With regards to searching for a reliable and eco-friendly laundry detergent, which assists lessen environmental impact while still keeping and your loved ones smelling and looking great, there’s no lack of quality choices at this point.
Naturally occurring components and chemical free formula formulas abound, and a lot of manufacturers are trying harder than ever to come up with more eco-friendly detergents.
Altogether, a lot of companies are only trying to utilize the eco-friendly laundry detergent tag just as a marketing approach. As a consumer, you are required time to do a thorough research and determine what lies behind the name.
Clean, sport free, and smells good laundry is a vital aspect of life. Of course, you need an eco-friendly detergent that not just makes your clothes clean or free of stains but also ensures that it doesn’t add pollution to the environment.
What is an Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent?
Eco-friendly laundry detergent is detergent that doesn’t harm the environment. This product helps preserve our environment by considerably reducing the pollution it can produce. This product also doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, and the ingredients are almost biodegradable as well as plant-based. Eco-friendly laundry detergent is safe to our mother earth and our skin as well, without compromising the quality and efficiency.
Here are the top 10 eco-friendly laundry detergents that you can find available today:
Tru-Earth Laundry Strips
Our testing revealed that True-Earth Laundry Strips came out on top, getting rid of the most amounts of stains.
Tru-Earth Eco Strips are the best option to a pod or liquid detergent. They felt and look like thin foam sheets and made of PVA or polyvinyl alcohol. Therefore these biodegradable strips dissolve in water totally fast.
They don’t have phosphate, chlorine, and dye. They are also considered vegan. The fact that this eco-friendly detergent is low-sudsing, they work in standard and high-efficiency washers. The sheets measure 6 x 3 inches, perforated down the middle. Cut them in half, and you well enough for a mid-sized load of laundry.
What makes this apart from the rest is its eco-friendly feature. Seventy percent of the ingredients are biodegradable or plant-derived. The packaging is not plastic, compared to other laundries available. And at only 0.3 inches tall, the whole package is small to suit in a mailbox that also lessens the storage needs.
The thirty-two load variant just weighs 2.5oz, approximately 30 times less than a conventional 50oz bottle. Getting rid of the water, which makes up a considerable weight of liquid detergents, greatly lessens the costs in transportation.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Free of added dyes
- Phosphate-free
- Chlorine bleach-free
- Free of 1.4 dioxanes as approved by independent lab tests
- No animal-based components or testing animals by an ingredient supplier
- Hypoallergenic, approved and certified by independent dermatologists
Cons
Considered one of the most expensive types of eco-friendly laundry available today
Tide PurClean
Getting the second sport, Tide PurClean is very effective in getting rid of stains and, at the same time, taking good of your clothes fiber.
Tide PurClean is a new eco-friendly detergent with a recognizable name and a decreased impact on the environment. This new brand claims to clean as conventional Tide detergents, and a lot of tests revealed that it is really effective in cleaning stains. In fact, it was rated as one of the best and most reliable eco-friendly laundry detergents available today.
But, in spite of many benefits, it also comes with weak points such as the content and the cost. Tide is considered a big brand in the market, and the PurClean is no different. It is included in the more pricey laundry detergents that you can find on Amazon.
Tide PurClean is considered a hybrid laundry detergent, with 75 percent of its components are plant-based, and the rest are petroleum-derived. When you compared it to other brands, like, for example, Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers, each 97 percent plant-derived- it’s less eco-friendly. Then again, if you like to do a small favor to the environment without compromising the quality, result, and performance, the Tide PurClean is the perfect choice for clean and spot-free laundry.
Pros
- 75 percent is plant-based ingredients
- Best cleaning eco-friendly laundry detergent
- Extremely effective in getting rid of stains
- Made of a renowned brand in the detergent business
Cons
The cost is higher than other eco-friendly laundry detergents out there
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Eco-Friendly
Seventh Generation is considered one of the most renowned eco-friendly brands today. The company is producing the whole thing, from diapers to facial tissue. The Free & Clear laundry detergent impressed a lot of consumers with both its stain removal capability and plant-based ingredients. This product scored top marks in various tests, not just the detergent pack above-average stain-fighting power, and Seventh Generation is dedicated to the eco-friendly cause.
This product is available in bottle form made of 80 percent recycled plastic material. On the other hand, the ingredients are 97 percent plant-based and biological. The company also has a good track record with environmental advocacy and transparency. It is a certified B-company and collaborates with the Rainforest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council.
E tried the Free & Clear, and our testers remarked at the almost lack of scent, a smell, which has almost universal appeal. When it comes to stain removal capability, this eco-detergent does well. It has the capability to remove 5 percent fewer stains compared to a traditional product that is impressive, considering the product only contains fewer chemicals.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Good stain removal capability
- Made of plant-based and biological ingredients
Cons
It has some types of irritants
All-in-One Laundry Detergent to Whiten, Brighten and Soften Your Clothes Naturally
This is one of the best laundry detergents available that is ultra-concentrated and is powered with enzymes to assist in getting rid of tough stains such as grease, blood, and sauce. It’s color-safe and can really help soften and brighten your clothes in a natural way. What is more, it is biodegradable as well as friendly to our environment.
