Natural Laundry Detergent: What Works, What Doesn’t & Where to Start

Written by Joyce Bishara

Why Natural Laundry Detergent?

If you’ve ever held your nose while pouring detergent or wondered what’s really lurking in those neon liquids, you’re not alone. Many conventional laundry products are packed with synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and plastic-heavy packaging. The good news? You can get a deep, fresh clean—without all the nasties.

Natural laundry detergent offers a safe, effective, and sustainable way to care for your clothes and the planet. Whether you're navigating sensitive skin, reducing plastic waste, or switching to low-tox living, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding swaps to make.

What Is Natural Laundry Detergent?

Natural laundry detergents are made from plant-based ingredients and biodegradable minerals that clean clothes without synthetic chemicals. Instead of SLS, phosphates, or optical brighteners, you’ll find:

Coconut soap
Essential oils (like eucalyptus or lemon myrtle)
Minerals like sodium bicarbonate or washing soda
Enzymes from natural sources

These ingredients are tough on dirt, but gentle on your skin, your clothes and the waterways they end up in.

Do Natural Laundry Detergents Actually Work?

Absolutely, when they’re well formulated. Not all "green" detergents are created equal, but when you choose trusted brands that prioritise performance and sustainability, the results speak for themselves.

What We Recommend:

Abode Laundry Powder– High-performance, concentrated powder that's gentle for people with sensitive skin. Plant-based and tough on grime.
Kin Kin Naturals – Ultra-concentrated and made in Queensland with essential oils and no synthetic ingredients. Great for greywater systems.
That Red House – Soapberries, laundry tonics and laundry bars that are biodegradable and 100% plastic-free.

Each of these brands has been carefully curated in our collection for their proven results and clean credentials.

What Are the Healthiest Laundry Detergents?

The healthiest laundry detergents are those free from:

Synthetic fragrances and dyes
Optical brighteners
Phosphates and SLS/SLES
Petrochemicals and preservatives

Instead, they use natural, non-toxic ingredients that are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, without compromising on cleaning power.

Top Picks:

Kin Kin Naturals Laundry Liquid – 35ml is enough for a full load. Septic-safe, gentle on skin, and smells like eucalyptus and lemon myrtle.
That Red House Laundry Bar – A compact, low-waste alternative. Great for hand-washing or travel.
The Dirt Company Detergent Refill System – Stylish, sustainable, and super effective.

What’s the Most Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent?

A truly eco-friendly detergent considers both the formulation and the packaging. The best options use:

Refillable or plastic-free packaging
Biodegradable ingredients
Low-tox formulas
Concentrated dosing to reduce waste

Bonus tip: Look for brands committed to ethical sourcing and carbon-conscious shipping, like That Red House’s circular packaging loop or The Dirt Company’s low-emission supply chain.

How to Make the Switch

Switching to a natural laundry detergent is easy and rewarding, but it helps to start with the right tools:

Step 1: Choose Your Format

Liquid Detergents (e.g., Kin Kin or Dirt) for ease and machine washing
Laundry Bars for handwashing or stain treatment
Detergent Strips or Soapberries for ultra low-waste living

Step 2: Test with One Load

Don’t throw out your old detergent. Try your new eco option for a few loads, especially on towels or sheets, to compare.

Step 3: Pair with Natural Laundry Boosters

Add a Laundry Tonic for extra scent
Use bicarbonate soda to boost whites
Try vinegar as a natural softener

Why It Matters

Conventional laundry products may promise bright whites and tropical fragrances, but often at the cost of hormone-disrupting ingredients, synthetic fragrances and microplastics that wash down the drain.

Natural laundry detergents offer a better way:

Healthier for your skin
Safer for waterways and wildlife
Kinder to your clothes
Easier on the earth

Ready to Make the Switch?

Explore our Natural Laundry Products collection featuring:

Kin Kin Naturals
Abode Laundry Powder
That Red House
Minimal Essentials tonics

All are plastic-free, greywater-safe, and low-tox certified.

Final Thought:

Small swaps make a big difference. Every time you wash with a natural detergent, you're voting for cleaner homes and a healthier planet, one load at a time.