The Best Natural Laundry Detergent: Our Top 10 favorites!

Changing to a natural laundry detergent is a very convenient and easy way to be nicer and more respectful to the environment. But what is the best green laundry detergent for me? Well, let us explain a little bit first and the we'll share our top 10 favorites natural laundry detergents online.

What is all the fuzz about green cleaning products? Well, a lot! In the case of natural laundry detergents, they contain significantly a lot less - and in some cases almost none of the— chemicals that can irritate your skin, or damage your clothing over time. What's more, these detergents significantly reduce your carbon footprint, which means it's good for the planet. They will save you more money,too! As these natural products are usually highly concentrated and highly effective, you will need less product every time you turn tha washing machine on.

Please, read on for the top 10 best green detergents available online to add to your laundry routine. You'll fist find a short and general description of out top picks. In a second moment, we'll review these detergents one by one in a very detailed manner to help you make an informed decision. And we love you making informed decisions! Let's see...

Our Top Pick for Natural Laundry Detergents

Best Baby Clothes + Color Safe: Sun & Earth Liquid Detergent

Its hypoallergenic formula uses no added dyes, fragrances or preservatives- which are normally the cause of skin irritation- This is why it is the perfect option if you want to wash fine or baby clothes and save your colors for a little bit longer! Buy on Amazon

Best Hypoallergenic: ECOS Laundry Detergent

This detergent combines the power of being hypoallergenic with the power of lifting stains, brightening whites and guarding colors! All this provided by the coconut fruit, a highly renewable resource with natural cleaning properties. One more thing, you won't need any extra softener with this as it softens the fabric as no other, saving you time and money. Buy on Amazon

Best Ultra Concentrated: Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent

If you are dealing with a busy family out there, you might consider this option. As we always say, cleaning doesn't need to be harmful to the planet or hard to do! Well, this is exactly what this natural laundry detergent does. Besides, because of its ultra concentrated formula, you get the right amount of liquid-every time. One squeeze is all your need. Buy on Amazon

Best Natural Stain Enzymes: Puracy Liquid Laundry Detergent

The best part of the Puracy detergent is, unquestionably, the efficacy of its formula. It uses plant-based enzymes and natural cleansers that are so powerful that all you need is just ¼ ounce per load, which reduces waste by more than 80%.. This is truly a good choice because it's effective and money-saving. Buy on Amazon

Best Detergent Powder Pods: Grab Green Stoneworks

If you want to a natural laundry detergent that smells delicious and works perfectly, you must consider the Grab Green Stoneworks Natural Laundry Detergent Powder Pods. They are scented with rose petals and they are up tp 70 loads. Buy on Amazon

Best 3 in 1: Grab Green Natural 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods

There are two things that I love about this 3 in 1 natural laundry detergent. The first one is its superior quality which removes stains and brightens whites with a really small amount of product. And the second one is its packaging: the Velcro closure is so practical! Buy on Amazon

Best Refill: Cleancult Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent Refill

The power of coconut once again in this plant-based product and the refills come in a 32 oz package made of of recyclable milk cartons. Besides it has an extra plant-based cap that prevents leaks. A truly green laundry detergent in all of the senses. Buy on Amazon

Best Non-Toxic + Vegan: Nellie's All-Natural Non-Toxic Vegan Powdered Laundry Detergent

This product is just so good and simple! It is hypoallergenic, which is great, and leaves your clothes soft, fresh, with no residue at all. Its powdered formula is very good: a tablespoon is enough for one load, so you'll be saving money, too! It's an excellent choice for every day laundry. Buy on Amazon

Best Eco-friendly: Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent

From the natural ingredients to the packaging, everything is renewable about this product! The plant- based performance formula and the citrus and grapefruit seeds combined won't let you down. Buy on Amazon

Best Cruelty Free + Biodegradable Formula: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent

This is a really with choice for many reasons, but basically because this natural laundry detergent practically, has it all!. The basil aroma provides a fresh aroma, familiar but exotic. This concentrated laundry detergent is effective yet gentle on clothes. it's Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic, Plant-Based and it smells delicious! Buy on Amazon

You're probably still wondering what is the best natural laundry detergent? We got you. So many options and they are all so good! Please read on for further details on these products to find the right that works for you.

