Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

Jane Marsh - February 13, 2023

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If you’re looking to switch to eco-friendly laundry detergent, we’ve got you covered.

It’s no secret that conventional laundry detergents contain some pretty toxic chemicals. In fact, several of these chemicals are linked to cancer.

So what’s an eco-minded person like you supposed to do? Well, there are plenty of options that work great and keep your clothes clean without putting your health at risk.

Though, you may be wondering if they’ll clean your clothes. We did some research and came up with a list of our favorite eco-friendly detergents for you.

Here is a list of the best eco-friendly laundry detergents for you to sift through.

1. Earth Breeze Liquidless Eco-Sheets

The Earth Breeze Liquidless Eco-sheets are made from a special technology that creates a sheet of soap using only water and biodegradable ingredients. This means they’re safe to use with all types of fabrics, including delicates like wool and silk.

They come in two types — Fragrance Free or Fresh Scent. They’re made from all-natural ingredients, and they smell amazing. All you have to do is toss a few of these sheets into your washing machine with your clothes and turn it on — no need for any additional detergents or soaps.

The packages are also biodegradable, compostable and super thin, making them great for people living in apartments with limited space. You can purchase these packages once or save a ton of money with a recurring subscription.

Should you need to skip a month, you can easily do so on the site. Or, you can cancel anytime if you’re unhappy with the products.

2. Dropps Stain and Odor Laundry Detergent

Dropps Stain and Odor Detergent Pods are another great option for trying out laundry detergent packets. Each pod contains a powerful stain-fighting formula safe for all fabrics, including baby clothes and other delicate materials. The product is also eco-friendly and biodegradable — a great choice for people who want to live greener but still have access to high-quality laundry products.

These pods are pre-measured and come in various scents, so you can choose whatever works best for your family. The smallest package contains 64 pods — meaning one box will last you 64 loads. These detergent pods are biodegradable, making them safe for people with septic tanks in their homes.

They work in all washing machines, including HE machines and those with hard water systems.

3. Smol Non-Bio Laundry Capsules

Smol’s Non-bio Laundry Capsules are another great way to go plastic-free. They’re effective at working on tough stains and free of harmful chemicals. The capsules are made with fewer chemicals and reduce up to 35% in carbon, making them safe for both people and the environment. 

They come in an average-sized pack of 24 pods. The packaging is 100% plastic-free and recyclable. To purchase Smol’s laundry capsules, you must sign up for a monthly subscription service. However, it allows you to start with a free trial, which includes nine washes. 

These laundry capsules are certified cruelty-free and vegan. They’re also made in the U.K., but it does ship its products to the U.S.

4. Dirty Labs Bio-Laundry Detergent

Dirty Labs Bio-laundry Detergent is a certified cruelty-free, eco-friendly laundry detergent that’s also non-toxic and hypoallergenic. It comes in a big bottle that you can use to easily pour the bio-based, hyper-concentrated liquid into any washing machine. 

The formula is free from dyes, perfumes and enzymes. It has 100% biodegradable ingredients and contains no phosphates or optical brighteners. 

Dirty Labs bio-laundry detergent is safe for people with sensitive skin and pets in your household. This laundry detergent is also extra gentle on clothes but super tough on dirt and stains. Therefore, your fabrics will look like new and last longer.

Dirty Labs starts at $14.00 for 32 loads. However, you can save 10% if you sign up for its subscription service. The bio-enzyme laundry detergent also comes in a few scents, or you can get scented-free if you wish. Dirty Labs laundry detergent is one of the best eco-friendly laundry detergents on the market.

5. Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent

Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent is a plant-based and eco-friendly laundry detergent. It contains no phosphates, perfumes, dyes or optical brighteners. 

Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent is also free of harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. This natural laundry detergent will leave your clothes looking clean and fresh without any residue. You can use this product on all types of fabrics, including silk, wool and cotton blends. 

Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent comes in scents like Free and Clear or Fresh Linen. The packaging includes a 16-fluid-ounce bottle with a dispenser. 

In general, you need to dispense two pumps for one load, so you get 64 loads out of one bottle. Yet, there’s no need to worry about adding more plastic to landfills. The company provides refills of 48 fluid ounces, which gives you 192 loads.

Plus, the refill bag has a dispenser at the top so you can easily pour it into the bottle.

6. Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets

Blueland laundry is another great plastic-free option. Its laundry detergent comes in the form of tablets that you can drop into the washing machine and start a new cycle. You only need one tablet, which does the rest of the work. The dry tablet can lift stains, so you can still get a clean wash every time.

Purchasing Blueland’s laundry detergent is also eco-friendly. The tablets come in a tin can, and you get refills in plastic-free packaging.

The company is also committed to being 100% plastic-free. The tins are recyclable, and all of the packaging for their products are made of recycled materials.

These laundry tablets are also free of parabens, phthalates, phosphates, ammonia and bleach. When you purchase Blueland, you get 120 tablets in each order, enough to last three to four months. The Starter Set costs $25, or you can sign up for a recurring subscription and save 10%.

Go Green With the Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

These detergents score high in our book for their eco-friendly components, natural formula and general versatility. These companies promise to do what they can to ensure you are satisfied with the product and to remove any chemicals or additives deemed hazardous by the FDA.

Now that you know what eco-friendly detergents to look for — do yourself, the environment, and your clothes a favor by choosing one of these natural detergents. You’ll be able to get your clothes clean and feel good about what you’re doing for the planet.

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About the author

Jane Marsh

Starting from an early age, Jane Marsh loved all animals and became a budding environmentalist. Now, Jane works as the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co where she covers topics related to climate policy, renewable energy, the food industry, and more.