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If you’re concerned about the environmental microplastic crisis our planet is facing, you may be looking for ways to avoid plastics in common household products. One easy first step you can take is to replace your conventional laundry detergent with a plastic-free laundry detergent instead.
Plastic-free laundry detergents are far more eco-friendly than their plastic-containing counterparts, and they’re better for our health, too. Read on for the best plastic-free laundry detergent options, starting with a quick look at why plastic in laundry detergent is such a big problem.
Why Switch to Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent?
The problem with microplastics in household products like laundry detergent is that they contribute to environmental pollution and pose risks to ecosystems, wildlife, and our own health. Microplastics are teeny tiny pieces of plastic, often less than 5 millimeters in size, that get used in various products, including some laundry detergents, as scrubbing agents or fillers.
When we wash our clothes with detergents containing microplastics, these tiny plastic particles can be released into the waste water and eventually make their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once they’re out in the environment, they can persist for a long time, where they begin to accumulate in ecosystems.
Marine animals and other organisms may even mistake microplastics for food and ingest them, which can ultimately affect their survival and reproductive abilities. Even more concerning, microplastics can absorb and transport harmful chemicals and pollutants, which may bioaccumulate in the food chain and pose risks to both wildlife and people who eat seafood.
It has been estimated that the average adult consumes 5 grams of microplastics in a week — about the weight of a credit card.
While the full extent of the impact of microplastics on our health is still being studied, there are concerns that these tiny plastic particles could potentially enter our bodies through ingestion or inhalation. Research suggests that microplastics might have adverse effects on our organs, immune system, and overall well-being.
Which Detergent Ingredients Are Microplastics?
In laundry detergents, some of the common ingredients that can be microplastics are:
- Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is often used as a scrubbing agent or filler in laundry detergents. It’s commonly found in products like liquid and powdered detergents.
- Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is another plastic ingredient used in some laundry detergents. It serves similar purposes as polyethylene, providing scrubbing action or acting as a filler.
What About PVA?
Another controversial ingredient in many laundry detergent sheets is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA is a synthetic polymer that’s used in various applications, such as laundry detergents and Elmer’s Glue. It’s distinct from microplastics in that it’s a water-soluble polymer that’s designed to dissolve in water (whereas microplastics do not).
PVA is a bit of a hot topic among eco-conscious groups these days. Even though it’s designed to be water soluble in laundry detergents, some preliminary studies have shown that it actually does not break down entirely in wastewater treatment plants. This means that it’s likely making its way into local ecosystems, and the effects of that are unclear.
There hasn’t been enough research done for us to know whether undissolved PVA is dangerous to the environment or not. Some of the best plastic-free laundry detergent brands today will specifically advertise that their detergents do not contain PVA for this reason, since the danger of PVA is still being debated.
Best Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Brands Without PVA
Our first category of plastic-free laundry detergent brands are all made without PVA. As discussed above, the environmental dangers of water-dissoluble PVA have yet to be determined, so these are best for the “better safe than sorry” crowd of eco-conscious consumers.
1. Attitude Laundry Detergent ($16/40 loads)
Pros:
- Highly effective detergent
- Unscented option
- Plant-based ingredients
Cons:
- Plastic container (although the refills are cardboard)
Attitude Laundry Detergent is a nature-inspired solution that’s made from a formula that effectively removes dirt and stains from your clothes and is free of dyes, optical brighteners, and artificial fragrances. It can be used in both High Efficiency (HE) and standard washers.
This plastic-free laundry detergent is made with plant and mineral-based ingredients, and it’s safe for those with sensitive skin. The detergent is available in a variety of scents, derived from natural essential oils, including mountain fresh, citrus, lavender, wildflower, as well as unscented for those who want to avoid scents altogether.
This detergent works super well to clean dirty clothes. It’s vegan, PETA approved as cruelty free, and made in Canada. Our only issue with Attitude is that its detergent still comes in a big plastic bottle.
However, Attitude now sells a refill detergent that comes in a recyclable cardboard box and holds twice the amount of detergent as the bottle, letting you reuse the original plastic container many times over. Attitude also makes other great cleaning products, including non-toxic cleaning sprays and air fresheners.
2. AspenClean Laundry Detergent ($20 for 36 pods)
Pros:
- No measuring required
- Compostable container
Cons:
- Pods have been known to break apart in container
AspenClean’s Eucalyptus Laundry Pods provide a powerful clean to your laundry without the use of any plastics. Made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, these delicately scented laundry detergent pods come in a 100% recycled paper container that’s fully compostable, which we appreciate!
