Ultimate Guide to Natural and Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

Discover the Benefits of Natural Laundry Detergents

Choosing a natural laundry detergent means opting for a product free from harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Thanks to its environmentally conscious formulation, it minimizes pollution, preserves fabric integrity, and reduces skin irritations. Moreover, many natural detergents are concentrated, meaning less packaging waste and a smaller ecological footprint. Our extensive research combined with real user reviews and expert insights has enabled us to compile a comprehensive list of top-tier natural laundry detergents tailored to various needs.

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Laundry Solutions

  • Best Overall Green Detergent: MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Liquid Laundry Detergent
  • Best Bio-Based Detergent: Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
  • Most Eco-Conscious Choice: ECOS Laundry Detergent Liquid
  • Great Value for Eco-Friendly Products: Persil Laundry Liquid Detergent
  • Best Plant-Derived Formula: Gain Botanicals Plant Based Laundry Detergent
  • Top Natural Pods: Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods
  • Best Fragrance-Free Option: Seventh Generation – Free & Clear
  • Non-Bio Detergent for Sensitive Skin: Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pods
  • Natural Powder Detergent: Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Laundry Detergent

In-Depth Reviews of Top Natural Laundry Detergents

MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5, Walmart: 4.6/5

Key Features:

  • Effective odor removal without masking scents
  • Concentrated formula requiring less product per load
  • Available in a variety of delightful fragrances

Pros:

  • Leaves clothes smelling naturally fresh with floral notes like honeysuckle
  • Gentle on skin thanks to plant-based ingredients and enzymes
  • Safe for both standard and high-efficiency washing machines

Cons:

  • Essential oils and synthetic fragrances may cause irritation for sensitive skin

Imagine transforming your laundry routine into a fragrant, botanical experience. Mrs. Meyer’s detergent offers a gentle yet thorough cleaning power, infused with natural essential oils that leave your clothes smelling as if they’ve just been picked from a garden. Its plant-derived enzymes tackle stubborn stains effectively, all without parabens or phthalates, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Although the packaging is recyclable, it isn’t biodegradable, and the product is not vegan, but it is cruelty-free.

Price at time of publishing: $16.62 on Amazon

Specifications:

  • Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 4 pounds
  • Scent: Honeysuckle
  • Usage: Compatible with HE and standard machines
  • Eco Claims: Made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils, free from parabens, phthalates, optical brighteners, and artificial colors

Method Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ratings: Amazon: 4.2/5, Walmart: 4.3/5

Highlights:

  • Subtle, pleasant fragrance that isn’t overwhelming
  • Suitable for septic tanks and eco-conscious households
  • Range of matching products in the same scent family

Drawbacks:

  • Pour cap may lack precision for measuring

This biodegradable, hypoallergenic formula is designed to deliver a deep clean while remaining gentle on the environment and your skin. It’s certified by the Cradle-to-Cradle standards and boasts a fresh lavender-cypress scent. Its concentrated formula means a small bottle can wash approximately 66 loads, making it economical and eco-friendly. Free from toxins, cruelty-free, and zero waste, this detergent truly embodies sustainable cleaning.

Price at time of publishing: $18.44 on Amazon

Specifications:

  • Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 3.5 pounds
  • Scent: Lavender and Cypress
  • Usage: HE and standard washers
  • Eco Claims: Plant-based, cruelty-free, zero waste

ECOS Laundry Detergent Liquid

Ratings: Amazon: 4.4/5, Walmart: 4.5/5

Why We Love It:

  • Excellent pre-treatment for stubborn stains
  • Effective at removing pet hair from fabrics
  • Leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean

Potential Drawbacks:

  • May require pre-treatment for tough odors like cologne

This non-toxic, climate-positive detergent is packed with green credentials, including Safer Choice certification, vegan ingredients, and carbon neutrality. Made with only six ingredients, it’s a minimalist’s dream that’s tough on dirt and gentle on the planet. Its simple formulation not only cleans effectively but also minimizes environmental impact, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious households.

Price at time of publishing: $31.05 on Amazon

Specifications:

  • Form: Liquid
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Scent: Magnolia and Lily
  • Usage: HE and standard machines
  • Eco Claims: Plant-derived, Safer Choice certified, vegan, zero waste, free from dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, and phosphates

Persil Laundry Liquid Detergent

Ratings: Walmart: 4.2/5

Advantages:

  • Exceptional cleaning performance in cold water
  • Widely available both online and in local stores
  • Leaves clothes smelling fresh and feeling soft without additional softeners

Disadvantages:

  • Missing stain eraser ball in some packs; requires extra care for stain treatment

This budget-friendly, concentrated formula excels at removing tough stains at low temperatures. It offers about 38 loads per bottle, making it economical. For optimal results, use two to three tablespoons per load, depending on water hardness and load size. Pre-treat stubborn stains for best results, as some may survive a cool wash. The fresh scent and effective cleaning make it a popular choice among eco-friendly consumers.

Price at time of publishing: $29.99 on Amazon

Gain Botanicals Plant Based Laundry Detergent

Ratings: Walmart: 4.5/5, Amazon: 4.4/5

What Users Appreciate:

  • Clothes maintain a fresh scent for longer periods
  • Suitable for sensitive skin due to plant-based ingredients
  • Effective on various stains

Limitations:

  • Some users found the bottles do not last as long as expected

Gain Botanicals leverages the power of plants to deliver a gentle yet effective laundry experience. Infused with lavender essential oil, it imparts a soothing scent to your laundry. Made with 65% plant-based ingredients, it’s designed to be gentle on skin and the environment. Free from dyes, phosphates, and brighteners, this USDA biobased product is a smart choice for eco-conscious households seeking a natural clean.

