The Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents of 2023 – A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of exposing your family and the environment to harmful chemicals found in conventional and non-toxic laundry detergents?

It’s time to make a change!

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best non-toxic laundry detergents for a cleaner, greener, and healthier laundry routine.

Discover the top 5 non-toxic laundry detergents of 2023, learn about harmful ingredients to avoid, and explore eco-friendly alternatives to keep your clothes fresh and clean without compromising your health or the planet’s well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Switch to non-toxic laundry detergents for health and environmental benefits.

• Choose from the top 5 non-toxic laundry detergents of 2023, considering ingredient transparency, certifications and performance.

• Consider natural alternatives such as soap nuts or wool dryer balls for a sustainable cleaning routine.

Why Switch to Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents?

Transitioning to non-toxic laundry detergents, such as those containing washing soda, can drastically cut down health risks and environmental harm due to dangerous chemicals in regular detergents.

Conventional laundry detergents often contain toxic chemicals that can lead to skin irritation, allergies, and long-term health issues. Additionally, these harmful substances can pollute water sources, adversely affecting aquatic life.

Health Concerns

Many popular conventional laundry detergents contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation, allergies, and potential long-term health issues.

For instance, Gain Botanicals laundry detergent contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a chemical that can cause skin and eye irritation and has been linked to various health concerns.

The Honest Company’s liquid baby laundry detergent contains laureth-7. Unfortunately, this substance may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide.

Choosing non-toxic alternatives, such as liquid laundry detergent, can shield you and your family from these damaging effects.

Environmental Impact

Apart from health concerns, conventional laundry detergents also pose a threat to the environment. The chemicals present in these traditional laundry detergents can pollute water sources and have a detrimental effect on aquatic life.

For example, Puracy Laundry Detergent contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which is toxic to aquatic life.

Transitioning to non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives helps in conserving our planet’s invaluable resources and safeguarding its inhabitants.

Top 5 Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents of 2023

To help you make the switch, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 non-toxic laundry detergents of 2023:

1. Earth Breeze Eco Sheets

2. Blueland Laundry Starter Set

3. Meliora Laundry Powder

4. Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Pods

5. Happi Earth

These detergents are not only eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals but also cost-effective and efficient in cleaning your clothes, tackling even tough stains.

We will further explore the features, pros, and cons of each of these high-rated non-toxic laundry detergents in the upcoming sections.

Earth Breeze laundry soap and detergent sheets are an excellent choice for those seeking a non-toxic and eco-friendly laundry detergent.

However, some users have reported that Earth Breeze Eco Sheets may not be as effective in eliminating difficult stains or odors.

Despite this drawback, Earth Breeze Eco Sheets remain a top choice for non-toxic laundry detergent due to their eco-friendliness, effectiveness, and affordability.

Although Meliora Laundry Powder is an excellent choice for non-toxic laundry detergent, it has been reported to have limited cleaning power compared to the top two options, Earth Breeze Eco Sheets and Blueland Laundry Starter Set.

Nevertheless, Meliora Laundry Powder remains a popular choice for those seeking an eco-friendly, non-toxic, and affordable laundry detergent.

Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Pods are another great option for those looking for a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free laundry detergent. These detergent pods are made with ingredients that don’t cause any harm. They include:

• Sodium carbonate

• Sodium bicarbonate

• Magnesium sulfate

• Unrefined sea salt

• Organic wild mint oil

However, Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Pods have an average cleaning performance and a strong scent that may not be preferred by everyone. Despite these drawbacks, Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Pods remain a popular option for those seeking a non-toxic and eco-friendly laundry detergent.

Happi Earth is a non-toxic, eco-friendly detergent that offers:

• Refillable pouches at an affordable price

• An organic soapberry nut super-concentrate for superior cleaning performance

• Hypoallergenic formula, making it suitable for sensitive skin

• Up to 400 wash loads per purchase

Happi Earth provides an economical and environmentally friendly solution for your laundry room.

Some users might prefer other options with stronger cleaning power or additional certifications. However, Happi Earth remains a popular choice for those seeking a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and affordable laundry detergent.

Ingredients to Avoid in Conventional Laundry Detergents

Conventional laundry detergents, including some most popular laundry detergents now, often contain harmful ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, phosphates, and optical brighteners. These ingredients can cause skin irritation, allergies, and even long-term health issues.

Moreover, they can contribute to water pollution and negatively impact aquatic life. Hence, it’s critical that you refrain from such ingredients while selecting a laundry detergent.

Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are a common component of many conventional laundry detergents, and they can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. Additionally, these artificial fragrances often contain undisclosed chemicals due to the “fragrance loophole,” which allows companies to legally withhold the disclosure of over 3,500 different chemicals by labeling them as “fragrance” or “parfum”. One alternative to consider is using essential oils in place of synthetic fragrances in laundry detergents.

