ECO-FRIENDLY FABRIC DETERGENTS: SUSTAINABLE SWAPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR WARDROBE

Have you ever wondered what the difference between regular laundry detergrent and eco-friendly detergent is? If you have asked that question, then you most likely want something that does the exact same job as regular detergent but without the detrimental effects on the environment. Traditional laundry detergent has petroleum-based surfactants, parabens, phosphates, synthentic fragrance oils, and non-biodegradable optical brighteners. Eco friendly detergent will be plant or mineral based, have plant based surfactants, and skip out on all the toxins. Here are a few eco-friendly detergents that you can trust:

Green Llama Clean:

This Environmental Working Group (EWG) Ceritified detergent is a plant and mineral-based powder that gets rid of stains and stubborn smells. The powder is fragrant-free and absent of optical brighteners and PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol.) It is also hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. With a compostable pouch, you also steer clear of plastic pollution. 

Meliora:

Meliora takes things back to the basics with its simple formula: baking soda, washing soda, and vegetable oil. While unscented, it also comes in scents like lemon, lavender, lemon-lavender clove and peppermint. Instead of synthetic fragrances, essential oils are used. The powder comes in a paper-and-steel canister that can not only be reused but recycled.

Mozi Wash:

Every detergent in Mozi Wash's lineup is paraben, phthalates, and dye free. The formula is derived from plant-based surfactants and enzyme blends. The packaging comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle or a stainless steel tin making it almost a hundred times more eco friendly than your average plastic jug. 

Blueland:

These refillable tablets are both EWG and USDA BioPreferred Certified. There is still a debate about whether or not water soluble PVA is truly biodegradable. For those who are concerned with nanoplastics that standard pods are capable of releasing, Blueland may offer an alternative. It is one hundred percent micro-plastic free and comes with a 60-pack of tablets inside of a Forever Tin, which is three times smaller than a container filled with the same load.

The best eco friendly detergent really comes down to the fine print. Real-eco friendly detergent doesn't lie - it says exactly what it does on the label. It does not hide behind vague labels like 'all natural' and 'clean'. Cleaning doesn't have to be complicated. Invest in a laundry detergent that keeps it simple and clean.

Sources:

Green Llama Clean, "The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents of 2025 (And What to Avoid)" via Kay Baker

Mozi Wash, "Eco-friendly detergent vs traditional: Can you have clean ingredients and a great scent?" via Matt Cook