Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents (That Actually Work & Smell Great)
Looking for a non-toxic laundry detergent that actually works? We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of eco-friendly brands that are safe, effective, and free from harsh chemicals including laundry detergent powders, liquids and pods.
If you have a family, you already know the truth: the laundry never ends. Gym clothes, muddy kids, food stains, mystery smells — it all piles up fast.
Many conventional detergents rely on harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that aren’t ideal for your health or the environment — especially for babies and sensitive skin.
The good news? Today’s non-toxic laundry detergents clean just as well as conventional options — without the toxic ingredients.
After testing dozens of options, I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic laundry detergents that actually work.
Quick picks: Truly Free (best overall), Rosey (best budget), and Molly’s Suds (best for sensitive skin).
Below, you’ll find the top eco-friendly laundry detergent brands, how pods compare to liquids, and what to look for in a safe, effective detergent.
At Mindful Momma we only endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and honestly love. We may receive commissions from affiliate links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents (Top Picks by Type)
Do Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Actually Work?
Short answer: yes — the best eco-friendly and non-toxic laundry detergents do work.
Early “green” formulas often struggled with stains and odors, which led to the idea that they don’t clean well. But today’s non-toxic laundry detergents have improved significantly and can perform just as well as conventional brands for everyday laundry.
What “Working” Means for Laundry Detergent
A good eco-friendly detergent should:
- Remove everyday dirt and stains
- Eliminate odors (including sweat)
- Rinse clean without residue
- Work in cold or warm water
The best non-toxic detergents can handle all of the above for typical household laundry.
Real-Life Performance
In my testing, most eco-friendly laundry detergents work well for:
- Everyday family laundry
- Kids’ clothes and light stains
- Normal odors
- Cold-water washing
They may need extra help for heavy grease, set-in stains, or strong odors.
When to Boost Performance
For tougher loads, you’ll get better results if you:
- Pre-treat stains
- Use warm water when needed
- Measure detergent carefully
Pairing a non-toxic detergent with a stain remover is often the most effective approach.
Bottom Line
Eco-friendly laundry detergents absolutely work for everyday use — especially when you choose the right formula and use it properly. Below are the best non-toxic laundry detergents based on real-life testing.
Laundry Detergent Brand Comparisons
Trying to decide between a few popular options? Here’s a quick look at how some of the top non-toxic laundry detergents compare.
Truly Free vs Blueland
- Choose Truly Free if you want a liquid detergent with strong odor control and a refillable system
- Choose Blueland if your top priority is a completely plastic-free, tablet-based option
👉 Bottom line: Truly Free performs better for everyday laundry, while Blueland wins on sustainability.
Truly Free vs Molly’s Suds
- Choose Truly Free for convenience, odor control, and a traditional liquid format
- Choose Molly’s Suds if you prefer a minimal ingredient list and powder detergent
👉 Bottom line: Truly Free is easier for everyday use, while Molly’s Suds is ideal for ingredient-conscious households.
Rosey vs Blueland
- Choose Rosey if you want a budget-friendly non-toxic detergent with multiple formats
- Choose Blueland if you’re focused on reducing plastic with a tablet-based system
👉 Bottom line: Rosey is more affordable, while Blueland is more eco-friendly in packaging.
Dropps vs Blueland
- Choose Dropps if you want strong stain removal and the convenience of pre-measured laundry pods
- Choose Blueland if your priority is a completely plastic-free detergent in tablet form
👉 Bottom line: Dropps performs better on tough stains and odors, while Blueland is the better choice for reducing plastic and waste.
My Favorite Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents (Full Reviews)
Eco-friendly laundry detergents have come a long way — and you no longer have to choose between clean clothes and safer ingredients. Below are my in-depth reviews of the best non-toxic laundry detergents, including what I love, what to watch out for, and who each one is best for.
Best Overall Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Truly Free Laundry Wash
A top-rated non-toxic laundry detergent that works well for everyday family laundry, odors, and sensitive skin.
