Non Toxic & Eco Friendly Laundry Detergents your Family will LOVE!

We’ve tested dozens of laundry detergents and curated the Top 12 best non-toxic laundry detergent brands so you don’t have to. This review includes natural laundry detergent powders, liquids and pods, as well as plastic-free detergents.


Best non-toxic laundry detergents - blog post

Anyone with a family can probably relate – Always. Doing. Laundry!! Am I right?

Yet most laundry detergents contain chemicals that are toxic both for human health and the environment.

Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and eco-friendly laundry detergents that work well to clean even the worst dirt and stains.

Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of brands and have brought the Top 12 together in this non toxic laundry detergent review – so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your family!

Note: There may be affiliate links in this post including Amazon Affiliates. Full disclosure.

laundry detergent liquid and powder and clothes pins

I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure

Why you should consider switching to Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

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 ingredients are healthier for YOU and the planet
  • What are the best non-toxic laundry detergent brands?
  • How to find the best natural laundry detergent for your personal needs and preferences

Let’s dive in! 

There are a couple of big reasons why switching to non-toxic, natural 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!)

Ingredients to Avoid 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 detergents 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 harsh chemicals that may be harmful to human health 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 ingredients that lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions. 
  • 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

Ingredients to Avoid for the Health of the Planet

Think about all the wastewater that drains out of your washing machine 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 the 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

Your laundry detergent is just one step – Get the full 5 steps to a green laundry routine here.


Eco Friendly Laundry Detergent and towels in laundry room

What to look for in Non Toxic Laundry Detergent

So how do you know if a laundry detergent is safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly? Here are a few things to look for in a safe laundry detergent:

Must haves for the Best Laundry Detergent:

  • Biodegradable laundry detergent formula (phosphate-free)
  • Plant-based ingredients
  • 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 to come from natural essential oils or to use unscented laundry detergent. 

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
  • EWG rating of EWG-Verified, “A” or “B” – Not every brand and product is listed on the Environmental Working Group’s cleaning database 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 two active boys – I appreciate this!
Third party certifications for laundry detergent

Certifications for Eco Friendly Laundry Detergents

These third-party certifications show that the product has met strict requirements for human and environmental health.  

  • EWG VERIFIED™ – The Environmental Working Group’s strictest standard for ingredient safety
  • MADE SAFE® – Products are screened against an extensive database of known harmful chemicals
  • EPA Safer Choice – Meets specific requirements for safer chemical ingredients
  • USDA Certified Bio-Based – Indicates the percentage of biobased material in product
  • Leaping Bunny  or PETA Certified – Allows no animal testing of finished products or ingredients
  • EcoCert – Certifies natural & organic products and ingredients
  • ECOLOGO – Products have undergone rigorous scientific testing and auditing for reduced environmental and health impacts
  • B-Corp – Indicates a socially responsible company

Best Laundry Detergent formats

  • Laundry Detergent Powder – This is usually the cheapest type of laundry detergent and is available in large boxes that are often plastic-free.
  • Liquid Laundry Detergent – Liquid detergent is great for doing hand-wash and some people just prefer liquid over powder. Note: It can be easy to overpour and use too much. 
  • Laundry Pods or Tablets – Laundry pods and tablets are premeasured so you don’t use more than you need, but they can be more expensive per load. (Note: pods and tabs go directly in washer not in soap dispenser)
  • Laundry Strips or Laundry Sheets – As popular as laundry detergents sheets are, I have not found any that meet my criteria in terms of safe ingredients. I’ll let you know if I find something!

A note about laundry pods, strips and sheets: Laundry detergent pods that are sold in a “dissolvable” pack, and laundry strips or sheets that dissolve in the wash are made using polyvinyl alcohol (also known as PVA, PVOH and PVAI), which is a synthetic plastic polymer. Polyvinyl alcohol is marketed as sustainable because it is water soluble, but while it seems to disappear, it doesn’t actually degrade in real-life scenarios. This means that PVA ends up in waterways and soil, and eventually, in the food chain. Because of this, I personally prefer to use laundry tablets (without any packaging), laundry liquid or laundry powder. 


Don’t forget the stain removers – find out how 6 eco-friendly stain removers performed in my test!


natural & non-toxic laundry detergent products

Best Non Toxic Laundry Detergent brands

Given all the great eco-friendly laundry detergent options available today, I just don’t see a good reason to keep using toxic, conventional laundry products at all. 

