Did you know that the soap you use to wash your clothes ends up in our water systems? Think about that for a second! Many common laundry detergents are full of harsh chemicals that aren’t great for the planet or sensitive skin. It feels confusing when you try to pick a laundry soap that cleans well but also cares for Mother Earth.
Finding an eco-friendly option shouldn’t feel like a giant chore. You want powerful cleaning without the guilt of harmful ingredients. That’s where we step in. This post cuts through the confusing labels and marketing jargon. We will show you exactly what makes a laundry soap truly green and effective.
Keep reading to discover the best eco-friendly laundry soaps available today. Learn how to protect your clothes, your family, and our environment, one clean load at a time. Let’s dive into making your laundry routine greener and cleaner!
Top Eco Friendly Laundry Soap Recommendations
- CLIMATE POSITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE - Not only is this laundry detergent formula effective and kind to sensitive skin, but it's also pH-balanced.
- 100% VEGAN – Containing enough detergent for 200 loads of laundry, plant-powered ECOS Laundry Detergent is both cruelty-free and vegan, making it an ideal choice for planet-conscious households.
- PARABEN AND PHOSPHATE FREE - Unlike most conventional laundry detergents, ECOS does not contain any harsh chemicals or ingredients that can pollute water when it enters the ecosystem.
- DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED AND HYPOALLERGENIC - ECOS Laundry Detergent is an effective yet gentle cleaning solution for clothes that is suitable for families with skin allergies and sensitivities.
- MADE IN USA - Proudly made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
- Our Seventh Generation EasyDose Auto-Dosing Technology measures the right detergent amount—every time. Just flip the bottle, give a firm squeeze, and you’re done. One squeeze is all you need!
- Ultra concentrated, ultra-convenient liquid laundry detergent : 66 loads in a compact 23oz bottle that’s easy to store, and easy to feel good about
- Small dose, big clean: 60% less plastic, 50% less water, and 75% lighter than our laundry detergent liquid 100 fl oz bottle
- Our liquid laundry detergent advanced-enzyme formula fights even the most stubborn stains
- Concentrated laundry detergent made with 0% dyes, synthetic fragrances, or artificial brighteners
- Concentrated detergent formula is effective yet gentle on clothes
- Contains cleaning agents with dirt, stain-fighting enzymes, and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients
- 64 loads of laundry per bottle
- For use in high efficiency and conventional washing machines
- Garden-inspired Lavender scented laundry soap with an original and clean floral fragrance
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA: We’ve just opened our new facility in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, to make our Fresh Scent and Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent Sheets. Made with safe, high-quality ingredients from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
- POWERFUL LAUNDRY CLEAN: Replace bulky liquid laundry detergent with compact laundry detergent sheets, tackling tough stains and odors on clothes, towels, and delicates. Designed to leave no harsh chemical residue compared to liquid detergents with optical brighteners, they deliver up to 60 loads of effective, fresh cleaning in hot or cold wash cycles.
- EASY & CONVENIENT FOR HOME & TRAVEL: Simplify laundry with premeasured detergent sheets, perfect for home or travel. Compatible with all washing machines, it requires no mess, measuring, or waste, making them an easy travel laundry sheets solution.
- LIGHT FRESH SCENT: Refresh your laundry with the gentle, fresh scent of Earth Breeze laundry sheets. Designed to keep your clothes, linens, and towels smelling clean and crisp, these sheets provide a soft touch and a subtle fragrance after every wash cycle.
- NO PLASTIC LAUNDRY DETERGENT JUG: Replace bulky plastic jugs with lightweight, microplastic-free laundry soap sheets. Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free, these eco friendly detergent sheets are gentle on skin and designed with the planet in mind.
- Laundry Detergent Sheets for Easy, Breezy Washing - Ditch your go-to laundry pods and laundry detergent liquids and replace them with detergent sheets capable of cleaning even the most stubborn of stains.
- Efficient Cleaning with Every Sheet - Dissolvable, convenient, and undeniably powerful in the cleaning department. These washing detergent sheets leave your laundry crisp, fresh, and spotless without ruining your fabrics. Also works as professional commercial laundry detergent
- Fresh Scent Like No Other - Discover a more efficient way to deep clean while keeping your fabrics smelling garden-fresh. Our laundry sheets' signature fresh scent isn't overpowering or harsh.
