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After an intense workout, your athleticwear is probably going to be drenched in sweat. To get it crisp, dry, and sweet-smelling once more, you'll naturally want to do some laundry. Yet finding the best laundry detergent can be more challenging than you may think. Many of the leading store-bought products are heavy with chemicals and toxins. Even added fragrances can be irritating if you happen to have sensitive skin.
Thankfully, there are a number of non-toxic options to choose from. At the ACTIVE Reviews Team, we've tested several of the most noteworthy brands and put together a list of recommendations. Here are our picks for the best natural laundry detergents.
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The Best Natural Laundry Detergent - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Natural Laundry Detergent: Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Liquid Detergent
- Best Smelling Natural Laundry Detergent: Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Best Natural Baby Laundry Detergent: Honest Free & Clear
- Best Natural Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin: Dirty Labs Bio-Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Best Natural Laundry Detergent Pods: Dropps Active Wash Pods
- Best Natural Laundry Detergent Powder: Molly's Suds Original Laundry Powder
- Best Fragrance-Free Natural Laundry Detergent: Seventh Generation Concentrated
- Best Budget Natural Laundry Detergent: Mrs. Meyer's
- Best Natural Laundry Detergent for Travel: Grab Green 3-in-1 Pods
- Best Natural Laundry Detergent Sheets: Earth Breeze
Best Overall Natural Laundry Detergent - Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Liquid Detergent
SPECS
- Volume: 1.2 gallons
- Number of washes: 300
- Active ingredients: Multiple bio-active, toxin-free ingredients
- Scents: Citrus Essence, Lavender Eucalyptus, unscented
The Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Liquid Detergent captures everything we're looking for in a natural laundry detergent. You'll get 300 laundry loads in a scent (or lack of scent) of your choice. The detergent is made with bio-active ingredients that get your laundry clean without any adverse effects to your body or to the planet.
What We Like
- All bio-active ingredients
- Multiple scent options, including unscented
- Works well for sensitive skin or for those with allergies
What We Don't Like
- At 9 lbs., this will initially be a little cumbersome to lug around
- Not the most modestly priced option
BUY: Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Liquid Detergent
Best Smelling Natural Laundry Detergent - Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
SPECS
- Volume: 1.58L
- Number of washes: 66
- Active ingredients: All-biodegradable, hypoallergenic formula
- Scents: Beach Sage, Lavender + Cypress, Fresh Air, Ginger Mango, Nectarine Blossom, Spring Garden
Many natural laundry detergents come without any kind of scent. If you want something that's sweet-smelling, consider Method Liquid Laundry Detergent. Available in a range of scent options, this detergent is composed of naturally derived ingredients and is made in the USA.
What We Like
- A range of scent options
- Modest price point
- Hypoallergenic and made for sensitive skin
- Unscented option available, too
What We Don't Like
- You'll go through it pretty quickly
- Larger quantities not available
BUY: Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
Best Natural Baby Laundry Detergent - Honest Free & Clear
SPECS
- Volume: 70 fl. oz.
- Number of washes: 70
- Active ingredients: Four plant-based, stain-fighting enzymes
- Scents: Unscented
Babies naturally have sensitive skin, making it imperative to find a non-abrasive laundry agent. We recommend the Honest Free & Clear product, which is made with plant-based enzymes to keep your clothing clean without any risk of irritation. This unscented selection comes in a two-pack, which you'll definitely need in order to keep up with the avalanche of baby laundry!
What We Like
- 2-pack
- Unscented
- Plant-based, non-irritating ingredients
What We Don't Like
- You'll go through it pretty quickly
- Not the best option if you want something scented
Best Natural Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin - Dirty Labs Bio-Liquid Laundry Detergent
SPECS
- Volume: 8.6 fl. oz.
- Number of washes: 32
- Active ingredients: All non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients
- Scents: Unscented and Signature scent options
If you have skin sensitivities, many of the main detergent brands will leave you broken out. Dirty Labs Bio-Liquid Laundry Detergent is made from all non-toxic ingredients, specially formulated to be gentle to the skin. Though the container is a bit small, the signature scent is incredibly appealing.
What We Like
- Gentle to the skin
- Signature scent is great
- Totally biodegradable
What We Don't Like
- You'll go through it pretty quickly
- High price point for smaller package
BUY: Dirty Labs Bio-Liquid Laundry Detergent
Best Natural Laundry Detergent Pods - Dropps Active Wash Pods
SPECS
- Volume: 24 pods
- Number of washes: Up to 24
- Active ingredients: 5 active enzymes
- Scents: Unscented
Detergent pods are quick and easy, and eliminate any need for precise measurement. We recommend the Dropps Active Wash Pods, which are made with active enzymes to keep your laundry clean and your skin healthy. These unscented pods will make laundry day a breeze!
What We Like
- Quick and convenient
- No need to measure
- Strong cleaning power
What We Don't Like
- No scents available
- You'll go through a pack pretty quickly
Best Natural Laundry Detergent Powder - Molly's Suds Original Laundry Powder
SPECS
- Volume: 80.25 oz. per bag, 2 bags included
- Number of washes: 240
- Active ingredients: All Earth-derived ingredients
- Scents: More than a dozen scents to choose from
Powdered detergents are great for cleaning heavily soiled athleticwear. The Molly's Suds Original Laundry Powder will get you through 240 loads of laundry, fighting the heaviest stains with earth-derived ingredients. You can also pick from more than a dozen scents, including an unscented option.
