9 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents UK 2024 | Seventh Generation, Method and More
Companies like Ecover, Method and Faith in Nature all create effective detergents which smell fresh and are affordable too. You may even fancy a zero-waste laundry ball which cleans clothes and remains a friend of the Earth. Check out our guide explaining how to pick the best planet-friendly laundry detergent, and browse our ranking of the best options you can buy online from Amazon, eBay and more.
Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
EcoEgg
Refillable Laundry Ball Perfect for Sensitive Skin
Faith in Nature
Ultra-Concentrated Bulk Buy With a Dreamy Herbal Scent
Ecover
Beautifully-Scented Liquid Made in a Zero-Waste Factory
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent – Buying Guide
There are all sorts of excellent laundry detergents available to choose from online nowadays, but which ones really help you do your bit for the environment? Take a look at our handy tips for selecting a product that meets your needs and protects the planet.
Decide Between Liquid and Powder Detergents or Laundry Balls
Though most of us have a preference when it comes to the formula of laundry detergent we use, there are a couple of points worth considering when it comes to how eco-friendly they are. Aside from liquids and powders, there's also a third type to consider: laundry balls. Here's what to weigh up for each type.
If Choosing a Liquid or Powder, Pick Concentrated Formulas Washable on Low Temperatures
While ultra-concentrated formulas are usually in liquid form, you can check the number of washes for a powder to see how much you'll get out of them. Also, a big draw of powders is that they can be packaged in cardboard rather than plastic.
Concentrated formulas will be able to perform just as well on colder, shorter washing cycles, which means lower carbon emissions overall. Even if a detergent does not mention whether its formula is concentrated, it's still worth checking whether it can efficiently wash your clothes on low-temperature cycles of 30 degrees.
Try an Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball or Egg to Skip Chemicals Completely
They can be used without any other product, relying largely on water (which can actually break through urine and even blood), the movement of the washing machine, and the friction from the ball itself. If you'd like your clothes or bedding to smell nice, you can always add a few drops of essential oil to the drum.
Look for Natural, Biodegradable Ingredients Which Will do Less Damage to the Earth and Seas
Ingredients to avoid include palm oil, which is responsible for the destruction of huge sections of rainforest and the natural habitat of countless animal and insect species.
Toxic ingredients such as chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, phosphates, sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) and parabens are also no-nos, as they can all be potentially contaminating, both to your skin and to the planet as they enter the water supply.
Pick Certified Cruelty-Free and Vegan Products Not Tested on Animals
As well as checking out the label (or the brand's website, if you wish), keep an eye out for the following logos:
- The PETA-approved bunny logo which guarantees no animal testing was used in the making of a product.
- Similarly, the rabbit with a pink heart representing its ears. This is used in the USA but may apply to some products available in the UK.
- The leaping bunny, which represents the gold standard in cruelty-free cosmetics and household cleaning products.
- The vegan flower symbol, which is proof that a product is certified vegan by the Vegan Society and contains no animal products.
Use Eco-Friendly Certifications as a Guide to Avoid ‘Green-Washed’ Products
This proves a company has taken measures to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it puts out during the production process. Products made in North America may be USDA certified, meaning the United States Department of Agriculture approves of the methods of production used.
Choose Detergents With Recyclable or Biodegradable Packaging
To win extra eco-points, look out for laundry liquids and powders which come in plastic-free packaging. Failing that, make sure the bottle or carton is easily recyclable, and if possible, made from recycled materials itself.
Select a Detergent Made in the UK for a Far Smaller Carbon Footprint
A detergent made in the UK is a better option, keeping the carbon footprint of your purchase to a minimum. Of course, the more locally you can shop, the better!
