10 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

Searching For The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

Modern laundry detergent isn’t actually soap, though it used to be. Today’s detergent is a mixture of chemicals that keeps dirt trapped in water, but back in Ancient Egyptian times, it was made from ashes and animal fat…which apparently worked wonders. Over time, we’ve moved from the natural to the chemical and back to the natural, and here, you’ll read all about the best eco-friendly laundry detergent. 

10 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

Free from many of the toxic chemicals normally present in conventional laundry detergents, the best eco-friendly varieties go one step further. Made into plastic-free sheets, powders, or recycled (or recyclable) containers, the brand’s behind them are on a mission to do better.

In this list, you’ll find 10 of the best eco-friendly laundry detergent products that exist. Developed to work efficiently, powerfully, and safely, they’re made in a variety of fresh scents or come free of fragrances altogether. Let’s unscrew the cap and dive in.

#1: Earth Breeze

If there was ever a brand to get behind, it’s Earth Breeze. With laundry detergent that eliminates plastic, gives back to those in need, and is kind to your skin (and the earth), you really can’t go wrong here. 

Earth Breeze Eco Sheets dissolve in hot and cold water and work in all machines. They’re concentrated and give you the suds you appreciate with conventional detergents, only, they’re free from all of the nasties their alternatives normally contain. And get this, you can literally compost the packaging in your backyard. 

Safe for all types of skin, Earth Breeze Eco Sheets are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. In other words, when this company set out to make a better alternative, they broke the mold. A pack with enough for 60 loads is $20 or subscribe to save 40%.

Highlights

• Donates 10 sheets to those in need
• Free from phthalates, phosphates, bleach & dye
• Vegan & cruelty-free
• Fragrance free or fresh scent
• Biodegradable packaging & materials

#2: Tru Earth

Tru Earth is another pick for the best eco-friendly laundry detergent that comes highly recommended. Formulated into strips much like Earth Breeze, they’re small but mighty, weighing just 0.1 oz but equating to 1.4oz of liquid detergent. Plus, there’s no plastic bottle involved. 

1 strip = 1 wash and they dissolve in cold or hot water. Free from parabens, phosphates, dyes, chlorine bleach, and 1, 4-dioxane, they’re also biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and tested by dermatologists. And perhaps the biggest seller, they actually work. A pack with 64 strips is $40.

Highlights

• Made in Canada
• No animal testing
• Vegan & free from common chemicals
• Zero-waste packaging
• Works in hot or cold water

#3: Dropps

Dropps are such a cool product. As the name suggests, this type of the best eco-friendly laundry detergent comes in the form of tiny pods of detergent that dissolve as soon as they hit water—hot or cold. They’re sort of like the Tide Pod of the green world. 

Totally free from plastic, Dropps also come in recyclable plastic-free packaging. They’re devoid of dyes, phosphates, phthalates, parabens, and optical brighteners, and are vegan and cruelty-free. 

Enjoy an ingredient list of plant-based miracle workers and fresh scents that work hard to rid your clothing of odors and stains. A 64-count pack is $26.

Highlights

• Plant-based ingredient
• Vegan & cruelty-free
• Work in hot & cold water
• Convenient pods

#4: Defunkify 

Now this is a name I can really get behind. Natural laundry detergent has a reputation for not being particularly strong. Defunkify uses enzymes to help remove stains and odors naturally. 

Their line of liquid and powder detergents passes blood and sweat stain tests, so the fact that it has the ProvenSafe™ seal of approval means a lot. If you buy the powder, it’s super affordable. Grab a pack if you sweat or work out a lot. Washing 64 loads per box, you can get a set of 2 for $46.

Highlights

• Powder & liquid
• Uses natural enzymes
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Great for sweaty, smelling clothes

#5: Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent

Mrs. Meyere’s Clean Day products are an easy grab at any grocery store. Developed by Thelma A. Meyer, the line delivers delightful scents and effective detergents that clean naturally.

Their thing is scents, so you won’t find a fragrance-free version in the line. If you prefer something lighter, go for Rain Water. All of their laundry detergents are made with essential oils, are cruelty-free, and come in recyclable packaging. You can get a 64oz bottle (64 loads’ worth) of liquid detergent for $19.

Highlights

• Recyclable packaging
• Cruelty-free
• Made with essential oils
• Aromatherapeutic 

#6: Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation is another name that’s become a household staple. It’s available in pretty much every grocery store and pharmacy which says a lot about the way the world is changing. Their line of USDA biobased-certified laundry detergents includes at least 96% plant-based ingredients. 

