The Best Chemical-Free Laundry Detergents
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In recent years, we have been made much more aware of the negative impact harmful chemicals within our cleaning products are having not only on the environment but also on our health and the health of those within our household.
Whether you live alone or have children or pets within your home, you’ve probably considered what exactly is in the surface cleanser or laundry detergent you’re using, and whether or not it’s truly safe to be using in your home. If you haven’t yet considered this, now is the time! Today, we will be focusing on chemical-free laundry detergents as an easy swap to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure.
Some of the primary ingredients in many cleaning products are extremely harsh and potentially toxic. When inhaled or absorbed into the skin, ingredients like synthetic fragrances and phthalates commonly found in cleaning products have been found to cause skin and eye irritation and sometimes respiratory or lung issues. When it comes to the health of you and your loved ones, these things cannot be ignored.
Beyond your own health and wellbeing, these chemicals are also detrimental to the health of our planet and wildlife. Air pollution and water pollution are direct results of these chemicals being washed down drains or released into the atmosphere. Waste is also a huge issue, with many bottles made from unrecyclable plastics which will eventually end up in landfill sites.
If all this is true of generic cleaning products, imagine the harm these chemicals can do when absorbed into your clothes or bedsheets, in direct contact with your skin for extended periods of time. It might seem overwhelming, but switching out your household products one at a time is a great way of eliminating harmful toxic chemicals from your home, and laundry detergent is the place to start.
Below you will find twelve of the best chemical-free laundry detergents, all of which contain no chemicals or toxins that could potentially harm you, your family, or our planet.
Related: Laundry Detergent Rash: How to Treat and Prevent It and The Best Septic Safe Laundry Detergents (Liquid, Powder, Pods, & More)
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Choice  | Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Excellent Value  | Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Planet 2x HE Ultra Laundry Liquid Detergent
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
The Best Chemical-Free Laundry Detergents
1. Seventh Generation
Made with plant-based ingredients, Seventh Generations Concentrated Laundry Detergent is a Leaping Bunny-Certified, cruelty-free product. Seventh Generation is a trusted brand when it comes to high quality, chemical-free cleaning products, and their laundry detergent is another excellent offering.
It’s free from synthetic colorants, fragrances, and brighteners which are often the culprits behind irritated, itchy skin when found in other laundry detergents. This laundry detergent is great for sensitive skin and you don’t have to worry about inhaling or absorbing any harmful or potentially toxic chemicals.
The high concentration means that it does a brilliant job of lifting stains and restoring your laundry to its brightest, cleanest form. This also means that a little goes a long way, so the detergent lasts well and one bottle will cover you for 50+ washes.
Scented options are available, with fragrances such as citrus valley or sparkling seaside. These are all naturally scented using essential oils and botanical extracts. Some people do experience adverse reactions to some essential oils, so be aware of this and if you decide that they’re not for you, the free and clean unscented version is a great option.
2. Method
Method has been making waves in recent years for its sustainable, eco-friendly approach to cleaning. Since the brand was first formed in 2000, they have made its mission very clear. They succeed in producing high-quality cleaning products that are tough on dirt, with minimal environmental impact and the use of no harmful toxins or chemicals.
Their concentrated laundry detergent uses smart clean technology and five powerful enzymes to remove stains and leave your laundry sparkling clean.
The ingredients are plant-based and biodegradable; the packaging is also made from recycled materials and is completely recyclable. So from manufacturing to consumption and beyond, the Method Laundry Detergent won’t contribute to the pollution or landfill waste issues that are so detrimental to the sustenance of the environment.
With naturally derived ingredients and no harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances, Method’s Laundry Detergent is safe for use around your family and pets. Overall, this is a great option if you’re looking to reduce the number of chemicals within your home and also look out for the environment.
3. Planet Ultra
The free and clear laundry detergent from Planet Ultra is free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, brighteners, and preservatives. This is excellent for those with sensitive skin or an aversion to essential oils. The detergent is hypoallergenic and shouldn’t cause any adverse reactions, making it a great detergent to use on baby clothes.
SCS Global Services have certified the laundry detergent 100 biodegradable. It’s also septic tank safe and made from naturally derived, plant-based ingredients, meaning no harmful fumes or chemicals are released into water or airways upon the use of this product.
The detergent is compatible with both standard and high-efficiency washing machines and a fifty-ounce bottle is said to last up to 32 washes. It also works effectively in both hot and cold water, so you can save energy and still achieve sparkling clean laundry.