Best Baby Clothes + Color Safe: Sun & Earth Liquid Detergent

laundry 1
Sustainable Warriors Score
3_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • You pay for one but take two.
  • Color-safe, nos-bleaching, chlorine free.
  • Enzymes sourced naturally.

What I Don't Like

  • The packaging still made of plastic, but it's refillable and recyclable!

Well, as we usually do we are going to start by reviewing a little bit the ingredients from which these products here are made. So let's check what this natural laundry detergent by Sun & Earth has to say about it. Well, that's actually the reason why this is our top pick for baby clothes and delicates. It's plant-derived performance is amazing!. Even more powerful than any chemicals or bleaching powders. It's non-toxic and the enzymes that can handle the strongest stain are naturally grown and vegan, too! Last but not least, this product is not tested on animals. Please, buy-cruelty free, we'd also like to encourage you to do that with every product you buy from now on!

laundry 1A
laundry 1B

Now, on this second part of our reviews I'd like to highlight some very real facts after trying the products. In the case of this detergent, I must say it really works. The natural grown enzymes can easily get rid of persistent stains and the smell is delicious! Particularly, I like a citric scent which in this case citric not only contributes with their good smell but also with their powerful cleaning properties. Last but not least, this item is super affordable because you are taking two bottles and paying for one! So you are saving the planet, safe guarding your delicates and saving money, all at once!

Best Hypoallergenic: ECOS Laundry Detergent

laundry 2
Sustainable Warriors Score
5_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • 100& vegan formula
  • Plant- powered
  • climate positive

What I Don't Like

  • Let's say the scent needs improvement: Clothes will smell clean but not delicious as with others.

Alright, first stop for the ingredients. Here's the deal with this detergent. It contains some preservatives that are not necessarily harmful chemicals but it's still means that it's not 100% plant-powered. However, it surely does the work. Specially, when it comes to our category of best hypoallergenic, the ECOS company has some tradition on quality natural and non-harmful chemicals, so you can totally trust their experience. But actually the star among all its ingredients is surely the coconut and its already well-known cleaning and moisturizing properties.

laundry 2B
laundry 2A

Now, let turn to how it works. First thing to say it's that it's affordable. You get two bottles for a reasonable price and that's good. Helping the planet and your pocket is never a bad thing. We suggest to always follow garment care instructions. Pour one ounce (roughly 1/4 capful) per load. If you are struggling with tough stains, they need a little more love. Pour a few drops directly on stain, rub it in, and drop your garment right into the wash to get the best results. Guaranteed!

In my particular case, I Iove the smell of my recently-washed clothes and I really like the smell of lilies and magnolias that is left behind with ECOS. But it could be better. The nice smell goes away rapidly but it's pretty ok for a truly hypoallergenic product.

I bought this for the sensitive skin of some of my loved ones and it works. It gets the clothes clean and I do not use softener in the wash because this detergent actually has a softener incorporated in the mix and seems to work! This eco product is really a great buy!

Best Ultra Concentrated: Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent

laundry 4
Sustainable Warriors Score
5_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • Super affordable.
  • Really ultra concentrated
  • Fresh lavender scent

What I Don't Like

  • Not the best quality for the packaging, thou. Handle it carefully.