And of course you want a non-toxic detergent that actually works! Rest assured that all of these laundry detergents are both effective at cleaning and brightening laundry, and free from harmful ingredients like petrochemicals, formaldehyde, phosphates, 1,4 dioxane and optical brighteners. 

A note about prices: Because prices change frequently and brands offer so many choices, I am not listing prices in this post. However, for a regular sized HE load, prices typically ranged from $.10 per load to $.50 per load. Pods are generally more expensive than liquid or powder, ranging from $.30 to $.50 each – but if you don’t mind paying a bit more for convenience, they can certainly be worth it!

Here are the best eco-friendly laundry detergents I’ve found:

ATTITUDE laundry detergent in aluminum bottle and refill box.
Best refillable laundry detergent

ATTITUDE

Why I recommend ATTITUDE 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
  • Unscented baby laundry detergent available (safe for cloth diapers) 
  • Certifications: ECOLOGO Certified, PETA Certified, EWG-Verified
  • EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
  • Format: Liquid
  • Best for: Refillable laundry liquid and baby laundry detergent

Get 15% off with code MINDFULMOMMA15 at checkout.

Shop: ATTITUDE Laundry Detergent Eco-Refill and ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent

Aspen Clean laundry detergent pods
Best EWG Verified Pods

Aspen Clean

Why I recommend Aspen Clean laundry detergent:

  • Made from plant and mineral-based ingredients
  • Powered with oxygen bleach and enzymes
  • 99.9% of the ingredients are from natural origin
  • Scented with organic essential oils (unscented also available)
  • Certifications:  EcoCert® certified, Leaping Bunny, EWG-Verified
  • EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
  • Format: Pods
  • Best for: EWG Verified pods

Shop: Aspen Clean Laundry Detergent Pods

Best for: Stinky clothes

Molly’s Suds

Why I recommend Molly’s Suds laundry detergent:

  • Laundry powder is made with only 5 earth-derived ingredients
  • Sodium carbonate is sustainably sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming
  • Scented with organic peppermint oil (unscented version available)
  • All Sport Laundry Wash is specially formulated for synthetic & technical fibers (I use for my kids sports jerseys!)
  • Small women-owned business (I’ve met the founder – she’s awesome!)
  • EWG rating: A
  • Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified
  • Format: Powder or liquid
  • Best for: All Sport Wash is best for stinky athletic clothes

Shop: Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder and Molly’s Suds All Sport Laundry Wash (Take 10% off your first order with code MINDFULMOMMA at checkout)

Truly-Free-Laundry-Wash-square-1

Truly Free

Why I recommend Truly Free laundry detergent:

  • Plant-based quadra-salt technology removes tough stains and odors effectively
  • Scented with essential oils or unscented
  • Formula is suitable for sensitive skin
  • Refill pouches available so you only need to buy the plastic bottle once
  • EWG rating: B
  • Format: Liquid
  • Best for: Liquid detergent lovers

Shop: Truly Free Laundry Wash (Take 30% off with code MINDFULMOMMA30 at checkout)

Healthybaby Our Laundry Detergent
Best for: babies

HealthyBaby

Why I recommend HealthyBaby laundry detergent:

  • A 100% plant, mineral, and water-based baby laundry concentrate
  • Dermatologist & Pediatrician tested
  • Comes in a glass bottle with a reusable plastic pump
  • Certifications:  EWG Verified, MADE SAFE® Certified
  • EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
  • Format: Liquid
  • Best for: Babies

Shop: HealthyBaby Our Laundry Detergent


Looking for more non-toxic cleaning brands? I’ve got you covered!


Best multi-purpose laundry + cleaning

Branch Basics

Why I recommend Branch Basics for laundry detergent:

  • A plant and mineral based formula that is effective, sustainable and safe for humans
  • The Concentrate can be used for all your cleaning needs, including laundry
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • Laundry kit includes concentrate, a reusable dispenser and oxygen boost powder
  • EWG rating: A
  • Certifications:MADE SAFE® Certified, Leaping Bunny
  • Format: Liquid
  • Best for: Multi-purpose cleaning + laundry

Shop: Branch Basics Laundry Kit (choose plastic or glass dispenser bottle) Use code MINDFULMOMMA for 15% off.

