I Tested the Best Natural Laundry Detergents on the Market and Here’s the Verdict

In my eyes, as convenient and mess-free as sustainable detergent sheets are, nothing beats the effectiveness of a liquid solution. This one is made with a bio-based, 5-in-1 enzyme cleaning formula, and a little goes a long way.

Dirty Labs sent me their Signature and Murasaki options, both of which were incredible, though, they have a fragrance-free version if that’s what you prefer.

Packaged in a recycled aluminum bottle with a screw-on cap, the included measuring cup was made of silicone rather than plastic. Apart from being pleasantly squishy, it’s a more sustainable alternative to plastic and doesn’t risk cracking. On the laundry booster, there’s an additional snug metal lid that settles into the jar. After pouring a spoonful of the booster in a soiled load filled with hoisin and tomato sauce stains, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the clothes came out without any stains and smelled sublime.

Fragrances: Signature, Murasaki, Free & Clear (fragrance-free)

Swap those plastic-encased laundry pods for something with a smaller carbon footprint—dissolving plant-based tablets. This Certified B Corp has earned an army of fans for good reason, and the results speak for themselves. Served in minimalist biodegradable packaging with reusable tin canisters, this eco-friendly detergent is plastic-free and void of dyes, harsh chemicals, and bleach. I get that tablet casings aren’t the most sustainable choice, but I wish that the tablets were a bit more durable and less prone to breakage.

Although the tablets were unscented, they left a fresher smell than some of the other unscented alternatives and significantly less residue. The Oxi Laundry Booster that Blueland sells offers an additional light, but beautiful fragrance. The lid of the Oxy Booster canister was designed so that you could pour directly in it for the proper dosage. Overall, it felt just as clean as the results from the commercial laundry pods I previously used, which was impressive.

Fragrances: Unscented (Oxi Booster is scented)

Not everyone digs a fragranced product. Whether you suffer from allergies or are just scent-sensitive, Branch Basics fragrance-free laundry detergent will leave your clothes squeaky clean.

The brand’s starter kit comes in both glass and plastic versions. I was sent both, and while the recyclable plastic bottle is more lightweight and less expensive, the glass dispenser will last ages and has a stylish look that will elevate any laundry room. Both hold up to 64-loads worth of detergent.

The concentrate, which comes in a generous 33.8 fluid-ounce bottle, can last for nearly 200 loads and is enhanced by a bag of oxygen boost powder, which can be used to deodorize, pre-treat stains, and leave clothing whiter and brighter. Though this detergent may have a higher price tag, it contains around three times more than your average eco-friendly laundry detergent and gets cheaper if you subscribe. Plus, without the Oxy Booster, the concentrate can be a versatile all-purpose cleaner for dishes and surfaces around your home as well.

This natural detergent is ultra-concentrated, so you can get maximum bang for your buck without wasting detergent. While I’m a sucker for their lavender-scented detergent, those looking for fragrance-free laundry detergents will love this effective formula and its minimal carbon footprint.

I washed my dog’s bedding with this soap since he’s sensitive to scents and additives. All the stains and dirt were visibly washed away, and both blankets and his zippered bed cover were left residue-free, even in cold water.

I loved how the EasyDose cap measures for you; instead of pouring, I could squeeze it out without drips or messes. Seventh Gen advertises that you only need one squeeze for regular loads and two for extra soiled or large loads. However, I needed at least two squirts to get items sufficiently clean. Based on reviews, the scented versions have a light and airy fragrance.

In short, don’t expect this to last 66 loads unless your laundry is very lightly soiled or the size of your loads is small. But if you like the idea of a pre-measured squirt or have sensitive skin, it’s worth a try.

Fragrances: Fragrance-free, Rose, Lavender, Mango & Mandarin

DedCool really does take after its namesake—this is the coolest detergent brand out there I’ve seen. Served up in a minimalist aluminum tin, Dedtergent Milk can wash up to 60 loads and adds the coziest scent ever to your clothing, bedding, or whatever else you decide to use it on. The 100-percent biodegradable formula comes in four different scents. With luxurious notes like bergamot, incense, and amber, it’s like a linen spray combined with a detergent. Instead of dwindling after it comes out of the dryer, it stuck around for about four days in my drawers with hand and machine-washed clothing.

I’m partial to gardenias and floral scents, so they sent me their Red Dakota option, which contains bergamot, gardenias, and amber notes. It was love at first whiff when I took the seal off the container. It uses coconut-derived surfactants to wash any garment (including delicates), and the smell left behind is soft and comforting. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a fancy detergent or gift it to a friend (refills cost $50), this environmentally conscious detergent that performs as great as it smells is worth a shot.

Fragrances: Dedtergent Milk, Taunt, Red Dakota, Spring

Detergent sheets are compact, you don’t have to deal with leaks, and they still get the job done. That said, not all laundry sheets are equal. Some of the samples I was sent left behind a residue, leaving me on the fence about whether they were performing optimally. However, Earth Breeze’s cellulose detergent sheets cleaned powerfully and dissolved well in the machine, so it’s no wonder they’re a bestseller and have almost 60,000 glowing reviews on Amazon.

Though Earth Breeze sells a non-fragranced version, they sent me their scented one, which was lightly floral and refreshing without being overwhelming. I walk dogs part-time, and although the detergent cleaned all the hair and dirt off my garments, it didn’t leave behind a scent on the super stinky clothing items. Unlike some of the other laundry sheets I tested, the sheets dissolved without a hitch. It was the only non-liquid that gave clothes a clean feel.

Fragrances: Fresh Scent, fragrance-free

Tide has been the faithful laundry sidekick of folks for years, and they decided to reduce their environmental impact with Tide Purclean. Though it’s also sold in a scent-free rendition, I was sent their Honey Lavender one, which has more of a mild honeydew melon aroma and washes up to 72 loads. It comes in a hefty box with perforated panels and a dispenser that pours into an included detergent cup when twisted.

While the fragrance didn’t stick around as long as it does with Tide’s conventional pods, the smell still lightly clung to the clothes for a while after they came out of the dryer. Unlike some of the other eco-friendly detergents I tested, the clothes had zero residue after washing and felt 100-percent clean. Most notably, the stains were completely gone.

Fragrances: Honey Lavender, unscented