Best eco-friendly washing powders and liquids: 6 natural buys

If you are trying to make your cleaning greener, you might have been looking for the best eco-friendly washing powders and liquids. Look no further. We all want our laundry to be clean and fresh when it comes out of the washing machine, but we want to do this in a way that doesn't harm to the environment, too.

What are we talking about when we say eco-friendly washing laundry detergent though? Well, to start, we want something that harnesses the power of nature and avoids the use of harsh chemicals that can impact on your health or pollute the water ways. Then, we have looked at brands that have considered how the packaging can be damaging too – some are plastic free while others concentrate on bulk volumes to limit packaging. As well as doing your bit for the planet, you’ll also be choosing a product that is kind on sensitive skin, won’t harm your appliance and still delivers the perfect wash. 

So if you’re after something natural and kind to the environment we’ve got the lowdown on the best eco-friendly washing powders and liquids you can buy. Our top buys tackle tough stains the natural way, from non-bio detergents and concentrated formulas for woollens to fabric softeners and sweet smelling solutions containing essential oils. Scroll on to see the selection, and consider looking at the best washing machines too – we have selected models that are energy efficient and some have eco cycles too so you can make your whole was as environmentally friendly as can be.

The best eco-friendly washing powders and liquids

Best for…
A gorgeous fragrance on your clothes and bedding, without using any additives or harsh chemicals. 

Tough on stains
No more worrying about how you’ll remove stubborn marks such as wine, grass, tomato and grease as this liquid detergent gets rid, even if you select a cool temperature wash. 

Vegetarian friendly
Suitable for vegetarians.

Results
A plant-based formula, this detergent cleans brilliantly at any temperature and leaves a lovely fresh linen scent on clothes. 

Good to know
It’s free from dyes, phosphates, petrochemical derived cleaning agents and optical brighteners. Some buyers say there’s no need to use a fabric softener with it and it is suitable for use where the water drains to septic tanks and cesspits.

Best for…
Hugely reducing your environmental impact, as its super concentrated formula gives more washes even at low temperatures. It also comes in a large 5 litre pack to keep packaging (and order frequency) to a minimum.

Non bio
There are no enzymes, parabens, phosphates or bleaches so it’s suitable for use with woollens, fine fabrics, colours and reusable nappies.

Aloe vera
This detergent contains organic aloe vera, which is known for its skin caring benefits, so it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin. 

Results
You’ll get around 150 washes with this huge bottle that contains a super-concentrated solution.

Good to know
Always follow the wash instructions on the label of clothes for best results.

Best for…
Giving laundry a fresh apple blossom and almond fragrance the natural way thanks to its softening agents derived from rapeseed oil and soya bean. Other scents in this range include Gardenia & Vanilla and Rose & Bergamot.

Sensitive skin
This eco-friendly liquid fabric softener is good for allergies and those with sensitive skin.

Long lasting
As it’s concentrated, this fabric softener lasts and lasts so you certainly get value for money. 

Results
Users say it has a nice subtle scent and leaves clothes feeling soft. It’s also suitable for use with septic tanks and cesspits.

Good to know
Perhaps buy a funnel or a pump to make pouring the softener into your machine a tad easier. You may want to decant the largest bottles into smaller reusable bottles and store the big bottle out of the way.

Best for…
Making a little go a long way thanks to its ultra-concentrated formula, which also makes your money go further too. 

Lavender scent
The lovely fresh aroma isn’t overwhelming and leaves laundry smelling fabulous.

Non toxic
This liquid laundry detergent is a natural solution that uses plant-based ingredients to tackle tough stains and it can be used on colours and whites too, so no need to buy two separate detergents. 

Results
Buyers say it’s kind on sensitive and baby’s skin as well as doing a reasonable job on cloth nappies. 

Good to know
The bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic, so you can also recycle it after use.

Best for…
Active ProBiotics technology helps to encourage healthy bacterial balance. Only some bacteria are harmful and the best defence is a thriving ecosystem of good bacteria, which is what this liquid detergent aims to deliver. 

Ecological ingredients
Organic, vegan and biodegradable, this ProBiotic detergent is 100 percent eco-friendly and uses 99.8 percent plant-based ingredients with 0.2 percent preservatives approved by EU Ecolabel and Nordic SWAN.

Sensitive skin
There are no artificial colours, fragrances or chlorine in this liquid detergent and it’s approved by dermatologists and allergologists for a naturally clean solution. 

Results
Keeps colours strong and prevents them from fading while taking care of delicate fabrics and can be used on all temperatures. 

Good to know
Can be used on delicates such as wool and silk and will leave laundry smelling naturally clean and fresh.

Best for…
When you want a washing powder that doesn’t contain any optical brighteners or phosphates and is completely biodegradable. 

Non-bio powder
This concentrated washing powder is suitable for all automatic machines and can be used for homes with septic tanks and cesspits as it’s non-biological with no enzymes or perfumes. 

Cruelty-free
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.

Results
Users say it’s great for those with sensitive skin and perfume allergies as well as baby’s skin. 

Good to know
It uses only sustainable palm oil in its ingredients and is suitable for use with septic tanks.

How to buy the best eco-friendly washing powders and liquids

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, non plastic. 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.

What are the best eco-friendly washing powders and liquids you can buy?

We think the best eco-friendly washing powders and liquids you can buy are the Ecozone Non Bio Liquid Laundry Detergent, as it deals with tough stains such as wine, grass and tomato even on a cool wash and has a lovely fresh fragrance without the use of additives or chemicals. 

We also rate the Bio-D washing powder for those who prefer powder over liquid. It works on everything from nappies to bedding and doesn’t leave any powdery residue.

Read more on eco-friendly cleaning:

• Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets
• Best eco-friendly cleaning products
• How to clean without commercial products