Truly Free earns the top spot because it strikes the best balance between cleaning power, ingredient safety, and sustainability. It consistently performs well on everyday laundry while avoiding the harsh chemicals found in conventional detergents.
Best for: Families, everyday laundry, odor control, and low-waste households
Why It Works
- Removes everyday stains and odors with a plant-based formula
- Works well on typical family laundry, including activewear and kids’ clothes
- Available in scented and unscented (great for sensitive skin)
- Refillable system reduces plastic waste and reuses the same bottle
Things to Consider
- Only available online
- The ordering system takes a minute to get used to
Quick Comparison
Compared to Blueland tablets, Truly Free offers stronger odor control and a more traditional liquid format, which many people find easier to use.
EWG rating: B
Format: Liquid
Tip: Truly Free offers 30% off your first order with code MINDFULMOMMA30.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent for Tough Stains
DROPPS Laundry Pods
A powerful non-toxic laundry detergent in pod form that works especially well on tough stains and odors.
Dropps stands out for its strong stain-fighting performance combined with a convenient, low-waste pod format. It performs better than many eco-friendly detergents on tougher messes like sweat, food stains, and activewear.
Best for: Tough stains, activewear, odor removal, and convenient pre-measured pods
Why It Works
- Removes tough stains and odors with a concentrated plant-based formula
- Performs well on activewear, sweat, and heavily soiled laundry
- Available in targeted formulas (Odor + Stain, Activewear, Sensitive Skin)
- Packaged in a cardboard box to reduce plastic waste
Things to Consider
- Uses PVA film, which raises biodegradability concerns for some
- Only available online (also sold on Amazon)
Quick Comparison
Compared to Truly Free, Dropps offers stronger stain removal, while Truly Free is better for everyday laundry and a traditional liquid format.
EWG rating: A (unscented), B (scented)
Format: Pods
Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Rosey laundry detergent
A budget-friendly non-toxic laundry detergent that delivers solid cleaning performance at a lower cost per load.
Rosey is one of the most affordable eco-friendly detergents available, making it a great option if you want to switch to non-toxic laundry without spending more.
Best for: Budget-conscious households and everyday laundry
Why It Works
- Uses a simple, eco-friendly ingredient list
- Enzymes help break down everyday stains
- One of the lowest cost-per-load options in this category
- Available in multiple scent options and unscented
Things to Consider
- Requires a Thrive Market membership
- Packaging size is relatively small
Quick Comparison
Compared to Truly Free, Rosey is more affordable, while Truly Free offers a refillable system and slightly stronger overall performance.
EWG rating: A
Format: Powder, liquid, or packs
Get 30% off + a FREE gift with your first Thrive Market order when you use my link.
Best Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Tablets
blueland Laundry detergent tablets
A plastic-free non-toxic laundry detergent that eliminates liquid bottles and pod-based plastic films.
Blueland is a standout if reducing plastic waste is your top priority. It delivers solid everyday cleaning performance in a tablet format without using PVA film.
Best for: Plastic-free households, low-waste routines, and simple storage
Why It Works
- Completely plastic-free format (no liquid bottles or pods)
- Effectively removes common stains like food, grass, and makeup
- No PVA film used
- Comes with a reusable storage tin
Things to Consider
- Tablets may not fully dissolve in some cold-water washes
- Slight learning curve compared to liquid detergents
Quick Comparison
Compared to Truly Free, Blueland is more eco-friendly in packaging, while Truly Free offers more consistent dissolving and odor control.
EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED®
Format: Tablet
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Powder
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
A simple, non-toxic laundry detergent powder with a minimal ingredient list and reliable everyday performance.
Molly’s Suds is ideal if you want a back-to-basics powder detergent without unnecessary additives. It’s especially appealing for ingredient-conscious households.
Best for: Minimal ingredients, sensitive skin, and powder detergent users
Why It Works
- Made with a short list of earth-derived ingredients
- Effectively cleans everyday laundry and light stains
- Available scented with essential oils or unscented
- Trusted small brand with a strong safety focus
Things to Consider
- Not as widely available as major brands
- Can cost more than conventional detergents
Quick Comparison
Compared to Truly Free, Molly’s Suds offers a simpler ingredient list, while Truly Free performs better on odors and convenience.
