Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents That Actually Work (2026 Guide)
We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of eco-friendly laundry detergents so you don’t have to – including laundry detergent powders, liquids and pods, as well as safe laundry detergent for babies and sensitive skin.
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.
The problem is that many conventional laundry detergents rely on harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that aren’t great for our health or the environment — especially for babies and sensitive skin.
The good news? Eco-friendly laundry detergents have come a long way. Many now clean just as well as conventional brands — without the toxic ingredients.
After testing dozens of non-toxic detergents over the years, I’ve put together this guide to the eco-friendly laundry detergents that actually work. I’ll cover the best options for families and sensitive skin, how pods compare to liquids, and what to know before you buy — so you can wash with confidence and get back to everything else on your plate.
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
Do Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Actually Work?
Short answer: yes — many of them do. But they don’t all work the same way, and a lot depends on what you’re washing.
When eco-friendly laundry detergents first became popular, a lot of them struggled with tough stains and lingering odors. That’s where the “green detergents don’t work” reputation came from. The good news is that formulas have improved a lot over the years, and many non-toxic detergents now clean just as well as conventional brands for everyday laundry.
What “Works” Really Means for Laundry Detergent
For most families, a laundry detergent is doing its job if it:
- Removes everyday dirt and food stains
- Controls odors (especially sweaty or gym clothes)
- Rinses clean without leaving residue
- Performs well in cold or warm water
The best eco-friendly detergents can handle all of the above — especially for normal, day-to-day laundry.
How Eco-Friendly Detergents Perform in Real Life
From years of testing non-toxic detergents at home, I’ve found that most perform very well on:
- Regular family laundry
- Kids’ clothes and light stains
- Everyday odors
- Cold-water washes
They may struggle more with heavy grease, set-in stains, or strong odors that have built up over time. Let’s be clear – these are situations where any detergent benefits from a little extra help.
When You May Need to Pre-Treat or Adjust Your Routine
Just like conventional detergents, eco-friendly options aren’t one-size-fits-all. You may get better results if you:
- Pre-treat tough stains
- Use warm water for heavily soiled loads
- Avoid over- or under-dosing concentrated formulas
I often pair a non-toxic detergent with a stain remover for messes like grass stains, grease, or kid-related disasters — and that combination works really well. (I’ve tested
Bottom Line
Eco-friendly laundry detergents can absolutely work — especially for everyday family laundry — as long as you choose the right formula and use it correctly. Below are the eco-friendly laundry detergents that consistently performed the best in real-life testing, organized by type to make it easy to find what works for your household.
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents (That Actually Clean)
Eco-friendly laundry detergents have come a long way — and you no longer have to choose between clean clothes and safer ingredients. The picks below are detergents I’ve personally tested and trust to clean effectively, tackle everyday stains, and skip the harsh chemicals found in many conventional brands.
Top Picks by Type
Best Overall Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Truly Free Laundry Wash earned the top overall spot for its strong cleaning performance, gentle formula, and refillable design that helps cut down on plastic. It works well on our everyday family laundry, odors, and common stains without harsh chemicals.
Why Truly Free works well for most households:
- Effectively removes everyday stains and odors using a plant-based cleaning formula
- Available in both scented and unscented versions (the unscented option is especially good for sensitive skin)
- Gentle enough for regular use on family laundry
- Refill pouches reduce plastic waste and let you reuse the same bottle
- EWG rating: B
- Format: Liquid
Potential downsides:
- Only available online
- Ordering can feel a little confusing at first
Tip: Truly Free offers 30% off your first order with code MINDFULMOMMA30.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent for Tough Stains
Dropps Laundry Pods stand out for their strong stain-fighting performance in a convenient, low-waste format. They handled tougher messes like sweaty clothes, food stains, and activewear better than many non-toxic options.
Why Dropps works well for tough stains:
- Proven stain-removal performance, including third-party testing
- Concentrated, plant-based formula that cleans effectively without dyes, chlorine, phosphates, or NPEs
- Available in targeted formulas like Odor + Stain, Activewear, Free + Clear, and Sensitive Skin
- Packaged in a compostable cardboard box that reduces plastic compared to liquid detergents
- Offered as a subscription or one-time purchase
- EWG rating: A (unscented), B (scented)
- Format: Pods
Things to consider:
- Like most laundry pods, Dropps uses a PVA film, which has raised concerns about full biodegradability
- Only available online (but are available on Amazon)
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent for Cold Water
Biokleen Cold Water Laundry Liquid is formulated to clean effectively in cold washes, making it a great option if you want to save energy without sacrificing performance. It reliably removes everyday dirt, light stains, and odors without warm or hot water.
Why Biokleen works well in cold water:
- Formulated to activate and clean effectively in cold-water cycles
- Strong enough for everyday family laundry while remaining gentle on fabrics
- Concentrated liquid formula that rinses clean without heavy residue
- Fragrance-free and well-suited for sensitive skin
- EWG rating: A
- Format: Liquid
Things to consider:
- Not refillable
- May need pre-treatment for heavy grease or set-in stains
Best Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Tablets
Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets are a standout plastic-free option, especially if reducing packaging waste is a top priority. In testing, they’ve been effective on common tough stains like grass, food, coffee, and makeup — all without using a PVA plastic film.
