10 Best Eco-friendly and Natural Laundry Detergent Brands

Natural laundry detergents are a great choice for those who want to be more eco-friendly and live a natural lifestyle. There are many great options available on the market, so you can find one that fits your preferences.

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10 Best Eco-friendly and Natural Laundry Detergent Brands

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Our Top Picks

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Our Top Picks

Green Hive is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. To understand our thorough approach to rating brands and products, explore our comprehensive methodology.

Looking for an eco-friendly and natural laundry detergent? You're not alone. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in "green" and  natural cleaning products. This includes everything from shampoo and soap to laundry detergent. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for natural laundry detergent.

Check the label for enzymes. Enzymes are natural proteins that help break down stains and dirt. They are much gentler on fabric than traditional detergents, which can strip away Natural fibers and cause fading. There are many more factors that consumers should be concerned about while shopping for laundry detergent. Before that, let's learn more about natural laundry detergents.

Eco-friendly and Natural Laundry Detergent

Natural laundry detergents are cleaning products that are made from ingredients that occur naturally in the environment. These ingredients are often plant-based, but can also include minerals and other natural compounds. Natural detergent does not contain any synthetic chemicals, fragrances, or dyes.

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is a type of natural laundry detergent that is specifically formulated to be gentle on the environment. These products are often gentle on sensitive skin, and they do not pollute the environment with harmful chemicals. Natural ones are also usually more effective at cleaning than conventional detergents since they are not weighed down by synthetic ingredients.

Why should we choose organic laundry detergent?

The most obvious benefit of using an organic laundry detergent is that it is much better for the environment than traditional laundry detergent. Natural ingredients are biodegradable and do not pollute water sources or damage ecosystems. While synthetic chemicals have the potential to contaminate our drinking water, rivers, and oceans with toxic chemicals.

When compared to traditional laundry detergents, natural products are more gentle on clothing and will not damage natural fibers or cause discoloration. They are usually fragrance-free and have a very light scent.

Benefits of Laundry Detergent over Laundry Soap

Laundry detergent is a more modern invention and offers some additional benefits over laundry soap. First, detergent is designed to be more effective in harder water conditions. If you live in an area with hard water, then you know that it can be tough on clothing and cause dinginess and fading. Detergent is designed to combat these effects and keep clothes looking and smelling fresher for longer.

Detergent is also more effective at removing stains and dirt from clothing. Laundry soap can often leave behind a residue that can attract dirt and make clothing look dull. Detergent is designed to rinse clean, so your clothes will look brighter and feel softer. Detergent is also available in both liquid and powder forms. Powder detergent is usually cheaper, but liquid detergent is more convenient and easier to use. Detergent outperforms laundry soap in terms of cleaning power retention over time. If you are a person trying to save money, this means you may buy a larger container of detergent at a lower unit cost and not worry about its cleaning ability deteriorating while in storage.

Is it better to use natural laundry detergent?

Natural laundry detergent is a great choice for people who are looking for an earth-friendly and effective laundry solution. They are free of harmful chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, and they are gentle on both the environment and your skin. This is because they are hypoallergenic and are mild in nature. These detergents are biodegradable. Another benefit of using natural laundry is that cleaning can be done effectively using a lesser amount of product.

The toxic chemicals which are present in the conventional laundry detergents get mixed with the water sources and jeopardize the life of animals along with the people who depend on groundwater. If you are looking for a non-toxic laundry solution, then natural laundry detergent is the way to go.

How do we choose the best natural laundry detergent?

There are many factors to be considered before choosing a natural laundry detergent. You need to consider your budget, the percentage of organic or natural components in the detergent, and the scent.

Natural laundry products are usually more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. Depending on the product and the ingredients used, the price difference could be a few cents or a few dollars. You can get a better idea of which all-natural laundry detergent would work best with the money you have available once you've established your budget.

Before putting your clothes, bedding, or towels in the wash, always read the care instructions. You should also double-check the directions on the laundry detergent bottle to ensure you're using the appropriate quantity.

Ingredients that you should look for in a laundry detergent

You must be aware that not all laundry detergents are made equal, including natural ones. It is a bitter truth that manufacturers of conventional detergents seldom take your health into consideration. This makes it crucial for the consumers to select the detergent containing the appropriate natural ingredients.

