The Clean Laundry Detergent Dilemma: My Updated Guide to a Toxin Free Wash

Originally published 2020. Fully updated and re-verified June 2026.

started my clean laundry journey addicted to Gain. The smell, the softness, the fake freshness of it all. It took me a while to realize that what I thought was clean was actually a cocktail of synthetic fragrance, optical brighteners and preservatives sitting on every fabric my daughter and I wear against our skin all day.

This post has been fully re-verified for 2026 using EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning (ewg.org/cleaners) as the primary source. Every brand rating listed here reflects current EWG data. Anything I could not verify has been removed.

For more better not perfect swaps across cleaning, personal care, sunscreen and food, follow me on Instagram at @the_functional_reset.

Why Laundry Detergent Matters More Than Most People Realize

Laundry detergent is one of the highest exposure household products you use. It does not fully rinse out of fabric. Whatever is in your detergent ends up on the clothes, sheets and towels that sit against your skin and your children’s skin for hours every day.

Unlike food and drugs, household cleaning products in the United States are not required to disclose every ingredient on the label. Manufacturers can list “surfactants” or “fragrance” without naming the individual chemicals inside those categories. That is exactly the gap that EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning was built to fill.

Ingredients Worth Knowing About

SLS and SLES (sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate) SLS scores low to moderate hazard on EWG (1 to 2), primarily as a skin, eye and lung irritant in sensitive individuals. SLES carries an added concern: the ethoxylation process that creates it can result in contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a likely carcinogen according to the EPA. Worth noting, not panicking over, but worth avoiding when you can.

1,4-Dioxane Not intentionally added to any product but created as a manufacturing byproduct during the production of PEG compounds, polyoxyethylene and ingredients with “-eth” in the name (like laureth-7, found in Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent). It does not appear on labels because it is a byproduct, not an ingredient. The EPA classifies it as a likely human carcinogen. Look for ingredient lists without PEG or ethoxylated compounds to reduce exposure.

Optical brighteners These do not remove stains. They coat your fabric with UV-reactive chemicals that reflect blue light to make clothes appear whiter. They do not wash out fully and have been linked to skin irritation and potential hormone disruption with repeated exposure. EWG flags them as a concern in laundry products. Look for “optical brightener free” on the label.

Synthetic fragrance “Fragrance” on a label can represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. EWG flags undisclosed fragrance as a concern for respiratory issues, skin sensitization and potential hormone disruption. This is the single most important ingredient to avoid in laundry detergent because residue stays on fabric.

Phosphates Confirmed environmental concern, particularly for waterways and aquatic life. Most consumer detergents have phased them out but they still appear in some products. Check labels.

Chlorine bleach CDC confirms it is corrosive, irritating to skin and the respiratory tract, and reacts dangerously with other chemicals. Mixing bleach with ammonia produces toxic chlorine gas. Mixing bleach with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives produces a carcinogen. Worth being aware of how you store and use it.

Preservatives: methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone These appear in Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent and many conventional products. Both are on EWG’s unacceptable list for allergen and skin sensitization concerns. A confirmed reason to skip certain “natural” looking brands.

A Note on Mrs. Meyer’s

Mrs. Meyer’s is one of the most popular brands in the perceived-as-clean space. I included it in an earlier version of this post without a clear rating noted, and I am correcting that now.

Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent contains methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone and undisclosed fragrance. These ingredients are on EWG’s unacceptable list and disqualify it from EWG Verified status. The laundry products and dryer sheets are among its worst scoring items because fragrance is designed to persist on fabric. It is not a clean detergent. I do not recommend it.

EWG Verified Laundry Detergents

These brands meet EWG’s strictest standard: full ingredient disclosure including fragrance, no ingredients on EWG’s unacceptable list, and formulations reviewed by EWG scientists.

ATTITUDE Laundry Detergent, Rosemary and Lavender — EWG Verified — My Top Pick (10% off through my link)

This is my top pick after testing multiple clean laundry brands over the years. Attitude is EWG Verified which means it meets the strictest health and safety standards EWG has, not just a passing score but fully vetted. I personally use the Rosemary and Lavender scent and I love it. It is fresh without being overpowering, which is exactly what you want when you are coming from a Gain or Tide background and trying to adjust your expectations around laundry scent. Available in fragrance free, Wildflowers, Citrus Zest and Lavender and Rosemary. ECOLOGO certified, vegan, cruelty free and biodegradable. Works in cold water.

Pros: EWG Verified, cleans exceptionally well including tough stains, scented with essential oils only, gentle enough for sensitive skin and baby clothes, free from phosphates, dyes and synthetic fragrance, eco-friendly recyclable packaging, available on Amazon.

