Fast fashion’s impact on the environment is well understood. Regardless of whether you’re purchasing economical clothing from retail stores or opting for pricier sustainable brands, laundering is an unavoidable part of clothing maintenance. Luckily, laundering represents a smaller portion of your clothing’s carbon footprint.
However, the manner in which you care for your garments can contribute to a more eco-friendly wardrobe. But how do you discern if a laundry detergent is genuinely eco-conscious or merely engaging in greenwashing?
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Eco-Friendly Laundry Practices
For now, let’s set aside the topic of dry cleaning; the environmental consequences of your laundry primarily stem from the appliances in use. Whether you choose to air dry or use a clothes dryer can greatly affect your household energy consumption. Moreover, your choice of washing machine influences both energy usage and water consumption. While these are once-off decisions, you get the chance to opt for a greener laundry detergent every few weeks.
Finding an environmentally safe laundry detergent can prove tricky. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not mandate full ingredient disclosure on labels. Usually, you’ll need to explore the manufacturer’s website for complete ingredient information. You should look for labels such as the EPA’s Safer Choice, certifying products that utilize only components from the EPA’s Safer Chemicals List, or consult the more rigorous verification by the Environmental Working Group.
Hazardous Ingredients
Like other household products such as hand soaps, laundry detergent ingredients lack stringent regulations, complicating the pursuit of safer shopping choices. Fortunately, modern laundry detergents in the U.S. no longer include phosphates, but there exists a list of commonly used ingredients to avoid.
A practical approach is to select unscented laundry products, since the word “fragrance” can mask potentially toxic substances and harmful VOCs. If you favor scented laundry, you can easily craft your own detergent using natural essential oils. You may also choose to omit fabric softener and scented dryer sheets or utilize white vinegar along with wool dryer balls instead.
Beyond fragrances, several ingredients require careful scrutiny. Avoid products with optical brighteners as these compounds enhance whiteness but may linger in fabric, potentially causing skin irritation. Some of these ingredients have been identified as carcinogenic and hormone disruptors harmful to aquatic life when entering wastewater.
Be vigilant about 1,4-dioxane, a solvent found in major-brand detergents that’s classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen. The EPA has noted that exposure to 1,4-dioxane can lead to nausea, dizziness, headaches, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. This substance is easily absorbed via skin, lungs, and the digestive system.
Consider using homemade stain removers like talcum powder or club soda, or opt for non-chlorine oxygen-based bleach alternatives such as Seventh Generation’s stain remover instead of chlorine bleach.
Carbon Footprint and Water Temperature
The primary contributor to laundry’s carbon footprint is the temperature of the water used. Studies reveal that in the U.S. alone, laundry generates 8% of household greenhouse gas emissions. According to recent life cycle assessments, when greenhouse gas emissions associated with laundry detergents are evaluated from raw materials to eventual decomposition, a staggering 90% is attributed to heating the water.
Contemporary washing machines and detergents are now specifically tailored for cold water cycles. Consumer Reports has shown that advancements in detergents mean they are capable of removing dirt and stains at lower temperatures and are actually less effective at higher temperatures. Manufacturers now design their products to function optimally even at temperatures as low as 60°F (15°C).
The EPA states that 90% of the power consumed by a washing machine is used for heating water. Switching from hot to warm water can cut energy consumption in half, while using cold water can decrease energy use by as much as 90%. A study in 2025 estimates that the average household can save roughly $200 annually on electricity by opting for cold water instead of hot.
Furthermore, washing in cold water helps maintain your garments. Hot water can damage fibers, accelerating wear and fading. Additionally, research indicates that washing in cold water may reduce microfiber shedding by up to 30% compared to hot water, which helps mitigate plastic pollution.
For heavily soiled items, such as cloth diapers, medical scrubs, or materials contaminated with bodily fluids, warm or hot water should still be employed. However, for most regular laundry, cold water is ideal for both garment care and environmental considerations.
