Tirtyl Review: Does It Really Work?

Tirtyl Review: Everything you need to know

Inspired by one of my favourite sustainability quotes “You may not be able to save the world. But you could be one less person harming it.“, I have been on a mission to find products to help me reduce my plastic waste but in a totally convenient way. As a busy mum, I don’t always have time to visit refill stations or bulk food stores so finding products that can be delivered to my door waste free is like striking gold.

On the surface, Tirtyl meets those needs. Minimal waste – tick. Delivered to my door – tick. Affordable – tick. But are they really sustainable and do their products actually work? 

In this review, I explore if Tirtyl is really a sustainable brand and give my honest opinion of my experience with their foaming hand wash tablets, laundry detergent strips and dishwasher tablets.

(I haven’t tried the other Tirtyl products. I’m quite happy with Zero Co for a waste free body wash and multi-purpose cleaner.)

I’ll cover:

• Everything you need to know about Tirtyl.
• My experience with Tirtyl.

Firstly an introduction – what is Tirtyl?

Tirtyl was launched in 2020 by two Australian mates, May Bandi and Lachlan Hill. Their flagship product was a “just add water” soap tablet that eliminated the need for plastic containers to distribute foaming hand soap. SInce then they have expanded and now supply Australia and the United States with low waste laundry detergent strips, universal cleaner, dishwasher tablets and foaming body wash.

See more about Tirtyl’s mission in this video.

Everything you need to know about Tirtyl

Where is Tirtyl made?

The foaming body wash tablets, universal cleaner tablets and tablet wrappers are made in Australia. Tirtyl’s other products are made in China and France.

Is Tirtyl ethically manufactured?

Yes. Tirtyl products are manufactured ethically in Australia, China and France. Tirtyl oversees the manufacturing in Australia. Working conditions in China and France are independently audited by a third party.

In China, Tirtyl pay 50% above the market rate.

Psssst! If you're considering Tirtyl, you may also be interested in shampoo bars too.

Does Tirtyl use palm oil?

Currently, no.

Is Tirtyl vegan?

Yes. All Tirtyl products can be considered vegan.

Is Tirtyl a sustainable business?

Short answer – yes.

I am satisfied that Tirtyl is a sustainable business and I am happy to purchase from them. I consider Tirtyl to be sustainable for the following reasons:

• Ethical manufacturing assured by third party audits
• Single use plastic can be avoided by switching to their products
• For every tablet sold, the equivalent of one plastic bottle is pulled from the ocean. This is done in partnership with Plastic Bank. More info here.
• Carbon offsetting of the whole supply chain

How do you refill Tirtyl?

For hand wash, fill the dispenser with warm (not hot) water, allowing space for the dispensing lid to sit inside. Drop in one tablet and leave to dissolve for about half an hour. There is no need to shake it to dissolve. Replace the pump and you’re all set.

Tip: Do not replace the pump lid until the tablet has dissolved. The effervescing tablet will create a high pressure in the container if there is no way for the gas bubbles to escape.

My Experience With Tirtyl

Tirtyl Foaming Hand Wash Review

Tirtyl was the second foaming hand wash I tried. I was a little underwhelmed with the first one. I opted for the multi-fragrance Tirtyl pack because they all sounded pleasant and I wanted to see which I liked best.

My first impression was that I loved how compact the product is. It is easy to store 12 bottles worth of hand wash in the bathroom cupboard without them taking up any room at all. 

The tablets come packaged in home compostable wrappers in a cardboard box.

I did not purchase the dispensers because I preferred to reuse ones I already had.

The tablet dissolved quite easily. It was dissolved after half an hour with no shaking necessary.

Unlike another hand wash tablet I’ve tried, Tirtyl foaming hand wash tablets stays in solution and does not settle or separate. Our household of four uses approximately one bottle per month, but in our less frequently used bathroom, the hand wash has stayed stable for at least three months.

I really like the Coconut and Vanilla fragrance. I am not a fan of the other fragrances though. To me, the Tangerine/Rose and Lavender/Aloe tablets smelled too old fashioned and overpoweringly floral while the Lemon/Makrut smells like dishwashing liquid. Of course this is just personal preference and the variety pack is a good way to try them all. I could tolerate all but the Tangerine/Rose.

Tirtyl Laundry Detergent Strips Review

Tirtyl laundry strips are the first I have ever used. Unlike the hand wash tablets which turn into a familiar product by just adding water, I was curious to see how a small strip could wash a load of laundry compared to the usual powder I use.

Tirtyl laundry detergent strips come in a pack of 30 sheets. Each has a perforation down the middle so that you can tear in half to use for a half load of washing. 

Now obviously I wanted the detergent strips to work. My partner’s reaction however when he saw the strips was skeptical and he was annoyed at the idea they wouldn’t work and we’d have to rewash everything. 

What he didn’t know was that I’d already used Tirtyl laundry strips on three loads of washing across the week and he’d been perfectly happy with how they’d turned out.

I use the unscented sheets and the clothes come out smelling perfectly clean. I haven’t tried the Spring Garden fragrance.

Occasionally I have noticed that the washing comes out with snot-like blobs on it. I have realised that this happens only when the washing machine is set to a delayed start and concluded that the strip absorbs moisture during the delay and then doesn’t dissolve properly. Since this realisation, I use powder for delayed starts and have never again seen the congealed blobs.

Tirtyl Dishwasher Tablets Review

I don’t have a lot to say about the dishwasher tablets. Unlike the hand wash tablets and laundry detergent sheets which are non-traditional, the dishwasher tablets are just like any other dishwasher tablet. 

Of course they have the benefit of being produced by a sustainable company but the product itself is not unique.

It works though. And I happily use the Tirtyl dishwashing tablets. The dishes come out clean and without streaks. So really what more could you ask for?

Verdict – I highly recommend Tirtyl

Have you tried any of Tirtyl’s other products like the body wash or universal cleaner? Let me know that you thought of them in the comments.

More articles on plastic free swaps:

• 6 Eco Friendly Dishwasher Tablets
• Zero Co Review – My Take On Every Product
• 13 Australian Shampoo Bars For Eco Friendly Hair Care
• 12 Best Reusable Produce Bags For Fruit And Vegetables