EWG rating: A
Format: Powder (also available in liquid, pods, and sheets)
Take 10% off your first order with code MINDFULMOMMA at checkout.
Best Refillable Laundry Detergent
Attitude laundry detergent
A refillable non-toxic laundry detergent that reduces plastic waste while remaining gentle and effective.
ATTITUDE is a strong choice if you want a low-waste, refillable system with a gentle formula that works well for sensitive skin.
Best for: Refillable systems, low-waste homes, and sensitive skin.
Why It Works
- Plant-based, biodegradable formula
- Works well in cold water and everyday laundry
- Refillable aluminum bottle reduces single-use plastic
- Certified by ECOLOGO, PETA, and EWG
Things to Consider
- Refill packaging can be slightly messy
- Ships from Canada (but available on Amazon)
Quick Comparison
Compared to Blueland, ATTITUDE offers a liquid refill system, while Blueland is completely plastic-free with tablets.
EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
Format: Liquid
Get 15% off with code MINDFULMOMMA15 when you order direct.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent for Families
healthybaby laundry detergent
A premium non-toxic laundry detergent designed for babies and families with sensitive skin.
HealthyBaby is a great option if you want one detergent that’s safe enough for babies but effective for the whole family.
Best for: Babies, sensitive skin, and fragrance-free households
Why It Works
- MADE SAFE® certified with plant- and mineral-based ingredients
- Free from fragrance, sulfates, parabens, and common irritants
- Gentle enough for eczema-prone skin
- Concentrated formula with refill options to reduce waste
Things to Consider
- Only available online
- More expensive than most detergents
Quick Comparison
Compared to Molly’s Suds, HealthyBaby offers more certifications and a liquid format, while Molly’s Suds is more affordable and simpler.
EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
Format: Liquid
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent for Cold Water
Biokleen cold water laundry liquid
A non-toxic laundry detergent designed to clean effectively in cold water while remaining gentle and fragrance-free.
Biokleen is a great choice if you prefer washing in cold water to save energy. It handles everyday laundry well without needing warm or hot cycles.
Best for: Cold-water washing, sensitive skin, and energy-saving routines
Why It Works
- Formulated to clean effectively in cold-water cycles
- Removes everyday dirt, light stains, and odors
- Rinses clean without heavy residue
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
Things to Consider
- Not refillable
- May need pre-treatment for grease or set-in stains
Quick Comparison
Compared to Dropps, Biokleen is better for cold-water performance and sensitive skin, while Dropps is stronger on tough stains.
EWG rating: A
Format: Liquid
Get my TOP Non-Toxic Laundry Products in Every Category
More Popular Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Here are a few more good laundry detergents to choose from. They aren’t the ones I grab for first, but they might be a good fit for you.
- Meliora Laundry Powder offers an ultra-concentrated, people- and planet-friendly laundry detergent that delivers powerful cleaning in a truly plastic-free formula and packaging.
- Seventh Generation EasyDose Free & Clear is an ultra-concentrated, easy-to-dose laundry detergent that delivers a powerful clean without dyes or synthetic fragrances, making it gentle on sensitive skin.
- AspenClean Natural Laundry Detergent is an EWG-verified, plant-based formula that delivers a powerful clean while staying non-toxic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
- Root & Splendor Concentrated Laundry Detergent is a 100% plant-based, ultra-concentrated laundry detergent that you can choose with essential oil–based fragrances or in an EWG-Verified Free & Clear option for sensitive skin.
- Branch Basics is a good choice if you want one non-toxic product that can handle laundry and most household cleaning tasks. It’s fragrance-free, thoughtfully formulated, and especially appealing if minimizing products and simplifying your cleaning routine matters to you.
Looking for more non-toxic cleaning brands? I’ve got you covered!