With this Seventh Generation's new Easy Dose Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent, you get the right amount of liquid-every time. One squeeze is all your need! Not a joke. I actually love this soap because it's really concentrated and it does the work really well. This only means one thing: quality ingredients. The compact 23oz bottle presentation works for up to 66 loads. What's more, this detergent is truly sustainable as it uses 60% less plastic, 50% less water, and is 75% lighter than a regular 100oz bottle.

laundry 3A
laundry 3B

Regarding its formula, this is the reason why this detergent scores perfectly for us. Made with an advanced-enzyme formula that can deal with the toughest stains, it's a great choice in case you have a large family or familiar group. It's really easy to use, easy to store, and affordable. Honestly, using this detergent is foolproof. Just squeeze the bottle, and the exact amount needed comes out and no more. It's amazing that such a small amount is so effective at cleaning even a super size load of laundry! Kudos to Seventh Generation... This is a great ultra concentrated product!

Best Natural Stain Enzymes: Puracy Liquid Laundry Detergent

laundry 5
Sustainable Warriors Score
4_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • Clean clothes, less waste
  • Safe + effective plant-powered formula
  • No harsh chemicals

What I Don't Like

  • The pump bottle is not really a practical presentation.

Well, Puracy is already a brand that we know offers one thing: quality ingredients. And that's no exception with this natural laundry detergent. I was pleasantly surprised to find out about its great smell. It doesn't wash out, even in longer cycles and the scent is more like an aroma than the chemical smell of store brand detergents. This detergent is gentler on clothes, and still performs the same or better than chemical detergent. I have noticed, for instance that red colors come out looking more vibrant after their first. A tip for better results? Do not use your drier, just hang/air dry your clothes for them to look brand new. Safe guarding your clothes with natural enzymes and using less electricity is a win win for you and the planet!

laundry 5B
laundry 5A

This stuff works really great. The clothes smell clean and good in a natural manner. They don't smell like body odor or fragrances, they smell like fabric plain and simple. That's the powerful action of natural sourced enzymes and lavender combined.

One thing must be said, thou and it has to do with the pump bottle that usually has a drop clinging to the tip (the detergent is very viscous) and it's easy to forget to wipe it off. You can use a sock or the edge of a shirt that is going in the wash to do so. If you don't do it, probably that small drop will make a sticky mess on top of your washer. Not big deal, actually but worth mentioning.

Best Detergent Powder Pods: Grab Green Stoneworks

laundry 5
Sustainable Warriors Score5_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • Made with essential oils cedarwood, bergamot and lime.
  • Phosphate, chlorine & dye free.

  • Great for all temperatures; specifically made for HE and standard machines.

What I Don't Like

  • It doesn't foam that much, especially in cold water. But it does the work, anyway.

Another perfect scorer here for a bunch of reasons. First, they are pods, which means you can perfectly handle the amount of detergent that goes into one load. Only on pod is enough powerful to completely clean a regular load. I must say honestly that Grab Green is my favorite, not only for the scent, non-toxic ingredients and most importantly not tested on animals- but the seller is the best! I'm always a strong supporter of brands that are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.

Now the ingredients are star quality as the sodium carbonate enhances cleaning, the sodium chloride softener aids in cleaning and the sodium carbonate peroxide brightens and removes odors and hard stains . Besides, the fragrance is exquisite: it contains a blend of cedarwood oil, bergamot oil, and lime oil that are much more effective and delicious than industrial fragrances!

laundry 5A
laundry 5B

I decided to give it a go to these pods because I found the price fair for what they were-, you know... detergent pods with no harsh chemicals and naturally soften, while leaving your clothing smelling fresh and of rose. On top of this, they are more eco friendly than any regular laundry detergent from the store. They came in a cute box, too!. So, they are effective, sustainable, delicious and cute!

What I love the most is that they are 100% plant based and yet not as expensive as some other natural brands. When I went for my first wash, it only took two seconds for the pod to dissolve under the water spout during cold water! So, it really does what it says. Kudos por the Rose Petal pods. They are simply great!

Best 3 in 1: Grab Green Natural 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods

laundry 6
Sustainable Warriors Score
5_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • 3 in 1 saves you time and money.
  • Safer for you and the planet
  • Advanced green chemistry

What I Don't Like

  • Pods may not dissolve properly, but if you follow the instructions properly, they do!

