Many of us are aware of steps we need to take to live a cleaner lifestyle. We choose organic foods, use all-natural skin care products, recycle and re-use – and the list goes on. But a lot of people (read:
yours truly) don’t think too much about our laundry. As it turns out, laundry detergent can contain synthetic additives, chemicals, artificial colors and other ingredients that may harmful to our health.
Why switching to natural laundry detergent matters
If you care about avoiding chemicals in your self-care routine, switching to natural laundry detergent should be on your list of changes to make.
Ingredients in mainstream detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and
benzenes, have been found to be, at worst, carcinogenic and, at best, serious skin irritants. Common optical brighteners (used in stain-removing detergents) contain
benzene, a known carcinogen. Another possible carcinogen, 1,4-Dioxane, can be found in detergents as a byproduct of manufacturing processes.
Obviously, besides potentially affecting the quality and longevity of our clothing, these ingredients end up in our water, on our skin and in the air affecting the environment around us, as well.
Luckily,
natural laundry detergent options are increasingly available today – you’ll find them right alongside conventional options on store shelves, and, of course, right here at Vitacost. With dozens of products to choose from, how do you know which one to pick? We’ve rounded up some of our customers’ favorites to help with your decision.
Best natural laundry detergent products at Vitacost
This naturally scented soap uses the power of coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, baking soda and soothing essential oils to deep clean and delight your senses.
What customers are saying: “I have been using this laundry soap for some years and just about everyone who visits comments on how good my house smells. Yesterday someone told me how good I smelled and then said 'oh its your clothes.' In addition to the subtle, fresh, woodsy smell, I love that this soap is petroleum free and that no fabric softener is needed.” -Nancy
Seventh Generation is trustworthy natural brand that has created a simple, fragrance free detergent which is EPA Safer Choice Certified. Even better, it now comes in a biodegradable, eco-friendly bottle that you can feel good about purchasing on repeat.
What customers are saying: “I've been using this detergent for a few years and love it but when I saw this eco bottle in my store I got very excited, would love to see more of this!!! Would love more companies to do the same and be the new norm.” -WyoRobby
Besides being a great hypoallergenic detergent, this product contains a natural soy softener to improve the texture of clothing without the need for a fabric softener. The bottle and cap are both recyclable, so, again, you can feel good about choosing this eco-friendly product.
What customers are saying: “We've used ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent (Lavender) for years and love it. It does what it's supposed to: cleans the laundry with a low impact on our environment, and it's hypoallergenic to boot! Yesterday our dryer broke after I had just washed a couple of loads, and we asked neighbor to dry our bedding. She LOVED the light lavender scent, saying our laundry smelled just like a spa, and has now ordered this detergent for herself!” -JanieDee
Plant-based surfactants make this detergent a gentle powerhouse. The addition of grapefruit and citrus extracts create a light fragrance that doesn’t weigh down your clothes or trigger a headache.
What customers are saying: “I have very sensitive skin and can't take the harsh ingredients in most laundry detergents. This one not only fits the bill but really cleans the laundry well. I am also appreciative of the fact that it is my understanding that the citrus ingredient has been known to be antimicrobial. I am a massage therapist by profession and I wash all the massage linens in this product as my clients deserve to be treated on linens that are non-irritating.” -Luckyrick
Hypoallergenic, non-GMO, dye-free and certified organic, GreenShield GO Laundry detergent checks off all the boxes for safe, environmentally friendly laundry detergent. This formula cleans and removes odors, fights stains and preserves softness without the use of harmful chemicals.
What customers are saying: “My favorite laundry detergent! A lot of natural laundry detergents don't make my clothing smell clean, or clothes develop an odd musty smell over time. This is the only one I've found that always makes my clothes smell fresh! It's unscented but leaves a fresh air laundry that's dried on a clothesline type of smell. And of course it cleans great too, in hot or cold water. If you want your clothes to look clean, smell fresh and feel soft, the kind of clean where you want to burry your face in your clothes and inhale the freshness choose this!” -MinnesotaMeg
Formulated specifically with little ones in mind, this detergent is fragrance free, hypoallergenic and features green tea extract as a natural antibacterial agent. It gets an A from the Environmental Working Group and also is PETA certified, meaning you can wash clothing with a clean conscience.
What customers are saying: “This worked really well for getting our families clothes clean. It was a life-saver in getting my exzema under control (this and switching all my products to this brand.) It's the same consistency as any other detergent. Just so you know though, we have a washer with an agitator, which I think gets clothes cleaner; and I always do the extra rinse option. So depending on your washer, you might not have the same experience I had. But the fact that it's safe ingredients makes it A+ for me.” -backwards mnm
Consider making the switch to laundry detergent sheets – no more leaks, spills or messes! Detergent sheets are especially useful if you do laundry at a laundromat because they’re so compact and dry. They’re also completely biodegradable, which of course is great for the environment.
What customers are saying: “I was shocked and excited when I saw this detergent sheets! It works wonderful and no mess at all with the sheets! Plus no big bulky container to carry around! These are great for traveling, college kids or If you love to travel!” -Hippiechick07
Another less-mess option, this all natural detergent comes in powder form. It’s fragrance free, hypoallergenic and works on the toughest of stains.
What customers are saying: “Works great. Cleans my clothes better than other detergents I've used. I also like that it's good for the septic tank. I now need to watch that stuff. A little bit goes a long way. You only need a small bit of this vs other detergents. I like how I'm not smelling like flowers or rain or whatever else they use for scents in other detergents. I now stick with Charlie's!” – DianeK
Although it’s technically not a laundry detergent, we had to add this amazing product to our list. This oxygen bleach and can be used along with any detergent for an extra stain-removing boost without the harshness of chlorine bleach. The stain lifting powers of oxygen and peroxide combine to provide the power behind the product. It’s also fragrance free.
What customers are saying: “I love this bleach, it does a great job! I have some iron in my water, the Charlies bleach keeps my whites & lights clean & bright. No odor, and no splatter since its powdered. It lasts a long time too!” -LaurainMD
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