Cons: If you need that strong commercial laundry scent to feel satisfied the essential oil scent will be an adjustment. It is noticeably different from Gain or Tide and that is the point, but worth knowing going in.

My recommendation: Start here. If I had to point someone to one brand to try first this is it.

AspenClean Laundry Detergent Pods — EWG Verified

One of the most extensive EWG Verified laundry lines available: pods in Eucalyptus Rosemary, Lavender Lemongrass and Unscented; liquid in the same scents; and a zero plastic powder. All verified. Very short ingredient list on the unscented version: water, decyl glucoside, sodium chloride, potassium cocoate, sodium citrate, glycerine, lauryl glucoside, sodium carbonate, sodium gluconate, coconut acid, potassium hydroxide. Plastic free packaging.

Pros: EWG Verified across the full line, plastic free packaging, fragrance free and scented options, plant based, available on Amazon.

Cons: Newer brand with less long-term personal testing on my end. If EWG Verified is your non-negotiable and you want a pod format, this is a strong pick.

Branch Basics — Concentrate is EWG Verified and MADE SAFE Certified

One concentrate that dilutes into laundry detergent and almost every other household cleaner. Fragrance free only. The concentrate itself is EWG Verified and MADE SAFE certified. Note: the standalone laundry powder is currently pursuing EWG Verification but does not yet have it. If you want the verified product use the concentrate with their Oxygen Boost for stain removal.

Pros: One product handles laundry, dishes, bathroom and general cleaning, fragrance free, highly concentrated so it lasts a long time, EWG Verified concentrate.

Cons: Higher upfront cost for the starter kit. Fragrance free only so not for anyone in the transition phase who still needs a scent.

HealthyBaby Laundry Detergent — EWG Verified

Highly concentrated baby laundry refill made from plant, mineral and water based ingredients. Gentle on sensitive skin, recyclable non-plastic packaging. A strong option for babies and anyone with skin sensitivities. I have not personally tested this one but the EWG Verified status and ingredient profile are solid.

Root and Splendor Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Free and Clear — EWG Verified

100% plant based, ultra concentrated. The fragrance free Free and Clear version is EWG Verified. A newer brand worth knowing about if you are looking for more options. I have not personally tested this one.

EWG A Rated Laundry Detergents

These do not carry the full EWG Verified mark but score an A on EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning, which is the highest possible letter grade.

Grab Green 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods — EWG A (fragrance free) / EWG B (scented) — What I Use Weekly

This is the brand I have been using for years and still rotate with Attitude today. I use the Lavender Vanilla and Vetiver scents most often and love both. The fragrance free pods and powder both score A. The scented versions score B, still in the green range which I personally feel comfortable with. Works as a 3 in 1 with cleaners, brighteners and stain remover all in one pod. Safe for newborns and babies.

Pros: Cleans well, convenient pod format, available on Amazon, multiple scents using essential oils, 3 in 1 formula, safe for babies, scent carries over into clothing after drying.

Cons: Large or heavily soiled loads may need two pods. The Lavender Vanilla does list fragrance on the label in addition to essential oils, so if fragrance is a hard line for you stick to the fragrance free version which scores an A. Scent on clothing fades within a day or two.

My recommendation: The fragrance free formula for sensitive skin or anyone with a hard line on fragrance. Lavender Vanilla for anyone who needs a little laundry scent to get through the transition.

Better Life Laundry Detergent — EWG A

Both the Lavender Grapefruit and Unscented versions score A on EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Plant based, green certified by Whole Foods Market’s ECO-VALUE scale. Worth noting that other Better Life products (floor cleaner, all purpose cleaners) score lower, so this A rating applies specifically to their laundry detergent line.

Pros: Cleans really well, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, leaves clothing soft without fabric softener, gets stains out without pre-treating.

Cons: The formula is very thick and I did not love the smell of the unscented version — it smelled like clay to me. Clothes came out clean but had no scent at all which was an adjustment coming from conventional detergent.

Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Powder — EWG A

Four ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, unrefined sea salt. No enzymes, no fragrance, no fillers. The original unscented powder is the clean pick within the Molly’s Suds line. I tried the peppermint version and was surprised by how much I liked the scent — it is light and fresh. Note the scented liquid versions score lower, so stick with the original powder for the A rating. Not yet EWG Verified but transparent about pursuing it.

Pros: Only 4 ingredients, EWG A rating, cleans well, laundry smells fresh for a couple of days after washing.

Cons: Large or heavily soiled loads need an extra half scoop. I found the peppermint version irritated my sensitive skin specifically, though it did not bother my daughter at all. If you have sensitive skin try the fragrance free version.

Nellie’s Laundry Soda — EWG A

Four ingredients: washing soda, water softener, coconut surfactant, salt. Iconic reusable tin packaging, fragrance free, Leaping Bunny certified, approximately 12 cents per load for the large tin. Note that Nellie’s Laundry Nuggets score B to F depending on version so stick with the original Laundry Soda specifically.

