Non-toxic laundry 101: Your guide to a chemically safe laundry routine
Many common laundry products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, trigger allergies, and harm the environment. But keeping clothes clean doesn't require toxic ingredients.
Non-toxic laundry products include safe, effective alternatives that protect your family's health while reducing environmental impact.
Quick links:
Why should I switch to natural laundry?
The best natural laundry detergents
The best natural fabric softeners
Step-by-step guide for natural laundry
How to care for different fabrics naturally
How to troubleshoot common laundry problems
Special laundry situations and how to handle them
Let’s explore proven chemical-free solutions for every step of your family laundry routine—from washing to drying to stain removal.
Why should I switch to natural laundry?
You want the best for your family (clean, safe, and comfortable clothes) but conventional laundry products bring harmful chemicals into our homes.
Problems with commercial laundry products
Commercial laundry detergents and fabric softeners often contain chemicals to boost fragrance and whiten or brighten clothes. These ingredients harm the environment and your family’s health because they:
- Linger on clothes and irritate sensitive skin.
- Release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home's air.
- Get absorbed through skin contact with treated fabrics.
- Contaminate waterways after washing.
- Trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
- Create plastic waste through packaging.
Ten toxic laundry ingredients to avoid
The first step in switching to a natural laundry routine is knowing what to avoid. Here are some of the most common toxic ingredients found in conventional dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and many other laundry products:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): a harsh detergent that can irritate skin and eyes.
- Phosphates: water pollutants that harm aquatic ecosystems.
- 1,4-dioxane: a potential carcinogen found in many detergents.
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates: hormone disruptors that persist in the environment.
- Artificial fragrances: undisclosed chemical cocktails linked to allergies and asthma.
- Optical brighteners: synthetic chemicals that can trigger skin reactions.
- Chlorine bleach: a respiratory irritant that creates toxic compounds.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds: associated with asthma and skin irritation.
- Phthalates: hormone disruptors often hidden in "fragrance".
- Synthetic dyes: unnecessary additives that can cause skin reactions.
The cost-effective truth
While natural products may seem more expensive up front, they often save money in the long run.
- Reusable items such as Smart Sheep wool dryer balls replace hundreds of disposable dryer sheets.
- Concentrated natural detergents require smaller amounts per load.
- Fewer specialty products are needed (fabric softener, static control, etc.).
- Reduced illnesses and medical costs by avoiding chemical sensitivities.
- Clothes last longer without harsh chemical damage.
For example: If you use dryer sheets, you will spend around $60 per year. Our wool dryer balls, which are a non-toxic alternative to dryer sheets, will cost you $20–$30 per year (depending on which design you choose). Our wool dryer balls can last up to 1,000 laundry loads, meaning they will serve you for nearly three years if you're running your dryer daily.
The first step toward an eco-friendly laundry routine
Ready to make a switch? Here's what you need to get started:
- Natural laundry detergent strips (clothes cleaner)
- Wool dryer balls (fresh scents)
- White vinegar (natural softener)
- Baking soda (odor neutralizer)
- Natural stain stick (spot fighter)
- Essential oils for natural fragrance (fresh scents)
For the most effective start, get our eco-friendly laundry starter bundle which includes wool dryer balls, natural detergent strips, and a stain stick—everything you need for a complete natural, efficient laundry routine.
The best natural laundry detergents
In your quest for the perfect natural laundry detergent, you can spend money and buy ready-made products or save money and spend time making your own products. Play around to find what works best for your clothes. washing machine, lifestyle, and budget.
Natural detergents
Natural detergents are more effective than ever. The best products combine plant-based cleaning power with minimal packaging.
Our detergent strips are an ultra-concentrated, plastic-free option that dissolves at any water temperature and performs in all washing machines.
Other excellent natural brands include:
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear: good for sensitive skin with EPA Safer Choice certification.
- Dropps pods: convenient, plastic-free packaging with plant-based cleaning.
- Molly's Suds powder: five simple ingredients, excellent for hard water areas.
Let’s look closer at different types of natural detergents.
Detergent strips
These concentrated sheets eliminate plastic waste and storage bulk. One strip cleans a full load while taking up minimal space. The lightweight nature of strips reduces shipping emissions compared to liquid detergents.
Powder detergents
Natural powder detergents contain simpler ingredients and less packaging than liquids. They fight tough stains and work well in hard water areas. One consideration: cold water washes need extra time for complete dissolution.
