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.

Dirty Labs Shopping Links:

Signature Scent (magnolia, bergamot, cedar) 8.6 ounces (32 loads) $14 or 21.6 ounces (80 loads) $26

Murasaki Scent (jasmine, match, vetiver) 8.6 ounces (32 loads) $14 or 21.6 ounces (80 loads) $26

Free & Clear 8.6 ounces (32 loads) $14 or 21.6 ounces (80 loads) $26

Hand Wash and Delicates Detergent (unscented) 8.6 ounces (32 loads) $18

Laundry Booster (unscented) 48 loads $17

*Updated from a previous post on 7/2021

Laundry is inevitable. If you have a family, you’re probably doing laundry several times a week or even everyday, so it’s important that your laundry products do the job and do it right. Unfortunately, most conventional laundry products, including detergents, stain removers and fabric softeners, contain heavy amounts of synthetic fragrance, harsh cleaning agents and synthetic dyes. Many people are starting to look for alternatives because they are concerned about the safety of these ingredients and the impact on human health and the environment. Switching can seem overwhelming especially if you’re also concerned that your laundry won’t get properly cleaned or smell as fresh as with your conventional products. The good news is that there are more low and non toxic options now than ever and they do work. They remove stains, dirt and odors, but don’t leave behind a heavy fragrance or any residues that might cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

The Ultimate Low and Non Toxic Laundry Products Guide

Detergents

Defunkify Laundry Detergent - Defunkify uses a combination of non-toxic natural/botanical and synthetic ingredients to remove stains and odors. Their claim to fame is in their name; they aim to safely remove those funky odors and stink that many laundry detergents can leave behind (think all of that synthetic athletic wear). You can buy in both liquid and powder and it comes in free and clear, fresh air, lemongrass and lavender scents. All scented formulas are made using essential oils. Get all the details on the company and their products on their website.

Truly Free - Truly Free is a company out of Michigan dedicated to creating innovative, powerful and safe products for the home. Their laundry detergent comes as a kit with a plastic jug and a refill pouch. When you run out of detergent, all you have to do is purchase the refill pouch, add it to the empty jug, add water and you’re good to go for another 50 loads. The laundry detergent is non-toxic and comes in unscented and their signature scent made from a blend of essential oils. They have a full line of products including stain removers, oxygen boosters and dryer sheet alternatives. Ingredients, reviews, shipping options and pricing are all available on their website.

Branch Basics - Branch Basics is another company dedicated to creating safe and effective cleaning products for the home, including laundry products. If you’re looking for a simple, streamlined, all purpose cleaning solution then Branch Basics may be just what you are looking for. One concentrated cleaning solution and an oxygen booster are all that you need to clean your entire home, including your laundry. Just like Truly Free, you purchase the starter kit(s) and then buy the refills when you run out. Branch Basics products are non toxic and Made Safe® certified. You can learn all about Branch Basics and their products by visiting their website.

Nellie’s - Nellie’s detergent is a powdered laundry soda that is formulated without water and other fillers so that a little goes a long way. If you’re looking for a simple, fragrance free detergent, this is good choice. There are only four non-toxic ingredients and every product is made with the health of humans and the planet in mind. They offer the powdered soda as well as travel-friendly laundry nuggets in addition to other planet and human-friendly cleaning products. Learn more about Nellie’s company and products here.

Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder - A great basic laundry detergent option and Molly’s Suds keeps coming out with new scents like lotus and peony, rosé and citrus grove, along with their traditional scents peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and unscented. This is a great formula for lightly to moderately soiled laundry but you might need their Super Powder Laundry Detergent for heavily soiled laundry. Again, this formula is not going to leave a heavy scent behind because they do not use heavy-duty synthetic fragrances. Due to the nature of this powder, it does need to be used with only warm or hot water washes or dissolved in hot water before adding it to a cold water wash (super powder can be used in cool, warm or hot water).

Aspen Clean - Aspen Clean is available in either liquid or pods and checks every box you can possibly imagine. EcoCert® certified, EWG verified, biodegradable, Leaping Bunny certified, safe for babies and pets, septic safe, container is recyclable and made from 100% post-consumer resin, vegan and made from all natural sustainable ingredients. They offer several scents including unscented as well as an oxygen booster.

Delicates and Baby

Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Powder - An extra gentle version of Molly’s powdered detergent formulated to remove all of those typical baby stains. Non toxic Sweet Baby Shea scent.

Nellie’s Baby Laundry Soda - The baby version of the Nellie’s laundry soda. Safe for infants and sensitive skin. Unscented.

Honest Hypoallergenic Baby Detergent - A gentle, fragrance-free formula with four stain-flighting enzymes.

Molly’s Suds Delicate Wash - Formulated to remove dirt, debris, oil and stains but gentle enough for silk, spandex, rayon, wool, cashmere, merino, mohair, and other delicate fabrics. Available in unscented and lavender.

Activewear

Defunkify - Defunkify’s odor fighting odor eliminating formula is effective at removing odors from regular laundry as well as activewear.

Molly’s Suds All Sport Activewear Detergent - Eliminates athletic wear stink from odor-causing bacteria and tough stains while preserving fabric integrity, including SPF. Can be used for machine and hand washing. Comes in their original citrus scent and unscented as well as a powdered version.

Stain Removers and Whiteners

Molly’s Suds Oxygen Whitener - Removes stains, whitens and brightens. Chlorine free. Four ingredients including fragrance from essential oils. Available in original lemon, basil, eucalyptus and lavender scents.

Molly’s Suds Stain Remover - Enzyme-powered to break down and eliminate tough stains. Unscented, dye free and safe for all washable fabrics. Effective on pet and baby stains.

Nellie’s Oxygen Whitener - Brightens colors and whitens whites without chlorine bleach. Hypoallergenic, color-safe and septic-safe. Fragrance free.

Nellie’s Wow Stick Stain Remover - A powerful multi-stain remover in stick form. Dye free, but does contain sweet orange and lemongrass essential oils to combat stain odors.

Truly Free Oxy Boost - The perfect bleach alternative. Whitens whites and brightens most colors. Can also be used in other areas of the home like the bathroom.

Truly Free Stain Stick - A non-toxic option for stain removal for clothing and other textiles.

Laundry Drying and Softening

Molly’s Suds Wool Dryer Balls - By far the most non-toxic, eco-friendly, cost saving alternative to dryer sheets. Many companies offer wool dryer balls, but I’m linking to Molly’s Suds. Wool dryer balls can be used for up to 3 years, they shorten drying time and fluff and soften fabrics.

Molly’s Suds Dryer Sheets - If you just can’t live without dryer sheets, Molly Suds offers a non-toxic, biodegradable dryer sheet that is scented using essential oils. They offer unscented, lavender and peppermint scent options.

Nellie’s Wool Free (Rubber) Dryer Balls - Works the same as wool dryer balls but they are made of rubber.

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