- Zero Plastic Packaging Waste Laundry - All detergents promise thorough cleaning but our laundry sheets detergent add the additional promise of zero waste packaging. Our sheets completely dissolve in a matter of seconds and work great in hot or cold cycles. Each pack contains 40 sheets for up to 80 loads. Heavily soiled loads may require two full sheets.
- Every Little Bit Counts - Reduce your dependence on plastic jugs even in the smallest ways like doing your weekly laundry. Over 700 million plastic laundry detergent liquid jugs get discarded every year. By using our laundry sheets, you are doing your part to help reduce this number.
- CLEAN ALWAYS MEANS CLEAN: Clean isn’t just a state, it’s a feeling we facilitate. Just one half ounce of our natural laundry detergent transforms your laundry, delivering crisp, clean clothes every time. One 32oz carton comfortably washes 64 loads.
- TRIPLE ACTION FORMULA: Our hypoallergenic, sensitive skin-safe liquid laundry detergent battles on three fronts: fighting stains, removing odors and softening clothes.
- REFILLING NOT LANDFILLING: Each laundry detergent refill uses eco friendly, paper-based, 100% recyclable packaging. No secret handshakes or ceremonial robes. Just a clean refill system made with 90% less plastic.
- A CLEANER KIND OF CULT: We only use the good stuff to keep your clothes clean and your family safe. Our laundry detergent liquid formulas are always made without phthalates, phosphates, petroleum based ingredients, dyes, SLS, & SLES.
- SMELLS LIKE CLEAN SPIRIT: Lighten your load and be enlightened on laundry day with the heavenly scents of our non toxic laundry detergent. Our premium fragrances mark the accomplishment of a job well done.
- BECAUSE INGREDIENTS MATTER: CLEAN PEOPLE Laundry Sheets have NO 1,4 dioxane, NO SLS/SLES, NO Ethoxylated Alcohols, NO Optical Brighteners, NO Synthetic Dyes, NO Phosphates/Parabens. Hypoallergenic, Safe for the most Sensitive Skin, Dermatologist Approved. Oh and our Laundry Sheets are also VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE.
- MADE IN CANADA, NOT CHINA. Most Laundry Sheets are made in China. Clean People is Made in Canada.
- INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE & GENTLE: Our Laundry Detergent is scientifically formulated with safer ingredients to remove stains & fight odors. Strong enough for gym socks and gentle enough for delicates.
- ALL WASHING MACHINES & CYCLES: CLEAN PEOPLE Laundry Detergent can be used with Top Loaders, Front Loaders, and HE (High Efficiency) machines. Formulated for any cycle (Hot, warm, tap, or cold) and all clothing, delicates, towels, bedsheets, even stinky gym socks. Oh and Clean People is Septic Tank Safe.
- SAY NO TO PLASTIC JUGS. CLEAN PEOPLE Laundry Sheets are Better for You & Better for the Environment. We use paper packaging. That means no more plastic jugs in landfills, no more liquid laundry detergent that’s 90% water on the back of trucks generating CO2 emissions. With each load of laundry, you’re doing your part to make the world a better place.
- ALL-POWERFUL CLEAN: Clean isn’t just a state, it’s a feeling we facilitate. Just one half ounce of our powerful concentrated laundry detergent transforms your laundry, delivering crisp, clean clothes every time. One 32 oz carton washes 64 loads and is compatible with all machines and water temperatures.
- TRIPLE ACTION FORMULA: Our sensitive skin-safe liquid laundry detergent battles on three fronts: fighting stains, removing odors and softening clothes to deliver crisp, clean clothes every time.
- EARTH FRIENDLY PACKAGING: Reduce the use of single use plastic bottles with our plastic jug free packaging. Our laundry detergent soap is packed in a 100% recyclable paper-based carton and is made with 90% less plastic than traditional detergents.
- A CLEANER KIND OF CULT: We only use the good stuff to keep your clothes clean and your family safe. Our laundry detergent liquid formulas are always made without phthalates, phosphates, petroleum based ingredients, dyes, SLS, & SLES. Never bear witness to stubborn stains and odors again.
- Nothing to smell here but fresh, clean clothes. No fragrance and no dyes.