Biodegradable laundry detergent formula (phosphate-free)

Phosphate-free and biodegradable laundry detergent formulas have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Phosphate is a chemical that can be found in many conventional laundry detergents and has been shown to be harmful to the environment. In addition, biodegradable laundry detergent formulas are designed to break down more quickly than conventional detergents, helping to reduce the amount of chemical that end up in our waters.

Natural fragrances

Natural fragrances are derived from essential oils and other natural sources, rather than from synthetic chemicals. Many people prefer to use natural fragrances in laundry detergent because they are gentle on the skin and free from harsh chemicals. Natural laundry detergents often have a fresher, cleaner scent than their counterparts that contain synthetic fragrances.

Washing Soda

Soda ash, often known as washing soda, aids in the removal of oils and residue. They soften hard water so that the primary chemicals in laundry detergent can act properly. Washing soda is the principal cleaning agent in clothing. This is effective at removing stubborn stains and whitening whites.

Sodium Chloride

Without rubbing, sodium chloride effectively removes dirt and stains from textiles. Grease can be removed with soluble salts of an alkali metal such as potassium or sodium. They modify viscosity with a mineral-based solution.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide is a mineral-based ingredient that helps to balance pH levels. It saponifies fats by converting intractable oil molecules into soap molecules, allowing water to rinse them away.

Ingredients that should be avoided in laundry detergents

Detergents give your clothes a pleasant scent. However, they frequently contain a mixture of harmful chemicals that have bad health consequences. The most prevalent hazardous ingredients found in laundry detergent products are listed below.

Phosphates

Phosphates are still included in certain washing detergents. Such chemicals aid in the removal of minerals and food residue from textiles. Unfortunately, phosphates are powerful fertilizers that create massive, harmful algal blooms once they reach streams.

Chlorine bleach

Another concern with some washing detergents is chlorine bleach. Be aware of detergents that contain the word "brightener." Given that many people are now aware of the possible risks of bleach, companies choose not to include it prominently on their labels.

Artificial Dyes and Fragrances

Artificial dyes and perfumes or fragrances are commonly found in washing detergents. Because they are known to be irritants and allergic reactions, exposure should be reduced as much as possible.

Surfactants

Detergents use chemicals called surfactants to create suds. Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), a surfactant that mimics estrogen in the body, is a known endocrine disruptor. Some surfactants are less harmful to the endocrine system, yet they are nonetheless harmful to the environment.

Check out the Top Picks for the best natural laundry detergent

Dropps - Fight with stubborn stains

Tired of lugging around heavy detergent bottles?

Dropps offers environmentally friendly cleaning products made in the United States. Dropps offers products that are functional, environmentally friendly, and convenient. Dropps is a laundry detergent in a dissolvable pod form. That means no more spills, no more messes, and no more wasted time measuring out the perfect amount of detergent. Just pop in a Dropps pod and you’re good to go.

Not only is Dropps an easy-to-go detergent, but it's also tough on stains. It uses natural enzymes to help break down dirt and grime, so your clothes always look and smell their best. And because it's biodegradable, you can feel good about using it without harming the environment.

Try Dropps today!

Earth Breeze | Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent sheets

Earth Breeze is an environmentally aware company headquartered in Medford, Oregon (USA). It creates items that are sustainable and kind to the earth.

The company's main area of interest is the production of green cleaning products. As part of their zero waste mission, their laundry detergent comes in sheets in a compostable cardboard package rather than a plastic bottle like other detergents.

Earth Breeze laundry detergent is hypoallergenic and ideal for people with sensitive skin. You can be sure that when you use their products, you are causing the least amount of harm to yourself and the environment because they have given their ingredients careful consideration in terms of sustainability. The majority of the ingredients are vegan-friendly. They don't use any kind of animal testing on their products.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Sheets are the company's signature product. They come in 2 different versions, one fragrance free and the other one with a fresh scent

You can read here our Honest review of Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets or you can directly check their products here.

Clothes Doctor Signature Eco-Wash Laundry Detergent

I've fallen in love with Clothes Doctor's Signature Eco-Wash Detergent, and here's why: it's tough on stains but gentle on the environment and my family. The mineral-based, non-toxic formula works wonders even at low temperatures, which saves energy and keeps clothes looking great!