Surfactants and Their Environmental Effects
Surfactants play a crucial role in effectively cleaning clothes; however, they can also be detrimental to the environment. Among these, nonylphenol ethoxylates, or NPEs, represent particularly harmful surfactants that threaten aquatic life and heighten pollution susceptibility. NPEs decompose into even more hazardous nonylphenol, which is persistent, bioaccumulative, and extremely dangerous to marine ecosystems.
While the leading detergent producer in the U.S., Procter & Gamble, has voluntarily phased out NPEs, the EPA has made efforts to restrict their usage, they remain permissible for certain applications. The EU has implemented stricter regulations, including comprehensive bans on NPEs in textile imports. In 2024, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control is set to propose to list laundry detergents containing NPEs as a Priority Product for regulatory action.
Natural surfactants sourced from palm and coconut can have significant land-use consequences, while petrochemical counterparts generally possess a higher carbon footprint. A blend of both types of surfactants is often found in laundry detergents. Presently, only three general laundry detergents have received the Environmental Working Group verification: AspenClean, Blueland, and healthynest.
The Microfiber Pollution Issue
Microfiber pollution from laundry has emerged as a significant concern. Recent research suggests that textiles are the largest single source of marine microplastic pollution, with millions of tons of microfibers entering the ocean annually. Microfibers account for approximately 85% of shoreline pollution worldwide and have been detected in 54% of studied fish species.
Just one load of laundry can shed millions of microfibers. Although advanced wastewater treatment facilities can capture up to 99% of microfibers, the total volume means that significant quantities still reach waterways. Microfibers that are filtered out often end up in sewage sludge, which may then be used as fertilizer, thereby allowing microfibers to infiltrate the soil and terrestrial food chains.
Both synthetic and natural fabrics release microfibers. Studies reveal that mechanically processed polyester items, like fleeces and jerseys, shed six times as many microfibers compared to woven nylon, and even cotton and wool textiles release substantial amounts.
To mitigate microfiber pollution, consider the following:
- Wash clothes using cold water (reduces shedding up to 30%)
- Always run full loads instead of partial ones (less friction leads to less fiber release)
- Favor front-loading machines (their tumbling action minimizes fiber release)
- Use specially designed laundry bags or filters to catch microfibers
- Opt for air drying whenever feasible (dryers release additional microfibers into the atmosphere)
- Use less detergent (excess detergent can increase microfiber release)
Legislation addressing this concern is currently under discussion in Congress, with the Fighting Fibers Act of 2025 advocating for similar requirements. Research indicates that washing machine filters can capture up to 90% of microfibers, at a cost of just $14 to $20 per machine.
France has mandated microfiber filters in all new washing machines starting in 2025, while Australia will implement a similar requirement by 2030.
Packaging Considerations
If people can resist the urge to dispense excess liquid detergent (using more detergent does not guarantee better cleaning), research on packaging reveals that traditional pourable HDPE containers typically have a lower environmental footprint than pod packaging systems across all metrics except ecotoxicity. Conversely, liquidless laundry soap in plastic-free packaging performs even better.
Currently, the eco-conscious laundry detergent market is expanding rapidly, spurred by consumer interest in biodegradable, plant-based choices and reduced plastic packaging.
Biodegradable, solid laundry sheets such as Earth Breeze come with recyclable, plastic-free packaging, are lighter for transport, and are suitable for high-efficiency washers. While laundry sheets generally cost more than liquid options, many consumers may find the environmental benefits worth the expense.
Ideal Choices
If your budget allows, products such as Blueland laundry tabs might be the optimal choice. They are EWG verified, come without individual wrapping, and demonstrate excellent environmental impact. For those on a tighter budget, a concentrated liquid detergent rated by EWG in a standard plastic bottle is likewise a viable option.
Regardless of the detergent selected, use it prudently according to manufacturer directives, and opt for cold water for washes. When it’s time to upgrade your washer and dryer, choose the most efficient models available—ideally front-loading washers with built-in microfiber filtration whenever feasible. These steps will amplify your impact reduction more than a lifetime of using eco-friendly detergents alone.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on October 21, 2021, this article was significantly revamped with new insights and product recommendations in October 2025.