Better Life Laundry Detergent
Best lavender scented laundry liquid

Better Life

Why I recommend Better Life laundry detergent:

  • 4x ultra concentrated formula uses plant and mineral derived cleaning agents
  • Lovely essential oil scent (unscented also available)
  • Independently owned business
  • EWG rating: A
  • Format: Liquid
  • Best for: Lavender lovers 

Shop: Better Life Lavender Grapefruit Laundry Detergent

Rosey-laundry-detergent
Best value brand

Rosey (from Thrive Market)

Why I recommend Rosey laundry detergent:

  • Made from 7 eco-friendly ingredients
  • Formula uses natural enzymes to clean stains
  • Each bag washes up to 70 loads
  • Available in lavender, peppermint or unscented
  • Certifications: B-Corporation
  • EWG rating: N/A but ingredient ratings for powder lean toward an A 
  • Format: Powder, liquid or packs
  • Best for: Value brand ($0.13 per load for powder, $0.10 for liquid) If you are looking for the cheapest eco friendly laundry detergent, this is it!

Shop: Rosey Laundry Detergent (Get 25% off + a FREE gift on your first Thrive Market order)

Meliora Laundry Powder
Best plastic-free detergent

Meliora 

Why I recommend Meliora laundry detergent:

  • Simple formula that is free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, brighteners and palm oil
  • Unscented or scented with essential oils only
  • Shipped in metal container instead of plastic jug
  • A great plastic-free laundry detergent option – especially if you skip the scoop!
  • Small family owned business
  • EWG rating: A
  • Certifications: MadeSafe Certified
  • Format: Powder
  • Best for: Plastic-free 

Shop: Meliora Laundry Powder

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs
Best fragrance free laundry packs

Seventh Generation

Why I recommend Seventh Generation laundry detergent:

  • Quadruple-enzyme formula great for stain fighting
  • No synthetic fragrances used and a fragrance free (Free & Clear) option is available 
  • Easy to find at Target and other local stores
  • Seventh Generation is a B-Corp
  • EWG rating: A (free & clear powder and packs), C (liquid detergents)
  • Certifications: USDA Certified Biobased Product, EPA Safer Choice Certified, B-Corp
  • Format: Liquid and pods (they call them packs)
  • Best for: Fragrance-free
  • 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 if you think you might be sensitive to methylisothiaolinone. However, Seventh Generation stands behind the safety of their liquid formulas

Shop: Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs

dropps laundry detergent pods
Best laundry pod subscription service

Dropps

Why I recommend Dropps laundry detergent pods:

  • Dropps laundry pods are shipped in a compostable cardboard box that reduces plastic use, making this a great low waste laundry detergent option
  • Laundry detergent formula is plant-based, dye-free, npe-free, chlorine-free, phosphate-free, and animal cruelty-free
  • Proven stain fighting powers via third party testing
  • Available in unscented, clean scent, lavender, sensitive skin and baby laundry detergent
  • Dropps also makes an Active Wash laundry detergent pod formulated for activewear and synthetic fabrics. This works well on my kids athletic jerseys!
  • If you are looking for the best eco-friendly laundry detergent pods, I recommend Dropps.
  • EWG rating: A (unscented), B (scented)
  • Format: Pods
  • Best for: Pod lovers who appreciate a subscription service

Shop: Dropps Laundry Pods Get a discount on your first order when you sign up for their mailing list. 

biokleen-laundry-powder-citrus-5
Best family size detergent

Biokleen

Why I recommend Biokleen laundry detergent:

  • 3x concentrated formula uses plants, minerals, microbes, and enzymes to combat stains and odors
  • Biokleen laundry powder is one of the lowest cost per load options
  • Love that the powder comes in a low-waste cardboard box
  • Sports liquid with extra odor neutralizing enzymes available
  • Small family run company
  • EWG rating: B (both free & clear and citrus scent)
  • Format: Powder or liquid (I’ve used both and prefer the powder)
  • Best for: Family size (choose from 75 loads or 150 loads per box)

Shop: Biokleen Citrus Essence Laundry Powder and Biokleen Sport Laundry Liquid


Worried about stinky laundry? I’ve got some laundry freshening tips for you! 