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents for Babies & Sensitive Skin
Doing laundry for babies or anyone with sensitive skin means choosing detergents that are gentle, non-toxic, and free from harsh chemicals. The right eco-friendly options keep clothes clean while protecting delicate skin and the environment.
What to Look for in a Baby-Safe Laundry Detergent
Choosing the right laundry detergent for baby clothes — or for sensitive, eczema‑prone skin — means prioritizinggentleness and simplicity. Here are key features to look for in a detergent formulated for sensitive skin:
- No fragrance or essential oils — Fragrances and many essential oils are among the most common irritants for sensitive skin, even at low concentrations.
- No enzymes or optical brighteners — These additives can leave residues that irritate delicate skin and are unnecessary for everyday baby laundry.
- Minimal, plant‑based ingredients — Shorter, plant‑derived ingredient lists generally signal fewer potential allergens and environmental toxins.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents for Babies
Careful! Not all laundry detergents marketed toward babies are actually safe. In fact, Dreft Newborn Baby Laundry Liquid rates a D on the EWG’s cleaning database due to artificial fragrance and a slew of other questionable ingredients.
Here are some truly safe options:
- HealthyBaby Laundry Detergent is an EWG‑verified, highly concentrated baby laundry refill made from plant, mineral, and water‑based ingredients that’s gentle on sensitive skin yet tough on dirt and designed to reduce waste with recyclable, non‑plastic packaging.
- ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent is a plant‑ and mineral‑based, EWG‑verified baby laundry detergent that gently cleans clothes in both standard and HE machines while being hypoallergenic, vegan, and formulated without harsh chemicals.
- Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder – Excellent minimal‑ingredient powder with a strong eco profile.
Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin & Eczema
If your skin is sensitive or prone to eczema, baby detergents can help, but adults often need something a little gentler and dermatologist‑tested.
Key features to prioritize:
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist‑tested — reassurance that the formula is less likely to trigger reactions.
- Fragrance & dye‑free — avoids common skin allergens.
- Biodegradable, plant‑based ingredients — better for sensitive skin and the environment.
Top picks for sensitive skin:
- Attitude Laundry Liquid Unscented — plant‑based, fragrance‑free gentle choice for sensitive skin.
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear — available in liquid, powder, or packs — highly rated for sensitive and eczema‑prone skin.
Popular “Eco” Laundry Detergents I Skip (and Why)
You might notice that I’ve left a few very popular “eco” laundry detergent brands off this list — including Mrs. Meyer’s and Method.
While these brands are often marketed as greener options, they rely heavily on strong fragrances, which can be irritating for babies and sensitive skin. They also don’t score as well as other options in the EWG database compared to the detergents I recommend above.
I’ve also left soap nuts off this list. I know they’re appealing from a low-waste standpoint, and I’ve personally tested them, but in real-life family laundry they didn’t clean as effectively as other non-toxic detergents. I also found them messy and inconvenient to use, especially with frequent loads.
For families dealing with muddy clothes, food stains, and everyday odors, I’ve found the detergents recommended in this guide to be more reliable — without relying on harsh chemicals or overpowering scents.
Worried about stinky laundry? I’ve got some non toxic laundry scent boosters for you!
Pros & Cons of Laundry Pods, Powder, Liquid & Sheets
If you’ve shopped for laundry detergent recently, you’ve probably noticed there are more formats than ever — liquids, powders, pods, tablets, and even laundry sheets. Each has pros and cons, and the “best” choice often depends on how you wash, what you’re washing, and what matters most to your family.
Liquid laundry detergent
Liquid detergents tend to dissolve easily, even in cold water, which makes them a reliable choice for everyday family laundry. They’re widely available and work well on odors and light-to-moderate stains. The main downside is that it’s easy to over-pour and use more than you actually need. Best for grease stains and pre-treating when you use cold water.
Laundry detergent powder
Powder detergents are often the most budget-friendly option and work especially well on ground-in dirt and mud. They’re commonly sold in large, low-waste boxes that avoid plastic packaging. The tradeoff is that some powders may not dissolve as completely in cold water if you use too much. Best for removing dirt when you use hot water.
