Does The Mysterious Laundry Cube Actually Clean Clothes? Here's What You Should Know

The laundry detergent market is flooded with options — from pods to liquids — many of which promise to remove stains and keep those dreadful odors off our clothes. With so many choices, picking the best laundry detergent can be difficult. Well, the decision got even more complicated after the laundry cube, officially known as Nellie's Laundry Cubed, entered the picture. But does it actually get clothes clean?

Nellie's Laundry Cubed is a newer product, and based on customer reviews so far, it does appear to be effective at cleaning clothes and removing stains. What's more, the laundry cubes are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) free and contain no liquid whatsoever. Instead of being a pod or liquid detergent, each laundry cube is a tightly packed, pre-measured, unscented powder made from a handful of simple ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, sodium carbonate, and sodium chloride, all of which are toxin- and phosphate-free. While powdered laundry soap is nothing new, delivering it in cube form creates a more concentrated product. By eliminating water, the formula focuses on the ingredients that have one job: getting your clothes clean and smelling fresh.

Nellie's Laundry Cubed currently sells for $10 for a 16-pack on Grove, or $9.50 if you subscribe to a recurring monthly order. It's also available on Nellies for $10 for the same size pack. Although you can order multiple packs, each box only contains 16 laundry cubes, enough for 16 loads, which come out to roughly $0.63 per load. If the minimalist packaging and planet-friendly product have you thinking about trying it, consider these pros and cons first.

According to available customer reviews, Nellie's Laundry Cubed is effective at cleaning clothes and even removing tough laundry stains. In fact, one customer on TikTok gave the product a full stamp of approval, saying they swapped out all their laundry products for Nellie's. For reference, the brand also offers Dish Cubed, the Wow Stick, Laundry Soda, and several other cleaning products. Nellie's products are made in Canada. For many shoppers, supporting businesses in specific regions, or even overseas, can be a deciding factor when choosing a product, so this might be something to consider if you're thinking of giving Nellie's a try.

Further, using the laundry cube is as simple as popping one into a regular-sized load before adding your garments. The cubes can also dissolve in both hot and cold water. Each cube contains ingredients like protease, sodium carbonate, and sodium metasilicate, which work together to break down tough stains. Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is tasked with tackling those unwanted odors. Just be sure not to overstuff the washer, as this can result in a less effective wash cycle.

What's nice about Nellie's is that the pre-measured cubes eliminate the need for pouring or measuring, helping to keep your laundry area clean and tidy. Plus, you can even use them for a gentle soak in the sink, perfect for rinsing chlorine-soaked swimsuits or delicate garments. Simply drop a Nellie's Laundry Cube into the sink and let it dissolve. They're also compact and travel-friendly, unlike bulky jugs of liquid detergent that take up space and add weight to your luggage.

Nellie's Laundry Cubed seems like a solid product in terms of getting your clothes clean with simple ingredients, but one downside is the price. At about $0.63 per load, it's nearly triple the cost of traditional detergent, like Tide Original, which runs around $0.21 per load based on a $13 64-load jug. Clearly, your dollar doesn't stretch as far with Nellie's. However, you're also paying for a cleaner, more eco-friendly product, which, as we know, often comes with a higher price tag. Another potential drawback is the scent, or lack thereof. Since there are no added fragrances (which, let's be honest, is a plus for sensitive skin), you won't get the fresh aroma left behind by products like Tide OXI or Gain. Not exactly a downside, but still something to consider.

Availability is also limited when it comes to ordering Nellie's cubes, as they're only available on Grove and the brand's website. While several of Nellie's products are sold on Amazon, the laundry cubes aren't there yet (though they could be soon). Shipping costs are also pretty high, with one customer calling out the nearly $20 fee, which essentially puts a pack of 16 cubes at just over $32 without tax. The good news is that the company does sometimes offer discounts to new customers and those who sign up for Nellie's rewards and referral program, which can help offset the steep cost a bit.