7 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents for a Greener Clean in 2024

When it comes to doing your laundry, you likely want a clean that’s not only effective but also gentle on your skin and the environment. You’re not alone – many of us are making the switch to eco-friendly laundry detergents that prioritize the planet and our well-being. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the top 7 eco-friendly laundry detergents that tick all the right boxes. Want to know which ones made the cut?

MRS. MEYERS CLEAN DAY Liquid Laundry Detergent

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If you’re looking for an eco-friendly laundry detergent that’s gentle on clothes and the environment, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent is a top choice, boasting a concentrated, biodegradable formula that’s effective in removing dirt and stains while being gentle on skin and pets.

This plant-derived formula is designed to work efficiently in high-efficiency and conventional washing machines, providing 64 loads of laundry per bottle.

You’ll appreciate the garden-inspired Lavender scent, which is pleasant but not overpowering.

Plus, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and pets, and is free from animal by-products, making it a cruelty-free option.

With its long-lasting performance and gentle care, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Best For: Eco-conscious consumers who prioritize gentle, effective, and environmentally friendly laundry detergent for their sensitive skin and pets.

Pros:

• Effective in removing dirt and stains while being gentle on clothes and skin
• Long-lasting performance with 64 loads of laundry per bottle
• Pleasant, non-overpowering garden-inspired Lavender scent

Cons:

• May not be effective on motor oil stains and grease
• Some customers reported leakage during shipping despite having a seal to prevent leakage
• One customer reported receiving a watered-down version (although disputed by another customer)

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, Fragrance Free

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For those with sensitive skin, Seventh Generation’s fragrance-free laundry detergent is an excellent choice, boasting a hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested formula that provides gentle care for your skin.

You can trust this eco-friendly detergent to tackle tough stains with its triple-enzyme formula, while being gentle on your skin.

As an EPA Safer Choice Certified and USDA Certified 96% Biobased product, you can feel good about what you’re putting in the washing machine.

With its concentrated formula, you’ll get 53 medium loads out of this 40 oz bottle, making it a great value.

Plus, Seventh Generation is a Certified B Corporation committed to being better for workers, communities, and the environment.

With rave reviews from customers with sensitive skin, you can trust this detergent to get the job done without irritating your skin.

Best For: Those with sensitive skin, particularly those who experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to fragrances or dyes in laundry detergents.

Pros:

• Gentle on skin and suitable for sensitive skin, with a dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic formula
• Effective at removing tough stains with its triple-enzyme formula
• Eco-friendly and sustainable, with a concentrated formula that reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with the new packaging
• Limited availability in certain regions or stores
• No specific features or benefits for non-sensitive skin types

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets Fresh Scent

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Those seeking a convenient, eco-friendly, and effective laundry detergent solution will appreciate the Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets Fresh Scent, which offers 60 loads of laundry in 30 compact, lightweight sheets.

You’ll love that it’s free of harsh chemicals, being dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free.

Plus, the sheets are 100% biodegradable, and the packaging is recyclable, reducing plastic waste and minimizing environmental impact.

You’ll also appreciate the ease of use, with no measuring or mess, and the convenience of being portable and lightweight, making it perfect for on-the-go lifestyles or small spaces.

With its effective cleaning power and fresh scent, you’ll be satisfied with the results, and feel good about supporting a brand that donates to charitable causes with every purchase.

Best For: Those who prioritize eco-friendliness, convenience, and effectiveness in their laundry detergent, particularly individuals with sensitive skin or who lead active lifestyles.

Pros:

• Convenient, compact, and lightweight packaging that reduces plastic waste and minimizes environmental impact
• Effective cleaning power that fights odors and stains in any cycle, with a fresh scent and no detergent residue
• Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin

Cons:

• May not be as cost-effective as traditional liquid detergents for large or frequent laundry needs
• Limited availability in stores, potentially requiring online purchasing
• Some users may not prefer the sheet format or find it less effective for bulkier or heavily soiled laundry

Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods

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You’ll love Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods if you’re seeking a powerful, eco-friendly cleaning solution that tackles tough odors and stains while being gentle on your clothes and skin.

