If you are wanting to reduce your carbon footprint then making small changes around the house is a great place to start, in particular, swapping your regular laundry detergent to an eco-friendly alternative.
Knowing which one is going to be best for your clothes can be tricky as there are so many options on the market which is why we have gathered the top five eco-friendly laundry detergents available that you should consider followed by an exclusive Buyers Guide and FAQ so you can know what to expect when conducting your own research.
Here are the top five eco-friendly laundry detergents available on the market that you should consider:
OUR TOP PICK
Our first recommendation is Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent which is a concentrated detergent formula that is effective and gentle on clothes.
The concentrated formula means that you can use less detergent per wash and still be assured that all of your clothes will be thoroughly cleaned.
This detergent contains plant-derived cleaning ingredients which include dirt and stain-fighting enzymes. Great for people who want to get a lot of washes out of their bottle, this detergent provides a total of 64 loads of laundry per bottle.
What makes this our top pick is that the formulation is biodegradable but it is a HE laundry detergent that boasts high efficiency in any washing machine.
The versatility means that it can be used in any washing machine with ease making it great for any household.
The beautiful garden-fresh honeysuckle scented laundry soap with sweet flower and fruit fragrances means that your clothes will be smelling new and fresh with every wash.
Pros
- Contains plant-derived cleaning ingredients which include dirt and stain-fighting enzymes
- Great for people who want to get a lot of washes out of their bottle, this detergent provides a total of 64 loads of laundry per bottle
- The beautiful garden-fresh honeysuckle scented laundry soap with sweet flower and fruit fragrances means that your clothes will be smelling new and fresh with every wash
Cons
- The design of the bottle can make it tricky to pour
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second selection is the ECOS® Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent which is a powerful laundry detergent made from the plant-derived cleaner with coconut as the featured ingredient.
The ingredients and formulation are 100% vegan meaning that it is cruelty-free and better for the environment than a lot of options on the market.
Made with no harsh chemicals, this clean formula has been made without dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, and 500 other ingredients that compromise the product’s safety in the environment.
This detergent has been thoroughly tested throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that it is safe. This product has been tested by dermatologists as well as remaining hypoallergenic and pH balanced.
It is great for those who have sensitive skin thanks to its gentleness on skin and works well with a variety of different materials.
It has also been US EPA safer choice certified making it perfect for those who want to ensure that the ingredients are as natural as possible.
Pros
- The ingredients and formulation are 100% vegan meaning that it is cruelty-free and better for the environment than a lot of options on the market
- Made with no harsh chemicals, this clean formula has been made without dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, and 500 other ingredients that compromise the product’s safety in the environment
- Has been tested by dermatologists as well as remaining hypoallergenic and pH balanced
Cons
- High price point
BEST VALUE
Our third choice is the Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid which has a formula that is three times as concentrated which allows for 300 HE loads or 150 standard loads making it perfect for larger households.
The citrus and grapefruit seed extracts help to naturally remove tough stains and odors without the use of enzymes.
The formula of the detergent is eco-friendly, plant-based with no artificial fragrance, colors, or preservatives, making it perfect for those looking for a detergent that is as natural as possible.
Ideal for those with sensitive skin, this product has been formulated with ingredients that are good for the skin meaning that those who have chemical sensitivities or allergies needn’t worry.
The product also contains no phosphate making it great for the environment while the lack of artificial colors and preservatives means that you don’t have to worry about any unnatural ingredients.
Pros
- Has a formula that is three times as concentrated which allows for 300 HE loads or 150 standard loads making it perfect for larger households
- The formula of the detergent is eco-friendly, plant-based with no artificial fragrance, colors, or preservatives, making it perfect for those looking for a detergent that is as natural as possible
- Contains no phosphate making it great for the environment while the lack of artificial colors and preservatives means that you don’t have to worry about any unnatural ingredients
Cons
- High price point
RUNNER UP
Our penultimate recommendation is the Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent which contains easy dose auto dosing technology which measures the right amount every time by flipping the bottle and giving it a firm squeeze.
The ultra-concentrated and convenient laundry detergent allows you to wash 66 loads in its compact 23oz bottle with one squeeze needed. The compact design of the bottle makes it easy to store while also remaining great for the environment.
This product requires a small dose for a big clean while boasting 60% less plastic, 50% less water, and 75% lighter than the 100 fl oz bottle making it a great eco-friendly alternative for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
This detergent has an advanced enzyme formula that helps to fight against the most stubborn stains meaning that you can be assured that it will work against the majority of materials.
