A review of the best eco-friendly laundry detergent brands that are safe for people and the planet – including natural laundry detergent powders, liquids and pods to meet all your laundry cleaning needs.
When I hear people say they want to make a commitment to creating a healthy, eco-friendly home environment, swapping out cleaning products is usually the first place I suggest starting. Green cleaning is such an easy and inexpensive change to make – it’s really a no-brainer!
Some people want to dive right in and make their own DIY cleaning products, but if you aren’t up for that, fortunately, there are many fantastic green cleaning brands that work really well. Given all the great options, I just don’t see a good reason to keep using the toxic, conventional cleaning brands at all.
Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
If there is one cleaning product we use the most in our homes it’s got to be laundry detergent. Anyone with a family can probably relate – Always.Doing.Laundry!! Am I right?
So today we’re going to do a deep dive into eco-friendly laundry detergent. We’ll be answering questions like:
- Why you should stop using conventional laundry detergent immediately
- Which toxic chemicals should be avoided completely
- Why natural laundry detergent is healthier for YOU and the planet
- How to find the best green laundry detergent for your personal needs and preferences.
Let’s dive in! (and if you don’t have time to read it now, PIN it for later because you’ll want it for reference!)
Why Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Matters
There are a couple of big reasons why switching to non-toxic, eco-friendly laundry detergent is important and they both have to do with health. (If you don’t geek out on science and chemical info they way I do, feel free to jump right down to the product recommendations – I won’t judge!)
Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent for Your family’s health
It’s sad to say, but the manufacturers of most laundry detergent don’t have the health of your family in mind. They have profits in mind. Conventional laundry detergent contains powerful chemicals and strong fragrances – even when they have been linked to negative health effects – so companies can sell more products and make more money.
Some of the harmful chemicals found in laundry detergent include:
- 1,4-Dioxane – classified as a probable human carcinogen and has been detected in a number of brand-name liquid laundry detergents (you won’t find it on the label, as it is a byproduct of other ingredients)
- Artificial fragrances – may contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates and other possible allergens
- Artificial colors and dyes – skin irritant
- Chlorine bleach – can burn skin and irritate eyes, nose and throat
- NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates) – imitates the hormone estrogen which impacts fetal development and reproductive health
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) (used to soften fabrics) – linked to reproductive problems
Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent for the health of the planet
Think about all the wastewater that drains out of your clothes washer every week. Even if you use a high-efficiency washer, that’s still a lot of water. Where does that water go? Well it probably goes to a water-treatment facility BUT that is not a magic disappearing act for all the chemicals found in the water. When water is released back into the environment, many harmful chemicals still remain.
Some of most environmentally toxic chemicals in laundry detergent include:
- NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates) – toxic to fish and wildlife
- Chemical surfactants – cause deformities in fish and frogs
- Optical brighteners – not readily biodegradable and post a potential hazard to aquatic life
- Phosphates (mostly gone in laundry detergents) – promotes algae growth which leads to dead zones in rivers and lakes
RELATED: Non-Toxic Dryer Sheet Alternatives
What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
So how do you know if a laundry detergent is safe, non-toxic and environmentally-friendly? Here’s what to look for:
Must have’s for eco-friendly laundry detergent:
- Biodegradable (phosphate-free)
- Natural fragrances or unscented (*see note below)
- No chlorine bleach
- No NPEs
- No optical brighteners
- No artificial colors
- Septic safe
- No animal testing
- Concentrated formula (3x to 4x concentrated is most common but there is no standard)
- Recyclable packaging
*A note about fragrances: fragrance is a complicated and evolving subject and some safer synthetic (phthalate-free) fragrances are now available. Still, my personal preference is for fragrances from natural, essential oils.
Nice to have’s for eco-friendly laundry detergent:
- Made in USA – all the brands in this post are manufactured in the U.S. but some ingredients are globally sourced
- Plastic-free packaging – One of the reasons I like powdered laundry detergent is because it comes in a recyclable cardboard box – no plastic necessary!
- EWG rating of “A” or “B” – Not every brand and product is listed on EWG so it can be hard to compare
- “Sport” formula – Some brands offer “sport” formulas to tackle extra stinky odors and stains. As a mom of 2 teenage boys – I appreciate this!
Certifications for Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent:
- EPA Safer Choice – meets requirements for safer chemical ingredients
- USDA Certified Bio-Based – indicates percentage of biobased material in product
Leaping Bunny – no animal testing of finished product or ingredients- EcoCert – certifies natural & organic products and ingredients
- B-Corp – indicates a socially responsible company
Formats:
- Powder – usually the cheapest option and available in large plastic-free boxes
- Liquid – great for doing hand-wash and some people just prefer liquid
- Pods – premeasured so you don’t use more than you need but can be more expensive per load. (Note: pods go directly in washer not in soap dispenser)
RELATED: How to Keep Your Laundry Fresh, Soft & Static-Free Without Chemicals
Favorite Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Brands
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure
Finally, on to the brands! All the laundry detergent brands listed here are ones that I have tried and that have worked well for me. Not that I have tried every single product from every single brand – that would be impossible! Plus there’s always something new coming out. But this will give you a good baseline to choose from.
