Eco-friendly laundry balls and soap nuts have been put to the test - and the results are hardly better than using plain tap water.
Consumer New Zealand has revealed the dirty truth about the alternative washing solutions, testing four laundry balls and one soap nut brand against everyday stains such as grime, grass, make-up and baby food.
But people would be better off using water, Consumer NZ head of testing Paul Smith said.
"You achieve similar results to laundry balls or soap nuts but it won't cost you a cent," he said.
Laundry balls are made of plastic or rubber and usually contain mineral pellets, while soap nuts are made of tree nut shells which are put inside a bag to wash with your clothes.