Consumers commented that this product did precisely as promised. It works very well for high-efficiency washers and very gentle on fabrics as well. A lot of users also loved that this laundry detergent was unscented, thus makes it appropriate for people with sensitivity to fragrance
Pros
- Very effective
- Made of biodegradable ingredients
- Ultra-concentrated
Cons
Don’t have fragrance
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
Sometimes the most excellent way of reaping the benefits is to begin from scratch. Charlie’s Soap laundry powder enables you to do that. Constant washing with lots of laundry detergents can leave residue in your wash and washer, which can harm sensitive skin. This product is a safe, soothing, effective, and biodegradable laundry detergent, which leaves nothing but the sweet smell of clean clothes and safe skin.
The formulas are what make this product very special. The company does things differently as they believe that different is better. The formulas have been tested by third parties proving that they are safe and do well. Also, they’ve been certified to have a low effect on the environment. The company just makes use of the purest and best ingredients to give you the best, strongest as well as safest laundry detergent.
Rinses totally, leaving nothing behind but a sweet smell of clean clothes. There is no accumulation of residue after many washes. This product surpasses minimum standards for keeping mother earth safe. This also works on an array of oil and boosts high-tech fabrics, and also safe to use on washable fabric.
Pros
- Zero perfumes
- Zero filler
- Zero brighteners
- Safe to use
- No residue
- Works an array of oils
- Safe. Non-Toxic
- Gentle on the skin
- Charlie’s Soap Never tests on animals.
Method 8X Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
A lot of consumers really liked the no-mess bottle 8x detergent from Method. You simply aim the nozzle at the washer soap dispenser, press the pump, and that’s it, you can snow start washing your clothes. When it comes to design, this laundry detergent will keep you from overusing soap, which is good as the overused detergent can accumulate on washer and clothes and can affect the quality of the color.
When it comes to stain removal capability, this 8x laundry detergent does well. Eighty-five percent of the ingredients are biodegradable and plant-based, making it safe to use. However, it is a little bit expensive compared to other laundry products available. It will cost you 30 cents per wash, which is higher than other leading laundry detergents out there. However, if you are prone to using a lot, the bottle’s exceptional style might-end up, saving you a considerable amount of money in due course.
Pros
- Available in a no-mess bottle
- Easy to use
- 85 percent plant-based and biodegradable ingredients
- Very effective in getting rid of stains
Cons
A little bit pricey compared to other leading brands out there
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer Clean Day 4x concentrated laundry detergent is remarkably one of the best laundry detergents available today. Gentle and safe on clothes, and packs a punch with regards to getting rid of grime and dirt.
It has anionic surfactants from plant-derived sources. It also contains stain and dirt fighting enzymes as well as those important all-natural essential oils. This is also earth-friendly and HE compatible laundry detergent concentrated for sixty-eight loads.
The 4x concentrated formulas are able to handle a full load with only one tbsp. of liquid, they are thus providing you more loads for every bottle with less detergent. The concentrated formulas mean less water, less plastic, and less energy utilized in transportation.
This product is cruelty-free and not tried on animals. This is also biodegradable. Ingredients are 97 percent naturally derived.
Pros
- Mad in the USA
- Uncomplicated laundry detergents for a happy and clean home
- Aromatherapeutic laundry products
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Essential oils are tough on dirt yet very gentle on surrounding and fabrics
Cons
Expensive
The Laundress Sport Detergent
The Laundress is one of the most expensive brands of laundry detergents. Today, with an average per-load cost being almost twice to other brands. On the other hand, the high price is justified, as this product passes stain removal tests. The well and highly-concentrated formulas mean you are paying for soap and not for water.
The bottle is sturdy and compact, making it an ideal companion with traveling. A lot of consumers also loved the fresh scent it left on their clothes, though the smell resembles the smell of shampoo.
Pros
- Highly concentrated
- Compact and sturdy bottle
- Biodegradable ingredients
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Some doesn’t like the smell of shampoo
- Expensive
Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent
If you are searching for a concentrated laundry detergent, then look no further than Method 4X concentrated laundry detergent. It is cheaper compared to the Method’s 8x laundry detergent but works the same way. However, this is not available in a no-mess pump bottle. That is because the Method 8X makes use of ethanol, while the 4X water has water as its first ingredient. The change in the formula translates to just a 4 percent difference in the number of stains removed. However, in the world of detergent, it is a war of inches.
Even if a less concentrated laundry detergent wastes energy in the process of shipping by moving water, at least somewhat is eco-friendly sound. All the contents in 4x laundry are plant-derived or biodegradable. Its container is 100 percent recycled plastic materials.
