I’ve tried a lot of laundry detergents over the last few years in effort to find something that checked all of my boxes. I obviously wanted something that effectively cleaned our clothes but I also wanted one that was less toxic for humans and the environment. I wanted a scent but I didn’t want it to be overpowering. However, I often found that scented low-toxic laundry detergents left behind no scent at all and instead left clothes smelling kind of stale. I have really never found one that was perfect but they did the trick. Then I heard about Dirty Labs laundry detergent in one of my low-toxic living groups and decided to give it a try. I was hesitant and assumed I would be getting a different version of the same thing despite the rave reviews. After using it for a few months now, I have to say I am impressed.

Dirty Labs Laundry Detergent Review

About Dirty Labs Laundry Detergent

Dirty Labs was founded by Dr. Pete He and David Watkins in effort to create a laundry detergent that was not only highly effective but safe for humans, animal life and the environment. In their words they wanted, “a sustainable, biobased approach to cleaning that’s rooted in science and aligned with nature” and with their combined knowledge in chemistry, design, development and manufacturing, they did just that. Their team uses “green chemistry” to develop products that perform while still being safe and sustainable. You can learn more about Dr. Pete and David as well as their mission here.

What Makes Dirty Labs Different?

Most cleaning products use petroleum-based ingredients but Dirty Labs uses “biobased” ingredients and “Phytolase” which is a “5-in-1 enzyme-driven cleaning technology” to provide highly effective cleaning and odor elimination while still being safe for humans and the environment. Dirty Labs fights stains, removes odors rather than masking them, softens clothes without using fats and brightens without optical brighteners. Learn more about the science behind Dirty Labs cleaning products here.

In terms of sustainability, the Dirty Labs team is going all out. They use a holitic approach and keep the impact that cleaning products have on our environment in mind when developing their formulations and packaging. Their products are biodegradeable, cruelty free, the ingredients are responsibly sourced, they utilize responsible manufacturing practices, they work to reduce their carbon footprint and they use sustainable packaging. Learn more about Dirty Labs’ sustainability practices here.

My Personal Experience With Dirty Labs Laundry Detergent

I started using Dirty Labs a few months ago. I like that they use enzyme technology and I also liked that they provide a couple of scented options. The reviews that I was hearing from other customers were really positive and I was cautiously optimistic. I initially bought their signature scent (magnolia, bergamot, cedar) and noticed that it was really sweet and floral but not outrageously overpowering. The bottle was small, only 8.6 ounces ($14) but that will wash 32 average sized loads. The detergent also comes with a silicone beaker for measuring and with options for measuring more detergent for larger and/or dirtier loads of laundry. The idea is to measure out the detergent using the beaker and then put the beaker in the detergent dispenser to be cleaned while the washing machine cleans your laundry, that way you’re not having to wash out the beaker by hand everytime you do a load of laundry. The beaker does not fit in my detergent dispenser so I just put it in the machine with the clothes. I would say the beaker is probably my least favorite part of the detergent. I have lost it a few times in the laundry and the measuring lines are hard to see. You also have to be a bit careful when pouring or the detergent drips down the sides of the bottle. These are not deal breakers for me but I do hope they change this design at some point. The bottom line is that it absolutely works, it checks my most important boxes and that’s what I want. It effectively cleans, removes stains (I still use a stain remover as I would with any detergent), our clothes smell good for longer than just one day and they do not get that weird stale smell that I have noticed with other less toxic detergents. I will say that I was not in love with the Signature Scent (magnolia, bergamot, cedar) because it was a little too floral-sweet but I love the Murasaki Scent (jasmine, matcha, vetiver), which is more of a fresh-floral. They do also offer a free and clear option. I bought their detergent for delicates and it did a great job of gently cleaning a few of my sweaters. See below for all buying options including their 21.6 ounce (80 loads) size and their laundry booster.