These plastic-free laundry detergent pods tackle stains while remaining safe for sensitive skin, babies, kids, and pets. Infused with organic eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils, these vegan pods are free from synthetic fragrances, toxins, and irritants. AspenClean’s plant-based formula is certified by EcoCert, ensuring environmental sustainability.
You can also get these EWG verified detergent pods in lavender and unscented versions.
3. Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets ($29 for tin + 60 tabs)
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Recyclable packaging
Cons:
- Tabs may break apart during shipping
Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets are an innovative, eco-friendly solution for laundry day. These tablets are designed to be dissolved in water and they clean laundry very effectively. Blueland’s formula is free from harmful chemicals, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe for your clothes, your skin, and the environment.
These plastic-free laundry detergent tablets are conveniently packaged in reusable and recyclable cardboard containers, minimizing plastic waste. With their concentrated cleaning power, Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets effectively remove stains and odors while reducing your carbon footprint.
The only count against them is that they can sometimes break apart from shipping or if the container falls to the ground.
4. Defunkify Liquid Detergent, Free and Clear ($47 for 2 pack of 124 loads)
Pros:
- Highly effective detergent
- Good for standard and HE washers
- Septic safe
Cons:
- Plastic bottles
Defunkify Liquid Laundry Detergent is a powerful laundry detergent for eliminating tough odors from your dirty clothes. This high-performance detergent neutralizes unpleasant smells, leaving clothes fresh and clean of odors and stains. It’s made with enzymes and plant-based ingredients and without any harsh chemicals or additives, making it safe for your clothes and the environment.
Defunkify Liquid Laundry Detergent is designed to be highly effective in all water temperatures and suitable for use in both standard and high-efficiency (HE) machines. With its ability to tackle stubborn odors, this detergent ensures that your laundry comes out clean and fresh. Our only issue with Defunkify is that it comes in plastic bottles that aren’t helping the landfill problem.
5. Dr. Bronner’s “Sal’s Suds” Laundry Detergent ($30/32 oz 2 pack)
Pros:
- Highly effective
- Versatile uses
- Septic-safe
Cons:
- Plastic containers
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner is an awesome all-purpose cleaner that effectively cleans various surfaces while remaining gentle on the skin and the environment. My family and I use Dr. Bronner’s, as it’s EWG verified and free of any concerning ingredients (though some of its products use essential oils, which can be a concern if you’re sensitive to those).
Sal’s Suds’ concentrated formula is versatile, and you can actually use it not just for your laundry, but also on floors, dishes, furniture, and even cars. The plant-based surfactants cut through grease and dirt, generating a good amount of suds, and they also biodegrade rapidly.
This EWG verified and plastic-free laundry detergent and cleaner is mildly scented with pure fir and spruce essential oils, so it has a fresh forest scent. It has no synthetic dyes, fragrances, or preservatives, and is Leaping Bunny certified as cruelty-free, meaning it’s never tested on animals.
While Dr. Bronner’s soaps come in plastic bottles, they do have larger refill sizes to cut down on waste. We still wish they’d move to a more sustainable packaging option, however.
6. Meliora Unscented Laundry Powder ($21/35 oz)
Pros:
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Plastic-free packaging
- Septic safe
Cons:
- Requires measuring out of powder
Meliora Laundry Powder is a concentrated eco-friendly plastic-free laundry detergent. With 1/2 tablespoon per HE load or 1 tablespoon per standard load, this compact cardboard and steel canister replaces plastic jugs and adds a touch of style to your laundry routine.
Meliora Laundry Powder is free from dyes, preservatives, brighteners, and synthetic fragrances. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe for babies, while still effective enough to tackle dirty clothes. Its Laundry Powder is 100% biodegradable, septic-safe, and suitable for use around kids and pets.
Made in Meliora’s factory in Chicago, each standard laundry load will cost you $0.29 per standard load. Their products are cruelty-Free, MADE SAFE Certified, and have received an A rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). By choosing Meliora Laundry Powder, you can make a positive impact on the environment and avoid microplastics in your laundry routine.
7. HealthyBaby Our Laundry Detergent ($30/16 oz)
Pros:
- Safe for sensitive babies and kids
- Dermatologist tested
- Septic safe
- Glass bottle
Cons:
- No option to buy in bulk
If you have a baby or two at home, you may want to give HealthyBaby’s Our Laundry Detergent a look. This plastic-free laundry detergent is an EWG verified, premium detergent specially formulated for the delicate needs of babies. It offers a gentle yet effective cleaning solution for baby clothes and fabrics, ensuring they are free from stains, odors, and irritants.
