After going through many, and I mean MANY laundry detergents, I have finally found something that works! I’m no longer on the search for Zero Waste & Eco Friendly Laundry Detergent.
Years and years later, after finally realizing my skin was having massive reactions to all the products I was using, and it wasn’t getting any better, I finally decided to look into why! Whelp my family has eczema, which means I inherited a predisposition to having extremely sensitive skin.
I’ve DIY handmade a few different recipes, I’ve tried a few stores bought ones, and have even tried alternatives. No more searching for a zero waste & eco-friendly laundry detergent, I’ve found it, and want to share my discovery with you!
Some links in this post may be affiliate links or this article may contain sponsored content, which means if you make a purchase, we receive a small compensation at no added cost to you. Any purchases you make helps to keep this blog going and keeps our content free. I truly appreciate your support!
#1. Seventh Generation and Meyers
- I’ve come to realize that these laundry detergents never seem to get the smell out of my clothes.
- They come in a thick and bulky plastic bottle or a “recyclable” bottle. I put the recyclable bottle in quotes because a lot of recycled materials end up in the landfill due to not being washed properly, improper transportation, or even lack of buyers wanting used plastics. It’s not a guarantee. So let’s avoid the plastic!!
- Over pouring usually happens, which wastes product and money!
- The liquid gets everywhere and makes a mess.
#2. DIY Laundry Detergent
- Buying all the separate materials takes time, energy, and effort to gather and put together.
- All the extra boxes and packaging from the items being put together end up in the landfill or “recycling” and still creates waste.
- When I tried this recipe with The Castile soap it ended up leaving streaks on my clothes, and then I needed to wash it three times to get the soap out fully! Too much waste of product, water, and wear on my clothes & washer. I even tried a couple of different Castile soaps to see if it was just the one I was using.
- When I tried this recipe without the Castile soap bar, my clothes didn’t feel clean and still had dirt on them.
I wouldn’t ever recommend or make this again. I now just use it as a toilet scrub until it’s gone! Ha!
#3. Eco Nuts / Soap Nuts / Soap Berries
- Very gentle, too gentle for me personally. I do lots of gardening and adventuring outside and need a detergent that gets the dirt out! However, it’s great on delicate clothing.
- Sometimes it doesn’t get the deeply ingrained smell out of the clothes. I personally sweat a lot from exercising and love spices in my foods! Need I say more?
- Soap nuts also have many other uses and can be used as a multipurpose cleaner, shampoo, body wash, surface cleaner.
- They have a very earthy smell
- The berries have to be used on the warm cycle in the washing machine OR boiled in water to make it concentrated enough to lather
- Batches have to be made small or stored in the fridge
- The concentrate have to be made in small batches or stored in the fridge
- Completely 100% natural and the main component of soap nuts is the saponins. Saponins are a naturally derived component that foams when shaken with water.
I personally enjoyed this product for uses other than detergent. When I had long hair I used it quite often as a hair rinse.
If you’re interested in giving it a try and letting me know what you personally think, click here for the link to the soap nuts.
#4. Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods
- Low Waste – Relatively Zero Waste (Only the stickers on the box are plastic) The box can be “recycled” or better yet, composted!!
- 100% Carbon Neutral Shipping
- No Product Waste; the pods are pre-measured to be exactly what you need!
- Plant-Based, Cruelty-Free, and Vegan. The pods are fully plant-based and break down in the wash without having to worry about the microplastics ending up in the waterways, like other companies! WHAT A WIN!
- Can be washed in cool water. Washing clothes in colder water is better for the environment; It takes energy to heat water and the hot water can also wear down your clothes faster
- Very affordable. Around $0.19 per pod. Generally, it’s only one pod per small to a medium-sized load, or $0.38 cents per large load.
- Hassle-free; Easily bought online and can sign up for a subscription, so it’s delivered without the stress of running out
- Mess-Free; Traditional pouring laundry detergents leave a mess everywhere and leak. What a waste and extra strep to have to clean up after! Plus, it gets gunky and gross! EWWW!
- All ingredients disclosed
- Current EWG Rating: B
- Easy to travel with! I just pop a few into a hard-shelled-to-go container, my carry-on if it’s a short trip. But I back more into my checked luggage if I’m staying longer than a few weeks. It’s still a liquid, make sure to follow TSA guidelines for liquids.
I have managed to go through almost an entire box with absolutely no issues, no weird smells or stains, no skin reactions, just pure joy to have finally found a detergent that works, I was getting so discouraged and drained from all the money I was spending trying to find one that worked. Maybe you were having the same problem?! Well, here is the solution!
Here are some of their awesome options for detergent:
- Stain & Odor Laundry Pods – Clean Scent
- Stain & Odor Laundry Pods – Lavender Eucalyptus
- Stain & Odor Laundry Pods Oxi Booster – Unscented
- Sensitive Skin – Unscented
Fabric Softener:
I’m totally hooked on this Eco Friendly Laundry Detergent! Next is trying the Dropps Dishwasher pods!!!
Want to try their dishwasher pods?
Check them out! They have unscented or lemon!! So fresh and clean!!
By signing up on their website, you’re able to earn rewards points. Every dollar you spend gets you a point, when those points build up, you can redeem them at check out for a discount off your total.
Do you know anyone looking to reduce their footprint or even the amount of plastic they produce? I bet they would love these!
So, don’t forget to share this article with them too!
