There’s no better smell than clean clothes! But if you aren’t using natural laundry detergent, that great smell could be full of harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients.
Because our clothes are up against our skin every day, it’s important to choose a safe, natural detergent to clean them with. But how to make the switch from the conventional to safe, eco-friendly and vegan detergent? We all know “green” products can be expensive, so it’s frustrating when they simply aren’t effective on stains and odors.
Besides, who has time to spend poring over reviews and ingredient lists? Choosing the perfect eco-friendly, vegan detergent for your family doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.
We’ve compiled our favorite natural detergents below. Read through our reviews to find the perfect product to meet your family’s needs.
Vegan Liquid Detergents
Method 8X Concentrated Laundry Detergent
I’m a big fan of Method products, and the laundry detergent is no exception! This detergent is super concentrated, packing 50 loads worth of the stuff into just 20 fluid ounces. The 8X concentration means you use less product, and less packaging gets tossed out as waste.
This formula is 100% plant-based, biodegradable, and is safe for standard and HE washing machines. Don’t be fooled by the all-natural ingredient list – this detergent gets the job done! This detergent uses Smartclean technology to attack even tough stains.
Even the packaging has been thoughtfully designed. Instead of a heavy jug, Method uses an ergonomically designed bottle. It comes with a convenient pump dispenser for one-handed use. When you’re all done, you can toss the bottle in your recycling can – it’s made from 100% recycled plastic.
The detergent comes in three varieties – Fresh Air, Lavender + Cedar, and Free + Clear, a fragrance-free edition that’s perfect for people sensitive to fragrances and dyes.
Best of all, you can feel good about buying from Method because of their values. The company is completely cruelty-free and features a Leaping Bunny certification. Their mantra “Cradle to Cradle” is a commitment to creating products that are good for consumers and for the planet.
What We Like
The Lavender + Cedar and Fresh Air scents are very pleasant. While some detergents can be overwhelming on smells, the Method detergents offer just enough fragrance for you to notice, but not so much that it chokes you out, either.
What We Didn’t Like
This is a great, effective detergent for everyday stains and odors. However, parents of athletes or heavy gym-goers may not find this formula tough enough on stubborn, excessive stains and smells.
Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
If you or a family member has very sensitive skin, finding a laundry detergent – even a natural one – can be a nightmare. Look no further – Puracy’s Liquid Laundry Detergent was developed by doctors, specifically for people with sensitive skin and allergies.
Even if you don’t have either of those conditions, this is detergent you can feel good using – even on baby’s clothes and blankets. It’s entirely free of phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals, animal by-products, chlorine, perfumes, dyes, and allergens.
The formula is ultra-concentrated, so you use less product and produce less packaging waste. In fact, each load only needs two pumps of product. Each bottle is 10X concentrated and provides enough detergent for 96 loads of laundry. It’s safe to use on delicates, darks, microfiber towels, cloth diapers, greywater, and septic systems.
The shape of the bottle makes using this detergent easy as pie. It uses a simple pump dispenser to eliminate the need for pouring and measuring.
The company is based in Austin, Texas. Not only is the product made in the United States, but the packaging art also supports local artists.
What We Like
Puracy’s detergent is a great balance between gentle and effective. It’s gentle enough for users with sensitive skin and allergies, but reviewers note that it’s tough on set-in stains and odors. You don’t have to sacrifice squeaky clean clothes for a squeaky clean ingredient list with this product.
What We Didn’t Like
Some reviewers reported issues with the packaging. While the formula is effective, some people received leaky bottles or found that the bottles leaked over time. You may need to transfer this detergent to another container.
Sun & Earth 2X Concentrated Natural Laundry Detergent
The laundry detergent from Sun & Earth is just as good for the planet as it is for your family. Made without the use of synthetic fragrances, chemical preservatives, allergens, or dyes, you can use this product even if you have sensitive skin or perfume allergies. The formula consists of 100% plant-based and biodegradable ingredients.