Laundry pods or tablets
Pods and tablets are pre-measured, which takes the guesswork out of dosing and helps prevent overuse. They’re convenient and mess-free, but typically cost more per load. Pods and tablets should always be placed directly in the drum of the washer — not the detergent dispenser — to dissolve properly. Best for convenience overall.
Laundry strips or laundry sheets
Laundry sheets are popular for their slim, plastic-free packaging, but I haven’t found any that meet my criteria for both ingredient safety and performance. I’ll update this guide if that changes. Best for eco-conscious cleaning.
A note on pods, strips, and sheets:
Most laundry pods, strips, and sheets are made with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a synthetic plastic polymer that dissolves in water. While PVA is often marketed as eco-friendly because it’s water-soluble, research suggests it doesn’t fully break down in real-world conditions and can persist in waterways and soil. Because of this, I personally prefer laundry liquids, powders, or plastic-free tablets that don’t rely on dissolvable plastic films.
Don’t forget the stain removers – find out how 6 eco-friendly stain removers performed in my test!
Are Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents More Expensive?
Eco-friendly laundry detergents can cost a bit more than conventional brands, but the price difference isn’t always as big as you might expect — especially when you look at cost per load instead of the price on the bottle.
In general, eco-friendly detergents tend to range from about $0.10 to $0.50 per load for a standard HE load, depending on the format and brand. Powder detergents are usually the most affordable option, while pods and tablets are typically the most expensive due to their convenience and pre-measured dosing.
Liquid detergents often fall somewhere in the middle, and highly concentrated formulas can stretch further than you’d expect if you follow the recommended amount. Pods can still be a good choice if ease and consistency matter to you — just expect to pay a little more per load.
The key takeaway: the “best” value isn’t always the cheapest detergent upfront, but the one that cleans effectively, works for your family’s needs, and fits your budget over time.
Ingredients to Avoid in Laundry Detergent (Even “Green” Ones)
Even detergents labeled “natural” or “eco-friendly” can contain ingredients that aren’t ideal for babies, sensitive skin, or the environment. You don’t need to decode every label — just watch for these common red flags:
- Fragrance (synthetic): Can irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin, especially for babies. Even essential oils bother some people. Unscented is usually the safest choice.
- Optical brighteners: Make clothes look whiter without actually cleaning them and can remain on fabric after washing.
- Enzymes (for sensitive skin): Helpful for stains, but they can trigger irritation for some people, particularly infants.
- Harsh surfactants (including sulfates): Can strip skin and are tough on waterways.
- Unclear preservatives or fillers: Long ingredient lists with vague or unnecessary additives are worth a closer look.
For a deeper breakdown of what these ingredients do and why they’re used, see my full guide: Toxins in Laundry Detergent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do eco-friendly laundry detergents actually clean as well as regular detergents?
Yes — the best eco-friendly and non-toxic laundry detergents clean just as well as conventional brands for everyday laundry. Instead of harsh chemicals, they use plant-based surfactants, enzymes, and oxygen boosters. Performance varies by brand, which is why choosing a well-tested detergent matters.
What’s the best laundry detergent for babies and sensitive skin?
The best non-toxic laundry detergents for babies and sensitive skin are fragrance-free and made without harsh surfactants, dyes, or optical brighteners. Look for EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE® certified products, and avoid scented formulas if irritation is a concern.
Are laundry pods safe and eco-friendly?
Laundry pods can be safe and effective, but not all are equally eco-friendly. Many pods use a dissolvable PVA film, which has raised concerns about full biodegradability. That said, some non-toxic laundry pods use safer ingredients and perform very well on stains and odors. If reducing plastic and microplastics is a priority, you may prefer powders or tablets instead.
Are eco-friendly laundry detergents more expensive?
Not always. Many eco-friendly laundry detergents cost about the same per load as conventional brands. Powders are usually the most affordable, while pods and tablets cost more for convenience. Concentrated formulas can help lower cost per load.
Should families avoid fragrance in laundry detergent?