The scent is just right – refreshing and not too strong. What really stands out, though, is the eco-conscious packaging. The 100% aluminum bottle and compostable label show Clothes Doctor's commitment to sustainability, which I wholeheartedly support.

Plus, the laundry powder is vegan and cruelty-free, made in Britain with ethical standards in mind. Clothes Doctor's Eco-Wash Detergent uses mineral-based formula and is perfect for those wanting an effective, eco-friendly detergent that smells lovely and respects our planet.

Give it a try! You are gonna love this Eco-wash detergent.

Happi Earth - Highly concentrated formula for better wash

Worried about the environment and want to do your part?

Happi Earth's laundry products are environmentally friendly. It’s organic, all-natural, and doesn’t contain any ingredients that pollute or harm marine life. Plus, it’s highly concentrated so you only need 25 cents per wash!

Not only will using Happi Earth help the environment, but it will also leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean. They won’t have that musty smell that comes from other detergents. You can trust Happi Earth to get the job done right – without harming our planet in the process.

Purchase Happi Earth Laundry products today!

Kind Laundry | Eco-Friendly Laundry Strips

The foundation of Kind Laundry's work is the conviction that acts of kindness are the best ways to foster human love. Sincerity is engrained in their characters, and they honor its influence. This has an enormous impact of their decisions regarding their community, consumers, brand, and product. 

A more eco-friendly option to current conventional detergents on the market is Kind Laundry laundry detergent sheets. Their recyclable packaging leaves a significantly smaller carbon footprint. They also use a method that largely uses plants to create their laundry detergent sheets, making it a viable option. 

The company's flagship product is Eco-Friendly Laundry Sheets. They are available in two versions, ocean breeze and fragrance-free, and can manage up to 60 loads.

Check out Kind Laundry’s eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets on their website!

Branch Basics | Natural Laundry Detergent

Plant-based cleaning materials from Branch Basics will take the place of hazardous cleaning agents, reduce waste, and keep your home spotless. Despite being a young company, Branch Basics has already won the admiration of happy customers who adore the brand and respect its effective, human-safe, plant-based, eco-friendly laundry detergents. 

Branch Basics is a cleaning solution that is biodegradable, fragrance-free, and made of non-toxic ingredients that won't harm you, your family, or the environment. There are no harmful preservatives in it either. The ingredients in Branch Basics are chamomile extract, filtered water, baking soda, sodium citrate (a food-grade emulsifier), sodium percarbonate, and sodium phytate. Both Decyl Glucoside and Coco Glucoside are sugar-based cleansers.

They use liquid cleaners that do not include ammonia. Branch Basics It uses only biodegradable preservatives, such as sodium percarbonate and sodium bicarbonate; no harmful chemicals are added.

You can read here our Detailed and Honest Branch Basics Review or visit their website for more information about their products.

Ingredients Matter Clean - Cleaning enzymes for a gentle wash

Looking for a detergent that is good for both your clothes and the environment? Look no further!

All the products from Ingredients Matter Clean are devoid of the pollutants that pollute our rivers and contribute to climate change, such as petroleum, dyes, artificial scents, and synthetic preservatives. Their scoops are also totally recyclable and biodegradable in their packaging. Ingredients Matter Clean detergent is made with naturally-derived ingredients and natural fragrance. It is independently tested to clean as well as other popular brands but without all of the hidden chemicals.

You will love this detergent because it is gentle on your clothes and doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or fragrances. It’s also great for people who have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

Check out the Ingredients Matter Clean laundry detergent today!

Tru Earth | Natural Laundry Detergent sheets

Ryan McKenzie, a seasoned businessman with a love for sustainability, founded the Canadian company Tru Earth in 2019. The company is based in British Columbia. Its objective is to provide affordable, doable, and environmentally friendly green living alternatives. Tru Earth Laundry Eco-Strips are a greener alternative to regular laundry detergent, designed to reduce packaging, energy use, and water use.

The laundry strips themselves are claimed to be kind to skin and clothing because they are composed entirely of biodegradable materials. 

You can read here our Tru Earth Laundry Strips Review or if you are already convinced you can buy their best selling product here.

Zeroco - keeps your cloth softer and cleaner

Worried about the environmental impact of your washing detergent?

