Many people are turning to green laundry detergents because they recognize that some of the everyday chemically enhanced detergents can cause health issues as well as affecting the water that is released out of the washing machine. Chemicals to watch out for are surfactant nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), phosphates, and bleach. While these chemicals do help to remove minerals, food, and help to get your clothes as white as they were in the department store, they also disrupt endocrine levels, cause harmful algal booms, and aren’t great for your respiratory system. Also, I prefer to use detergents that are “free and clear” because I don’t want to be walking around smelling like a whole bottle of perfume and try to avoid unnecessary irritants. Here is a list of 5 Green Laundry Detergents to try:
Earth Friendly ECOS 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent with Built in Softener
This detergent is ultra-concentrated, is color safe, and is safe for all temperatures. It is liquid, so it is good for both top and front load washer machines. Also, it comes with a built in fabric softener so you don’t have to spend extra money or take the extra step to get softer clothes. Made from natural ingredients that are plant based and non toxic, this detergent is biodegradable and made with cruelty free ingredients. Purchase this detergent online at Amazon or at specialty Green shops.
Method 8X Concentrated Laundry Detergent
As the name gives it away, this detergent is ultra concentrated—8 times! It comes in a 20 ounce bottle, which lasts about 50 loads. It uses Smartclean technology to get rid of the dirt and stains that seem to want to stay in your clothes. It is a pump bottle making it easy to use and essentially mess free. Order this detergent on Amazon for under $15.
100% Natural Soap Nuts
Eco nuts organic laundry soap comes in compostable or recycleable packaging in a 100 load box. They also give you 2 re-usable wash bags to allow you to do multiple loads! This product is re-usable, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and fragrance free! This soap is made from berries, grown on trees in the Himalayas, that are natural forms of soap. The berries are de-seeded and sterilized naturally to remain chemical free and provide you with the cleaning you want. This detergent can be found online at Amazon and in specialty shops
Eco-Me Laundry Whitener Brightener
If you are looking for a bleach alternative, this will be your new best friend! This is a naturally made, chlorine free whitening powder. It is made with food-grade and plant based ingredients and doesn’t contain any sulfates, dyes, or preservatives. You can get this product at Soap.com, through Amazon, and is carried by most of your specialty stores for around $15 for 32 ounces.
Natural HomeLogic Laundry Detergent
For those of you looking for fragrance, the Jasmine Mist is great! This detergent is concentrated (X3), making it powerful enough to give your clothes a good clean. It is also sulfate free, eco, friendly, and hypoallergenic. Made 100% from plants, this product is good and safe for the environment.
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