As someone who’s obsessed with clean, fresh laundry, I’ve tried my fair share of detergents over the years. From the mainstream options to the latest eco-friendly alternatives, I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect balance of cleaning power and ingredient safety. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey!
The Problem with Conventional Detergents
Turns out the ingredients in your laundry detergent really do matter. A study from the University of Washington found that over 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including 7 hazardous air pollutants, are released from dryer vents. 🤯 This includes nasties like acetaldehyde and benzene, which are classified as carcinogens by the EPA with no safe exposure level. Yikes!
But that’s not all – these harsh chemicals can also irritate your skin, cause respiratory issues, and even disrupt your hormone levels. It’s enough to make you want to toss all your detergent and start from scratch, am I right?
The good news is that there are plenty of great non-toxic laundry detergent options out there. I’ve spent the last few months putting a bunch of them to the test, from dog beds to sports clothes, and I’ve got the scoop on the best of the best.
Hunting for the Holy Grail of Detergents
Now, I know what you’re thinking – how hard can it be to find a decent laundry detergent, right? Well, let me tell you, it’s a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Especially when you’ve got sensitive skin, hard water, and a washing machine that’s seen better days.
But fear not, my friends! I’ve done the heavy lifting for you and compiled a comprehensive guide to the top non-toxic detergents on the market. 👏
365 Organic Laundry Detergent
Let’s start with 365 Organic Laundry Detergent. The ingredients are pretty darn impressive, but the cleaning power? Not so much. This one just didn’t quite cut it for me, even though it’s super affordable at around $0.19-$0.25 per load.
AspenClean
Next up, we’ve got AspenClean. Now, I didn’t actually try this one myself, but the ingredients look great, and it tends to get pretty good reviews overall. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit on the pricier side at around $0.45 per load.
Branch Basics
Ah, Branch Basics – this one’s a bit of a mixed bag. I have a full review on it, and I’ll admit, it works really well for me. But I’ve found that I have to use the oxygen boost with it to get its full potential, which makes it a more expensive option overall. But hey, at least you can save some cash with the code MAISONPUR! 💰
Charlie’s Soap Powder
Now, this one was a total surprise for me – Charlie’s Soap Powder. I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s actually one of the best performers on this list. Our clothes come out smelling fresh and with faded stains and marks, if not gone entirely. I think it might just be my new go-to!
Country Save
Country Save is another powder version that’s similar to Charlie’s Soap, but it performed just a tad bit less for me. Our clothes still came out pretty fresh, but Charlie’s Soap just edged it out.
Defunkify
Defunkify is another one I’ve tried, and it’s got a few different versions, but I’m reviewing the unscented powder here. No complaints – the clothes come out looking and smelling clean. Simple as that!
Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Powder & Pods
Next up, we’ve got Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Powder & Pods. I tested the unscented pods, and they did a pretty decent job of getting the clothes clean. They didn’t quite leave them as fresh as Charlie’s Soap, but they definitely got the job done. My only gripe is the cost – those pods go quickly, and you’ve got to use two for big loads. 💸
Meliora
Meliora wins the award for most eco-friendly, with not a lick of plastic in the packaging – even the scoop is metal! It works well, and I feel like the laundry is really fresh-smelling with it. But I’ve had a bit more luck with Charlie’s Soap when it comes to stubborn stains.
Milantrix
Milantrix is a bit of a wild card – it’s pure magnesium in a polyester pouch that you just throw into the wash. I didn’t actually test this one, but it’s an intriguing option if you’re looking for something a little different.
Molly’s Suds
Molly’s Suds powder version is a solid choice for basic laundry, but it doesn’t perform as well on tough, oily, or greasy stains. It also didn’t quite cut it for things like dog beds, where the smell just didn’t fade. But for lightly soiled laundry, it does the trick.
Root & Splendor
I didn’t test Root & Splendor, but a few readers suggested it, and the ingredients look great. So it’s definitely worth considering if you’re on the hunt for a clean detergent option.
Truly Free
Truly Free is another one I included because the ingredients are good, and I like the refill system. But I didn’t actually test it myself. Just a heads up that to get the best price, you have to sign up for a membership, and there are a few fake pages out there selling it, so be sure you’re on the real site.
Phew, that’s quite the lineup, right? But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of each one, let’s talk a bit about what to look for when shopping for a truly non-toxic laundry detergent.
What to Watch Out For
When it comes to laundry detergents, there are a few key ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of:
- Fragrances: These can contain a whole host of synthetic chemicals that can irritate skin and disrupt your hormones.
- Surfactants: Look out for things like ethoxylated ingredients, which can produce carcinogenic byproducts during the manufacturing process.
- Optical brighteners: These are often used to make clothes appear whiter, but they can be toxic and accumulate in the environment.
Ideally, you want a detergent that’s free of these nasties and is made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. And bonus points if the packaging is eco-friendly too!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – with all these requirements, how on earth am I supposed to find a good detergent? Well, fear not, my friends, because I’ve done the hard work for you. 😉
Putting the Top Detergents to the Test
As I mentioned, I’ve tried a wide range of non-toxic laundry detergents over the past few months, and I’ve got some strong opinions on which ones are worth your hard-earned cash.
Let’s start with the clear winner in my book – Charlie’s Soap Powder. This stuff is an absolute rockstar when it comes to getting clothes clean and fresh-smelling, all while being made with super safe, plant-based ingredients. And the best part? It’s surprisingly affordable, coming in at around $0.15-$0.25 per load.
Next up, we’ve got Meliora, which takes the eco-friendly crown. With zero plastic in the packaging and a metal scoop, this detergent is about as green as they come. And it performs pretty darn well too, leaving clothes smelling divine. The only downside is that it doesn’t quite stack up to Charlie’s Soap when it comes to tackling tough stains.
Now, Branch Basics is another one that’s worth a mention. It works wonders for me, but you do have to use the oxygen boost to really get the most out of it. That said, the refillable system is a game-changer, and the overall cost per load is pretty reasonable.
And let’s not forget about Molly’s Suds – the powder version, that is. It’s great for basic laundry, but it struggles a bit with those stubborn, oily stains. Still, it’s a solid option if you’re looking for a simple, no-frills detergent.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what about all the other detergents on this list? Well, the truth is, they’re all pretty decent in their own way. But for me, Charlie’s Soap Powder just edges out the competition. The cleaning power, the fresh scent, and the wallet-friendly price tag make it a clear winner.
The Takeaway
Look, I know finding the perfect laundry detergent can feel like a never-ending quest. But trust me, it’s worth the effort to ditch those harsh, chemical-laden options and go for something a little more eco-friendly.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I highly recommend giving Charlie’s Soap Powder a try. It’s the clear winner in my book, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how well it works. Plus, with a price tag that won’t break the bank, it’s a no-brainer.
So go forth, my friends, and revamp your laundry routine with one of these top-notch, non-toxic detergents. Your clothes (and the planet) will thank you!
Check out Adam Cleaning for top-notch cleaning services in your area.
