Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent: 6 Options for a True Clean
It’s no secret that household cleaners can be filled with nasty chemicals and allergens. But sometimes, the natural stuff just doesn’t get the job done. Fortunately, we’ve found some brands that know how to make non-toxic laundry detergent that’s both effective and safe so you can feel good about what you put in the wash and on your skin.
What is a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?
Non-toxic laundry detergents are made without some of the harmful and harsh ingredients that are known to cause health problems. They exclude additives like chlorine, phthalates, and dyes, instead relying on natural cleaning agents and plant-based ingredients.
Top 6 Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Finds: How We Chose
To help you find the best non-toxic laundry detergent, we considered a few important factors when putting together our list.
- Certifications: We searched for products with certified sustainable, cruelty-free, and health-conscious practices.
- Ingredients: We looked for products that use natural, simple, effective ingredients that get the job done without relying on harsh chemicals.
- Price at Publishing: Price per load matters when we’re talking about something we do as often as laundry. No one should have to pay an arm and a leg for squeaky clean clothes.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
| Certifications | EPA Safer Choice |
| Ingredient Highlights | Hypo-allergenic |
| Price at Publishing | $14.99 – $199.99 |
Charlie’s Soap earned the top spot on our list with this powdered, non-toxic laundry detergent for a few reasons. It is very concentrated, meaning you only need to use one tablespoon per load. Charlie’s Soap boasts that its detergent is so effective it will clean your washing machine and pipes along with your clothes.
Highlights
The detergent powder comes in multiple sizes, including a bulk-order option. Charlie’s Soap formula is also biodegradable, so you don’t need to worry about where it will end up once it leaves your washer. The formula is concentrated, so you only need one tablespoon per load. They also offer a Subscribe & Save option through their website.
Things to Consider
Some users claim that this laundry detergent can leave behind a white residue on dark fabrics, so use it with caution.
2. Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
| Certifications | Cruelty-Free |
| Ingredient Highlights | Natural fragrances, safe for sensitive skin |
| Price at Publishing | $14.99 – $22.99 |
Molly’s Suds’ non-toxic laundry detergent powder comes in multiple scents and sizes; all fragranced naturally with essential oils and plant extracts. The ingredients list is refreshingly short and easy to understand.
Highlights
Molly’s Suds offers a Subscribe & Save option with flexible scheduling so you can tailor deliveries to your household’s needs.
Things to Consider
Some consumers complain that the powder does not always fully dissolve in the wash.
3. Meliora Laundry Powder Detergent
| Certifications | MADE SAFE Certified, Cruelty-Free |
| Ingredient Highlights | Natural fragrances (scented varieties), preservative-free |
| Price at Publishing | $20.99 |
Meliora made the list with its sustainable, non-toxic laundry detergent packaging and effective cleaning power. We love it when a company goes plastic-free, and Meliora has achieved it with its paper and steel laundry detergent packaging. The container is recyclable and even includes a metal measuring spoon.
Highlights
Meliora’s laundry detergent powder is highly concentrated, meaning you need only half a tablespoon for a HE washing machine. The company also offers refills and bulk options.
Things to Consider
While Meliora’s laundry detergent has earned a good bit of praise, when it comes to tough stains, some consumers say it does not lift as well as other brands.
4. 9 Elements Unscented Laundry Detergent
| Certifications | EPA Safer Choice, USDA Certified Biobased Product |
| Ingredient Highlights | Hypo-allergenic, vinegar-based |
| Price at Publishing | $15.99 |
9 Elements’ unscented laundry detergent boasts a powerful clean with straightforward ingredients. The vinegar-based formula helps remove odors and stains while fighting buildup, leaving clothes smelling fresh without any extra fragrance compounds.
Highlights
With no more than nine ingredients, 9 Elements is free from preservatives, dyes, and other questionable ingredients. The detergent is also effective in cold water and fights hard water residue on clothes.
Things to Consider
While the unscented variety doesn’t raise concerns, other varieties include potential fragrance allergens.
5. Budget Find: ECOS Plant Powered Laundry Detergent
| Certifications | Vegan, Leaping Bunny Certified, EPA Safer Choice, Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise by WBENC |
| Ingredient Highlights | Hypo-allergenic, vegan |
| Price at Publishing | $11.48 |
ECOS plant-powered, non-toxic laundry detergent is made in the US with 100% venerable energy. It comes in two scented and one unscented variety, which all rely on enzymes to boost its stain-fighting power.
Highlights
The brand takes sustainability seriously, going climate-neutral in 2013 and since becoming climate-positive. ECOS is water-neutral and recycles or reuses 99% of its manufacturing and office waste.
Things to Consider
While the ingredient list is fairly clean, some consumers complain about the use of preservatives in the formula. The scented variety also contains unspecified fragrance compounds.
6. Next Best Option: Method Free + Clear Laundry Detergent Packs
| Certifications | Cruelty-Free |
| Ingredients | Hypo-allergenic, plant-based |
| Price at Publishing | $15.99 |
Price at Publishing: $15.99
Method’s BPA-free laundry detergent packs are made with 30% post-consumer recycled plastic and boast a plant-based stain-lifting formula.
Highlights
These laundry detergent packs are made without silicones, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. There is also a Subscribe & Save purchasing option available.
Things to Consider
While Method’s product formulas exclude many toxic ingredients, some, including fragrance compounds in their scented varieties, have earned the brand some criticism.
How to Choose a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
Everyone’s needs are different when it comes to keeping a healthy and happy household. Here are some things to consider when picking out a non-toxic laundry detergent for you:
- What type of washing machine do you use? Some laundry detergents work best in standard washers, but will often note how they can be best used in high-efficiency washing machines as well.
- What kind of cleaning needs do you have? Are there kids and pets in your household whose messes might require a little more stain-fighting power? More loads of laundry weekly means you’ll want to consider a larger container, bulk ordering, or reliable refill options.
- Does anyone in your household have skin sensitivities or allergies? Plenty of the detergents we included are labeled safe for sensitive skin, but it’s always best to check the ingredient list, especially where fragrance is a factor.
It can be hard to get an effective clean in a safe, healthy way. Hopefully, these non-toxic laundry detergents will help you get one step closer to fresh clothes that you can feel good about.
Featured image via 9 Elements