Sun & Earth’s commitment to the planet goes far beyond the formula alone. The company was the first in the state to purchase 100% wind power. The factory also saves 76,000 square feet of cardboard every year by recycling packaging materials.
Even the water is reused! It takes a second trip around to clean the manufacturing tanks. If you’re interested in using the most eco-friendly formula possible, this detergent should be on your shopping list.
You can use this detergent in both high-efficiency (100 loads) or standard (50 loads) washing machines. It’s safe to use on most fabrics, from light delicates to darks and specialty materials.
It comes in three options – a fresh citrus scent, a lavender scent, and an unscented option for those sensitive to perfumes and fragrances.
The detergent comes in a 100 fluid ounce jug. This is great for those who want to stock up on detergent, but it’s important to note that this makes the whole package pretty heavy. Keep in mind that you’ll need to lift this every time you do laundry.
What We Like
Especially for a natural detergent, Sun & Earth does a great job removing tough stains. Grass and dirt stains, as well as dark coffee and wine, are easily removed with the help of this detergent. And all without harsh chemicals!
What We Didn’t Like
While the product is solid, many reviewers expressed frustration with the packaging. In a few cases, the product arrived damaged. In others, the pump-top did not function correctly, so people had to lift the heavy jug and pour every time they did laundry. Your mileage may vary!
Biokleen Laundry Liquid
Biokleen’s liquid laundry detergent uses the power of citrus and grapefruit seed extract to leave clothes clean and soft. While the product is tough on stains, it doesn’t leave any residue or harsh scents behind.
The formula is 3X concentrated, and safe to use in both high-efficiency and standard washing machines. One bottle will be enough for 128 HE loads or 64 standard loads. The detergent gets a whole load of laundry clean with just half a capful of the stuff, so it’s super efficient!
This formula is also safe to use, and free of any materials deemed “hazardous” by the ACGIH. That means it’s free from phosphates, ammonia, chlorine, petroleum solvents, and other harsh chemical ingredients. Stains are removed with the power of plants!
Reviewers appreciate the shape and design of this bottle, too. While it is on the larger side, and therefore heavy, it has a sleek shape that allows it to store easily. Additionally, the flow back cap creates minimal mess.
Each bottle contains 64 fluid ounces of this natural detergent.
What We Like
This detergent is a great option for people who wash in cold water. Some reviewers note it actually works better in cold water than hot water, so not only are you getting a better clean, but you can save the energy of having to heat the water for your laundry. It’s one more way Biokleen puts the planet first.
What We Didn’t Like
While reviewers agree this leaves most clothes clean and soft, it’s somewhat ineffective on stains on white clothes. Consider pre-treatments or using a stronger detergent on stained white clothing – this may not deliver if you have lots of grass or dirt on light colored clothing.
Planet 2X Ultra Laundry Detergent
Exactly as the name implies, Planet 2X Ultra Laundry Detergent is the perfect choice for the eco-conscious home. This formula is completely unscented, uncolored, phosphate-free, and hypoallergenic. That means fewer substances coming into contact with your skin, and fewer chemicals polluting our waterways!
The formula is independently certified by Science Certification Systems as 100% biodegradable. It’s also safe for use in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines, so you can do even more for the earth by saving energy and water. It’s also safe for use in septic and greywater systems.
Users with sensitive skin can also use this product without issue. It’s free of fragrances, dyes, enzymes, optical brighteners, and phosphates.
The detergent can be utilized on a broad range of clothing, from delicates to heavy duty work jeans. Parents who choose to use cloth diapers swear by this detergent – it gets the diapers super clean, especially considering how pure the formula is.
The detergent comes in a 50-ounce pourable jug. You can buy a convenient pack of four through Amazon, saving you money and time, and making sure you never run out.
What We Like
This product is especially effective against grease. It’s a great option for people who work on cars, bicycles, or in kitchens, as it removes slick, greasy stains from clothing. It’s also very efficient on cloth diapers.
What We Didn’t Like
Reviewers with hard water noted less impressive results than others. If you have hard water, consider adding a water softener if you want to try this detergent.