Alright, let's make our first stop to talk about this another product by Grab Green. The strongest point about its ingredients is the fragrance which is derived from essential oils lavender, patchouli and yarrow. Scent is long lasting throughout the washing and drying cycles, which I particularly love. The sodium percarbonate made from natural soda ash uses oxygen to remove stains and alkalinity to assist cleaning. Organic enzyme blend does its part in breaking down protein and starch based stains. It just does the work, it's very effective and it's plant-based!

laundry 6B
laundry 6A

When I first used the pods, I found the product cleaned the clothes really well, and the smell was just lovely. Since I do laundry in cold water I hold the pod under the water as the washer fill and it dissolves fully. Honestly, I would recommend this product to anyone. The soap is soft and the smell is gentle for a person of sensitive skin and allergies. It's not abrasive to clothes or to your skin if it's too sensitive.


Best part for me? The price is a bargain. One package for me lasted around 6 months. Really concentrated and effective! Kudos again to Grab Green!

Best Refill: Cleancult Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent Refill

laundry 7
Sustainable Warriors Score
5_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • Eco Friendly Packaging
  • Refill, Recycle, Repeat: refill your own container or the refillable laundry detergent bottle, recycle your paper container, and repeat.
  • Delicious juniper sandalwood scent

What I Don't Like

  • You should handle the packaging gently, as it is not as hard as plastic, which is the best part!

What makes this product sooo great is its zero waste system and naturally powerful formula which makes it better even than other natural cleaners. These are some nice things about the product:

  • Sparkling Clean: the plant based ingredients fight hard stains to deliver fresh, clean clothes.
  • Twice The Clean: our HE concentrated formula can handle up to 64 loads of laundry with just 32 oz.
  • Extremely delicious (yet strong) scent. Personally, I love when products leave a strong scent, especially for clothes. The juniper sandalwood scent present in this natural laundry detergent is just exquisite and will live for a couple of days after washing.
laundry 7A
laundry 7B

I started using this detergent because, probably as you, I wanted to reduce my plastic container. And I was a bit skeptical at first because you know, it's a fair price for such a good product. But, I was greatly surprised, honestly and I love this detergent. A very small amount cleans better than famous brands plastic bottle stuff and it smells great. I also love the good smell on my clothes, the juniper sandalwood actually smells like lemony clean to me. So, I risked it all and bought three packages at once, absolutely no regrets. Totally worth it. Best part? It's refillable, not forever but once the cardboard paper is done, you can recycle the container very easily.

Best Non-Toxic + Vegan: Nellie's All-Natural Non-Toxic Vegan Powdered Laundry Detergent

laundry 8
Sustainable Warriors Score
4_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • Leave clothes feeling soft, fresh and clean without any residue or harsh chemical.
  • It's powder, compared to liquid detergents, that's more eco-friendly.
  • A tablespoon will do for one load. And the pot will do for a 100 loads!

What I Don't Like

  • As with previous products, you may have some trouble at first if you don't follow instructions carefully.

What I love the most about this product is that it's not liquid! Powder is better! Traditional liquid detergents are made up largely of water. This brand has traditionally stood for sustainable manners of producing and we always appreciate that so much! That's a plus.

Powder is also more effective and less expensive than liquid detergents.This particular version of Nellie's is super concentrated, much more than other detergents so only one tablespoon is needed for a regular load.

Let's check on the ingredients! The powder includes: Sodium Carbonate, Linear Alcohol Ethoxylate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Metasilicate. Sodium is widely known for ir it's cleaning properties, so a good cleaning is guaranteed. None of the four ingredients that the powder contains can harm the planet or your clothes!

laundry 8A
LAUNDRY 8B

I particularly like - not love- the clean smell that it leaves. But if you love the natural clean smell of fabric without any fragrance, this is for you. If you happen to have babies or just a lot of white garments or towels or sheets to wash, this might be perfect for you. The smell is no great, for me but the whitening power is there, and it works.

