How to Stock an Eco-Friendly Laundry Room

When the University of Washington studied some of the most popular laundry products in the U.S., it found plenty of questionable chemicals that had been omitted from the ingredients list. Researcher Anne Steinmann was “surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were found,” and shares that “nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products,” including ingredients the Environmental Protection Agency considers to be unsafe, such as acetone, acetaldehyde, chloromethane, and 1,4-dioxane.

But here’s the truth: Your washer doesn’t have to harbor potentially toxic chemicals in order to achieve a fresh load. Stick with Thrive Market and we’ll show you just how easy it is to stock an eco-friendly laundry room with detergents and sprays that work just as well as conventional options—minus the nasty stuff.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips

Maintaining an eco-friendly laundry room isn’t only about the detergent you choose—though we have plenty of great options below! Here are some tips for getting the most out of your equipment, being kinder to the earth, and saving money.

• Do fewer loads. We’re often in the habit of tossing a shirt in the hamper after only one wear, but unless an item is really dirty, you can likely get away with wearing it more than once. If you need to refresh something between washes, invest in an affordable steamer. Not only will your clothes last longer, but you might reduce your water bill a bit too.
• Finish the bottle. That’s right—even if you have a bottle of conventional detergent that you’re eager to swap, finish it first. Being sure the cleanser doesn’t go to waste is a greener choice, then you can make a fresh start with a non-toxic pick when it’s time to open a new bottle.
• Refresh with essential oils. Instead of tossing a conventional dryer sheet with your freshly cleaned clothes, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a dryer ball.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

It’s time to find your new favorite laundry supplies. Whether you’re looking for something simple and unscented or prefer your sheets to smell like a lavender field, we’ve got something for everyone—including the best eco-friendly laundry detergent.

Thrive Market Laundry Powder

With its relaxing lavender scent and biodegradable ingredients, this convenient laundry powder is a favorite among Thrive members. Rachel from California shares it “smells good and really brightens my towels and sheets.”

Biokleen Laundry Liquid

Plant-based surfactants go to work alongside citrus extracts for a thorough clean every time. Janice from Michigan says “I love this because I use way less than store-bought detergent on each load while still ending up with great-smelling clothes.”

Molly’s Suds All Sport Laundry Wash

Active families trust Molly’s Suds. The Certified Vegan formula helps rid odor-causing bacteria from synthetic and technical fibers (ideal for sports uniforms and gym clothes!) using non-toxic food-grade ingredients—no harsh chemicals, UV brighteners, or synthetic fragrance.

Rebel Green Laundry Detergent

Stubborn stains, dirt, and grime won’t stand a chance against Rebel Green’s liquid detergent. The formula is made without synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, dyes or chemical brighteners, and member Kristen says she loves how it cleans her clothes without the toxins.

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder

Charlie’s laundry powder is a biodegradable option in a concentrated powder formula that uses natural minerals to get a deep clean. In Wisconsin, member Elizabeth trusts Charlie’s Soap with her cloth diapers. “This is the only laundry detergent I’ll use. Others cause build up so the diapers can be less effective over time, but this stuff actively removes deposits on fibers!”

Eco-Friendly Laundry Stain Removers and Brighteners

Stubborn stains are no fun, but non-toxic stain removers can help make it easier to revive your favorite shirt.

Molly’s Suds Oxygen Whitener

Certified Vegan and Cruelty-Free, Molly’s uses sodium percarbonate (plus other plant-based ingredients) to help break down hard water minerals and liven up your whites.

Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover Spray

A few sprays of Seventh Generation’s stain remover is all you need to lift stubborn stains. The plant-based formula uses enzymes to erase everything from coffee to ketchup—no dyes or fragrances involved.

Ecover Stain Remover

Ecover’s easy-to-use stick stain remover tackles grass, mud, and grease with ease. The biodegradable formula features renewable plant-based and mineral ingredients, making it gentle on the environment while still being tough on stains.

Nellie’s All-Natural Wow Stick

Non-irritating cleansers, plus lemongrass and orange essential oils, help rid stains naturally. Just wet the stain and rub the stick on; agitate the stain under a bit of water before washing and you’re good to go.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Dryer Sheets

For dryer sheet alternatives, here are some of our tried-and-true favorites. (Keep scrolling for a DIY option too!)

Nellie’s All-Natural Scented Wool Dryer Ball

It’s easy to relax on laundry day when you toss one of Nellie’s wool balls into your dryer. Made from New Zealand wool and scented with lavender, these dryer balls work to calm static for up to 50 loads.

Ecoegg Dryer Egg

Ecoegg dryer eggs work to separate your laundry so more air can circulate, which may reduce drying time. Each egg is hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and recyclable too.

Homemade Laundry Recipes

If you’re interested in DIY options, it’s easy to make your own stain remover, spot treatment, and dryer sheets.

DIY Spot Treatment

Even if you’re careful, spills are bound to happen—especially if you have young kids at home! With this two-ingredient solution, you’ll always be prepared to prep clothes for the wash.

Homemade Dryer Sheets

Yes, you can make your own dryer sheets! With simple ingredients like an old t-shirt, white vinegar, and essential oil, this project is easy enough to complete in a single afternoon.

Baking Soda Stain Remover

Making your own stain remover is easier than you might think. This post shows you how to make a simple natural stain remover for clothes using just baking soda and water.