Eco-friendly laundry detergent can go a long way to make your home and your lifestyle a little bit greener, and assist with softer, pleasant-smelling clothes too. Without harming the environment, these detergents do the same essential job to eradicate stains, dirt, and smells that you don't want to hang around your laundry.
These eco-friendly laundry detergents are set apart from the rest because of the eradication of harsh chemicals that you might find in other alternatives. Instead, they use natural materials and often come from brands that introduced recyclable packaging and try to cut down on plastic. There are also options that are a little more sustainable and sensitive-skin friendly, to ticks all your boxes.
Scroll on to see the selection, and consider buying one of the best washing machines if you want to swap your current model to an energy-efficient option with an eco cycle. Otherwise, if your washing machine is in good knick, we've got plenty more answers if you're wondering how to clean without commercial products.
6 eco-friendly laundry detergents for natural cleaning
1. This eco-friendly detergent will become your laundry day best friend
Method is an eco-friendly brand that goes the extra mile, with their excellent packaging and amazing scents. This detergent is just one example of the excellent work Method is doing to make cleaning your home a little kinder on the planet. The bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic too, so you can also recycle it after use. This is undoubtedly one of the best eco-friendly cleaning products out there.
2. This eco softener smells glorious and is good for the planet
This detergent combines the luxury of great smelling detergents and the forward-thinking of eco-friendly alternatives. With a gorgeous scent of apple blossom and almond, this plant-based product will have you treasuring the smell of your laundry all day long.
3. This natural laundry detergent looks good and works hard
Beyond its incredibly aesthetic packaging, Safely's EveryDay detergent is all-natural with Coconut-oil-derived surfactants, plant-based surfactants, and natural enzymes to fight stains and wash away dirt, oil, and impurities while preserving colors. The newest scent, Calm, smells of relaxing lavender, perfect for washing everything from sheets to clothes, while the original Spring, offers a refreshing floral scent. The 32oz. bottle can go a long way too, with enough detergent for 40 loads.
4. This eco-friendly washing powder is good for even the most sensitive of skin
This washing powder doesn’t contain any optical brighteners or phosphates and is completely biodegradable. We love this brand as it’s Certified Cruelty-Free so it’s not only eco-friendly but it’s vegan, vegetarian, and isn’t tested on animals. Users say it’s great for those with sensitive skin and perfume allergies as well as baby’s skin.
5. These eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets are great for getting rid of dirt and stains
These laundry sheets are an essential to add to your routine, reducing wrinkles and bad smells in the process. Made without harsh ingredients, you can trust it with your clothes and the box is recyclable too, of course.
6. This laundry detergent comes in an aesthetically pleasing container
Though many detergents have recyclable bottles, this pick has a bottle that you will actually want to repurpose in your home. Made by a small business and 95% plant based, the product inside is also pretty good and good for washing and for pre-treatment.
Browse more eco-friendly laundry detergents...
If you want to explore more options when it comes to making your laundry day more eco-friendly, then these are our favorite retailers for picking up similar detergents:
- Amazon eco-friendly laundry detergent (opens in new tab)
- Goldune eco-friendly laundry detergent (opens in new tab)
- Target eco-friendly laundry detergent (opens in new tab)
- Walmart eco-friendly laundry detergent (opens in new tab)
What to consider when buying eco-friendly laundry detergent
Washing laundry with an eco-friendly washing powder or liquid enables you to achieve a fresh, clean finish while also doing the best for our environment as you won’t be using harsh chemicals, enzymes, or any artificial ingredients. There are liquid detergents as well as traditional washing powders to choose from, all of which are kind on sensitive skin so are ideal for those with allergies or baby’s skin, clothes, and bedding. Companies such as Ecover, Ecozone, Method, Faith in Nature, Bio-D, and ProBiotic all have ranges to choose from.
Plastic-free
If you want to go all-out on the eco front, look for packaging that’s recycled and recyclable or better still, nonplastic. A large bottle or box will go further, as will an ultra-concentrated solution. Just make sure you have the room to store it, especially if it’s to go in the cupboard under the sink.
Natural ingredients
Check the label of ingredients before you buy and look for natural, biodegradable contents as these are kind to our planet. Plant-based rather than man-made components are always more eco-friendly, and if they are organic, even better. Biodegradable means they will biodegrade easily so they won’t contaminate the sea or earth where they are placed after use. Avoid anything with chlorine, bleach, artificial fragrances or additives, brighteners, phosphates, and parabens, as well as palm oil unless it’s sustainably sourced.
Better yet, we can recommend plenty more cleaning supplies — for laundry plus more — when it comes to removing tough stains and dirt from surfaces, floors and upholstery.