Allens Naturally Liquid Soap Laundry Detergent
Allens Naturally products are best known for use on cloth diapers – in fact, it is the leading detergent among the leading cloth diaper manufacturers. When you’re dealing with that kind of laundry, you don’t have time for ineffective detergent!
However, the benefits of this detergent aren’t limited to the cloth diaper community. Where this product shines is for those with MCS, or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. People who suffer from MCS experience severe, allergy-like symptoms when exposed to fragrances, solvents, and other popular ingredients in laundry detergent and cleaning products. Allens Naturally detergent is completely free of those irritants, giving people who do – or think they might – suffer from MCS a safe product to use.
You don’t have to suffer from MCS to benefit from it. Even reviewers without allergies or sensitivities noted that this detergent made sheets and clothes soft and fresh, without any itching or irritation.
The product is concentrated and super efficient – just one ounce leaves a standard washer of laundry clean, bright, and fresh. For those using a high-efficiency washing machine, just ¼ of an ounce is enough to get the job done. A single one-gallon container of Allens Naturally is enough for over 500 loads of laundry in an HE washer.
The detergent comes in a 128-ounce pourable jug. A pump dispenser (sold separately) fits the opening of the container, so there’s no heavy lifting involved.
What We Like
This is a great choice for parents – stains and odors on baby clothes and cloth diapers are quick work for this detergent. In addition to cloth diapers, this product is especially good on sheets. It leaves the sheets clean, soft, cozy, and luxurious to crawl into at night.
What We Didn’t Like
At a gallon volume, a full jug of this stuff can be hard to maneuver, especially since so little is needed at a time. Reviewers say the addition of a pump makes the laundry experience much easier, but it is a one-time added cost on top of the detergent itself.
Attitude Little Ones Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent
Attitude Little Ones understands that laundry is a huge part of any new parent’s schedule. They also realize that modern parents want products to be as natural and eco-friendly as possible.
This formula is safe to use around baby and pets. A hypoallergenic product made specifically for baby’s skin, the detergent is free of carcinogens, optical brighteners, surfactants, and fragrance. It is a completely vegetable-based, biodegradable product, so it’s as good for the earth as it is for baby.
The detergent is safe for us in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines. A single 35.5-ounce bottle provides enough product for 35 loads of laundry. If you’re using this for baby’s laundry and accessories, you’ll want to be sure to stock up, so you don’t run out.
The squeeze shape of the bottle is ergonomic and easy to use. Because there’s no heavy jug to lift and pour, you can use this detergent with just one hand. It’s easy to lift and maneuver in that regard, though each bottle contains relatively little product.
What We Like
Parents love using this detergent on fabric carriers and baby’s accessories, as well as clothing and diapers. It’s gentle on fabrics, but still, does a good job of removing odors.
What We Didn’t Like
Reviewers reported some issues with the packaging of this product – some people’s detergent arrived open and leaking. Additionally, others said this was good for odors, but had trouble removing stains.
Vegan Powder Detergents
Biokleen Laundry Powder
If you need a powdered laundry detergent that packs a punch, Biokleen’s Laundry Powder is the one for you. This product is super effective against caked on dirt, mud, and grime, but is gentle enough to use around those with allergies and sensitive skin. It’s also gentle on senses, with no oppressive, lingering fragrances.
The detergent comes in a ten-pound box, which is enough for 150 high-efficiency loads or 100 standard loads of laundry. It is available in three varieties, each with a different purpose.
Free & Clear is the company’s most popular option, as it contains no fragrances or scents that might irritate those with sensitivities. Citrus Essence contains just a single extra ingredient, orange peels, for a fresh, natural scent. Premium Plus includes enzymes and oxygen bleach and is the best choice for those with especially dirty laundry to deal with.
This detergent is 3X concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Reviewers note that their 10-pound box lasts a long time, even in households with babies or athletes, who have piles of laundry to contend with. The ability to use less product in every load saves you money in the long run.
You can purchase single containers or convenient bulk packs through Amazon, depending on how much you want to be stocked up at once.