Pros
- Eco-friendly sound, almost all ingredients are plant-derived or biodegradable
- Container made from 100 percent recycled plastic
Cons
Not as effective in getting rid of stain compared to Method 8x
Dropps Scent Booster Pods with Fabric Softener
This laundry detergent comes with an in-wash softener that makes sure that it is not only for laundry detergent, which is eco-friendly; your fabric softener can be environment-friendly too. This is more laundry pod than a dissolvable tablet. The single recyclable and compostable box comes with 120 pods. All are lightly as well as naturally fragranced with natural orange as well as patchouli essentials oils.
The mineral-based and non-toxic formula that leaves no residue. Not like the traditional or conventional fabric softeners available that are not great for mother earth or for the skin, as they have irritants and allergens, the Dropps Scent Booster Pods with Fabric Softener provide your clothes a fresh-smelling smell so that going eco-friendly does not mean compromising soft clothes as well as clean, good smell.
This laundry detergent is easy to use. All you need is to toss one in the washer, and that’s it. The mineral-based formula of this product works by flowing in the clothes fibers instead of just coating it with chemicals as well as covering it in synthetic fragrance.
Pros
- Very effective in getting rid of dirt
- Made of eco-friendly components
Cons
Expensive brands
How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
With regards to picking the best eco-friendly laundry detergents, there are many things to consider, like how it is made to make the product is 100% eco-friendly. Keep on reading this buying guide for further information.
Choose How Much You Want to Lessen Carbon Footprint
While it is tough to find a product without plastic packaging, there are surely alternatives available, which you can opt for.
Pick a Big Bottle of Detergent to Decrease Carbon Footprint
Liquid detergent dissolves in water regardless of temperature. What is more, the mainstream of products available is made with alcohol ethoxylates that work best in getting rid of oily stains and grease.
But, liquid detergent is not as eco-friendly as others, as there aren’t many plastic-free packaging choices available.
What is more, not all kinds of plastic available are recyclable; therefore, search for a liquid detergent that has 100 percent recyclable plastic. A biodegradable plastic packaging that is made from natural plant materials are a good choice as well.
Also, you can utilize big bottles since they use less plastic as opposed to the number or amount of detergent. Try to reuse as well as refill them when empty. What is more, liquid detergent shipping is likely to utilize more energy, therefore choose an ultra-concentrated product to assists in saving some waste.
Powdered detergent has Eco-Friendly Packaging.
For powdered laundry detergent, you can opt to a product packaged in a cardboard that is recyclable and biodegradable. Opting to a powder means you do not need to pay for water shipping, so it lessens carbon footprints.
This kind of laundry product may not dilute in cold water, and it may result in chunks of residue on clothes. But, this can be avoided by following the tips located at the back of the label.
Still, if you are searching for a laundry product that can assist you in getting rid of stubborn outdoor stains like mud, then hardly ever can beat powdered detergent. It is
not totally diluted with water, and as a result, it has stronger cleaning power.
A pod is Convenient, but Packaging is Not Recyclable.
A pod is a convenient choice since it is pre-measured and has both softener and detergent. The gel pouches that covers the liquid are made of polymer and totally dissolve in water. Also, it avoids accidentally wasting a lot of detergents that lessen or reduce consumption.
On the other hand, the main issue lies with packaging. A lot of manufacturers cover the individual pods in a plastic material that may lead to plastic waste. Usually, the outer packaging is made of a plastic container. If your goal is to reduce the use of plastic, then look for one that has recyclable packaging or think of a different choice or option.
Consider Plant-Based Ingredients
Laundry detergent can’t 100 percent biodegrade and can leach chemicals like arsenic, cadmium as well as phosphates into the bodies of water and result in contamination. Also, they can accelerate the growth of plants, change the natural habitat of water species, and starve them of air. A lot of detergents are free of phosphate, but not all.
Opposed to harsh chemicals, a plant-based ingredient with remarkable cleansing properties like citrus essence, lemon thyme, tea tree oil, and so forth are kinder and friendly to the environment and can break down fast in the surrounding.
It is a smart idea to search for laundry products that have a high percentage of plant-based ingredients like 95 percent above. However, a plant-based ingredient isn’t essentially safe for wellbeing. Pine oil, limonene, and other kinds of essential oils may be natural but have been revealed to trigger an allergic reaction and can irritate your skin. Search for laundry products that are labeled for sensitive skin or also known as hypoallergenic. This ensures that your skin is safe.
It is hard to totally keep away from unknown chemicals as the most eco-friendly laundry products tend to contain chemicals that you are not familiar with.
In general, keep away from risky and dangerous chemicals that can cause allergic reactions like alcohol, ammonia as well as chorine. They may be effective in getting rid of the stains but can cause skin dryness. You also need to avoid dyes and fragrances.
Summary
It may look like a lot of work to look for the best eco-friendly laundry detergent since you need to consider the packaging and the ingredients as well. However, by substituting the regular detergent with eco-friendly products, you are doing a favor to our mother earth.
