11 natural laundry detergents for sustainable cleaning in 2025

These days, we’re becoming much more mindful about our purchases.Whether you’re eyeing sustainable clothing brands or clean makeup, there are plenty of ways to improve the world.

So, cherry-picking products and formulations that have naturally derived ingredients extends to all-purpose cleaners and, in the same vein, natural laundry detergents.But, the golden question: what does natural really mean? Is it just marketing lingo?“Many ingredients found in laundry detergents marketed as natural are the same as or very similar to ingredients in other laundry detergents,” Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute, told the New York Post.

“The main difference is how they are sourced; Depending on availability, cost, and ease of formulation, the sourcing can affect the cost of the product.It can also affect the carbon footprint.”Often, a claim of natural for a cleaning product will refer primarily to the surfactant, the product’s primary cleaning ingredient.

“Surfactants can be made from petrochemicals (derived from crude oil or natural gas) or oleochemicals (derived from fats and oils),” Ek explained.From Meliora to Purex, we rounded up the best natural laundry detergents in the biz.You’ll also want to check out our in-depth FAQ section to learn more about the criteria for what makes a laundry detergent truly “natural.”In tandem with your washer-dryer combo, hauling your laundry basket from room to room has never looked better.

Pro tip: Keeping your house cleaning products in one place is *chef’s kiss.*Plus, we recommended checking out our reviews to the best mops and vacuums we have been continually testing.Even better, our expert-backed guides to the best hardwood floor cleaners and carpet cleaners will serve you well, too.Enter Branch Basics, a coveted brand in the natural laundry detergent space.

Its trio of nontoxic and biodegradable formulations — including The Concentrate, Oxygen Boost a...