Zeroco delivers amazing personal care and cleaning goods right to your door. They are dedicated to addressing the problem of plastic pollution at both ends of the supply chain. Zeroco is a plant-based liquid laundry detergent that will leave your garb super soft, super clean, and smelling super sensational. Zeroco is committed to tackling the plastic problem at both ends of the supply chain; stopping the production of new plastic whilst also cleaning up the plastic waste that's junking up our planet.

Not only will you be doing your bit for the environment by using Zeroco, but you'll also get clothes that are softer and cleaner than ever before - without any hazardous chemicals or artificial fragrances. Sign up for our mailing list today to get exclusive discounts on your first order!

Head to their website now to buy Zeroco!

Aspen Clean - Biodegradable and perfect for HE washing machines

Looking for a detergent that is safe for your family and the planet?

Aspen's organic, plant-based cleaners are strong and effective, producing results comparable to strong conventional cleaners.

Aspen Clean detergents are perfect for anyone looking for an eco-friendly option. Their detergents are biodegradable and work in all water temperatures including warm water, making them perfect for any machine, including high efficiency (HE) machines.

Aspen Clean knows that everyone's skin is different, which is why they have a variety of formulas to choose from. Whether you're looking for a detergent that is specifically designed to get out tough stains, baby stains, or one that is safe for those with allergies or sensitivities, they have you covered. Plus, their zero plastic packaging means that you can feel good about using our products without harming the environment.

Explore the Aspen all-natural detergents on their website!

Attitude Laundry Detergent - With natural and plant-derived ingredients

Worried about the harsh chemicals in your laundry detergent?

Attitude is dedicated to providing you with the resources you need to live consciously by using only natural products. Attitude Detergents are ECOLOGO Certified and specially formulated with only natural and plant-derived ingredients like green tea extract.

Their laundry detergent will keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean thanks to its advanced deodorizing formula. It is also available in fragrance-free options. Plus, it’s biodegradable and sustainable and contains no irritating enzymes which cause skin irritation – making it perfect for your family and the environment.

You can trust this laundry detergent as it is safe for both you and the environment. It acts fast on tough stains, so you can be sure your clothes will come out of the wash looking (and smelling) great every time.

What is the most toxic laundry detergent?

Have you ever looked at the back of your laundry bottle and wondered what all those long words meant? Most people don't realize that there are hazardous chemicals in their laundry room. The toxic ingredients in laundry detergent can be harmful to your health if you are exposed to them on a regular basis.

The most toxic laundry detergent is the one that contains ingredients such as Artificial fragrance, Optical brighteners, 1,4-dioxane, Npe's, Phosphates, and Chlorine bleach. These toxic ingredients can cause skin irritations, respiratory problems, endocrine disruption, and cancer. There are safer alternatives to toxic detergents, so make the switch today and protect your health.

Why you should stop using homemade laundry detergent?

Homemade detergent has been trending for a few years now, with many people feeling like it is a more natural and economical option than store-bought laundry detergent.

However, there are some good reasons why you should stop using homemade detergent. First of all, homemade detergents are often not as effective at cleaning clothes as store-bought detergents. This is because they often don't contain all of the same ingredients, and they usually don't have the same dosage of those ingredients. As a result, your clothes may not come out as clean if you use homemade laundry detergent.

Additionally, homemade laundry detergent can be hard on washing machines. The ingredients in homemade laundry detergent can build up on the inside of washing machines and cause them to break down over time. For these reasons, it is generally best to stick with store-bought detergent.

Laundry Detergent and the Environment

When cleaning products containing synthetic cleaning chemicals and phosphates enter the soil and water supply, they may be hazardous to the environment. A detergent made with natural chemicals is your best choice for not damaging the environment, poisoning fish, or upsetting the ecology. Sustainable laundry products are biodegradable, which means they break down rapidly and do not affect the environment.

In addition to being environmental-friendly, natural detergents are usually hypoallergenic and gentle on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, or if you are looking for an eco-friendly option, natural laundry detergents are a great choice.

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Conclusion

Natural laundry detergents are a great choice for those who want to be more eco-friendly and live a natural lifestyle. There are many great options available on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and preferences. Be sure to read reviews and do your research before purchasing a detergent, as some may not be as effective as others.

However, nature-derived detergents are generally safe for both you and the environment, and they are often gentle on sensitive skin. Try switching to a natural laundry detergent and save the planet from harsh chemicals. 

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/synthetic-detergent

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