These pods are HE compatible, suitable for all washers, and effective in cold water and all temperatures.

With their advanced enzymes, they provide powerful cleaning while being gentle on your clothes and suitable for sensitive skin.

Plus, you’ll appreciate the convenient and efficient pre-measured pods, which come in a space-efficient packaging that’s easy to store.

And, with 58% USDA Certified BioBased content, you can feel good about reducing your environmental impact.

Best For: Those seeking a powerful, eco-friendly laundry detergent that is gentle on clothes and skin, suitable for sensitive skin, and effective in tackling tough odors and stains.

Pros:

• Effective cleaning and fresh scent
• Gentle on clothes and suitable for sensitive skin
• Environmentally friendly with biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging

Cons:

• Some customers experienced issues with packaging and scent strength
• May require two pods for larger or heavily soiled loads
• No mention of specific whitening or brightening capabilities

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder

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If you’re seeking a gentle yet effective laundry detergent suitable for sensitive skin, Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder is an excellent choice, thanks to its hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula.

This concentrated powdered laundry soap is perfect for all your laundry needs, including high-tech fabrics and delicates.

You’ll appreciate its deep cleaning power, which removes smells, stains, and residue from previous detergents.

As an eco-friendly option, Charlie’s Soap is biodegradable, septic safe, and EPA Safer Choice Certified.

Plus, it’s cost-effective, with one tablespoon per large load, and up to 300 loads per pack.

With its gentle yet effective formula, you can say goodbye to skin irritation and hello to a greener clean.

Best For: People with sensitive skin, those looking for an eco-friendly laundry detergent, and individuals seeking a cost-effective solution for their laundry needs.

Pros:

• Gentle and effective formula suitable for sensitive skin and high-tech fabrics
• Eco-friendly, biodegradable, and septic safe, with EPA Safer Choice Certification
• Cost-effective, with one tablespoon per large load and up to 300 loads per pack

Cons:

• No mention of recyclable or biodegradable packaging, a concern for environmentally conscious users
• Requires following specific usage directions to avoid powder marks on clothing
• No fragrance options available for users who prefer scented laundry detergent

Puracy Liquid Enzyme Laundry Detergent

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With its 99.4% plant-based ingredients and 4 plant-based enzymes for stain removal, Puracy Liquid Enzyme Laundry Detergent is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a gentle yet effective eco-friendly detergent for their sensitive skin and delicate fabrics.

You’ll appreciate that it’s free from harsh chemicals like phosphates, sulfates, and chlorine, making it perfect for those with skin allergies or sensitivities.

This 10x concentrated formula is tough on stains, yet gentle on your skin and clothes, leaving them soft and clean.

Plus, you’ll be reducing plastic and water waste by more than 80% with this eco-friendly detergent.

With a 100% satisfaction guarantee and excellent customer reviews, you can trust Puracy to get the job done while being kind to the planet.

Best For: Individuals with sensitive skin, skin allergies, or sensitivities, as well as those who prioritize eco-friendliness and gentle care for their delicate fabrics.

Pros:

• Effective stain removal with 4 plant-based enzymes
• Gentle on skin and clothes, making it ideal for sensitive skin and delicate fabrics
• Eco-friendly and sustainable, with a 10x concentrated formula that reduces plastic and water waste by more than 80%

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with the pump dispenser
• No specific information is provided about the product’s whitening or brightening capabilities
• No information is provided about the product’s performance on heavily soiled or oily stains

Dirty Labs Signature Scent Bio-Liquid Laundry Detergent

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Those seeking a powerful yet gentle laundry detergent that’s optimized for cold water and suitable for sensitive skin will appreciate Dirty Labs Signature Scent Bio-Liquid Laundry Detergent, which boasts a hyper-concentrated formula that’s certified by the EPA Safer Choice Partner and 97% USDA Biobased.