Price at time of publishing: $16.74 on Amazon

Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods

Ratings: Walmart: 4.3/5, Amazon: 4.2/5

Why It’s Great:

  • Does not leave a musty smell in the washing machine
  • Reviewers love the fresh, earthy aroma
  • Eco-responsible packaging reduces environmental impact

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Pods may sometimes not dissolve completely, leaving clumps

These eco-friendly laundry pods are designed for convenience and efficiency. Each dose contains a blend of plant and mineral-based ingredients, free from chlorine, dyes, and phosphates. Easy to use—simply place a pod in the drum before adding clothes—they work well even with cold water, helping you save energy while ensuring a thorough clean. The natural scent and responsible packaging make them a popular choice among sustainability-minded consumers.

Price at time of publishing: $17.67 on Walmart

Seventh Generation – Free & Clear

Ratings: Walmart: 3.5/5, Amazon: 4/5

Key Points:

  • Long-lasting bottle suitable for large laundry loads
  • Effective at making clothes look and feel fresh
  • Highly rated for sensitive skin due to its gentle formula

Limitations:

  • May require pre-treatment for stubborn stains, as it doesn’t always remove all marks in a single wash

This unscented, plant and mineral-based detergent is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Certified by EPA Safer Choice and USDA Organic standards, it’s formulated with 96% plant-derived ingredients. While it may not tackle the most stubborn stains without pre-treatment, its gentle, effective cleaning makes it a reliable choice for everyday laundry, leaving clothes feeling and smelling fresh without any synthetic fragrances.

Price at time of publishing: $22.68 on Amazon

Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pods

Ratings: Walmart: 4.2/5, Amazon: 4.4/5

What Makes It Stand Out:

  • Minimal packaging makes storage and disposal easy and eco-friendly
  • One pod effectively handles a significant amount of laundry
  • Gentle enough for delicate fabrics, baby clothes, and pet bedding

Considerations:

  • Keep pods dry to prevent sticking and clumping

Designed specifically for sensitive skin, Dropps pods are free from dyes, fragrances, enzymes, parabens, and phosphates. The packaging is made from recyclable and compostable cardboard, aligning with eco-conscious values. Each pod offers powerful cleaning without compromising on gentleness, making it a top choice for families and individuals with delicate skin or allergies.

Price at time of publishing: $53.10 on Amazon

Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Laundry Detergent

Ratings: Walmart: 4.3/5, Amazon: 4.4/5

Highlights:

  • Can be sprinkled directly into the drum, reducing clumping issues
  • Simple and straightforward to use
  • Offers thorough cleaning suitable for cloth diapers and hard water areas

Considerations:

  • Clumping may occur at colder wash temperatures

If you prefer a powdered natural detergent, Biokleen provides an effective and eco-friendly option. Its concentrated formula allows for about 150 washes per box, reducing waste and packaging. Made with just ten ingredients, it’s unscented and free from chlorine, ammonia, and artificial fragrances. Its mineral-based cleaning agents ensure bright whites and vibrant colors, making it a versatile addition to your laundry routine.

Price at time of publishing: $34.98 on Amazon

How We Rigorously Tested Natural Laundry Detergents

Our testing process involves a thorough examination of label ingredients, certifications, and usage instructions. We evaluate how much detergent is recommended for various load sizes and test performance across different stain types, including coffee, wine, and food spills. We assess cleaning efficacy on a variety of fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and mixed textiles, using different machine settings like cold, delicate, and warm washes. Additionally, we observe the ease of use, residue left behind, suds formation, and overall freshness of the clothes post-wash to ensure we recommend only the best products.

What to Consider When Choosing Green Laundry Detergent

Types of Detergents

Powders are a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, often packaged in recyclable cardboard, and excel at cleaning various stains. Liquids are versatile, especially effective at cold temperatures, and allow for pre-treatment of stains. Capsules or pods offer unmatched convenience—just drop one into the drum, and you’re set. They also generate less packaging waste compared to traditional bottles. For those constantly on the move, laundry sheets are another portable, mess-free option.

Understanding Composition

Natural detergents avoid harsh chemicals, opting instead for plant-based, non-toxic ingredients. Some contain enzymes that help break down stains quickly, but these might cause irritation for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic or non-bio options eliminate enzymes and fragrances, making them gentler but sometimes less effective on tough stains. Selecting the right type depends on your laundry needs and skin sensitivities.

Packaging and Labels

Environmentally responsible packaging is essential—look for biodegradable, recyclable, or plastic-free options. Many brands use recycled plastics or cardboard to minimize environmental impact. Certifications such as Safer Choice by the EPA or USDA Organic seals indicate that the product meets strict safety and environmental standards. Labels like Cruelty-Free and Vegan Society logos further validate the eco-friendly credentials of these products.

Scent Preferences

Many green detergents are unscented, perfect for those with sensitivities or allergies. However, if you prefer a fragrant laundry experience, opt for products infused with natural essential oils like lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus. These scents provide freshness without the synthetic chemicals found in conventional fragrances, enhancing your laundry routine naturally.

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