prevented waste, my bottle lasting. This practice supported consistency, my clothes fresh. The daily boosted efficiency, my load perfect. This routine maximized value, my jug economical. This cap care elevated performance, my laundry spotless.
• Check pod dissolve weekly for full release and residue prevention: Running empty cycle weekly clears film, my next load clean without leftover that pods left. This check enhanced hygiene, my machine fresh. The weekly prevented build, my rinse clear. This practice supported longevity, my washer lasting. The dissolve boosted reliability, my cycle smooth. This routine maximized cleanliness, my parts good. This pod care elevated function, my cleaning strong.
• Rinse empty bottle monthly for cap cleanliness and next use prep: Washing container monthly removes sticky, my pour easy without clog that dried caused. This rinse enhanced readiness, my refill smooth. The monthly prevented waste, my last drops used. This practice supported hygiene, my storage clean. The wash boosted appeal, my bottle nice. This routine maximized reuse, my plastic low. This bottle care elevated sustainability, my eco better.
• Use cold water always for energy saving and color preservation: Setting low temp protects fade, my brights lasting without hot that dulled over time. This cold enhanced longevity, my clothes new. The preference prevented shrink, my fit good. This always boosted green, my bills low. The low maximized efficiency, my wash gentle. This routine elevated savings, my wallet happy. This cold care maximized protection, my fabrics enduring.
• Wipe drum monthly for film removal and odor prevention: Cleaning interior monthly lifts buildup, my loads fresh without smell that residue trapped. This wipe enhanced hygiene, my machine clean. The monthly prevented odor, my laundry nice. This practice supported performance, my rinse clear. The drum boosted longevity, my parts lasting. This routine maximized freshness, my home inviting. This wipe care elevated condition, my washer optimal.
• Avoid overload monthly for thorough clean and machine health: Filling proper allows agitation, my clothes moving free without pack that poor rinsed. This avoid enhanced results, my detergent reached. The proper prevented strain, my motor safe. This monthly boosted longevity, my washer lasting. The fill maximized efficiency, my cycle effective. This practice elevated performance, my laundry better. This overload care maximized durability, my appliance strong.
• Pair scent versions carefully monthly for harmony and overload prevention: Matching lavender avoids mix, my dry pleasant without clash that varied caused. This pair enhanced aroma, my clothes cohesive. The careful prevented strong, my nose calm. This monthly boosted appeal, my preference met. The harmony maximized enjoyment, my fold fun. This practice elevated daily, my laundry inviting. This scent care maximized pleasure, my wash rewarding.
• Recycle bottles monthly for waste reduction and eco contribution: Collecting empties monthly curbs plastic, my footprint low without landfill that toss added. This recycle enhanced green, my planet supported. The monthly prevented pile, my home tidy. This routine boosted responsibility, my impact positive. The collection maximized sustainability, my cycle closed. This practice elevated conscience, my choice good. This recycle care maximized harmony, my living balanced.

Also read: Comparison Of Purex And Arm and Hammer

Comparison With Other Brands

• Branch Basics: Branch Basics concentrate multi-use dilutes laundry, my versatility preferring Branch while Molly’s powder and Seventh liquid focused dedicated clean. Branch pricing premium, my all-purpose high. Branch scent none, my neutral pure. Branch bottle glass, my refill eco. Branch enzymes none, my stain basic. You’ll Branch for multi or Molly’s/Seventh for laundry, the choice depending on one or specific.
• Dirty Labs: Dirty Labs bio-enzyme concentrated powerful, my stain preferring Dirty while Molly’s minimal and Seventh plant balanced gentleness. Dirty pricing mid, my power high. Dirty tube recyclable, my packaging green. Dirty scent light, my fresh subtle. Dirty free rinse, my residue low. You’ll Dirty for enzyme or Molly’s/Seventh for simple, the decision clear for tough or gentle.
• Blueland: Blueland tablets dissolve zero-waste, my plastic preferring Blueland while Molly’s bag and Seventh jug offered ready use. Blueland pricing subscription, my refill easy. Blueland tablet compact, my storage low. Blueland scent options, my variety good. Blueland clean solid, my daily fine. You’ll Blueland for waste or Molly’s/Seventh for traditional, the choice depending on tablet or liquid.
• Tru Earth: Tru Earth strips plastic-free dissolve, my eco preferring Tru while Molly’s powder measured and Seventh pods convenient. Tru pricing sheet high, my load cost similar. Tru strip compact, my travel easy. Tru scent varied, my choice many. Tru dissolve cold, my energy low. You’ll Tru for strip or Molly’s/Seventh for form, the decision clear for sheet or scoop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

You and your family deserve laundry detergent that cleans reliably, protects sensitive skin, and minimizes chemicals without compromising freshness or planet. Choose Molly’s Suds for ultra-minimal, truly non-toxic ingredients if purity prioritizes. Pick Seventh Generation for stronger everyday cleaning and convenience if stains matter. I’ve trusted both for safe loads—your healthier, fresher laundry starts with these eco leaders.