You’ll love that it’s free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, dyes, and parabens, making it perfect for babies, pets, and those with skin allergies.

With its advanced Phytolase enzyme cleaning technology, you can trust that tough stains and odors will be effectively removed.

Plus, the eco-friendly packaging and responsibly sourced materials will give you peace of mind.

As you use this detergent, you’ll appreciate its gentle yet effective performance, and the planet will thank you too!

Best For: Those with sensitive skin, babies, and pets, as well as individuals looking for an eco-friendly and gentle laundry detergent that is effective in cold water.

Pros:

• Gentle on skin and clothes, making it suitable for sensitive skin and allergies
• Effective stain and odor removal with advanced Phytolase enzyme cleaning technology
• Eco-friendly packaging and responsibly sourced materials that reduce carbon footprint

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with leakage and measuring cup
• May require pretreatment of tough stains and allowing to sit for 5 minutes before washing
• Limited availability or higher cost compared to conventional laundry detergents

Factors to Consider When Choosing Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

When shopping for an eco-friendly laundry detergent, you’ll want to examine several key factors that set these products apart from their traditional counterparts.

You’re looking for ingredients that are gentle on the environment, and that means opting for eco-friendly ingredients, plant-based formulas, and biodegradable packaging.

As you weigh your options, you’ll also want to think about concentrated vs. liquid detergents and whether the product is gentle on your skin.

Eco-Friendly Ingredients

You can make a significant impact on the environment by choosing laundry detergents with eco-friendly ingredients that are gentle on your clothes and skin.

When shopping for eco-friendly laundry detergents, look for plant-derived cleaning agents, enzymes, and thoughtfully chosen ingredients that effectively remove dirt and stains without harming the environment. Biobased ingredients, certified by the USDA, can make up a significant percentage of eco-friendly laundry detergents, reducing the environmental impact of traditional detergents.

Opt for detergents that exclude harsh chemicals like phosphates, sulfates, and petrochemicals, which can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life.

If you or a family member has sensitive skin, consider hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas that minimize irritation.

To confirm you’re getting a genuinely eco-friendly detergent, look for certifications like EPA Safer Choice, which guarantees the product meets rigorous standards for human health and environmental sustainability.

Plant-Based Formulas

Derived from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, or potato starch, plant-based formulas in eco-friendly laundry detergents offer a cleaner alternative to traditional petroleum-based ingredients.

When choosing an eco-friendly laundry detergent, you’ll want to look for plant-based formulas that reduce dependence on petroleum-based ingredients. These formulas are typically biodegradable, non-toxic, and gentle on skin, making them a great option for you and the environment.

As you explore different eco-friendly laundry detergents, you’ll notice that plant-based formulas come in various forms. Some detergents may use corn-based surfactants, while others might utilize sugarcane-derived cleaning agents. Potato starch, another common renewable resource, can be used to create gentle, effective cleaning agents.

When shopping for an eco-friendly laundry detergent, keep an eye out for certifications like EcoLogo or Safer Choice, which guarantee that the product meets rigorous environmental standards. By opting for a plant-based formula, you’ll be taking a significant step towards reducing your environmental footprint and creating a greener clean.

Concentrated Vs. Liquid

As you weigh your eco-friendly laundry detergent options, consider the concentration factor, which can substantially impact the environment.

Concentrated laundry detergents are a more eco-friendly choice compared to liquid detergents, and here’s why: they typically require less water and packaging, resulting in less waste and a reduced carbon footprint. Plus, concentrated detergents often have a higher cleaning power per ounce, making them a more efficient option.

On the other hand, liquid laundry detergents may require more water and packaging, contributing to a larger environmental impact.

What’s more, some concentrated detergents can be up to 10 times more concentrated than liquid detergents, greatly reducing waste and packaging.

