The Best Nontoxic Laundry Detergents That Are Eco-Friendly And Effective

The Branch Basics Laundry Kit is one of the most versatile cleaning products on the market right now. The kit includes three items: The Concentrate, an all-purpose cleaning agent; Oxygen Boost, a powder for pre-treating stains, whitening and deodorizing; and your choice of a glass or BPA-free plastic bottle for mixing The Concentrate with water. This biodegradable kit, labeled "human safe", relies on ingredients like sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium percarbonate to keep clothes pristine, without bleach, ammonia, dyes or fragrances. Additionally, the brand holds Leaping Bunny and Made Safe certifications, and it's verified by Environmental Working Group (EWG) for high ingredient and safety standards.

Nontoxic laundry detergents can get expensive, but Molly’s Suds offers a cost-effective solution at just $15 for a 3-pound bag that can tackle 70 loads. The nontoxic detergent uses four main ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate and sea salt. And for those who prefer scented detergents, opt for versions infused with essential oils like peppermint, citrus or lavender. The ingredients list includes Leaping Bunny-certified, it’s also devoid of parabens, bleach, dye, brighteners and harsh chemicals, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleaning experience. Moreover, the detergent can be transformed into a paste for targeted stain removal.

If you're in search of a completely plastic-free and sustainable option, Blueland is an excellent choice. The brand’s laundry essentials come in metal Forever Tins, with refills thoughtfully packaged in compostable paper and shipping boxes crafted from recycled materials. The Laundry Essentials Kit itself comprises detergent, cleverly designed as plastic-free tablets, along with an Oxi Laundry Booster and three natural wool laundry dryer balls. The tablets feature a formulation of sodium carbonate and citric acid, while the booster contains sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate. Every component is free from parabens, phosphates, ammonia, chlorine, bleach and phthalates, and holds certifications from Made Safe, Leaping Bunny and USDA BioPreferred.

Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods offer another excellent sustainable choice, packaged in a paper pouch printed with water-based inks. These pods are free from phosphates, chlorine and dye, and come in fragrance-free or lightly scented options. Additionally, the pods are designed with a bitter outer film to deter curious children or pets from exploring your cleaning supplies. Key ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and citric acid are featured in the formulation, which holds EPA Safer Choice certification, ensuring rigorous safety evaluations of every chemical used.

If dealing with pods or liquids isn’t your preference or need a convenient option for on-the-go use, laundry sheets are a worthy consideration. Beyond Laundry Detergent Strips are a USDA-certified bio-based product, free from dyes and fragrances, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. These strips are formulated without phosphates or parabens and are compatible with all machine types, including high-efficiency washers. Additionally, the packaging is recyclable. To use these sheets, simply tear off a strip—or two for larger loads—place it in the bottom of your washer, add your clothes and initiate your preferred wash cycle.

While many nontoxic detergents are fragrance-free, Attitude stands out by offering a diverse range of unique scents like Pear Nectar, Pink Grapefruit, Summer Berries, Citrus Zest and Lavender to name a few. For those who prefer unscented options, Attitude also offers two fragrance-free variations. This detergent is EWG verified for clean ingredients and formulated without phosphates, dye, phthalates and formaldehyde. Additionally, it utilizes plant-based surfactants to effectively lift away dirt and grime. The packaging is recyclable, allowing you to dispose of it responsibly once empty.

For those with sensitive skin, Biokleen's Free & Clear detergent offers a hypoallergenic solution that’s devoid of fragrances, dyes, phosphates, chlorine, ammonia and petroleum solvents to prevent irritation. Key ingredients like mineral-based sodium chloride and sodium citrate ensure efficacy, while the plant-based formula adds to its appeal. If fragrance isn't a concern, the brand also offers lavender, citrus and sport options.

When it comes to cleaning your child’s clothes, you need something gentle yet powerful enough to tackle all those stains. Puracy’s plant-based baby laundry detergent is meticulously formulated to exclude a variety of undesirable substances, including sulfates, phosphates, petrochemicals, fragrances, chlorine, dyes and optical brighteners, all of which can potentially irritate your little one’s delicate skin. Additionally, the fragrance-free formula is enriched with plant-based enzymes to effectively combat even the toughest stains.