4. Zum Clean
Unscented laundry detergents are great if you’re sensitive to essential oils or botanical extracts, or simply don’t enjoy the sometimes overwhelming scent that comes along with many laundry detergents. However, for many people, there’s nothing quite like pulling out a fresh load of laundry that smells and looks amazingly clean and fresh.
Indigo Wild’s Zum Clean Aromatherapy Laundry Soap gives you just that. With over ten fragrances to choose from, there is likely to be a scent to suit you. They’re all fragranced using nothing but essential oils, so no harmful synthetic fragrances here.
The ingredients list contains no toxins or harmful chemicals and instead includes baking soda and coconut oil soap, both of which are completely natural and great for lifting stains and removing odor. The detergent is free from parabens, phosphates, petrochemicals, and sulfates, basically everything you don’t want in your laundry detergent.
With only five ingredients, it’s a simple yet effective product.
Related: How to Wash Linen Sheets (Plus Soften and Dry)
5. Molly’s Suds
Molly’s Suds was founded by a mother and pediatric nurse. Monica Leonard felt disillusioned with the lack of chemical-free household products on the market, and the number of companies who fail to disclose exactly what ingredients go into their products, and their potential impacts. Because of this, she developed her own brand and products, designed to be safe for people and the planet while offering high-quality performance.
Again, Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder is made from only five ingredients, all of which are completely natural and earth-derived. It’s free from all toxic ingredients including synthetic dyes, fragrances, phosphates, and known carcinogens. This makes it great for the environment and also for those with sensitive skin.
The powder can be used in high-efficiency or standard washing machines; it can also be used to pre-treat stains prior to washing. It’s gentle and low-sudsing, but highly effective.
The highly concentrated formula means a little goes a long way, an eighty-ounce bag could last as many as 120 washes. So although Molly’s Suds has a higher price point than some of the other detergents listed here, it is cost-effective overall.
6. Meliora
As a brand, Meliora is committed to producing eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products. This is especially evident in the way they choose to package their products. Many of their soap products are packaging-free, and those that are in packaging use completely recycled or recyclable materials.
Meloria’s Laundry Powder is no different, it’s packaged in tins rather than in the single-use plastic we most predominantly see with standard laundry detergents. This means that after use, all of the packagings can be recycled. Alternatively, you might choose to purchase one of their refill packs which come packaged in paper bags, also completely recyclable.
As well as being free from any single-use plastic, Meloria’s Laundry Powder is also free from dyes, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and palm oil. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and MADE SAFE certified.
Meloria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and chemical-free products by no means detracts from the effectiveness of its products. The laundry powder is great for removing stains and leaving laundry smelling and looking fresh and clean.
Four scented options are available: lemon, peppermint, lavender, and lemon lavender clove, or you might choose the unscented version if you prefer or have a sensitivity to essential oils.
Related: How to Use Wool Dryer Balls, and Why You Should
7. Biokleen
Biokleen’s Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid offers triple concentration. It’s highly efficient, with one 150 ounce bottle lasting up to 300 high-efficiency loads, or 150 standard loads. This means less energy, less packaging, and less waste.
Free from artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives, it’s wonderful for sensitive skin and leaves no harsh scents. Essential oils and botanical extracts are added to give freshness and cleaning power, so be aware of this if you have a sensitivity to either of these.
The natural ingredients and gentle nature of the detergent liquid make it great for delicate fabrics while still being tough on stains and odors. Biokleen’s detergent isn’t harmful to rivers or wildlife and their products are never tested on animals.
One thing to consider is that their packaging is made from single-use plastic which is not ideal, however, the fact that one tub of the detergent lasts so many washes thanks to its high level of concentration does mean less waste production. Whether or not this outweighs the use of plastic is dependent on the efficiency of your washing machine and how many washing loads you do on a day-to-day basis.
Related: How to Wash Silk Clothing
8. Better Life
Better Life was founded by two fathers seeking ways to reduce the number of chemicals being brought into their homes via cleaning or other household products. All of their items are designed to be safe for use around toddlers and children. Better Life products are gentle, natural, and non-toxic. Their ultra-concentrated laundry detergent is free from dyes, ethoxylates, sulfates, parabens, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances.
Instead of using harmful chemicals in their cleaning products, Better Life Detergent uses natural ingredients such as soap bark and lemon. Both are brilliant natural cleaning agents and leave laundry smelling and looking fresh. The detergent is hypoallergenic and extremely gentle, so it’s a good option for those with sensitive skin.
It’s compatible with both standard and high-efficiency washing machines and is also fairly efficient itself. One 64 ounce bottle of detergent lasts up to 64 washes, again reducing excess waste production, although this detergent is also packaged in plastic. If you’re looking to further reduce your plastic waste, Better Life detergent is also available to buy in one-gallon refill bottles.
9. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap
With over seventy years of production under its belt, Dr. Bronner’s are a trusted eco-friendly cleaning brand. Their ethos is based on eco-friendly, non-damaging manufacturing and production processes, delivering high-quality products that won’t harm the environment or the health of you and your family.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap is famed for offering eighteen different uses from one bottle. Suitable for use as an all-purpose cleaner, floor cleaner, window cleaner, hand soap, and body wash, among many other possible uses, it’s a real all-rounder.
It can also be used as a laundry detergent. Simply add the castile soap directly into your washing machine for clean, fresh, stain-free clothes. It can also be used to pre-treat stains prior to the wash cycle.
Over 90% are certified fair trade, so you’re guaranteed a fair price and the assurance of ethical working conditions. The soap is also vegan, completely cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
Another big tick for Dr. Bronner’s is the use of recycled plastics in their packaging, reducing landfill waste and increasing their positive environmental impact. It’s easy to see why Dr. Bronner’s has been a consumer favorite for seven decades!
10. Tangie Laundry Paste
Choosing chemical-free laundry detergents and cleaning products is a great way of reducing your negative environmental impact while also ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones. If you’re looking to go a step further in your eco-friendly quest, you might look into laundry detergents that offer minimal or no-waste packaging.
Tangie’s Laundry Paste comes in the form of a bar, much like a bar of soap. The bar can be diluted with water to create a chemical-free, plastic-free laundry detergent. This enables you to drastically cut down on the amount of landfill waste you produce, and also means fewer bulky plastic bottles cluttering your cupboards or laundry room.
As well as being plastic-free, Tangie’s Laundry Paste is also free from all toxins and harsh chemicals. It has a shelf life of up to three years and one bar makes enough laundry detergent to last over 250 washes, making it extremely cost-effective.
Like many of the detergents listed here, Tangie’s is gentle yet effective. It’s tough enough to remove any stubborn stains or odors, but gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. The majority of the ingredients are plant-based and Tangie is a carbon-neutral company. All in all, this is an excellent eco-friendly, chemical-free laundry detergent!
11. Attitude
Attitude’s product repertoire hosts a huge range of different items. From skin care to cleaning supplies, each of Attitude’s products are designed and manufactured to promote healthy living and care for the environment.
Their Laundry detergent works in both hot and cold water, with antibacterial, antioxidizing, and deodorizing properties. The pink grapefruit scent is also thought to boost serotonin levels and increase feelings of happiness and wellness.
All of their products are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, and are also completely vegan and cruelty-free. Attitude is partnered with PETA as part of its Beauty Without Bunnies program. They’re also ECOLOGO certified, meaning they are committed to successfully sourcing eco-friendly, non-harmful ingredients and production methods.
Free from known allergens, dyes, enzymes, skin irritants, and harmful preservatives, Attitude’s Liquid Laundry Detergent covers all bases when it comes to chemical-free, eco-friendly products.
12. Sun and Earth
Since 1988 Sun and Earth have been carrying out their mission of producing the highest quality cleaning products with absolutely no harmful chemicals included in the ingredients. They’re a well-trusted and respected brand, considered one of the leaders when it comes to eco-friendly, non-toxic household products.
Their Liquid Laundry Detergent is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and made of plant-based ingredients. Because of its gentle yet effective ingredients, Sun and Earth Detergent is suitable for use around children and pets, as well as for those with skin sensitivities.
Absolutely no synthetic ingredients are used in making the detergent; this includes fragrances, dyes, and brighteners. Instead, opt for natural citrus oils and other plant-based ingredients to clean and create freshness in your laundry. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and kosher.
Their packaging is made from recycled materials and is also completely recyclable, so waste is not an issue with this brand and their commitment to protecting and sustaining the health of our environment is evident. For over thirty years, Sun and Earth have been ticking all the boxes when it comes to eco-friendly, chemical-free household products.
Related: 6 Benefits of Wool Dryer Balls
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Choice | Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Excellent Value | Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Planet 2x HE Ultra Laundry Liquid Detergent
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Final Thoughts on Chemical-Free Laundry Detergents
It is so important to be aware of the chemicals we use within our home and the detrimental effects these can have on us and our surroundings. We are all considerate of the food we put into our bodies, so why wouldn’t we be just as mindful of the products we are likely to inhale and absorb on a daily basis too?
This list provides easy-to-find and affordable chemical-free laundry detergents available to us. All of these options are widely accessible and much healthier and safer than traditional detergents.