Liquid detergents
Natural liquid detergents offer convenience but create more plastic waste. They dissolve in all water temperatures and are good stain pre-treatments. Some brands now offer refill options or concentrates to minimize packaging.
DIY natural detergents
A homemade laundry detergent saves money and puts you in control of ingredients. Here’s a recipe you can use for regular loads of laundry:
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup pure castile soap flakes
- 1/2 cup sea salt
Use 1–2 tablespoons per load. Store in an airtight glass container. You can tweak portions and experiment with other ingredients as you please.
While DIY recipes cut costs, commercial natural detergents are more practical for busy families who want to go natural without extra time investment.
The best natural fabric softeners
Traditional fabric softeners contain synthetic chemicals that stick to clothes, irritate skin, and damage the environment. Natural alternatives soften fabrics effectively without the drawbacks.
Safe fabric softener solutions
When it comes to ready-made, natural fabric softeners, there are a few trusted brands that use plant-based ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals. Options such as Seventh Generation and Method have gentle, hypoallergenic formulas with mild, natural scents that are good for sensitive skin. Ecover’s plant-based fabric softener is another good choice for softer clothes and reduced static without residues or overpowering fragrances.
Wool dryer balls and how they work
One of the simplest and most effective alternatives to traditional fabric softeners is wool dryer balls. They bounce between clothes during the drying cycle and create air pockets that soften fabrics naturally. The wool's natural lanolin transfers to clothes and adds extra softness.
These dense wool spheres deliver several benefits:
- Break up clumps of laundry
- Create space between garments
- Reduce static cling
- Cut drying time by 25%
- Last 1000+ loads of laundry
- Biodegrade
For maximum effectiveness, use 4–6 balls per large load. Leave enough room in the dryer for the dryer balls to bounce around between clothes.
Vinegar and other natural solutions
Vinegar is a tried-and-true natural softening solution. Simply add half a cup of white vinegar to your washer’s rinse cycle to soften fabrics and neutralize any leftover detergent residue. Vinegar’s mild acidity breaks down minerals and residues left by hard water or detergents, resulting in soft, fresh-smelling clothes. Plus, it’s odorless once dried, so there’s no lingering scent on your laundry.
Other natural solutions include baking soda, which can be added to the regular cycle to soften fabrics, and essential oils (for example, lavender or eucalyptus). A few drops of essential oil on wool dryer balls or in the rinse cycle add a gentle scent without synthetic chemicals. If you prefer a fragrance-free approach, these natural solutions are perfect because they avoid the strong scents associated with conventional softeners.
The switch to natural laundry products offers immediate and long-term benefits:
- Healthier clothes
- Reduced chemical exposure
- Significant cost savings over time
But there’s more to natural laundry than buying the right products, you’ll need to do your laundry a bit differently as well.
Natural laundry step-by-step
This process will be highly personalized once you’ve got some experience and found what works for you. Let's walk through a simple routine that you can use at the beginning of your journey.
Before you wash
You might already separate laundry, but for natural laundry, different products are more effective with particular fabric types (more on this below). You might add different ingredients to whites, colors, synthetics, and naturals. Set up separate hampers for whites, colors, and delicates to eliminate sorting on laundry day.
Pre-treat stains before you put clothes in the washer. For grease and oil stains, sprinkle baking soda on the spot, which absorbs the oil and lifts it from the fabric. A simple mixture of vinegar and water removes most other stains—just dab it on the spot and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
A properly loaded washing machine cleans clothes better and lasts longer. Fill the drum about three-quarters full so clothes move freely in the water and get completely clean. When using a top-loading washer, start with large items at the bottom and add smaller pieces on top to keep the load balanced during spinning.
Washing guidelines
Modern washers offer multiple settings that balance cleaning power with fabric care. The normal cycle is good for most everyday loads, while the delicate cycle reduces agitation for fine fabrics and sweaters. Reserve the heavy-duty cycle for very dirty clothes or bulky items that need extra cleaning power.
Here’s a quick reference for water temperature selection:
- Cold water for dark colors, delicates, and synthetic fabrics
- Warm water for lightly soiled loads, such as bedding or towels
- Hot water for heavy soiling or whites when a deeper clean is required
Small to medium loads clean better than large ones. An overfilled washer prevents proper water circulation and detergent distribution. A properly sized load fills the drum while leaving enough space for clothes to move during washing.
Wool dryer balls cut drying time significantly and reduce the number of loads you run each week. Clean the lint filter between every load to maintain quick drying times.
