*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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