Every laundry cycle represents a choice—not just for cleaner clothes, but for a healthier lifestyle. Traditional laundry detergents can be laden with chemicals that might pose risks to personal health, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies. After rigorous testing and review, we recommend Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent as the top choice for its powerful cleaning efficacy and commitment to safety.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?
Many standard laundry detergents contain ingredients that could be harmful, contributing to skin irritations, respiratory problems, and long-term health issues. Non-toxic detergents offer a safer alternative, ensuring that your laundry routine doesn’t come at the cost of your health. By switching to non-toxic alternatives, you’re not only protecting your family’s health but also reducing your environmental footprint.
We want to get those grease stains or other tough stains out while still using less water in high-efficiency washing machines. Are these laundry formulas out there? Yes, and they are available in several forms.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Traditional Detergents:
- Synthetic Fragrances: Often linked to allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory distress.
- Phosphates: Can cause skin and eye irritation and are harmful if swallowed. Phthalates are also linked to risks to children like attention deficit disorder (ADD), and other behavioral disorders.
- Chlorine Bleach: Respiratory irritant and can cause acute dermatitis.
- Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): Known endocrine disruptors which can interfere with hormone activity. They have been associated with reproductive and developmental effects in lab studies on rodents and are highly toxic to aquatic life
- 1,4-Dioxane: A suspected carcinogen that can remain as a residue in detergents.
Switching to a non-toxic detergent reduces your exposure to these chemicals, potentially decreasing the risk of health complications associated with them.
How We Tested
We meticulously selected and tested a variety of non-toxic laundry detergents based on several critical factors:
- Ingredient Transparency: We favored products with clear, straightforward ingredient lists that avoid any known harmful chemicals.
- Cleaning Efficacy: Each detergent was tested against common household stains—coffee, oil, red wine—to ensure top-notch performance.
- Environmental Impact: We looked for products packaged in sustainable materials and those certified by reputable organizations for environmental advocacy.
- User Reviews and Feedback: Customer reviews were analyzed to gauge satisfaction and performance across different water types and washing conditions.
Our Top Picks for Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents
Best Overall: Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent with Phytolase, Free & Clear
Why we love it:
- Why We Love It: Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Liquid Detergent Free & Clear is a game-changer in the world of eco-friendly laundry care. This innovative formula harnesses the power of bio-enzymes to tackle stubborn stains and odors effectively, proving that green cleaning doesn’t mean compromising on performance. We’re impressed by its ability to handle a wide range of stains, from everyday spills to tougher marks like turmeric, rivaling many conventional detergents in effectiveness.
- What Stands Out: Out of all non-toxic options tested, Dirty Labs detergent removed stains and odors the best. Along with the power, it’s free from common irritants such as sulfates, synthetic preservatives, and optical brighteners, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or environmental concerns. The EWG verification adds an extra layer of trust for consumers looking for truly clean ingredients. We also love the sustainable packaging – the recyclable aluminum bottle and reusable silicone measuring cup demonstrate Dirty Labs’ commitment to reducing plastic waste. While the Free & Clear version is our top pick for its versatility, the availability of naturally scented options (Signature and Murasaki) offers a pleasant alternative for those who prefer a light fragrance in their laundry.
- Price: $16 for 32 loads (50¢ per load) for the starter set; $29 for 80 loads (36¢ per load) for refills
Also Great: Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets
- Why we love it: Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets offer an innovative approach to eco-friendly laundry care. While our top pick, Dirty Labs, excels in liquid form, Blueland provides a solid alternative for those who prefer a tablet format. These tablets deliver effective cleaning for most everyday laundry needs, though they may not match Dirty Labs’ performance on the toughest stains.
- What Stands Out: Blueland’s commitment to reducing plastic waste is evident in their packaging. The tablets come in a reusable tin, with refills available in compostable paper pouches. This system significantly cuts down on plastic compared to traditional detergent bottles. The compact size is ideal for small spaces or travel. However, we did notice that the tablets can be somewhat fragile, with some arriving broken in our test packages.
- Price: $15.99 for 36 loads (44¢ per load)
Blueland’s Laundry Detergent Tablets are a great choice if you’re looking to minimize packaging waste and prefer the convenience of pre-measured doses. They’re free from parabens, phosphates, and optical brighteners, aligning with eco-friendly values. While they may not be the top performer for stubborn stains, they handle regular laundry effectively. The tablet format offers a different user experience compared to our liquid top pick, which might be preferable for some households.
Best Sheet Detergent: Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
- Why We Love It: Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets represent an even more environmentally approach to eco-friendly laundry care. These ultra-concentrated sheets dissolve completely in water, leaving no plastic waste behind. They’re an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers looking to minimize their carbon footprint without sacrificing cleaning power. They are great to use when traveling and doing laundry on the go with their compact nature and lack of liquid.
- What Stands Out: The innovative sheet format is a game-changer for storage and transportation. Each compact package contains 60 loads worth of detergent, significantly reducing shipping emissions compared to bulky liquid detergents. We’re impressed by Earth Breeze’s commitment to sustainability – their packaging is plastic-free and compostable. The sheets are also hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
- Price: $20 for 60 loads (33¢ per load)
Laundry Detergents to Avoid
These are popular that brands contain many of the chemicals from our toxic ingredient list above and you should avoid.
- Ajax
- All Free & Clear (contains surfactants and brighteners)
- Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple Laundry Detergent
- Biokleen
- Cheer
- Gain
- Kirkland Signature
- Planet Ultra
- Purex
- Seventh Generation
- Tide
How to Make the Switch
- Start with a small amount of the new detergent and adjust as needed.
- Run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar to remove any residue from your previous detergent.
- Be patient—it may take a few washes for your clothes to feel and smell the way you’re used to.
The Bottom Line
Choosing non-toxic laundry detergents like Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Liquid Detergent is a crucial step towards protecting your health while keeping your clothes fresh and clean. By selecting products that are free from harmful chemicals, you reduce the risk of allergies, skin irritation, and other health issues, ensuring that your home remains a safe, clean environment for you and your family. Make the switch today and experience the benefits of a healthier laundry routine.