Drying and finishing
Air-drying is the most eco-friendly option. Hang clothes outside to save energy and reduce wear on the fabric, or use an indoor drying rack if you prefer. Sun-drying whites can naturally bleach stains and odors while air-drying darks and delicates reduces fading and stretching.
To reduce static cling naturally, avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets and switch to wool dryer balls. Add a few drops of essential oil to the dryer balls to give your laundry a fresh, light scent without synthetic additives. Or spritz Smart Sheep essential oil scenting spray for a boost of fragrances.
To prevent wrinkles remove clothes from the dryer while they’re still slightly damp and hang or fold them immediately. For air-dried clothes, give items a shake before hanging to reduce wrinkles. A quick spritz of water on wrinkled items or placing them in the bathroom while you shower can also help smooth out stubborn wrinkles without ironing.
How to care for fabrics naturally
Proper fabric care helps keep your clothes looking fresh and extends their lifespan. Here’s how to naturally approach fabric care and tackle special considerations to make your laundry last.
Natural care for common fabrics
- Cotton: Use cold or warm water with natural detergent. Skip fabric softener—instead, use dryer balls to soften naturally. Air-dry when possible to preserve fibers and reduce energy use.
- Wool: Clean with cold water and natural wool wash or mild soap. Never use conventional detergents, which can damage wool fibers. Air-dry flat or use dryer balls on low heat.
- Silk: Hand-wash in cold water with natural soap or eco-friendly detergent. Avoid all chemical softeners. Use mesh bags for machine washing. Air-dry away from direct sunlight. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to rinse water for natural softness.
- Denim: Wash minimally in cold water with natural detergent. Skip fabric softener, which can weaken fibers—use dryer balls instead. Air-dry to maintain strength and prevent fading.
- Synthetic fabrics: Use cold water and natural detergents. To prevent static without dryer sheets, use dryer balls, remove clothes while still slightly damp, and add 1/4 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Separate laundry by fabric type and weight to avoid overdrying.
Natural care for delicate and specialty fabrics
Delicate fabrics need extra attention. Always check care labels, as some items may be hand-washed or dry-clean only.
- Lace: Hand-wash with gentle natural soap. Avoid conventional detergents which can break down delicate fibers. Air-dry flat, reshaping gently.
- Cashmere: Clean with cold water and natural wool wash. Skip fabric softener—the natural oils in wool provide softness. Lay flat to dry away from direct sun.
- Leather and suede: Clean with natural solutions such as diluted vinegar or lemon juice. Condition with natural oils such as coconut or olive oil. Use natural brushes to maintain texture.
Ways to make clothes last
Beyond natural washing practices, you can save money on clothing and reduce energy requirements by storing and treating garments with care. To get the most out of your wardrobe:
- Spot-clean when possible to target stains without washing the entire garment.
- Turn clothes inside out before washing and drying to preserve colors and reduce pilling.
- Invest in padded hangers that support delicate fabrics and prevent stretching
- For heavy items, use wooden hangers to maintain shape.
- For knits or sweaters, folding instead of hanging prevents sagging.
- Store seasonal items in breathable bags.
- Add cedar or lavender to prevent moths.
- Keep delicates in drawer dividers.
- Never store dirty laundry.
How to naturally solve common laundry problems
Stain removal
Food stains
Act fast with food stains. Blot the stain gently and rinse with cold water. For natural removal, use a mix of baking soda and water or apply white vinegar to break down oils and residues.
Dirt and grass stains
For grass stains, use a natural enzyme cleaner or rub with a solution of vinegar and water. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual to remove green pigments.
Oil and grease stains
Cover fresh oil stains with baking soda or cornstarch to absorb excess oil. After 30 minutes, brush off and apply dish soap directly to the spot. For set-in grease, mix baking soda with water into a paste and work it into the stain.
Blood and protein stains
Soak fresh blood stains in cold water immediately; never use hot water since it sets protein stains. For dried blood, soak in salt water before washing. Hydrogen peroxide removes stubborn protein stains without damaging fabric.
Tough stains
Here are some ways to tackle other tough stains:
- Mix equal parts borax* and water for ink or permanent marker.
- For rust, squeeze lemon juice on the spot and sprinkle it with salt.
- Sunlight acts as a natural bleach for stubborn stains on white fabrics.
Smart Sheep stain stick is a natural stain remover every household should have. Its plant-based formula breaks down tough stains without harsh chemicals to keep your clothes fresh and clean and your family safe.