Whoa Nelli Natural Laundry Soap

Five ingredients: baking soda, washing soda, organic coconut oil, water, sodium hydroxide. Started in 2013 by a husband and wife team. I tried both the Lemongrass and Rosemary Mint and liked them both.

Pros: Made for high efficiency washers but works in regular machines too, only a small amount needed per load, eco-friendly zero waste packaging, clothing came out clean and soft without fabric softener, minimal static without dryer sheets.

Cons: The scent does not carry over into clothing after drying, though clothes do smell clean. Honestly that is my only complaint.

Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Powder — Minnesota Brand — EWG B

A local Minnesota brand that I really liked. EWG scores this product a B with low concern for developmental toxins, carcinogens and environmental toxicity. The formula uses coconut soap as the main cleaning agent, various salts to soften fabrics, and is scented with lavender oil. If you are in Minnesota this one is worth supporting. Also available on Amazon if you are outside Minnesota.

Pros: Local to MN, cleans well, lavender scent smells good coming out of the dryer, made from coconut soap, did not cause any skin irritation.

Cons: The scent does not fully carry over into the dryer. Larger or heavily soiled loads need an extra scoop. The powder is very fine and tends to fly up when you open the box every single time.

Dryer Sheet Alternatives

Most conventional dryer sheets are among the worst scoring laundry products on EWG. They coat fabric with quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) linked to asthma, skin rashes and environmental concerns, and the fragrance is designed to persist on fabric.

ATTITUDE Reusable Cloth Dryer Sheets — Well Rated on EWG

These are cloth, not paper. Two reusable cloths that last up to 300 loads each. Fragrance free, dye free, no chemical residue, safe for children’s clothing and cloth diapers. PETA certified vegan and cruelty free. Well rated in EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. This is what I use. Note that because chemical based sheets leave a residue in your dryer, you may need to use the Attitude cloths three or four times before you see maximum effectiveness.

Grab Green Wet Dryer Sheets, Fragrance Free — EWG B to C

Grades vary from B to C depending on the specific version. A reasonable option if you prefer something disposable. Check the specific product at ewg.org/cleaners before purchasing to confirm the current grade.

Wool dryer balls

No ingredients to check. Reduce drying time, reduce static, can be used with a few drops of essential oil if you want light scent. A simple zero waste option worth considering.

My Favorite DIY Laundry Detergent

I love this recipe because it is simple, effective, inexpensive and you know exactly what is in it. The essential oil adds a light natural scent without synthetic fragrance.

Ingredients:

6 cups washing soda (approximately one 55 oz box)
6 cups baking soda
2 cups Epsom salt
1 cup sea salt
20 to 25 drops essential oil (I love orange)

Instructions: Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed container. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load depending on load size and soil level. Works in standard and HE machines.

Why these ingredients work: Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is an alkaline cleaner that cuts through grease and lifts stains. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) deodorizes and softens water. Epsom salt and sea salt act as water softeners and help keep fabrics from dulling over time. The essential oil adds natural scent without synthetic fragrance.

Honest note: This DIY does not contain enzymes, which means it may not tackle protein-based stains (blood, grass, food) as effectively as an enzyme-containing detergent. For tough stain loads I still reach for one of the EWG Verified options above. For everyday loads this works really well.

How to Read a Laundry Detergent Label

EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning at ewg.org/cleaners is the first place I go. Products are rated A through F based on ingredient hazards. EWG Verified means the product has been reviewed by EWG scientists and meets their strictest standards.

Red flags on any laundry detergent label:

Phosphates

“Fragrance” or “parfum” without full ingredient disclosure

Optical brighteners or fluorescent whitening agents

Laureth-7 or any “-eth” ingredient (potential 1,4-dioxane contamination)

Methylisothiazolinone or benzisothiazolinone

Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) in dryer sheets or fabric softeners

The Bottom Line

IYou do not have to throw out everything at once. Start with the detergent since it has the most skin contact. The DIY recipe is free to make if you already have washing soda and baking soda on hand. Attitude is my top pick for a store bought option. Grab Green fragrance free pods are my everyday convenience pick.

Do better. Not perfect.

Sources

EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning: ewg.org/cleaners
EWG Verified Products: ewg.org/ewgverified
EPA on 1,4-Dioxane: epa.gov
CDC on chlorine bleach safety: cdc.gov
ATTITUDE product information: attitudeliving.com
Branch Basics ingredient information: branchbasics.com
Molly’s Suds resources: mollyssuds.com

This post reflects my personal research and experience. It is not medical advice. Product ratings can change when brands reformulate so always verify current scores at ewg.org/cleaners before purchasing.