Why Blueland works well as a plastic-free option:
- Tablet format eliminates liquid detergent bottles and plastic pods
- Proven to lift common stains like grass, food, coffee, and makeup
- No PVA plastic film used
- Available in Fragrance-Free and Spring Bloom (a light floral-citrus scent)
- Comes with a reusable “Forever Tin” that holds 60 tablets
- EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED®
- Format: Tablet
Things to consider:
- Tablets don’t always dissolve completely, especially in cold water
- While previously online-only, Blueland is now also available at Target
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Powder
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder is a great option if you want an ultra-simple ingredient list paired with reliable cleaning performance. It works well for everyday family laundry and is especially appealing if you prefer a traditional powder detergent without added fillers or synthetic fragrances.
Why Molly’s Suds works well as a laundry powder:
- Made with just five earth-derived ingredients
- Uses sustainably sourced sodium carbonate from the Green River Basin in Wyoming
- Available scented with organic peppermint oil or completely unscented
- Women-owned small business (I’ve met the founder — she’s wonderful)
- EWG rating: A
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- Format: Powder, with liquid, pod and sheet options also available
Things to consider:
- Not as widely available as major brands, though it’s now carried at Target
- Costs more than conventional detergents like Tide
Take 10% off your first order with code MINDFULMOMMA at checkout.
Get my TOP Non-Toxic Laundry Products in Every Category
Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Rosey Laundry Detergent is one of the most budget-friendly eco-friendly options I’ve found — without cutting corners on ingredient safety or cleaning performance. It’s a solid pick if you want a non-toxic detergent that works well for everyday laundry at a lower cost per load.
Why Rosey works well if you’re on a budget:
- Made with just seven eco-friendly ingredients
- Uses natural enzymes to help break down everyday stains
- One of the most affordable eco-friendly options available (as low as about $0.10–$0.13 per load)
- Available in lavender, peppermint, or unscented
- B Corporation certified
- EWG rating: A
- Format: Powder, liquid, or packs
Things to consider:
- Only available through a Thrive Market Membership (Get 30% off + a FREE gift on your first Thrive Market order)
- Wish it came in a larger package
Best Refillable Laundry Detergent
ATTITUDE Laundry Detergent is an EWG VERIFIED™ choice that helps reduce single-use plastic with low-waste refill boxes, without sacrificing effective, non-toxic cleaning. Its plant-based, enzyme-free formula works well in cold water and is gentle on sensitive skin.
Why ATTITUDE is a great, refillable laundry detergent:
- Biodegradable, plant-based formula with no irritating enzymes
- Formulated with advanced deodorizing properties for cold water wash
- Purchase a refillable aluminum bottle and refill from low-waste refill box
- Certifications: ECOLOGO Certified, PETA Certified, EWG-Verified
- EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Format: Liquid
Things to consider:
- Refill package can be a bit messy to use
- Ships from Canada but is now available on Amazon
Get 15% off with code MINDFULMOMMA15 when you order direct.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent for Families
Healthybaby Our Laundry Detergent is a strong option for families who want one detergent that’s gentle enough for babies but still handles everyday family laundry.
Why HealthyBaby laundry detergent works well for families:
- MADE SAFE® certified and formulated with plant- and mineral-based ingredients that are gentle enough for babies while still handling everyday family laundry.
- Free from fragrance, sulfates, parabens, PEGs, and other common irritants — a good fit for sensitive skin and eczema-prone households.
- Highly concentrated liquid formula comes in a glass bottle, with a refill concentrate available, so you use fewer pumps per load and reduce packaging waste.
- EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Format: Liquid
Things to consider:
- Only available online
- A bit expensive (but worth it for baby!)
Looking for more non-toxic cleaning brands? I’ve got you covered!
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.
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 — many eco-friendly laundry detergents clean just as well as conventional brands, especially for everyday family laundry. The biggest difference is formulation: instead of harsh surfactants and synthetic fragrance, effective non-toxic detergents rely on plant-based cleaners, oxygen boosters, and proper dosing. Performance varies by brand, which is why testing matters.
What’s the best laundry detergent for babies and sensitive skin?
The best detergents for babies and sensitive skin are fragrance-free, free of optical brighteners, and made without harsh surfactants or unnecessary additives. Look for products that are EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE® certified, and avoid scented formulas — even those made with essential oils — if irritation is a concern. (see section above for brand suggestions)
Are laundry pods safe and eco-friendly?
Both can work well, but they serve slightly different needs. Liquid detergents dissolve easily in cold water and are convenient for everyday use, while powder detergents are often the most affordable option and perform especially well on dirt and mud. The best choice depends on your washing habits, water temperature, and budget.
Are eco-friendly laundry detergents more expensive?
Not always. When you look at cost per load, many eco-friendly detergents fall in a similar range to conventional brands. Powder detergents are usually the cheapest, while pods and tablets tend to be the most expensive due to convenience. Concentrated formulas can also help keep costs down over time.
Should families avoid fragrance in laundry detergent?
For many families, yes. Synthetic fragrance is a common trigger for skin irritation, headaches, and sensitivity — especially for babies and people with eczema. Fragrance-free or unscented detergents are generally the safest choice and still clean effectively without leaving residues on clothing. But if a light essential oil fragrance doesn’t bother anyone in your family, then keep using it!
What is your favorite natural, 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/