Seventh Generation offers a range of lovely scents thanks to the essential oils inside, as well as a fragrance free version. All of their options are ultra-concentrated, so you can use less. A 23 oz bottle contains 66 loads’ worth.

Concentrated formulas mean less plastic is used, and by choosing this brand, you’re cutting down your plastic consumption by 60% and water consumption by 50%. A 23fl oz bottle is $14.

Highlights

• More affordable
• At least 96% plant-based
• 60% less plastic & 50% less water use
• Fragrance-free option

#7: ECOS Laundry Detergent Sheets

The cool thing about the best eco-friendly laundry detergent brands? Most of them make vegan and cruelty-free products, like ECOS. Though you’ll find liquid detergent on their virtual shelves as well, our top pick is their Laundry Detergent Sheets. 

From start to finish, ECOS makes zero-waste products. The brand is carbon-neutral, water neutral, and uses 100% renewable energy. Their laundry detergent sheets come in recyclable plastic-free packaging with lovely scents like magnolia & lily. Each sheet washes 2 loads. Get a pack of 57 for $25.

Highlights

• Hypoallergenic
• Cruelty-free & vegan
• Plastic-free packaging
• Truly zero-waste
• More affordable

#8: Puracy

Puracy comes highly recommended for those with sensitive skin. Rested by dermatologists, their liquid detergent is free from added fragrances and is free from sulfates, petrochemicals, phosphates, dyes, and chlorine. Instead, it uses naturally-occurring enzymes to lift stains and remove odors. 

Helping you to reduce plastic waste, when you use up your first bottle, you can buy the 48oz foil refill that contains 3×64 loads of detergent. A 16 oz starter bottle is $15.

Highlights

• Refill pouches help cut down waste
• Dermatologist-tested
• Free from harmful chemicals
• Uses naturally-occurring enzymes

#9: Dirty Labs

Dirty Labs is another type of the best eco-friendly laundry detergent that’s also gentle on skin. Wearing the Natural Eczema Association badge of approval, it’s also EWG certified as safe. It’s devoid of scents, parabens, sulfates, and Prop 65 chemicals, and your liquid detergent will arrive in a recyclable aluminum bottle.

Safe for all washing machines, even HE, you can only find this brand online in the USA. So how does it clean? Using Phytolase® (an enzyme cleaning technology), it lifts and removes stains while being made of biobased ingredients. A 32-load bottle is $14.

Highlights

• Hyper concentrated formula
• Septic safe
• Made in the USA
• Recyclable aluminum bottle
• Natural Eczema Association & EWG-certified

#10: Charlie’s Soap

If you’re looking for a simple type of best eco-friendly laundry detergent, Charlie’s Soap is your guy. It’s made with just 4 ingredients and has proven to be quite effective at removing stains. Available in liquid or packet form, it’s EPA Safer Choice Certified and cleans effectively. Plus, you only need 1 tablespoon of the stuff per load. 

If you’re buying the packets, 1 = 1 wash. Protecting your clothing from color fading, the formula is hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and septic and child-safe. A 30-load pack is $19.

Highlights

• Safe for HE washing machines
• Septic & child-safe
• 1 tbsp per load
• EPA Safer Choice Certified
• Only 4 ingredients

What Is Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent? 

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is a great way to go green in your home. Most eco-friendly laundry detergents are made with natural ingredients that are not only better for the environment, but also gentle on your clothes. 

In addition, the best eco-friendly laundry detergent often comes in concentrated form, so you can use less while still getting your clothes clean. Basically, they’re a great way to green up your cleaning routine without sacrificing performance or results.

Do You Really Need An Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. 

• Consider your laundry habits: If you typically wash your laundry in cold water, you can probably get by with a regular detergent. However, if you often wash laundry in hot water or have a high-efficiency washer, an eco-friendly laundry detergent may be your best bet. 

• Take a look at your budget: Eco-friendly laundry detergents tend to be more expensive than their traditional counterparts. However, many are also concentrated, so you may find that you save money in the long run. 

• Think about your impact on the environment: If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, an eco-friendly laundry detergent is a good choice. 

Why Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent May Not Be Good For You

Eco-friendly laundry detergent may not be good for you because it often doesn’t clean your clothes as well as regular detergent does. In addition, it’s usually more expensive than regular detergent. 

