When it comes to finding the best eco-friendly laundry detergent, you may be overwhelmed by the plethora of options available. Let us give you a hand by listing some of the best eco-friendly detergents on the market, and what exactly to look out for when scanning their labels.
The Best Eco-Friendly Detergents
1. Puracy
What can we say? We may be biased, but hundreds of thousands of households trust our Natural Laundry Detergent to keep their fabrics fresh and stain-free. Optimized for those with skin sensitivities and allergies, our formula is the best because it’s powered by plant enzymes that eliminate stains, odors, and build-up without dulling colors. Plus it’s available in a market-leading 10x concentration that reduces waste by over 80%.
Strengths:
- 99.4% natural formula
- Developed by doctors for people with sensitive skin and allergies
- 64 loads per 16-ounce bottle
- Naturally derived, hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, and biodegradable
Points of improvement:
- A version will soon be available in an infinitely recyclable Clean Can option
2. Tide Purclean (Scent Free)
This is Tide's first plant-based detergent, featuring a formula made with 100% renewable wind power electricity and made at a zero manufacturing waste to landfill site.
Strengths:
- Designed free of dyes, chlorine, phosphates or brighteners
- Unscented
Points of improvement:
- Only 75% of ingredients are plant-derived and subjected to processing
- One of the more expensive options on Amazon
3. Method Laundry Detergent (Free & Clear)
This detergent is made with plant-based ingredients that features a hypoallergenic concentrated formula that fights tough dirt and stains.
Strengths:
- Scent-free for those with allergies and other sensitivities
- Keeps colors bright and whites white
Points of improvement:
- Lid is not made from recycled plastic
- Lacks a no-mess pump for spill-free usage
4. Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent (Free & Clear)
This detergent is concentrated so that you can use less product to clean more. It also features a formula that is EPA Safer Choice Certified and a USDA Certified Biobased Product 96%.
Strengths:
- Free of fragrances, dyes, artificial brighteners
- Bottle is made of 80% recycled plastic
Points of improvement:
- Seems to remove less stains compared to other brands
5. Biokleen Free and Clear Laundry Detergent
This eco-friendly laundry formula uses powerful plant-derived cleaning agents to breakup stains and eliminate odors, leaving clothes clean and fresh. Plus it's created with no artificial fragrances or dyes and 3x concentrated.
Strengths:
- Biodegradable ingredients
- 3X concentrated to reduce packaging, waste and energy
6. Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
Made with only 4-5 earth- and plant-derived ingredients, this highly concentrated powder is gentle for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Strengths:
- Just one scoop is needed per load
- Can be used in standard, commercial, and High-Efficiency (HE) washers
Points of improvement:
- Less powerful at removing tough stains
Why do we need a good eco-friendly laundry detergent?
A good eco-friendly laundry detergent is essential for both our family’s health and the environment. Traditional detergents often contain harsh chemicals like phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes, which can be harmful when they enter our waterways. These substances can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harming wildlife and polluting drinking water sources.
Eco-friendly laundry detergents, on the other hand, are designed to be non-toxic and biodegradable. They break down more easily in the environment, reducing the risk of contamination and minimizing our ecological footprint. These detergents are also gentler on our skin, as they avoid the harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
What makes a laundry detergent eco-friendly?
Eco-friendly laundry detergents minimize environmental impact through sustainable practices and ingredients. These detergents are typically free from harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances, which can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems when they enter waterways. Instead, they use biodegradable, plant-based ingredients that break down naturally without leaving harmful residues.
Earth friendly laundry packaging also plays a key role; eco-friendly detergents often come in recyclable, compostable, or minimal packaging to reduce waste. Concentrated formulas are common, requiring less water and packaging material, which also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Additionally, eco-friendly laundry detergents are often produced using renewable energy sources and have certifications such as USDA Organic, EcoCert, or EPA Safer Choice, ensuring they meet stringent environmental standards. These detergents are also cruelty-free, meaning they aren't tested on animals.