Selecting a non-toxic laundry detergent with transparent ingredient lists helps you steer clear of potential risks linked to synthetic fragrances.

Phosphates

Phosphates are non-biodegradable ingredients found in many conventional laundry detergents. They can be detrimental to the environment and aquatic life, as they contribute to water pollution and eutrophication – an increase in algae growth that can lead to the death of aquatic animals and contamination of drinking water.

Choosing non-toxic laundry detergents helps you minimize your environmental impact and safeguard our valuable water resources.

Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals used in laundry detergents to enhance the luminosity of fabrics. However, these substances can cause:

• Skin irritation

• Eye irritation

• Lung irritation

• Adverse effects on aquatic life

Moreover, they are not biodegradable and can remain in the environment for extended periods, posing risks of continued exposure to wildlife and humans. Choosing non-toxic natural laundry detergents devoid of optical brighteners ensures a safer and greener laundry routine.

How to Choose a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

When choosing the best non-toxic laundry detergent, consider the following factors:

• Ingredient transparency: Look for a detergent that provides complete ingredient disclosure.

• Certifications: Choose a detergent that possesses credible certifications, such as being certified organic or eco-friendly.

• Cleaning performance: Ensure that the detergent demonstrates effective cleaning power.

By considering these factors, you can select a detergent that will provide a safer and greener laundry routine for your family.

Ingredient Transparency

Ingredient transparency plays a crucial role in choosing a non-toxic laundry detergent. Look for brands that disclose all ingredients and avoid potentially harmful chemicals like synthetic fragrances, phosphates, and optical brighteners.

This transparency enables you to make informed decisions about the products you use and allows you to avoid certain ingredients if you have allergies, sensitivities, or environmental concerns.

Certifications

Certifications like Leaping Bunny, Made Safe, or 1% for the Planet can provide an added assurance of a detergent’s eco-friendliness and safety. Selecting a detergent with reputable certifications assures you that the product undergoes thorough scrutiny for safety and environmental impact.

Performance

Cleaning performance is another critical factor to consider when choosing a non-toxic laundry detergent. Opt for a detergent with positive reviews and proven cleaning efficacy to ensure that your clothes come out clean and fresh with every wash.

Prioritizing performance ensures you are not trading cleanliness for environmental friendliness.

Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Alternatives

If you’re interested in exploring even more eco-friendly laundry solutions, consider non-toxic laundry detergent alternatives like soap nuts and wool dryer balls. These alternatives offer a natural, sustainable, and effective way to clean your clothes without the need for conventional detergents or even natural laundry detergent.

Soap Nuts

Soap nuts are a natural and biodegradable alternative to traditional laundry detergent, and even a substitute for baking soda in some cases. They are made from the shells of the soapberry nut, which contain saponin, a natural detergent. When exposed to warm water, the saponin in the soap nuts shell produces a soap-like effect, effectively cleaning your clothes without the need for harsh chemicals.

Plus, soap nuts can be composted after use, further reducing your environmental impact.

Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls are another excellent non-toxic laundry detergent alternative. Made from 100% wool, these dryer balls can replace dryer sheets, reducing static and softening clothes without the use of harmful chemicals. They work by:

• Separating garments within the dryer

• Allowing hot air to circulate more evenly

• Reducing static

• Softening fabrics

Incorporating wool dryer balls into your laundry routine further diminishes your dependence on regular detergents and promotes a greener lifestyle.

Summary

In conclusion, switching to non-toxic laundry detergents is a crucial step towards a healthier, greener, and more environmentally responsible laundry routine.

By choosing one of the top 5 non-toxic laundry detergents of 2023, avoiding harmful ingredients in conventional detergents, and considering eco-friendly alternatives like soap nuts and wool dryer balls, you can protect your family’s health and the planet’s well-being.

Make the switch today and experience the benefits of a cleaner, greener laundry routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which laundry detergent is least toxic?

For a safe and non-toxic laundry detergent, Seventh Generation EasyDose Laundry Detergent is the best choice. Its natural plant-based ingredients are safer for people and the environment compared to conventional detergents.

Is Tide detergent non-toxic?

It is clear that Tide laundry detergent is toxic, as per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Therefore, it cannot be considered non-toxic.

Is Seventh Generation detergent non-toxic?

Seventh Generation detergent is non-toxic, biodegradable and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with allergies or sensitive skin. It’s also tough on dirt and stains without containing synthetic ingredients.

What are the main advantages of using non-toxic laundry detergents?

Non-toxic laundry detergents are a safe and eco-friendly choice, reducing potential health risks from hazardous chemicals found in traditional detergents while also being gentle on sensitive skin.

What harmful ingredients should I avoid in conventional laundry detergents?

Avoid conventional laundry detergents with synthetic fragrances, phosphates, and optical brighteners, as they can cause skin irritation, allergies, and harm the environment.