Select a Detergent Made in the UK for a Far Smaller Carbon Footprint
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bio-D 1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder｜2 kg | | Live Your Greenest Life | |
2 | EcoEgg 2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen | | Refillable Laundry Ball Perfect for Sensitive Skin | |
3 | Faith in Nature 4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid｜5 litres | | Ultra-Concentrated Bulk Buy With a Dreamy Herbal Scent | |
4 | Ecover 9. Wilton Jasmine Eco Laundry Liquid｜1.5 litres | | Beautifully-Scented Liquid Made in a Zero-Waste Factory | |
5 | Ecover 5. Ecover Non-Bio Washing Powder｜3 kg | | Tackle Stains Even at 30 Degrees | |
6 | Method 6. Earth Friendly Products Ecos Lavender Laundry Detergent｜1.56 litres | | Best Pick for Sweet-Smelling Laundry | |
7 | Super Washing Machine 8. Super Washing Machine Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball | | Forget Detergent for Good | |
8 | Seventh Generation 7. Seventh Generation Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent｜1.47 litres | | Skip the Plastic Bottle for Compostable Cardboard | |
9 | Ecos 10. Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent｜3 litres | | Lavender-Scented Liquid With Carbon Neutral Approval |
Bio-D1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder ｜ 2 kg
Live Your Greenest Life
The paper bag is ideal if you’re aiming to go plastic-free and the leaping bunny and Vegan Society symbols let you know the product is made entirely without animal cruelty. Enough to last you 33 washes, and probably more as it’s powerful stuff, you’re getting great value and can rest safe knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet.
EcoEgg 2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen
Refillable Laundry Ball Perfect for Sensitive Skin
A great pick for anyone whose sensitive skin is irritated by detergents, you can choose from four essential oil-scented fragrances, as well as three different sizes which promise 54, 210 or 720 washes. After this, refill pellets are available online, and even after this, the plastic can be recycled. Try it once and you’ll never look back.
Faith in Nature4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid ｜ 5 litres
Ultra-Concentrated Bulk Buy With a Dreamy Herbal Scent
Better yet, the UK-based factory promises minimal carbon emissions bringing it to you. A certified vegan product with the leaping bunny sign, this delicious rosemary and aloe vera scented wash stands out on our list as effective, delightfully-fragranced and extra long-lasting.
Ecover9. Wilton Jasmine Eco Laundry Liquid ｜ 1.5 litres
Beautifully-Scented Liquid Made in a Zero-Waste Factory
Additionally, this detergent has been produced in a completely zero-waste facility whereby 98.1% of the factory waste is diverted from landfill. The bottle is not only recyclable but made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, too. If only it was made in the UK!
Tackle Stains Even at 30 Degrees
One downside is that the product isn’t made in the UK, but coming from Belgium means it doesn’t have a colossal carbon footprint like those detergents manufactured further afield. The leaping bunny assures you it’s cruelty-free.
Method 6. Earth Friendly Products Ecos Lavender Laundry Detergent ｜ 1.56 litres
Best Pick for Sweet-Smelling Laundry
Though its ingredients are 95% natural and 98% biodegradable, it does, unfortunately, contain optical brighteners. On the upside, this popular product will last up to 39 washes, tackling stains and keeping whites white and colours bright on low temperatures of 30 degrees.
Super Washing Machine8. Super Washing Machine Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball
Forget Detergent for Good
Unfortunately, it cannot be recycled at the end of its life, but it can be used for up to an impressive 1,500 washes. Whether or not you’re convinced by the science, a hundred plus 5-star reviews on Amazon surely can't be wrong!
Seventh Generation7. Seventh Generation Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent ｜ 1.47 litres
Skip the Plastic Bottle for Compostable Cardboard
The good news is that this product is approved by the United States Department of agriculture as well as being named as a ‘Safer Choice’ product by North America’s Environmental Protection Agency. It comes leaping-bunny approved too, and is ultra-concentrated to last up to 66 washes.
Ecos 10. Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent ｜ 3 litres
Lavender-Scented Liquid With Carbon Neutral Approval
In particular, it has the Carbon Neutral seal, and is manufactured in family-owned plants powered by 100% renewable energy which adhere to Zero Waste Business Council guidelines. Sadly, Ecos's products have a considerable carbon footprint if you’re shopping in the UK as they’re made in the US, which also makes this a rather expensive purchase.
Looking for More Laundry Products?
If you have a big family with a constant supply of dirty clothes that need cleaning, one bottle of detergent won't be enough! Take a look at our other articles for some of the best laundry products to buy online.
Summary
We hope you’ll be able to find an eco-friendly product on our list which will keep your family’s clothes beautifully clean and help you live your best – and greenest – life!
Author: Annie Hopkins
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
No. 1: Bio-D｜1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder｜2 kg
No. 2: EcoEgg ｜2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen
No. 3: Faith in Nature｜4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid｜5 litres
No. 4: Ecover｜9. Wilton Jasmine Eco Laundry Liquid｜1.5 litres
No. 5: Ecover｜5. Ecover Non-Bio Washing Powder｜3 kg
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.