My wife is very sensitive to chemicals and we spent years researching and testing various non-toxic laundry detergents. So, if you’re looking for the best non-toxic laundry detergent that combines effectiveness, kindness to your skin, environmental-friendliness, and affordability, you’ve come to the right place!
The optimal non-toxic laundry detergent out there combines the right proportions of effective natural cleaning ingredients, skin-kindness, environmental-friendliness, and affordability. Such detergents lack harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, reducing skin irritation and environmental contamination.
Best non-toxic laundry detergents
Based on my experience, here are the best non-toxic laundry detergents:
1. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Laundry Detergent
BEST OVERALL
Dr. Bronner’s Laundry Detergent is available as liquid soap. It contains over 90% organic ingredients, with more than 70% of these ingredients being certified in fair trade. All the ingredients are plant-based and the soap does not include any synthetic preservatives, foaming agents, and dyes.
The best part about Dr. Bronner’s liquid soaps is that they are multipurpose; they can be used for laundry, washing pets, washing dishes, mopping, and much more. And since they are three times more concentrated than other liquid detergents, you can expect these to last even longer.
Pros:
- Multipurpose
- Concentrated
- Lathers well
- Skin-friendly
- No nasty fragrances
Cons:
- Not cheap
- Lids may break
2. ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent
BEST For Babies
If you are looking for a safe laundry detergent for babies’ clothes, then you need the Attitude Baby laundry detergent. This detergent is infused with baby-safe ingredients that are gentle on the hands and fabric. It is free of any harsh chemicals usually included in most traditional detergents, such as formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and phosphates.
The Attitude laundry detergent is also infused with colloidal oatmeal, making it safe for individuals with eczema and allergies. Besides, it does a great job of removing dirt and stains from kids’ clothes.
Pros:
- Smells amazing
- EWG verified
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- May not remove stubborn stains
- Not cheap
3. ECOS Laundry Detergent
ECOS laundry detergent has been tested by dermatologists and proven to be hypoallergenic and friendly to sensitive skin. It is only made of synthetic fragrances and dyes and does not contain any harmful chemicals that could harm the body and the environment.
Also, the laundry detergent comes in plastic-free packaging, making it a sustainable choice of laundry. And in addition to being sustainable and skin-friendly, ECOS has a powerful cleaning mechanism that removes the stubbornest stains.
Pros:
- Suitable for washing machines
- Dissolve well
- Does not leave residue
Cons:
- The detergent smell may not be appealing to some
4. Heritage Park Laundry Detergent
This laundry detergent is both people and planet-safe. It’s enzyme-neutral, and ph-neutral and does not contain any toxic chemicals, such as optical brighteners, sulfates, and chlorine bleach. The detergent is also produced in small batches using naturally derived ingredients, making it safe for the environment.
The Heritage Laundry Detergent is ideal for washing protein-based fabrics, such as wool, llama, alpaca, silk, washable furs, cashmere, camel, and other fabrics. The large bottle is also of good quantity, lasting up to 128 washes.
Pros:
- Beautiful scent
- Ideal for both hand-wash and machine-wash
- Gentle on skin
Cons:
- Not ideal for removing tough stains
- Not cheap
5. Rebel Green Organic Laundry Detergent
The Rebel Green laundry detergent is infused with a 3x concentrated formula that deeply cleans clothes and removes stains. Yet, even with its powerful cleaning mechanism, the detergent is gentle on the skin and can be used safely by individuals with sensitive hands.
The detergent is also sustainable, as it is made using plant-based ingredients and is free of any parabens, dyes, and harsh materials. It also incorporates organic surfactants that are organic-based, making it soft on delicate fabrics.
Pros:
- Smells great
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- A little thin and watery
6. NaturOli Soap Nuts/Soap Berries
The NaturOli laundry detergent is available as soap nuts/soap berries. It is 100% natural, made from the Sapindus Mukorossi fruit of the Himalayas. In addition to the soap berries, the package also comes with one large wash bag and an 8-page instructional pamphlet.
The laundry detergent is also all-purpose and can be used for different cleaning purposes in the house. Being hypoallergenic and free of any fragrances, it can also be used safely by individuals with sensitive skin.
Pros:
- All-purpose
- Hypoallergenic
- No plastic packaging
- Leaves laundry soft and clean
- Ideal for delicate fabric and diapers
Cons:
- May not remove stubborn stains
7. LAZY COCONUTS Laundry Detergent Sheets
The Lazy Coconuts Laundry Detergent is ideal for both hand wash and machine wash. It is available in the form of detergent sheets/strips that are biodegradable, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free. All the strips are 100% plant-based and come packaged in recyclable, plastic-free cardboard.
The laundry detergent sheets are also perfect for travel. After all, the packs are much lighter than other liquid detergents, making them easy to carry while traveling.
Pros:
- Vegan-friendly
- No residue
- Dissolves fast
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Travel friendly
Cons:
- May not dissolve well in cold water
8. HS HOME STATION Laundry Detergent
The HS Home Station Detergent comes as a pack of 60 laundry detergent sheets, with each sheet measuring 5.51” in length by 4.33” in width. The pre-cut, large size of the sheets not only makes them suitable for even bigger loads of clothes but also helps to prevent any over-spillage as the sheets are premeasured.
The detergent sheets are made using natural ingredients and do not include any plastic packaging. Besides being eco-friendly, the sheets are placed in compact packaging, making them easy to store and carry.