What We Like
- Big stain-fighting power
- Dozens of scent options
- All-natural ingredients
What We Don't Like
- Liquids work better in cold water
- Pricey, though you get great value
BUY: Molly's Suds Original Laundry Powder
Best Fragrance-Free Natural Laundry Detergent - Seventh Generation Concentrated
SPECS
- Volume: 40 oz.
- Number of washes: 53
- Active ingredients: 3 natural enzymes
- Scents: Baby-fresh, Citrus Valley, Lavender, Sparkling Seaside, Geranium Blossom & Vanilla, unscented
Looking for a detergent that gets the job done without leaving any particular aroma? The unscented Seventh Generation Concentrated detergent will leave you with a fresh, clean feel, but no particular smell. Three natural enzymes help eliminate the toughest stains.
What We Like
- 3 enzymes provide robust stain removal
- Clean, fresh smell
- Good value
What We Don't Like
- Not as convenient as powder or pods
- Not our top choice for skin sensitivity
BUY: Seventh Generation Concentrated
Best Budget Natural Laundry Detergent - Mrs. Meyer's
SPECS
- Volume: 64 oz.
- Number of washes: 64
- Active ingredients: All plant-derived ingredients
- Scents: Baby Blossom, Basil, Lavender, Honeysuckle, Lemon
Looking for a detergent that won't cost an arm and a leg? Mrs. Meyer's is well-priced and gives you tremendous value. Made with all plant-derived ingredients, it offers robust stain removal as well as a range of pleasing scents.
What We Like
- Great value
- Pleasing scents
- Totally plant-based
What We Don't Like
- No unscented options
- Not as convenient as powder or pods
Best Natural Laundry Detergent for Travel - Grab Green 3-in-1 Pods
SPECS
- Volume: 60 pods
- Number of washes: 60
- Active ingredients: All plant- and mineral-based
- Scents: Lavender Vanilla, Vetiver, Gardenia, unscented
Looking for something that's easy to take with you when you travel? The Grab Green 3-in-1 Pods are quick and convenient. Made from plant- and mineral-derived ingredients, these pods offer ample cleansing power, plus a reasonable range of floral scents to choose from.
What We Like
- Convenient
- Portable
- Floral scents are lovely
- Unscented option, too
What We Don't Like
- You'll go through the pack more quickly than you think
- Not our top option for stain removal or for seriously soiled clothing
Best Natural Laundry Detergent Sheets - Earth Breeze
SPECS
- Volume: 30 sheets
- Number of washes: 60
- Active ingredients: Hypoallergenic ingredients
- Scents: Fresh scent or unscented
Ditch that heavy plastic jug and minimize your physical waste. Try the Earth Breeze laundry sheets, which will give you a fresh, clean set of laundry without the use of any unnatural ingredients. A great pick for those who have sensitive skin or allergies of any kind.
What We Like
- Convenient
- Minimal packaging
- Great for those with sensitive skin
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Just 1 scent
- Not recommended for seriously soiled clothing
What to Consider When Buying a Natural Laundry Detergent
- Scent. Historically, green laundry detergents have been unscented. Today, you should have no trouble finding either pleasantly scented or unscented options, depending on your personal preference.
- Form. Do you want liquid or powder? Liquids tend to work better for spot treatments and are easier to measure. Powders work better for treating heavily soiled clothing, and they also tend to last longer.
- Ingredient list. Some ingredients, including phthalates, phosphates, and non-biodegradable surfactants, are almost universally banned from natural or green detergents. If you are allergic to a specific ingredient, however, you'll want to double-check the ingredient list before making a purchase.
Should You Switch to Natural Detergent?
There are a couple of reasons to consider making a switch to natural laundry detergent. Consider:
- Non-natural detergents can include a range of chemicals that have an adverse effect on your skin and your respiratory system. Switching to something natural is a great way to prioritize your well-being.
- Natural laundry detergents are also better for the environment, as they are typically made with ingredients that are entirely biodegradable.
Toxins to Avoid
A number of the most common laundry detergent ingredients can actually be quite bad for your health. Some specific ones to watch out for include:
- 1,4-dioxane
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS)
- Formaldehyde
- Bleach
- Phosphates
- Synthetic fragrances
FAQs About Natural Laundry Detergent
Is laundry detergent a carcinogen?
Many store-bought laundry detergent brands are made with ingredients that qualify as carcinogens; that is, they release formaldehyde and can trigger conditions such as asthma. Carcinogens may also damage the skin or even lead to long-term respiratory damage. The best natural laundry detergent products are made without carcinogens.
Is liquid or powder detergent better?
It really depends on what you're looking for. Powders are often cheaper, they tend to last longer, and they can be more effective for cleaning heavily soiled clothing. Liquids, on the other hand, are easier to measure and also work better for spot treatments.
How long do chemicals stay on clothes?
Some studies have shown that harmful chemicals can stay on your clothing after as many as 10 wash cycles.
Are dryer sheets toxic?
While it never hurts to double-check the ingredient list of a particular product, most laundry sheets are made with ingredients that are considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be safe.
How to Be Healthy | Best All-Natural Soap | Best Natural Toothpaste | Best Organic Mattresses | Best Natural Laundry Detergent | Best All-Natural Deodorant | Best Natural Sleep Aids | Best Non-alcoholic Wine | Best Yoga Mats | Best Coffee Beans
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