Green Cleaning Shopping Guide 2022 banner
Cleancult laundry liquid
Best low-waste laundry detergent

Cleancult  

Why I recommend Cleancult laundry detergent:

  • Cleancult laundry detergent is made using the natural superpower of saponified coconuts and is scented with essential oils
  • Laundry detergent is dispensed from a reusable glass bottle and refills come in cardboard boxes, making it a low waste laundry detergent 
  • Scented and fragrance free options available
  • Note: Cleancult laundry liquid contains the preservative methylisothiazolinone, so if you are sensitive to this ingredient, you should skip this one. 
  • Certifications: Leaping Bunny, Certified Plastic Neutral
  • EWG rating: Not listed
  • Format: Liquid
  • Best for: Low waste, refillable 

Shop: Cleancult 

Grab Green Laundry Detergent Pods Lavender with Vanilla
Best scented detergent pods

Grab Green

Why I recommend Grab Green laundry detergent:

  • 3-in-1 formula combines deep-cleaning concentrated detergent, stain remover, and brightener, all in one
  • White powder based pods (not liquid) are less attractive to kids
  • 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)
  • Fragrances are very nice but not too strong (my favorite is Vetiver)
  • EWG rating: A (fragrance free), B (scented)
  • Format: Laundry pods
  • Best for: Good smelling laundry

Shop: Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods

More Favorites from Mindful Momma

What is your favorite natural, non-toxic laundry detergent? Let us know in the comments!

green & healthy wishes Micaela signature

P.S. You might notice I’ve left two 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 stronger, more lasting scent, go right ahead and try them. But first, check out Grab Green in my list above – I like their unique but subtle fragrances and they rate better on EWG than those other brands.

I’ve also left soap nuts off this list. I have tried them, and they just weren’t a good fit for me – too messy and I didn’t think they cleaned as well as other laundry detergents.   

68 Comments

  1. 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).

    1. 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!

  2. 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.

    1. 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.

    2. Denise Gagliardi says:

      Please make sure dryer balls are from a humane family farm! Thanks for sharing your experience:)

  3. Have you tried soap nuts/berries? Thinking about trying those.

    1. 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!

  4. 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.

    1. I’m intrigued Angie! I’d love to give Tangie laundry paste a go!

    2. Regina muskeyvalley says:

      I would love to try this!

    3. 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 💕

  5. 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!

    1. I tried Meliora years ago and it was great! I should try it again – love that they are plastic-free!

    2. Suzanne Liazuk says:

      I tried Meliora and it doesn’t dissolve in tray. It clumps and clogs up soap dispenser.

      1. 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.

      2. I put the powder right on my clothes and have not had any problems

  6. I am using FIT laundry detergent right now. It is a liquid. I buy it from Amazon. Satisfied.

  7. 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!!

    1. 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!

  8. 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?

    1. Yes definitely! Seventh Generation Free & Clear would be a good option – it is made for HE washers.

      1. Vicki Norwood says:

        thank you – I’ll give it a try 😊

        1. 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.

          1. 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.

          2. So glad to hear you like the Seventh Generation!

          3. 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.

  9. 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…

  10. 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!

    1. Just heard about that recently too! Love that Biokleen will be available to a wider audience!

  11. 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!

    1. I’ve used all of these laundry detergents and find that they work very well!

  12. Akshara Uppaluri says:

    Hi,

    I would love to know your opinion about dropps laundry detergent.

    Thanks,
    Akshara.

  13. 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.

    1. 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.

      1. Glad to hear you love Dropps! Do you use the laundry pods as well as the dishwasher pods?

  14. Rebecca Lamvol says:

    Great article!! Have you looked into MyGreenFills at all?

    1. 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!

      1. 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.

  15. Christina says:

    Thank you for this we’ve been on the search for alternatives to what we currently use

  16. 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!

  17. 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.

    1. 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!

  18. 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:)

    1. That one’s on my list to try! Thanks for sharing Alice!

  19. Erika Nair says:

    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.

    1. Glad you found a couple eco-friendly laundry detergents that work for you!

  20. What about the laundry soap sheets, how do they do and what is the best?

    1. 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?

  21. Marisa Herrera says:

    Thank you for this informative and helpful post!
    Are all these soaps in your post suitable for HE washing machines?
    Thanks!

  22. Joanne T Healey says:

    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.

  23. Lynda C Rudesill says:

    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?

    1. 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

  24. Have you tried any of the laundry sheets?

    1. Yes, I have tried some laundry sheets but I do not love the ingredients so I’ve decided not to recommend at this time.

  25. Sara shyr says:

    Which brands have sports formulas for odor control?

  26. Which soap works the best for smelly clothes? I have three school age kids and need something to zap the smells!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *