Last updated: June 2025
This article was originally published in 2021 and fully updated in July 2025 to reflect Smol’s expanded range and performance updates.
It’s been four years since I first published my Smol review, and I’ve used their products consistently ever since. Back in 2021, Smol was best known for their eco-friendly laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets. Today, their range has expanded into a full collection of green cleaning products that rival leading brands – and I’ve tested them all.
So, are the Smol reviews still overwhelmingly positive in 2025? And do their eco-friendly laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets hold up as a sustainable alternative to traditional washing powder and bottled detergent?
With a busy household of six (including a baby, toddler, and a very furry dog), we put Smol laundry capsules, sprays, soaps and tablets to the test. Here’s how the full range performed in real life.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
What is Smol?
Smol is a British company that offers eco-friendly cleaning products via subscription service. Their mission is to reduce plastic consumption, eliminate single-use plastic, and make effective cleaning more accessible to everyone.
All Smol products are cruelty-free, made in the UK or EU, and arrive in minimalist packaging – often a cardboard box or refill pouch. You can pause, skip, or cancel deliveries any time. Your first Smol pack is usually free – just pay £1 for postage.
What’s New in 2025?
Since our original review, Smol has expanded its range considerably. The product line now includes:
- Smol laundry capsules (bio & non-bio)
- Smol dishwasher tablets
- Multi-purpose spray, bathroom cleaner, and glass cleaner
- Washing-up liquid with compostable packaging
- Fabric softener (also known as fabric conditioner)
- Refillable hand soap
- Brushes, cloths, trays, and accessories
They’ve also introduced new essential oils fragrances, upgraded their refill formats, and made their production even more planet friendly.
Smol Laundry Capsules Review
The Smol laundry capsules remain the brand’s hero product — and for good reason. I’ve tested both the bio and non-bio laundry capsules for months. They’ve handled everything from baby grows to football kits and bedding with tough stains.
- Non-bio: Great for sensitive skin and delicate fabrics
- Bio: Ideal for larger loads and activewear
- Laundry detergent: Highly concentrated and effective in cold washes
- Packaging: Comes in a compact, child-safe cardboard box
These eco friendly laundry capsules rival anything I’ve used from other brands – with less waste and more convenience.
Verdict: If you’re only trying one Smol product, this is it. A truly excellent product for any household.
Smol Stain Gel Review
The Smol stain gel is a newer addition to the range, designed to tackle tough stains without relying on harsh chemicals. We’ve used it across everything from baby vests and bibs to grass-stained trousers and tea towels.
- Food stains: Handles tomato sauce, baby food, and chocolate well
- Everyday grime: Great on mud, grass, and school uniform mess
Application: Spray directly onto the stain, leave for 5–10 minutes, then wash as usual
Packaging: Supplied in a recycled plastic bottle with refill options to cut down on waste
It’s an eco-friendly stain remover that performs surprisingly well — especially for fresh, everyday marks. While it may need a second go on older or dried-in stains, it’s an effective option for family use and supports a low-waste laundry routine.
Verdict: A smart addition to your Smol subscription if you’ve got kids, pets, or a messy household. Effective, easy to use, and kinder on your clothes — and the planet.
Smol Dishwasher Tablets Review
Smol dishwasher tablets have improved noticeably since 2021. They now dissolve completely, leave dishes sparkling, and work well in hard water.
- No plastic film or wrappers
- Made in recyclable boxes
- On par with leading brands like Finish and Ecover
- Gentle but powerful on glass, pots and plastics
I also used these dishwasher tabs in the same cycle as supermarket alternatives — and they came out ahead.
Verdict: A top-performing product and solid addition to any sustainable brands list.
Surface Sprays and Cleaning Products
Smol now offers refillable cleaning spray products including:
- Multi-purpose spray: Perfect for kitchen surfaces, highchairs and tables
- Bathroom spray: Effective on limescale and soap scum
- Glass spray: Streak-free finish with a light scent
Each bottle is reusable and made to last. Just add water and a refill tablet to make a full bottle. Great for cutting down on plastic waste.
Verdict: An eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden sprays. Ideal for daily use.
Fabric Conditioner (Fabric Softener)
Smol’s fabric conditioner is available in a lightly fragranced formula that uses essential oils. It makes clothes feel soft without leaving them coated or sticky.
We’ve used it for bed sheets, towels, and baby clothes — all came out feeling fresh and soft.
Verdict: A lovely add-on. Not essential, but worth it if you’re upgrading your whole routine.