For many families, yes. Synthetic fragrance is a common trigger for skin irritation and sensitivity, especially for babies and eczema-prone skin. Fragrance-free non-toxic laundry detergents are usually the safest option and still clean effectively. However, if you enjoy a light, essential oil based scent, it can be just fine for many families.
What is the safest laundry detergent to use?
The safest laundry detergents are non-toxic, fragrance-free, and made with simple, plant-based ingredients. Look for third-party certifications like EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE®, and avoid synthetic fragrance, dyes, and harsh surfactants.
What is the best non-toxic laundry detergent?
The best non-toxic laundry detergent depends on your needs. For most households, a top-performing option like Truly Free works well for everyday laundry, while others may prefer pods, powders, or budget-friendly brands like Rosey
Do non-toxic laundry detergents work in cold water?
Yes — many non-toxic laundry detergents are designed to work in cold water and still remove everyday dirt and odors. For heavy stains, using warm water or pre-treating can improve results.
What is your favorite non toxic laundry detergent? Let us know in the comments!
I personally loved Country Save, especially since it was in a purely cardboard container without the plastic liner like Biokleen does. Unfortunately, they stopped selling it at Sprouts here in San Diego, the only retailer who used to stock it. Now I have to decide if buying it on Amazon makes sense or not. Sprouts also said they could order me a 4-box package (would probably last me over a year).
I’ve never heard of Country Save – hope you can find it again! And yes, I forgot about the plastic bag with Biokleen powder – I guess it’s not totally plastic-free after all!
I use Country Save also and love it. You can still get it from azurestandard.com. It is like an online co-op. You can get it in small boxes up to a large 40lb paper bag. Check to see if they have a drop off location near you. I used to get it online from natural retailers, but they all quit selling it. Here in the midwest it is not very common at all.
I’ve been using Molly’s Suds unscented for a couple of months and so far I love it. I bought it on Amazon but am looking for a local place to buy it. I recycle the bag it comes in with my grocery plastic bags. It uses 1 Tbs of the powder per load, I have a front loader and I put it in the dispenser and have not had any problems. My clothes are really clean! For scent I put a couple of drops of essential oil on my wool dryer balls and that does the trick.
Glad to hear that Molly’s Suds has been working well for you! I add essential oil to my wool dryer balls too! It leaves a nice subtle scent – I usually use lavender.
Please make sure dryer balls are from a humane family farm! Thanks for sharing your experience:)
Have you tried soap nuts/berries? Thinking about trying those.
I did try soap nuts years ago. I think they work fine but I just couldn’t get into the groove of using them regularly. One issue is that they last for a few loads but it is hard to tell when they are spent and you should start using new ones. Many people love them – so probably worth a try if you are intrigued enough!
Great article! When I saw your post I got excited. Showcasing the Laundry Room as a place to be green is important. So much waste comes from there…think about how many laundry containers we’ve tossed (aka -trash, aka recycling) in just the past 12 months – no less our lifetime!
What would have made me more excited would if my company’s product would have made your list 😛
I invented Tangie Laundry Paste, a zero-waste, plastic-free laundry soap concentrate. We are A-rated @EWG and in 100% compostable packaging.
-It comes to you as a paste.
-You drop it into a gallon of water and it dilutes to make a gallon of liquid laundry soap.
-Add to your machine as usual and use between 1/2 oz and one oz per standard load.
-Up to 264 loads per gallon.
I know many choose powder products over liquid as the least packaging option (a cardboard box is less waste than the big ole plastic jugs). I’ve taken liquid laundry soap to the next level. Refilling your own container forever means you will never toss away another laundry container. I’m happy to mail you a sample that dilutes to wash 6-12 loads… if this sounds like a product you would like to try.
Thanks for sharing easy green living with the masses! Doing more with less benefits us all, for healthy oceans and a healthy planet. gratefully, Angie.
I’m intrigued Angie! I’d love to give Tangie laundry paste a go!
I would love to try this!