It has been made with 0% dyes, fragrances, or artificial brighteners meaning that the ingredients are as natural as possible which will ensure that it is friendly on the skin.
Pros
- Contains easy dose auto dosing technology which measures the right amount every time by flipping the bottle and giving it a firm squeeze
- Requires a small dose for a big clean while boasting 60% less plastic, 50% less water, and 75% lighter than the 100 fl oz bottle making it a great eco-friendly alternative for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint
- Has been made with 0% dyes, fragrances, or artificial brighteners meaning that the ingredients are as natural as possible which will ensure that it is friendly on the skin
Cons
- The cap design is a little flimsy
RUNNER UP
Our final selection is the Swash Liquid Laundry Detergent which contains 83 loads per bottle and features a unique 8 times concentrated formula meaning that you can get the results you want while using less detergent.
This formula has been specially designed to help boost your washing machine’s ability to fight against stains thanks to the natural ingredients that means that this detergent is less harmful on clothes and therefore less harmful on skin.
The Precision Pour Cap dispenses the detergent for you so you will only pour the exact amount that you need preventing any spillage and wasted detergent so you can get more washes from the bottle.
This detergent limits the amount of residue and other build-ups which is ideal for those who want to ensure that the formula is as clean as possible.
The Whirlpool Corporation has been leading the laundry detergent industry for over 100 years and their SWASH detergent has been specifically designed with the environment in mind which is why it is so eco-friendly.
This product works in both HE and non-HE washers meaning that it is compatible with all machines with ease and allows you the choice of using one squeeze for regular loads and two squeezes for larger loads.
Pros
- Contains 83 loads per bottle and features a unique 8 times concentrated formula meaning that you can get the results you want while using less detergent
- The Precision Pour Cap dispenses the detergent for you so you will only pour the exact amount that you need preventing any spillage and wasted detergent so you can get more washes from the bottle
- Works in both HE and non-HE washers meaning that it is compatible with all machines with ease and allows you the choice of using one squeeze for regular loads and two squeezes for larger loads
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Buying Guide
When conducting your research, there are certain factors that you need to consider before making any purchase. This will help to prevent any disappointment as well as ensuring that you know what to expect from the product.
Always think about the materials that the detergent works with, the size of the bottle, how easy it is to use, and your budget. Once you have weighed these aspects against your own needs and requirements, you’ll be able to make a fully informed decision with confidence.
Materials
The first thing you need to think about is what materials the detergent works best with. Knowing what kind of clothes you have to wash will mean that you will know what detergent will be most effective.
There are detergents that work better with softer materials and others that are better with more coarse materials. If you have an array of clothing that is made from different materials then it’s important to find a detergent that is highly versatile.
Size
The next factor that you need to consider is the size of the bottle.
If you live in a family household then purchasing a bigger bottle is probably going to be more cost-effective in the long run whereas for those who are unsure whether the detergent is right for you or those who live alone or in a smaller space then a smaller bottle will be better as it gives you a chance to try the product and also means you can store it easily when it is not in use.
Ease of use
Another important factor is how easy the product is to use and this is important when it comes to the design of the bottle itself. Making sure that the bottle has an easy cap that isn’t flimsy will reduce the amount of spillage and also ensure that you can use the product safely.
Budget
Always consider your budget. As you can see from the recommendations in this article, there are products available at varying price points meaning that whether you have the money to spend or are working with a stricter budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect product for you without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in an eco-friendly laundry detergent?
There are certain things you need to look for when researching an eco-friendly laundry detergent which includes being cruelty-free, no chlorine bleach, natural fragrances, biodegradable formula that is free from phosphate, and no optical brighteners among much more.
Making sure the ingredients and formulation are as natural as possible is essential.
Is bio better than non-bio?
Bio detergents are different from non-bio because they contain enzymes that break down unwanted substances on clothing such as grease, fat, and proteins to clean the clothes whereas non-bio doesn’t have the enzymes which are better on the clothing as it is more gentle and better for those who have sensitive skin.
Which is better for the environment bio or non-bio?
Non-bio detergents are much better for the environment as the enzymes in bio detergent take longer to disperse in the environment. Non-bio formulas can also be washed at lower temperatures which is better for the environment.
How eco-friendly is washing powder?
Washing powder is similar to laundry detergent as there are many options that are not friendly to the environment.
However, looking for options that limit the number of chemicals and also ensure that the fragrances are natural will mean that you can be sure that you are reducing your carbon footprint and making positive environmental changes around the home.