What We Like
This detergent is super effective on dirt, mud, and grime! It gets clothes squeaky clean, yet at the same time is gentle on skin. This detergent has the power of traditional detergent, with none of the harmful ingredients.
What We Didn’t Like
While this product gets overwhelmingly positive reviews, it can clump or cake when used in cold water. This results in a powdery film left on clothes at the end of the wash cycle. If you wash in cold water, consider Biokleen’s liquid detergent instead.
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
As the packaging proclaims, Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder is “a wise choice for people against toxins.” With no harsh chemicals, toxins, preservatives, or GMOs, this is a detergent you can feel good about, even for kids and those with allergies. It’s also free from optical brighteners, fragrance, and dyes.
The super concentrated powder is safe for both standard and HE washing machines. Just one tablespoon of this formula is enough to get a whole load of laundry clean and fresh. You can also use it in a septic system, so you can be kind to the earth no matter what your plumbing.
The best part of this product is its delightfully short ingredient list. It’s comprised of just five earth-based ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, sea salt, and peppermint oil. It doesn’t get much more natural than that!It’s likely this short ingredient list that earns Molly’s Suds a coveted “A” rating from EWG. Users with eczema and other skin issues note huge improvements since switching to this powdered laundry detergent.
Each 41.8-ounce pouch comes with a handy scoop and is good for 70 loads of laundry.
What We Like
That enviable ingredient list is definitely the best part of this product. Despite skin sensitivities, allergies, or chronic conditions, this detergent allows you to achieve clean, bright clothes without sacrificing your health.
What We Didn’t Like
Reviewers with small children report that this product struggles with kid stains. If you have a baby at home or are cloth diapering, you may want to opt for something a little more efficient. At least, if you don’t want to spend your limited free time re-washing baby’s clothes.
Country Save Gentle Powder Soap Laundry Detergent
Country Save is an excellent choice for powdered detergent for cloth diapers, but it’s perfect for a wide range of clothing, linens, and towels. The product is trusted by the Wyndham/Worldmark hotel chain, so you know it gets results!
The detergent is septic safe and compatible with high efficiency and front-loading washing machines. In addition to being easy to use in your plumbing, it’s also gentle on skin. The formula is free of phosphates, dyes, and scents. This detergent is also free from any coconut-derived ingredients, which makes it a great natural choice for those with coconut allergies.
Eco-conscious customers can feel good about purchasing this powdered detergent. It features the EPA Design for the Environment designation and is 100% biodegradable.
Reviewers report great results on clothing, linens, towels, and cloth diapers while using this powdered detergent. Some people even noted that this soap was super effective against diesel odors, a notoriously difficult material to out.
What We Like
This detergent is effective in a wide range of water temperatures and types. You can use it with hot and cold water, for maximum flexibility. It also works well in hard water, so those with hard water don’t have to go through the extra hassle and expense of adding a softener.Each 160-ounce container includes enough detergent for 160 high-efficiency loads and 80 standard-size loads.
What We Didn’t Like
While the product is highly reviewed, this detergent does not come with a scoop. It can be frustrating to have to use a measuring cup or tablespoon and measure out an accurate amount.
Clean Clothes, Happy Planet
You don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals and oppressive fragrances to get clean, bright, and fresh clothes and linens. Many all natural, eco-friendly detergents are as effective as their conventional counterparts, with none of the dangerous ingredients.
In addition to the benefits for the planet, are the benefits for you! Less harsh chemicals, phosphates, and surfactants mean less opportunity for irritation, reactions, and rashes. People with sensitive skin and allergies see huge benefits when switching to natural detergents. But why limit to only people with health conditions? You don’t need to subject your skin to irritants when there are so many effective and eco-friendly options.
If you’re looking to get started with natural, animal- and planet-friendly laundry detergents, turn to our roundup of favorite products. Each one is sure to deliver a thorough clean, while still being gentle on our environment, your plumbing, and your family’s skin.
Move plants beyond your plate! Harness the power of the earth to clean your clothing the safe, natural way.