I would love to try your product. I currently use Clean People. It works great but I’m always looking to try something new and maybe more affordable. I have a house full 💕
I really love the powder from Meliora Cleaning Products – they offer both cardboard canisters (with a no-scoop option to make it plastic free) and they also have paper refill bags, which are even cheaper and lower waste!
I tried Meliora years ago and it was great! I should try it again – love that they are plastic-free!
I tried Meliora and it doesn’t dissolve in tray. It clumps and clogs up soap dispenser.
Oh no – sorry to hear that! That didn’t happen for me. I would reach out to the company and explain what happened – maybe they have a tip for you.
I put the powder right on my clothes and have not had any problems
You’re not supposed to put it in the tray, that’s why it clumped. You add to the water.
I am using FIT laundry detergent right now. It is a liquid. I buy it from Amazon. Satisfied.
Pure Haven
which one would be the most cost effective per load for a standard washer?
and be able to buy in bulk?
Have you tried Nellie’s Laundry Soda? what is your opinion on that if you have?
also do you know any good all natural DIY laundry detergents?
this post was very helpful, just had a few questions!!
Hi Christina – I have not tried Nellie’s yet but I’ve heard of it. I’m pretty sure powdered laundry detergent is usually the most cost effective – the Biokleen powder is awesome! I have yet to make my own, homemade laundry detergent – maybe I’ll do some experimenting with that soon!
I am looking for a low sudsing, safe for sensitive skin and effective laundry detergent for my new he washing machine, does Seventh Generation check all those boxes?
Yes definitely! Seventh Generation Free & Clear would be a good option – it is made for HE washers.
thank you – I’ll give it a try 😊
It’s what I’ve been using for years (7th gen unscented) on my kiddos laundry. My oldest has sensitive skin and gets rashes with other brands. I’ve wanted to switch to a product with lighter packaging but so far- Mollys gave him a rash.
I personally use the Seventh Generation laundry detergent for sensitive skin: it washes the clothes very well, has low suds for the he machines, and is unscented. I would recommend it.
So glad to hear you like the Seventh Generation!
It works as you all said it would and I’ve not had to re-rinse my clothes bcz of too many suds since I started using it.
Hi there, what an outstanding article and very helpful information included. THANK YOU! There is a innovative green laundry product were not mentioned in this article – Dreambly laundry sheets. What I like about dreambly is #1 it works amazing but its everything you need for laundry is in just one sheet. I was a bit skeptical at first as I couldn’t believe you can actually do this but sure enough what they claim actually works. But best part is each sheet is 100% organic and biodegradable in just 10 days so its a true eco-friendly product which I am all about 🙂 What i do is put two sheets in the wash for the best results and drop a couple drips of my fav organic essential oil (Lavender) and then take same sheet out of wash drip oil on the sheet again and toss in the dryer. Clothes come out clean and smelling great… it is so simple…
I almost did the happy dance in the aisles yesterday. Target, even our dinky downtown City Target, now sells Biokleen detergents and they have them at a very reasonable price. Woohoo!
Just heard about that recently too! Love that Biokleen will be available to a wider audience!
Hi –
I’m really grateful for this article. Knowing what goes into my home & personal care products is important. The one thing it looks like you haven’t addressed is how well these products clean. If I missed that, somehow, please point it ut, but otherwise, can you tell me which of these products does the best job of cleaning clothes, while hopefully leaving them undamaged and soft?
Thanks!
I’ve used all of these laundry detergents and find that they work very well!
Hi,
I would love to know your opinion about dropps laundry detergent.
Thanks,
Akshara.
From what I can tell they are pretty good.
I discovered Dropps this year and I absolutely love this detergent. It’s a subscription service and they have plant-based pods. The pod itself is also plant based. They have scented and unscented. The company also has dishwasher pods although I have not tried them yet. I spend about $.19 per load. I find that to be very economical.
I use Dropps dishwasher pods and will continue using them. My dishes, even pans, are clean. As I write this, I realize my glasses and silverware don’t have a soap residue! I was using the very expensive Cascade and think my dishes are cleaner with Dropps.