Pros:
- Doesn’t dye white clothes
- Inexpensive
- Sheets disintegrate fast in water
- Travel friendly
Cons:
- Some sheets may stick to the sides of the washer
- Weak scent
9. Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent
This laundry detergent comes in a pack of 50 detergent pods and 80 dryer sheets. The detergent pods have a strong cleaning mechanism that cuts through dirt and stains, leaving the fabric clean and fresh. As for the dryer sheets, these are designed to naturally soften clothes, reducing any static cling
Both the Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry detergent pods and dryer sheets are premeasured to help users avoid any over-spillage. Furthermore, they are made with safe, natural ingredients that are free of any harsh chemicals.
Pros:
- Plastic-free
- Amazing smell
- Takes little shelf space
Cons:
- The scent may not last long
- Material outside the pods may not dissolve fully
10. Wellspring Handmade Laundry Soap Bar
The Wellspring Laundry Soap Bar is very gentle on clothes and hands. It can be safely used for all types of fabric, such as dark colors, baby clothes, diapers, and other delicate fabrics. The soap bar can also be used safely by those with allergies and different skin sensitivities.
However, despite being gentle, the Wellness Soap Bar is also a powerful cleanser that effectively removes stains from clothes. The detergent does not include any artificial colors or harsh chemicals, making it eco-friendly and sustainable.
Pros:
- Removes stains well
- Lovely fragrance
- Good value for money
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- May not last long
Additional Non-Toxic Laundry Products to Complement Detergents
In addition to non-toxic laundry detergents, there are other products that can complement your laundry routine and provide further benefits.
Non-toxic fabric softener
One such product is a non-toxic fabric softener. Fabric softeners can help reduce static, make clothes feel softer, and leave a pleasant scent. Look for fabric softeners that are free from artificial fragrances, synthetic preservatives, and toxic chemicals. Consider using fabric softeners made from natural ingredients such as essential oils or plant-based compounds.
Non-toxic stain remover
Another product to consider is a non-toxic stain remover. While non-toxic laundry detergents are usually effective at removing common stains, some stubborn stains may require extra attention. Look for stain removers that are free from chlorine bleach, phosphates, and optical brighteners. These types of stain removers can help tackle tough stains without compromising the safety of your clothes or the environment.
Non-toxic laundry boosters
Lastly, consider using non-toxic laundry boosters such as color-safe bleach or brightening agents. These products can help revive dull colors, remove grime, and keep your whites looking bright. Look for laundry boosters that are free from harsh chemicals and are safe to use on a variety of fabrics.
The Importance of Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Rethinking Our Laundry Habits
- The overlooked significance of laundry detergents.
- The emerging need for non-toxic alternatives.
2. The Downsides of Conventional Detergents
- Health Implications
- Potential irritants for the skin.
- Chemicals causing allergies and hormonal disruption.
- Vulnerability of those with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Environmental Ramifications
- The role of phosphates in water pollution.
- Persistence of synthetic fragrances and dyes in the environment.
- The call for environmentally-conscious choices.
3. Decoding the ‘Non-Toxic’ Label
- Chemicals to Steer Clear Of:
- Phosphates: Impact on aquatic ecosystems and oxygen levels.
- Optical Brighteners: Environmental harm and potential skin irritants.
- Artificial Fragrances: The hidden danger of hundreds of chemicals.
- Sulfates: Their effect on skin’s natural oils and aquatic life.
- The Foundation of a Non-Toxic Detergent:
- Plant-Based Surfactants: A natural approach to removing dirt and stains.
- Enzymes: The power to tackle stains without synthetic additives.
- Essential Oils: A refreshing scent, naturally.
4. Maximizing the Efficiency of Non-Toxic Detergents
- Dosage and Techniques: A Fine Balance
- Importance of adhering to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pre-treating stains for best results.
- Distributing detergent evenly for optimal cleaning.
- Matching washing mode and water temperature with garment needs.
- Ensuring Compatibility: Fabrics and Machines
- Special care for delicate fabrics.
- Hypoallergenic options for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Compatibility with front-loading or high-efficiency machines.
By understanding the importance and intricacies of non-toxic laundry detergents, consumers can make informed, eco-friendly, and health-conscious decisions about their laundry routine. The move towards these alternatives not only protects our skin and health but also takes a step towards preserving our planet.
Resources and References
When exploring the world of non-toxic laundry detergents, it can be helpful to consult additional resources and references for more information and recommendations. Here are some sources that you may find useful:
- Environmental working group (EWG) – an organization that provides information on the safety and sustainability of various household products, including laundry detergents.
- Consumer review websites and platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target – those platforms often have user reviews and ratings that can help you gauge the performance and effectiveness of different non-toxic laundry detergents.
- Non-profit organizations focused on sustainability and non-toxic living, such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth – these organizations may provide resources and recommendations for eco-friendly and non-toxic laundry detergents.
- Manufacturers’ websites and customer service – visiting the websites of specific non-toxic laundry detergent brands can provide valuable information about their products, ingredients, and usage guidelines. Contacting their customer service can also help answer any specific questions or concerns you may have.
By utilizing these resources and references, you can gather a wealth of knowledge and make an informed decision when choosing the best non-toxic laundry detergents for your needs.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The best non-toxic laundry detergents of this year! After countless hours of research and testing, we’ve narrowed down our top choices for you. These detergents tick all the boxes – they’re effective at getting your clothes clean, gentle on your skin, eco-friendly, and won’t break the bank!
Why settle for anything less when it comes to taking care of your clothes and the planet? With these top non-toxic laundry detergents, you can have it all. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, and hello to a clean, green, and kind laundry routine. Your skin and the environment will thank you for choosing the best non-toxic laundry detergent!
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