Your Guide to Greener Laundry: Choosing Eco-Friendly Soap
Washing clothes is a daily chore. We want clean clothes, but we also want to protect our planet. Eco-friendly laundry soap helps you do both! This guide shows you what to look for when buying the best green detergent for your home.
Key Features to Look For
Good eco-friendly soaps have several important features. These make them better for the environment and your family.
1. Biodegradable Ingredients
This is the most important feature. Biodegradable means the soap breaks down naturally. It does not stay around harming water or soil for a long time. Look for labels that clearly state “100% biodegradable.”
2. Concentrated Formulas
Concentrated soaps use less product for the same cleaning power. This means less packaging waste and lower shipping emissions because the truck carries less water. You use a small capful instead of a huge splash.
3. Hypoallergenic and Gentle Formulas
Eco-friendly soaps often skip harsh chemicals. This makes them great for sensitive skin, babies, and people with allergies. They clean well without causing irritation.
4. Effective Cleaning Power
A green soap must still work! Look for formulas that tackle tough stains like grass and grease. Good eco-soaps use plant-derived enzymes to break down dirt.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
What the soap is made of directly affects its eco-friendliness.
- Plant-Based Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents. They come from coconut, corn, or other plants. They clean dirt effectively but break down safely.
- Natural Scents (or Unscented): Avoid synthetic fragrances, which often contain chemicals. Choose soaps scented with pure essential oils (like lavender or citrus) or buy unscented versions.
- Mineral Boosters: Ingredients like washing soda or borax (naturally occurring minerals) help the soap work better in hard water.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all “green” soaps are created equal. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters:
Soaps that use enzyme blends (like protease or amylase) clean protein and starch stains better. High-quality eco-soaps often come in recyclable or compostable packaging, which significantly improves their overall footprint.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid):
Stay away from soaps containing Phosphates, Chlorine Bleach, or Optical Brighteners. Phosphates harm waterways by causing excessive algae growth. Optical Brighteners are chemicals that make clothes *look* whiter under light but do not actually clean them. These chemicals reduce the soap’s eco-quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the soap affects which type you should buy.
For High-Efficiency (HE) Machines:
Most modern washing machines are HE. You must use low-sudsing detergents. Most good eco-brands make specific HE versions. These use less water and clean well without creating too many suds that can damage the machine.
For Hand Washing or Cold Water:
If you wash clothes by hand or prefer cold water cycles, choose a soap that dissolves easily. Pods might not dissolve fully in cold water. Liquid or powder formulas usually work best for these scenarios.
Travel and Camping:
If you need soap for camping or washing clothes in a stream (where regulations allow), look for “Grey Water Safe” formulas. These break down the fastest and pose the lowest risk to natural water sources.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap
Q: Are eco-friendly soaps more expensive?
A: Sometimes the upfront cost is slightly higher. However, because many are concentrated, you use less soap per load, often making them cost the same or less over time.
Q: Do they clean as well as traditional detergents?
A: Yes. Modern eco-formulas use powerful, plant-based enzymes that effectively target stains without harsh chemicals.
Q: Can I use eco-soap in my standard washing machine?
A: You usually can, but always check the label. If you have an HE machine, you must use a soap specifically marked “HE Compatible.”
Q: What does “fragrance-free” mean?
A: It means the soap contains no added scents, either natural or synthetic. This is best for very sensitive skin.
Q: Are laundry pods bad for the environment?
A: The detergent inside might be eco-friendly, but the outer plastic film (PVA) takes longer to break down. Powders or liquids often have a better eco-rating.
Q: How should I store my eco-soap?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place, just like regular soap. Keep powders sealed tightly to prevent clumping.
Q: What is the best format: liquid, powder, or strips?
A: Strips are great for zero waste. Powders are often best for cold water and have less plastic packaging than liquids.
Q: Are these safe for septic tanks?
A: Most reputable eco-brands are septic-safe because they avoid ingredients that can harm the necessary bacteria in your system.
Q: Do I still need to use fabric softener with eco-soap?
A: Often, no. Eco-soaps are gentler on fabrics. If you miss the softness, try adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of chemical softeners.
Q: Where should I recycle the packaging?
A: Check the container. Cardboard boxes are usually recyclable curbside. Plastic jugs may require a trip to a specialized recycling center, depending on your local rules.