Glad to hear you love Dropps! Do you use the laundry pods as well as the dishwasher pods?
Great article!! Have you looked into MyGreenFills at all?
Yes, I have used MyGreenFills and I love their refill pouch system! I need to add them to this review when I have a chance!
I’ve been using My green Fills for about a year, and I’ve got to say it is THE best product I’ve ever used. It even takes out old, set in stains. Their other laundry products are also very good.
Thank you for this we’ve been on the search for alternatives to what we currently use
What a great list! I need to switch to an all natural laundry detergent and I’m going to try Meliora. Looking it up in the EWG website, it sounds exactly what I’m looking for. I have respiratory issues, and this one doesn’t list anything in it that could irritate my lungs. Thank you so much for this article!
Hope it works well for you!
Thank you for the list. I’ve been searching for a replacement. Of the products above, which one would you say is the most effective? Especially in cleaning food and dirt/mud stains.
My favorites are the Biokleen laundry powder and Dropps laundry detergent pods. For dirt/mud stains I usually soak with some oxygen bleach before washing and/or rub in some stain remover. Hope that helps!
Thank you for sharing all this useful info! I personally recently shift to TrueEarth and I truly enjoy it: it comes in carton box and it doesn’t take much space in your cabinet at all. Available with fragrance or not. Maybe a bit more expensive than other options out there, but at the end of the day I feel great at being part of the solution rather than the problem in polluting our waters. Have a great rest of the week:)
That one’s on my list to try! Thanks for sharing Alice!
I’ve tried quite a few of the above and also like them. I live in New England where the water is very harsh on clothes and the naturally high iron content in our water can keep clothing from looking white after it’s washed even with industrial detergents. My faves are Ecos and Better Life. They seem to work best with our water.
Glad you found a couple eco-friendly laundry detergents that work for you!
What about the laundry soap sheets, how do they do and what is the best?
Great question! I haven’t tried any laundry soap sheets yet, but I’m going to buy some to check out. Any particular brands you want me to try?
Thank you for this informative and helpful post!
Are all these soaps in your post suitable for HE washing machines?
Thanks!
Yes they are!
I use Seventh Generation and I also use their dishsoap. I am looking for an alternative because I do not like companies that make their bottle sizes slightly smaller and charge the same price. It is a disceptive way to raise the price. I also remember when I used them for years, I only needed a small amount of dishsoap. Now I need way more – it seems to be watered down. Again, it feels like a deceptive way to increase prices.
So between them changing the bottle size slightly smaller and yet keeping price the same or more, and watering down liquid, I am very unhappy with the company and thank you for investigating good alternatives.
What do you think of Clean People? I have been using it recently and really like it. Is it good for the environment? What about fabric softner? Is there something I can use that is OK for the environment?
I am still testing out Clean People so I’ll have to get back to you on that one. I don’t use fabric softener myself but ATTITUDE makes one that rates well on the EWG cleaning database. https://mindfulmomma.com/ATTITUDE
Have you tried any of the laundry sheets?
Yes, I have tried some laundry sheets but I do not love the ingredients so I’ve decided not to recommend at this time.
Which brands have sports formulas for odor control?
The Active Wear formula from Molly’s Suds works well! https://mollyssuds.com/discount/MINDFULMOMMA?redirect=/products/activewear-laundry-detergent-powder?aff=65
Which soap works the best for smelly clothes? I have three school age kids and need something to zap the smells!
I like the Active Wear laundry powder from Molly’s Suds: https://mollyssuds.com/discount/MINDFULMOMMA?redirect=/products/activewear-laundry-detergent-powder?aff=65
I started using Truly Free products recently and like them. I noticed on your list that they have a “B” rating on EWG as opposed to several others that hav an “A” rating. Do you know why they have a “B” and should I be concerned enough to switch?Thank you!
Hi Cindy – In my opinion, the B rating on Truly Free laundry detergent is not much to worry about. You can look at the ingredient breakdown here: https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/products/10533-TrulyFreeLaundryWashRefillUnscented/