A note about prices: Because prices change frequently and brands offer so many choices, I am not going to list prices in this post. However, for a regular sized HE load, prices typically ranged from $.10 per load to $.40 per load. Pods are generally more expensive than liquid or powder.
P.S. You might notice I’ve left 2 very popular “eco” brands – Mrs. Meyers and Method – off of this list. That’s because personally, I’m not a fan of strong fragrances in my laundry detergent. If you prefer a scent that lingers, go right ahead and try them. But first, check out Grab Green in my list below – I really like their fragrances!
Biokleen
Why it’s good:
- Uses extracts of citrus and grapefruit seed to combat stains and odors
- Subtle citrus scent is just right in my opinion
- Both powder and liquid rated “A” by EWG
- Sports liquid with extra odor neutralizing enzymes available
- Small family run company
- One of the lowest cost options
- Personally, my favorite laundry detergent!
Format: Powder or liquid (I’ve used and recommend both)
Shop: Biokleen Citrus Essence Laundry Powder and Sport Laundry Liquid
Molly’s Suds
Why it’s good:
- Made with only 5 earth-derived ingredients
- Rated “A” by EWG
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- Sodium carbonate is sustainably sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming
- Scented with organic peppermint oil (unscented version available)
- All Sport laundry wash (specially formulated for synthetic & technical fibers) available
- Small women-owned business (I’ve met Molly – she’s awesome!)
Format: Powder or liquid
Shop: Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder and All Sport Laundry Wash
Better Life
Why it’s good:
- Plant and mineral derived cleaning agents
- Lovely essential oil scent (unscented also available)
- Rated “A” on EWG
- Independently owned business
Format: Liquid
Shop: Better Life Lavender Grapefruit Laundry Detergent
RELATED: 4 Good Reasons to Buy Natural, Non-Toxic Products for Your Home & Life
Seventh Generation
Why it’s good:
- No synthetic fragrances used and a fragrance free (Free & Clear) option is available
- All laundry detergents are USDA Certified Biobased Product
- Many are EPA Safer Choice Certified
- Easy to find at Target, drug stores and local grocery stores
- Seventh Generation is a B-Corp
- Note: Liquid versions contains the preservative methylisothiazolinone, which is a potential endocrine disruptor and can be a skin irritant to some people – so I recommend the powder only.
Format: Liquid, powder or pods
Shop: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Powder, and Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs
Cleancult
Why it’s good:
- Subscription service delivering laundry detergent monthly (although also available via Amazon)
- Small biz started by college students
- 18-pac bags are good for individuals (but a bit more expensive on a per pod basis)
- Comes in unscented only
Format: Pods
Shop: Cleancult Laundry Detergent Pacs
Meliora Laundry Powder
Why it’s good:
- Preservative free and palm oil free
- Unscented or scented with essential oils only
- Made Safe Certified
- Small family owned business
- Plastic free tubs (skip the scoop to be 100% plastic free!)
Format: Powder
Shop: Meliora Laundry Powder
Grab Green
Why it’s good:
- Outperformed Tide Pods in stain removal (including grass ink, blood and chocolate)
- Combination of essential oils and safe synthetic scents mean fragrance will linger longer on clothes (if that is something you like)
- I actually love their fragrances – especially on bath towels and bed linens – but I don’t often use it on clothes.
Format: Pods
Shop: Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods
What is your favorite eco-friendly laundry detergent? Leave a comment!
Prisd says
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).
Micaela says
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!
Louise says
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.
Micaela says
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.
Amanda says
Have you tried soap nuts/berries? Thinking about trying those.
Micaela says
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!
Angie Ringler says
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.
Micaela says
I’m intrigued Angie! I’d love to give Tangie laundry paste a go!
Kate says
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!
Micaela says
I tried Meliora years ago and it was great! I should try it again – love that they are plastic-free!
Sharon says
I am using FIT laundry detergent right now. It is a liquid. I buy it from Amazon. Satisfied.
Katie says
Pure Haven
Christina says
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!!
Micaela says
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!
Vicki Norwood says
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?
Micaela says
Yes definitely! Seventh Generation Free & Clear would be a good option – it is made for HE washers.
Vicki Norwood says
thank you – I’ll give it a try 😊
Meghan says
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.
Vicki says
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.
Micaela says
So glad to hear you like the Seventh Generation!
Vicki says
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.
Mia Cooperman says
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…
Desiree says
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!
Micaela says
Just heard about that recently too! Love that Biokleen will be available to a wider audience!
Tom says
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!
Micaela says
I’ve used all of these laundry detergents and find that they work very well!
Akshara Uppaluri says
Hi,
I would love to know your opinion about dropps laundry detergent.
Thanks,
Akshara.
Micaela says
From what I can tell they are pretty good.
Lia says
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.
Rebecca Lamvol says
Great article!! Have you looked into MyGreenFills at all?
Micaela says
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!