When deciding between concentrated and liquid detergents, consider the environmental impact and your personal cleaning needs. Do you prioritize a stronger cleaning power or a gentler touch on the environment?

Biodegradable Packaging

One key factor when selecting eco-friendly laundry detergents is the type of packaging they come in, which can substantially impact the environment.

You’ll want to look for biodegradable packaging that reduces plastic waste and minimizes environmental impact. Some products use 100% biodegradable sheets and recyclable cardboard boxes, making them an excellent eco-friendly option.

Companies prioritizing eco-friendliness often opt for compact, lightweight packaging that saves space and reduces waste, making them ideal for laundromats, travel, or small spaces.

You can even find brands that have eliminated plastic jugs, replacing them with cardboard or biodegradable materials, which can reduce plastic waste by up to 80%.

Not only is biodegradable packaging environmentally friendly, but it’s also convenient, often designed for easy storage and transport.

When shopping for eco-friendly laundry detergent, look for certifications like EPA Safer Choice or USDA Biobased, which guarantee the product meets rigorous environmental standards.

Gentle on Skin

When you’re shopping for an eco-friendly laundry detergent, your skin type is a crucial factor to take into account, especially if you or a family member has sensitive skin.

You’ll want to opt for a detergent that’s gentle on skin to minimize the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Look for hypoallergenic formulas, which are specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of skin issues. Fragrance-free or mildly fragranced detergents are also a good choice, as strong scents can exacerbate skin sensitivity.

Some eco-friendly laundry detergents are certified by organizations like the National Eczema Association, which recognizes products that meet strict standards for gentleness on skin.

Additionally, certifications like EPA Safer Choice indicate that the product meets stringent standards for human health and environmental sustainability.

Cruelty-Free Certification

You’ll want to verify that the eco-friendly laundry detergent you choose isn’t only gentle on your skin but also cruelty-free, with certifications like the Leaping Bunny Program or PETA Beauty Without Bunnies verifying that no animal testing was conducted during product development.

These certifications confirm that the detergent meets strict standards, giving you peace of mind that you’re not supporting animal cruelty.

The Leaping Bunny Program, managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is a widely recognized certification that guarantees no animal testing was conducted during any stage of product development.

Similarly, the PETA Beauty Without Bunnies program verifies that a product is free from animal testing, and a product can be certified if it meets the PETA standards.

Be cautious of companies that claim to be cruelty-free without official certification, and always look for recognized certifications like the Leaping Bunny or PETA Beauty Without Bunnies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents More Expensive Than Regular Detergents?

You’re wondering if eco-friendly laundry detergents break the bank, right? Surprisingly, many eco-brands are competitively priced with regular detergents, and some are even cheaper, making the switch to green cleaning a guilt-free choice for your wallet!

Do Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Clean as Well as Regular Detergents?

As you sail through the ocean of dirty laundry, you wonder if eco-friendly detergents can anchor your trust. Rest assured, they’re just as effective as regular ones, lifting tough stains like a lighthouse guiding you to cleaner shores.

Are All Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Free of Harsh Chemicals?

You’re wondering if all eco-friendly laundry detergents ditch harsh chemicals, right? Well, not exactly – some may still contain milder alternatives, but many brands proudly boast a complete absence of harsh toxins, so always check labels carefully.

Can I Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents in Cold Water?

“Think of eco-friendly detergents like a gentle friend – they work harmoniously with cold water, just like how a warm cup of tea soothes on a chilly morning. Yes, you can use them in cold water, and they’ll still get the job done!”

Are Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Packaging Options Available?

You’ll be happy to know that biodegradable laundry detergent packaging options are available, made from sustainable materials like recycled paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your search for the perfect eco-friendly laundry detergent, remember that every little bit counts.

By making the switch, you’re taking a step in the right direction.

Don’t be a drop in the ocean – be the ripple that starts a wave of change.

Choose an eco-friendly laundry detergent that aligns with your values, and together, we can make a difference, one load of laundry at a time.