In a nutshell, eco-friendly laundry detergent is a good choice for people who are looking to be more environmentally conscious, but it’s important to remember that it may not always be the best choice for your laundry needs.

How Long Will Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Last?

Eco-friendly laundry detergent will usually last the same amount of time as regular laundry detergent will. The average laundry detergent life span is around 90 loads. So, if you use your eco-friendly laundry detergent once a day, that’s nearly a three-month supply.  

Is Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Worth It?

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is the best way to clean your clothes while being gentle on the environment. Most of the best eco-friendly laundry detergent is made from plant-based ingredients that are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals. This means that they’re less likely to pollute waterways and harm wildlife. 

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is also more concentrated than traditional detergents, so you can use less per each load of laundry. This reduces the amount of packaging waste and cuts down on energy usage, making it a more sustainable option. 

And if you’re looking for an eco-friendly laundry detergent that works well and is gentle on the earth, look for one that’s certified by an environmental organization such as the EPA or Blue Ribbon.

Who Is Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent For?

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is safe and gentle on clothes while still being tough on dirt and stains. It’s made with natural ingredients that are derived from renewable sources and is free of harmful chemicals. 

In addition, eco-friendly laundry detergent is ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies since it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances or colors. It’s also a great choice for those who are looking for an environmentally friendly laundry option since it’s biodegradable and does not pollute the water supply. 

How To Shop For The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is a perfect way to clean your clothes without harming the environment. But, there are many different brands and formulas to choose from—so how do you know which one is the best? 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for eco-friendly laundry detergent:

• Consider the ingredients: Eco-friendly laundry detergents should be made with natural ingredients that aren’t harmful to the environment. So, look for detergents that are biodegradable and free of toxins and chemicals.

• Think about the packaging: The best eco-friendly laundry detergent should come in packaging that’s recyclable or compostable. Avoid plastic bottles and packaging whenever possible.

• Consider the price: These laundry detergents can be more expensive than conventional detergents, but it’s important to remember that you’re paying for quality. And eco-friendly laundry detergents are worth the investment because they’ll help you do your part to protect the environment.

FAQ

How can I make my laundry more environmentally friendly?

Making your laundry more environmentally friendly is easier than you may think. One of the simplest things you can do is to switch to an eco-friendly laundry detergent. These detergents are made from natural ingredients that are gentle on the environment. Additionally, they’re often more effective than traditional detergents—so you can use a smaller amount per load. 

Another easy way to make your laundry more environmentally friendly is to air dry your clothes whenever possible. This uses no energy and prevents your clothes from shrinking or fading. If you must use a dryer, make sure to clean the lint filter regularly. A build-up of lint can decrease the efficiency of the dryer and increase energy consumption. 

Finally, avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these products can contain harmful chemicals. Or, you can switch to an all-natural, eco-friendly fabric softener. And by making a few simple changes, you can easily make your laundry more environmentally friendly.

How does laundry detergent affect the environment?

Laundry detergent is one of the many household products that can have an impact on the environment. Traditional laundry detergent often contains harmful chemicals that can end up in our waterways and soil. These chemicals can cause problems for plant and animal life, and they can also be harmful to human health. 

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is a more environmentally responsible choice. These products are made with natural ingredients that are less likely to cause harm to the environment. In addition, eco-friendly laundry detergents are often biodegradable, so they’ll break down over time and will not add to the pollution in our waterways and soil.

Is laundry detergent safe for plants?

If you’re like most people, laundry detergent is one of those household products that you never really think about. You just buy it, use it, and forget about it. But what if I told you that your laundry detergent could be harming the very plants that you’re trying to grow? It’s true! Many standard laundry detergents contain chemicals that can be harmful to plants. 

Eco-friendly laundry detergents, on the other hand, are designed to be safe for both people and the environment. While they may cost a bit more upfront, these detergents will save you money in the long run by protecting your plants and keeping them healthy.

Is it eco-friendly to wash clothes by hand?

Washing your clothes by hand can actually be more eco-friendly than using a washing machine. This is because washing machines use a lot of energy and water, which can be detrimental to the environment.

So, the next time you’re considering doing some laundry, think about eco-friendly options like hand-washing or using an eco-friendly laundry detergent. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!

Final Thoughts

Products that decrease waste, resource use, and the number of toxic chemicals that leach into the earth (and your skin) are considered more eco-friendly than others. You’ve met our picks for the best eco-friendly laundry detergent, and by now, you know that they each have certain benefits. Which one you choose depends on your needs. 

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