Odor solutions
Sweat and body odor
To get rid of sweat and body odor, soak smelly spots in white vinegar before washing. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash cycle. For workout clothes, pre-treat with a mixture of vinegar and tea tree oil.
Musty smells
Run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of vinegar to clean your washer. For clothes, soak in vinegar water before washing. Add 1/2 cup borax* to loads to prevent mildew odors.
Pet odors
Pre-treat with enzyme cleaner specifically for pet stains. You can also add vinegar to the rinse cycle. For strong pet odors, soak items in baking soda solution before washing.
Mildew
To remove mildew from your clothes, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Spray directly on mildew spots and wash immediately in hot water. For severe cases, add borax* to your regular detergent.
Other common issues
In addition to stubborn stains and odor, here are some other common issues you may face and how you can handle them:
- Static cling: Wool dryer balls reduce static naturally. For extra help, add 1/4 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle. Remove clothes while slightly damp to prevent static buildup.
- Fading colors: Turn clothes inside out before washing. Use cold water and natural detergent. Add 1 cup vinegar to lock in colors. Dry dark items in the shade, not direct sun.
- Dingy whites: Add 1 cup vinegar or 1/2 cup borax* to brighten whites. Line dry laundry in sunlight when possible. For yellowed whites, soak in hot water with citrus peels before washing.
- Rough towels: Add 1 cup vinegar to strip buildup. Shake towels before drying and remove them promptly. Use wool dryer balls for natural softening.
- Shrinkage: Pre-shrink new items in cold water. Always check care labels for temperature guidelines. Use cold water and air dry your wet clothes when in doubt. For wool, reshape while damp and dry flat.
Special laundry situations
Sensitive skin care
Most people react to regular detergents because these products contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Natural detergents clean clothes without causing rashes or irritation. A second rinse cycle also removes all soap residue to protect sensitive skin.
Families with skin sensitivities should have separate laundry baskets so they can avoid cross-contamination with family members who prefer commercial detergents.
Baby and kids' clothes
Babies need special laundry care because their skin reacts quickly to chemicals. Parents should start with cold water to remove surface dirt, then switch to hot water with all-natural detergent.
The sun is a powerful disinfectant—clothes hung outside in direct sunlight come back clean and fresh without chemicals.
Parents who use cloth diapers find this method especially effective at removing stains and odors. Always use natural stain removers for baby clothes to protect their delicate skin from harsh chemicals.
Hard water
Hard water fills clothes with mineral deposits that dull colors and create rough textures. Dark clothes develop white marks while bath towels turn stiff and scratchy.
Add vinegar to the wash cycle to break down these minerals. Most families with hard water install filters or softeners to block minerals before they reach the laundry.
Natural cleaners such as borax* dissolve mineral buildup more effectively than standard detergents in these conditions.
*Borax is a naturally occurring substance, but it is refined for commercial use. It can irritate skin and eyes in its powdered state. If used minimally, it washes out of clothing without leaving a residue. We recommend using it to fight tougher stains and smells after other methods have failed.
Non-toxic laundry FAQ
What is the healthiest way to wash clothes?
Wash with a plant-based, fragrance-free detergent, such as Smart Sheep detergent sheets, to avoid harsh chemicals, using cold water to protect fabric fibers and save energy. Run an extra rinse to remove any leftover residues, and air-dry when possible to reduce static and avoid high heat.
How can I naturally scent my laundry?
To add a fresh, natural scent to regular laundry, place a few drops of essential oil—such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus—on wool dryer balls before tossing them in the dryer. Or spritz your wool dryer balls with Smart Sheep scenting spray to add a lemon, orange, or lavender essential oil aroma.
Are natural laundry detergents effective?
Natural detergents clean laundry as thoroughly as chemical ones (even better as they don’t harm your clothes, health, and planet). Plant-based ingredients break down dirt, oil, and stains while protecting fabrics. These products work in all water temperatures and standard washing machines. The concentrated formulas require less product per load of laundry.
How can I disinfect laundry without bleach or vinegar?
Use essential oils with disinfecting power to kill bacteria and freshen clothes. Tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender oils are just some of the best essential oils for disinfecting your laundry. Add 15–20 drops to your wash cycle or mix with water in a spray bottle for spot treatment.
Does washing clothes get rid of toxic chemicals?
While washing removes some surface chemicals, it may not eliminate embedded toxins in synthetic fabrics. Use fragrance-free detergent and an extra rinse to reduce chemical residues, especially on new clothes or items treated with water-resistant or flame-retardant finishes.
Our other guides
Guide to non-toxic cleaning products
