Eco-friendly laundry detergents are not only better for the environment, but they also offer gentler, non-toxic solutions for your clothing and skin.
These detergents are formulated with biodegradable ingredients, plant-based enzymes, and minimal packaging to reduce their ecological footprint.
If you’re looking for greener alternatives for your laundry routine, here are 13 of the best eco-friendly laundry detergents available today.
1. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation’s Free & Clear detergent is one of the most popular eco-friendly choices.
It is plant-based, free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and artificial brighteners. This detergent is also safe for sensitive skin and works in both standard and HE machines, providing a deep clean without harsh chemicals.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- USDA-certified biobased product (97%)
- Leaping Bunny certified (cruelty-free)
- Recyclable packaging
Here’s a table outlining the pros and cons of Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent:
Pros Cons 1. Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin 1. May not remove tough stains as effectively as others 2. Plant-based and biodegradable formula 2. Higher price compared to conventional detergents 3. Free from artificial fragrances, dyes, and brighteners 3. Scent-free, which may not appeal to those who prefer fragrance 4. Works in both standard and HE washing machines 4. May require more detergent for larger or heavily soiled loads 5. Leaping Bunny certified (cruelty-free) 5. Packaging is plastic, though recyclable
This table provides a quick overview of the advantages and drawbacks of this eco-friendly detergent.
Read more: Climate Change Effects Affect Eco-Friendly House Design
2. Method Laundry Detergent
Method’s laundry detergent is known for its powerful cleaning performance with a focus on sustainability.
Its ultra-concentrated formula means you need less product per load, reducing waste. Made with plant-based ingredients, this detergent comes in recyclable bottles and various natural fragrances.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- 100% recycled plastic bottles
- Biodegradable ingredients
- Plant-based cleaning agents
3. Ecover Zero Laundry Detergent
Ecover Zero offers an unscented, hypoallergenic detergent made from renewable plant-based ingredients.
It’s designed for those with sensitive skin or allergies and has no dyes or perfumes. Ecover is also committed to reducing plastic waste by using recycled and recyclable bottles.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable formula
- 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
- Greywater safe (suitable for reuse)
4. Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods
Dropps is a unique laundry detergent brand that eliminates plastic waste by offering compostable cardboard packaging.
Their pods are convenient, powerful, and free from dyes, chlorine, and phosphates. Dropps detergents are effective for both regular and HE machines and are formulated with plant-based ingredients.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Plastic-free packaging
- Compostable packaging materials
- Cruelty-free and vegan
5. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent is known for its garden-inspired fragrances, such as lavender, basil, and honeysuckle, made with essential oils.
Their formula is biodegradable and uses plant-derived cleaning agents, while the packaging is made from post-consumer plastic.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Biodegradable and cruelty-free
- Plant-based ingredients
- Recycled plastic packaging
6. Biokleen Laundry Liquid
Biokleen’s Laundry Liquid is a highly concentrated detergent made from plant-based ingredients.
It is free from artificial fragrances, colors, and preservatives, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Biokleen’s focus on reducing environmental impact also includes recyclable packaging and a formula that requires less detergent per load.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Phosphate and chlorine-free
- Biodegradable
- Concentrated formula reduces waste
7. Tru Earth Laundry Eco-Strips
Tru Earth has revolutionized laundry detergent with its eco-friendly laundry strips.
These pre-measured strips dissolve in water and provide a powerful clean without the need for bulky plastic bottles.
They are lightweight, making them easy to store and ideal for reducing carbon emissions during transport.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Zero plastic waste
- Biodegradable and vegan
- Reduces carbon footprint due to compact size
8. Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent is a highly concentrated formula made from plant-based ingredients. It is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
With its no-residue formula, Puracy provides an effective clean while remaining gentle on fabrics and the environment.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Biodegradable ingredients
- Free from harsh chemicals and allergens
- Recyclable packaging
9. ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent
ECOS Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin while offering effective cleaning for clothes.
It is made from plant-powered ingredients, including sustainable coconut oil. ECOS is also designed to work well in cold water, helping to conserve energy.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Made from renewable plant ingredients
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Cold water formula reduces energy use
10. Soap Nuts by NaturOli
Soap nuts are an all-natural, chemical-free laundry detergent alternative. These dried berries contain saponin, a natural cleaning agent.
Soap nuts are biodegradable, compostable, and can be reused for multiple laundry loads, making them a zero-waste option.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- 100% natural and compostable
- Zero-waste packaging
- Reusable for multiple washes
11. Charlie’s Soap Laundry Detergents
Charlie’s Soap is a biodegradable powder detergent that contains natural ingredients. It is free from harmful chemicals, leaving no residue on clothes or the environment.
This detergent is also safe for septic systems and greywater systems.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Safe for greywater and septic systems
- Minimal packaging
12. Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods
Grab Green’s Stoneworks Laundry Pods are eco-friendly and come in minimal packaging. Their formula is plant-based, non-toxic, and designed to tackle tough stains and odors.
The pods are also free of phosphates, chlorine, and dyes, making them a safer option for both your home and the planet.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Compostable packaging
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Non-toxic and phosphate-free
13. Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder is a gentle, natural detergent made from just five safe ingredients.
It is perfect for sensitive skin, babies, and people looking for a hypoallergenic detergent. The powder is effective in cold water and comes in biodegradable packaging.
Eco-friendly aspects:
- Leaping Bunny certified (cruelty-free)
- Biodegradable and safe for septic systems
- Concentrated formula minimizes packaging
Conclusion
Switching to eco-friendly laundry detergents not only helps protect the environment but also ensures a healthier living space for you and your family.
These 13 options offer safe, effective cleaning while minimizing harm to the planet, from reducing plastic waste to utilizing biodegradable ingredients.
When choosing the best eco-friendly detergent, consider factors like packaging, ingredients, and your personal skin sensitivity to find the ideal match for your laundry routine.