6 Best Natural Laundry Detergents That Are Powerful Yet Safe for the Whole Family
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When creating and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle, figuring out where to start can be tricky. When taking a complete inventory of your life, you may realize there are many areas where you can incorporate change aside from sustainable clothes or refillable beauty products. One area that often gets overlooked is laundry. Even if you do just two loads of laundry once a week, that’s eight times the minimum you’re running your machine and using detergent. While there’s no way we’re cutting out our washer machines, we can still take some actions to make this non-negotiable task a bit more earth-friendly.
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The Best Natural Detergents at a Glance
Best Eco-Friendly Natural Laundry Detergent: Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated EasyDose, Power+ Clean Laundry Detergent
Best Natural Laundry Detergent Booster: BLUELAND Oxi Laundry Booster Powder Starter Set
Best Natural Laundry Detergent for Babies: ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
Most Affordable Natural Laundry Detergent Pods: AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods
What to Look for in a Natural Detergent
Before you start making the big switch from the go-to detergent you’ve been using for years to a natural one, it’s essential to consider what makes a natural detergent natural to begin with. Quite frankly, most natural detergents are actually non-toxic. The big-brand bargain ones are usually filled with all sorts of synthetics and sulfates that are not only bad for the environment but can also be harmful to those with sensitive skin.
A non-toxic detergent should have as few ingredients as possible — or at least a lot less than non-natural ones. When shopping for a new natural detergent, you’ll want to take the time to check out the label and make sure to stay clear of harmful sulfates, like Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) that can strip the skin of natural oils. You’ll also want to avoid things like formaldehyde, phosphates, dyes, and other synthetic ingredients.
What Kind of Natural Detergent Should You Buy?
When switching to a natural detergent, you may believe that you have to change your whole laundry routine. Luckily, there are so many different forms of natural detergents around, from liquid and powder to pods and tabs, that you can find one that fits into your regular routine with no problem. Go with your typical product type and determine if you want a fragrance-free option.
Most detergent fragrances aren’t natural and use artificial ingredients to give them the smell you know and love. However, some natural detergents offer fragrances and use fewer chemicals and dyes than non-toxic options to provide a pleasant aroma. You can also go the fragrance-free route, which is usually more beneficial for sensitive skin.
Shop our favorite natural laundry detergents starting at just $13 now.
BEST NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT FOR BABIES
ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
$21
When it comes to washing your brand new little one’s clothes it might be best to always use a natural detergent if it’s in your means to do so. This one by Attitude is Environmental Working Group or EWG certified and is free of a handful of harmful ingredients like phosphates, enzymes, SLES, dyes, and artificial brighteners. It’s also certifies by the National Eczema Association so it’s safe for babies soft, delicate, and sensitive skin
Pros
Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
Available in multiple scents, with two fragrance-free options
Cons
May need more detergent for larger loads
MOST AFFORDABLE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT PODS
AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods
$20
These laundry pods are both natural and affordable which is a plus when it comes to shopping for detergent as living a sustainable lifestyle can be quite expensive. AspenClean is also EWG certified so it’s free of all the things you wouldn’t want in a detergent. Also, all of the packaging is plastic-free. Each pod is made with 100% recycled paper so it’s fully compostable.
Pros
No plastic use whatsoever
Pods are made with 100% recycled paper
Multiple scents available, including fragrance-free
Cons
May need more than one pod for larger loads
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated EasyDose, Power+ Clean Laundry Detergent
$14
Seventh Generation makes some of the most eco-friendly laundry detergent around and it’s super affordable which is why it’s the best. With the new EasyDose bottle, you get the right amount of detergent every time so there’s minimal waste. And with the Power+ Clean formula it’ll remove tough stains like chocolate, ketchup, grass, and dirt.
Pros
100% natural formula
Exact measurements provided so no waste
Cons
No plastic-free packaging
BEST RECOGNIZABLE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT BRAND
Tide Purclean Liquid Laundry Detergent
$13
If you’ve been using the big name brands like Tide for years, it can be hard to switch over to a new natural brand that you don’t know. Instead, reach for Tide’s Purcclean plant based detergent. While it’s not completely natural, 75% of it is made with plant-based ingredients and how its made is rather sustainable too. It’s produced at a “zero manufacturing waste to landfill site” that uses “100% renewable wind power electricity.”
Pros
Same performance you know and love
Multiple scents available with a fragrance-free option
Cons
Not 100% natural, is a hybrid version of 75% plant-based ingredients
BEST LUXE NATURAL DETERGENT
Dedcool Milk Dedtergent
$35
Now, if you’re after something a little more niche, Dedcool’s Dedtergent is a fan favorite among TikTok users and fashion girlies alike. It’s available in heavenly scents like this Milk one that’s vegan and 100% biodegradable.
Pros
Unique scent
Refillable packaging
Cons
No fragrance-free option
BEST NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT BOOSTER
BLUELAND Oxi Laundry Booster Powder Starter Set
$22
For those that love a good powder detergent, BlueLand is a great one to look into. This one is a great alternative to the classic OxiClean as it’s made without any parabens, chlorine bleach, phosphates, and ammonia but still brightens your classic whites and colored loads. Also, its packaging is completely plastic free.
Pros
Brightens clothes easily
Plastic-free
Cons
No fragrance-free option
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