This hypoallergenic detergent avoids harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and dyes that may irritate sensitive baby skin. The plant-based formula is tough on stains while remaining gentle on delicate fabrics. Instead, it uses plant-based enzymes and biodegradable cleansers to remove odors and leave clothes naturally soft and fresh.
This detergent is tested by dermatologists and pediatricians to ensure it’s safe for use with baby clothes. It’s made of plants and minerals and comes in non-plastic packaging. It does not have any parabens, sulfates, fragrances, or PEGs. You need two to three pumps per load of laundry, so a bottle should last you a while.
8. Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent with Phytolase, Free & Clear ($15 for 32 loads)
Pros:
- Effective on stains and strong odors
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Pricier than some other options
The ironically named Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent is a consciously formulated laundry solution that is made of 100% bio and mineral-based ingredients. It features a bioenzyme that effectively breaks down tough-to-remove “biological” stains and odors caused by sweat, body grime, and blood.
Dirty Labs works to minimize its carbon footprint and uses hyper-concentrated formulas, recyclable cardboard packaging, and responsibly sourced materials in an effort to do so. Their detergent is compatible with both standard and HE machines, safe for septic systems, and optimized for cold water. It is free from synthetic ingredients, sulfates, dyes, parabens, optical brighteners, chlorine bleach, and other harmful chemicals.
You can safely use this hypoallergenic, plastic-free laundry detergent on clothes for people with sensitive skin, including babies and kids. To use, you measure the detergent out with a teaspoon or the Dirty Labs silicone beaker. For tough stains, they say to pretreat the soiled area directly and allow to sit for 5 minutes before washing.
9. Branch Basics Laundry Kit ($69 for up to 192 loads)
Pros:
- Highly effective detergent
- Can buy in bulk
Cons:
- Must pay a lot up front (though it pays off over time)
The Branch Basics Concentrate Laundry Kit offers an EWG verified plastic-free laundry detergent option for eco-conscious laundry care. The kit includes their versatile “The Concentrate,” which is a plant and mineral-based formula that can be used for a variety of cleaning needs, including laundry.
I use their Concentrate for cleaning counters, and can vouch that it works really well to clean up greasy surfaces. It’s also an excellent non-toxic floor cleaner.
The Concentrate is free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and dyes, making it gentle on both your clothes and the environment. With the convenient pump bottle, you can easily measure the right amount of Concentrate for your laundry load.
The kit also includes their Oxygen Boost for added stain-fighting power and their Laundry Stain Bar for targeted stain removal. The Branch Basics Concentrate is biodegradable, ensuring a minimal impact on the planet.
To use, you pour water and The Concentrate into the laundry bottle, using the fill line instructions (this is super easy to do). Then you use 3/4 of a capful of the solution for a regular laundry load. Their 32 ounce bottle washes 64 loads of laundry.
Microplastic-Free Laundry Detergent Brands with PVA
Since environmental concerns about PVA are still very much up in the air, here are some of the best microplastic-free laundry detergents that contain PVA.
10. Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets ($14 for 30 sheets)
Pros:
- Effectively cleans
- Easy to use (no measuring required)
- Compostable box
Cons:
- Contains PVA (controversial)
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets provide a convenient and eco-friendly solution for your laundry needs. These innovative detergent sheets are pre-measured and dissolve easily in water, eliminating the need for plastic bottles and reducing waste.
The sheets are made with plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin and effective at removing stains and odors from your clothes. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets are free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and phosphates, making them safe for both your family and the environment.
They are also cruelty-free and vegan. With their compact and lightweight design, these sheets are ideal for travel and on-the-go use.
Read more: For more details, check out our in-depth review of Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets.
11. Kind Laundry ($16 for 60 loads)
Pros:
- Effectively cleans
- Easy to use
- Compostable box
Cons:
- Contains PVA (controversial)
Kind Laundry Sheets offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional laundry detergents. These innovative sheets are pre-measured and ready to use, eliminating the hassle of measuring liquid or powder detergents. With a plant-based formula, Kind Laundry Sheets effectively clean and refresh dirty clothes while still being gentle on sensitive skin.
These sheets are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and dyes, making them safe for both your family and the environment. They are biodegradable and compostable, reducing plastic waste. Kind Laundry Sheets are also suitable for all washing machines, including high-efficiency (HE) models.
Make Laundry Day Cleaner and Greener with Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent
We know microplastics have become a huge environmental problem, so we can all do our part to stop adding more of them to the environment by choosing a plastic-free laundry detergent. You can also make an eco-friendly choice by switching to non-toxic dryer sheets and dryer sheet alternatives.
And if you’re looking for other household products that are kinder on the environment, check out our guide to eco-friendly dish soaps and dishwasher detergents.