The packaging is worth mentioning, too! I really love the metal tins it comes in, and I tend to reuse them for many things around the house or work. So, if you are looking for a bargain to wash your whites, this is it. The price is good and the results are great!

Best Eco-friendly: Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent

laundry 9A
Sustainable Warriors Score
3_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • Very affordable
  • Packaged in 100 % recycled cardboard and newspaper
  • No negative effects on rivers, streams, plants or wildlife

What I Don't Like

  • The packaging is eco-friendly but not smart and it might leak.
  • Read carefully the ingredients as some of them may irritate very sensitive skins. The brand cautions you about it, thou. That's good!

This is actually a very good product if it weren't for its poor packaging. It combines the natural cleaning power of plant-based surfactants with extracts of citrus and grapefruit seed for a clean that you'll love. Fos starters, this product is cruelty - free, 100% biodegradable and made in the USA. I'm mentioning this because you know, supporting local is good. When it comes to the ingredients everything is eco-friendly, too. It doesn't contain phosphate, chlorine, ammonia or artificial fragrances. One more very important thing this product is actually a bargain, just one bottle can do up to 64 loads!

laundry 9
laundry 9B

I bought this on a whim and I'm super glad I did. I'm allergic to most fragrances so I don't try many things without a sniff test, and this one smelled so good! the scents are not artificial or overpowering, it cleans well, and clothes seem to keep a fresh "clean" smell as long as any other regular detergent. So the trade is totally wort it! I'm sold! there some weak sports, anyway... the first one would be the packaging that is not the the most robust, BUT it is much better for the environment. And the second one would be that this is not an entirely hypoallergenic product and may cause irritation for some very sensitive skins. So if this is your case, maybe you should check on our top picks above!

Best Cruelty Free + Biodegradable Formula: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent

laundry 10
Sustainable Warriors Score
4_5

Buy on Amazon

What I Like

  • Effective yet gentle on clothes
  • 64 loads of laundry per bottle
  • Garden-fresh basil scented (delicious!)

What I Don't Like

  • Not very affordable
  • Some of the chemicals may result allergic to very sensitive skins. Check them carefully before buying.

Okay, we are dealing here with an already renown seller as it is Mrs. Meyer’s. This means that results are 100% guaranteed if yu can afford the 40 bucks for 2 bottles. But if you can afford, go for it. The Clean Day Basil scented laundry detergent features hard-working yet gentle cleaning agents, while also providing a special care for your favorite clothes! What got my attention was also the unusual scent: it's basil scented. Basil has a cool, crisp aroma that is uplifting and cozy and exotic – all at one time. It also contains surfactants from plant-derived sources, dirt and stain-fighting enzymes, among other thoughtfully chosen ingredients which are eco-friendly.

laundry 10A
laundry 10B

Well, I think it smells really nice but in a gentle manner, you know... so it doesn’t overwhelm you with detergent smell like most of the big brands. This product is not only great at removing hard stains but it's a great color brightener. I’ve actually noticed less fading than I used to get in clothes when using liquid detergents. I must say, anyway, that there some weak spots, of which the brand warns you about, related to some chemicals. Although some of these chemicals are no harmful for the environment, they may cause you trouble if you have some sort of sensitivity or allergy. BUT if this is not your case and you can afford, this is a really good natural laundry detergent!

Probably you are still wondering what is the best natural laundry detergent? Right? Well, do not worry... hopefully we haven't overwhelmed you with information but give you tools to make an informed choice that suits your needs. If you are on the road of a sustainable home, please keep going! See you next time!

You may be interested on: How to Design a Sustainable Home? 50 Easy Sustainable Home Tips!

Gisela Possetto

Copywirter, Cats + Tattoos + Music Lover

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