Hand Soap & Washing-Up Liquid
Refillable Hand Soap
Smol’s hand soap comes as a concentrate you mix with water in a reusable bottle. It lathers well and doesn’t dry out your hands.
Washing-Up Liquid
Smol washing up liquid is a newer product and a big hit in our house. A little goes a long way, and it cuts through grease effectively. The compostable packaging helps reduce plastic consumption even further.
Verdict: Both are cost-effective, low-waste swaps that make sense.
How Much Does Smol Cost?
As of June 2025, here are the typical prices (subject to change):
| Product | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smol Laundry Capsules | £4.90 for 24 washes | First trial free |
| Smol Dishwasher Tablets | £4.80 for 30 tablets | Plastic-free packaging |
| Multi-Purpose Spray Refills | £6 for 3 tabs | Refillable bottles £3.50 each |
| Fabric Conditioner | £4.50 for 25 washes | Subscription available |
| Hand Soap Refill | £5 per pouch | Lasts up to 2 months |
| Washing-Up Liquid Refills | £6 for 2 pouches | Delivered in cardboard boxes |
Delivery is free on all subscription orders. The Smol subscription service is a bit cheaper than many eco friendly products, especially when you factor in flexibility and waste reduction.
Smol vs Other Brands
| Brand | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Smol | Plastic-free, UK-made, flexible deliveries | Not sold in shops |
| Ecover | Widely available, trusted | Plastic-heavy packaging |
| Method | Stylish and effective | Not always environmentally friendly |
| OceanSaver | Low cost, refill tablets | Lacks laundry and dishwasher tablets options |
Smol offers the most complete sustainable alternative for busy households.
Are they environmentally friendly?
As consumers, we need to be more aware of the impact we’re having on the environment, and be more conscious about the products we choose.
To be honest, the main reason I made the switch to Smol was because they champion sustainability.
Smol’s products are designed to minimise environmental impact without sacrificing performance. By switching to Smol, households across the UK are helping reduce plastic waste, cut harmful chemicals from our waterways, and lower carbon emissions.
Every month, the Smol community prevents the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of water bottles’ worth of plastic from entering the waste stream. Their formulas are free from unnecessary harsh chemicals, helping protect aquatic ecosystems. And by cutting out unnecessary transport and heavy packaging, they reduce emissions by the equivalent of hundreds of return flights from Paris to New York.
The message is simple: when enough of us make small, sustainable changes, the collective impact is huge. Smol proves that even small swaps in our cleaning routine can make a big difference for the planet.
What We Love About Smol
- Effective and easy-to-use laundry detergent, tablets, and sprays
- Excellent eco friendly packaging made from responsibly managed forests
- Flexible delivery dates
- Great performance on tough stains and larger loads
- Transparent, ethical and cruelty free as a company
What Could Be Improved
- Surface sprays may struggle with stubborn oven grime
- A scent-free option would suit sensitive noses
- More bundle options could help larger families
Final Verdict – Is Smol Worth It?
Yes – Smol products continue to deliver in 2025. Their eco friendly laundry capsules, dishwasher tablets, and other cleaners are effective, affordable, and genuinely reduce plastic waste.
If you’re looking for a sustainable brand that actually works in the real world, Smol makes sense.
Where to Buy Smol + Free Trial
Smol is a direct-to-consumer brand, so you can only order from their website.
Try Smol Free
Get your first trial pack for just £1 delivery. No commitment, cancel anytime.
Try Smol Laundry Tablets for free
Try Smol Dishwasher Tablets for free
Frequently asked questions
Are Smol reviews still positive in 2025?
Yes – thousands of families rate them highly for convenience, performance and environmental impact. You can read their reviews on TrustPilot, which rate them at 4.6 out of 5 from 5,810 reviews at the time of writing.
Is Smol environmentally friendly?
Definitely. They use refillable, plastic-free packaging, are cruelty free, and support a low-waste, carbon-conscious supply chain.
Can I cancel my subscription service?
Yes – it’s easy to pause, change or cancel your subscription from your account.
Do Smol laundry pods work as well as washing powder?
Yes. They clean clothes just as well as traditional washing powder, with less mess and waste.
Do the dishwasher tablets work in hard water?
Yes. We tested them in a hard water area and had excellent results.
What’s the difference between laundry tablets and capsules?
Smol’s laundry capsules are pre-measured pods; simpler and more efficient than loose laundry tablets.
Tried Smol already? Want to compare experiences or ask a question?
Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram @the_breaking_dad – I’d love to hear from you.
