Today’s shoppers aren’t willing to compromise on quality when it comes to household cleaning products. And why should they? With hundreds of brands competing for their attention, it takes a special product to stand out amongst the rest. And quality isn’t the only trait consumers care about. Studies show that finding great products that are also gentle on the environment is increasingly important to today’s eco-minded consumer.
One household product that’s proving to be surprisingly innovative is laundry detergent. Gone are the days of liquid-only detergent. Because of the bulky, primarily plastic containers required to store liquid detergent, forward-thinking brands are taking a new approach to improve the sustainability of their products: making them in powder form. In powder form, these detergents cut plastic waste, save space for shipping, and are sometimes even refillable.
From detergent sheets to powder tablets, we’re giving you ten powdered laundry detergents to try on your next shopping trip.
1. Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder: Non-Toxic Powdered Detergent
Looking for a powdered detergent free of harsh chemicals? Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder is formulated with plant-derived active cleaning ingredients, so it’s gentle on the skin and free from harsh chemicals like 1,4 Dioxane, formaldehyde, synthetic dyes, fragrances, SLS, and optical brighteners.
It’s a cruelty-free and vegan product, perfect for people sensitive to fragrances and chemicals. Molly’s was born out of the founder’s mission to reduce harmful chemicals in household products, so this laundry powder is a great option for health-conscious shoppers looking for cleaner, non-toxic alternatives.
- Average cost: $25 for a 47 oz. bag
- Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (Target)
2. Tide Original Powder: Household Name Laundry Powder
When you think of laundry detergent, what’s one brand that pops into your mind? For many, that brand is Tide. Noticing the rising demand for more eco-friendly detergents, Tide created a powdered version of their renowned original detergent.
Tide Original Powder Laundry Detergent touts powerful stain-fighting capabilities, removing even 7-day old stains. If you’re curious about powdered detergent but want to stick to a familiar brand, Tide Original Powder might be the right fit. It was voted the most trusted laundry detergent brand by American shoppers based on the 2024 BrandSpark American Trust Study.
- Average cost: $40 for a 143 oz. bag
- Customer rating: 2.7 out of 5 stars (Tide)
3. Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent: Ultra-Concentrated Strips in Composable Packaging
Tru Earth’s laundry detergent sheets are both an effective and eco-friendly option for your next load of laundry. Tru Earth’s pre-measured strips are ultra-concentrated (no compromising on quality) and dissolve quickly in water, providing a thorough clean without the mess of traditional detergents.
Packaged in plastic-free, compostable materials, Tru Earth aims to reduce plastic waste significantly so you can feel good about having a lighter environmental footprint while still effectively cleaning your clothes.
- Average cost: $19.95 for 32 strips
- Customer rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (Tru Earth)
4. Nellie’s Laundry Soda: Plastic-Free Packaging Detergent
Nellie’s Laundry Soda is a powder detergent that can be defined by its simplicity and effectiveness. Free from phosphates, fragrances, and fillers, the brand touts that it’s gentle on both clothes and skin. And it’s not just clean ingredients that make it a sustainable choice—the laundry soda comes in a reusable metal tin, reinforcing Nellie’s commitment to reducing plastic usage.
Consumers have shared their appreciation for the product. One fan on Reddit says, “I usually buy liquid detergent like Tide or whatever is on sale. I have washed two loads of towels and three loads of just clothes and so far, super satisfied. My stuff comes out nicer than with my old liquid detergent.”
- Average cost: $21 for 100-load tin
- Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (Amazon)
5. Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets: Refillable System to Cut Down on Waste
Blueland offers a unique spin on traditional laundry detergent in the form of small, round tablets. These tablets are free from harmful chemicals and come in compostable packaging, eliminating the need for single-use plastics. The product even won TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, who characterised the tablets as “designed for the eco-curious who still insist on nice-smelling, single-use ease.”
Possibly the best part of this detergent? It comes with a refillable tin, and you can purchase tablet refills directly from Blueland. Cutting plastics while smelling great? It’s a win-win.
- Average cost: $20 for 60 tablets
- Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (Blueland)
6. Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder: Biodegradable & Residue-Free
Gentle on skin? Check. Free from toxic chemicals? Check. Packaged in a recyclable bag? Check. Charlie’s Soap provides a natural powder detergent that effectively cleans while being gentle on the environment. It’s free from dyes, fragrances, and phosphates, so it’s great for those with sensitive skin.
But can Charlie’s Soap powder really do the job of a tub of liquid detergent? Well, take it from Britt of thestyleshaker.com: “I am a complete laundry powder convert and haven’t missed my liquid detergent one bit.” Sounds enticing!
- Average cost: $55 for 128 oz. bag
- Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (Target)
7. Branch Basics Laundry Detergent: Biodegradable & Septic-Tank Safe
Branch Basics’ versatile laundry detergent concentrate is one product in their household cleaning line, powered by simple yet effective ingredients. Their laundry detergent has passed the highest bar of safety in the industry, and doesn’t contain chemicals commonly found in liquid detergent like ammonia, chlorine, 1,4-dioxane, fragrance or dyes, making it a clean and safe choice for the health-conscious shopper.
As for the environment? Branch Basics uses a biodegradable and septic tank safe formula that prevents toxic runoff (a huge win for water supply). You can buy the detergent as a one-time purchase or subscribe to auto-delivery and save 10%.
- Average cost: $39 for a 4 lb. bag
- Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (Branch Basics)
8. Rosey by Thrive Market Laundry Detergent Powder: Mineral-Powered Cleaning
Rosey by Thrive Market’s Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Powder promises to tackle tough stains while being gentle on sensitive skin. Its mineral-based formula (made with sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride, amongst others) ensures a deep clean without the use of harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Packaged in bulk, Rosey not only reduces plastic waste but also provides an economical choice for eco-conscious households.
- Average cost: $14.99 for 120 loads
- Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (Thrive Market)
9. Earth Rescue Laundry Detergent Sheets: Zero-Plastic Detergent
With a name like Earth Rescue, it’s clear this brand is passionate about reducing environmental impact while offering products that work. As the “first laundry detergent sheet brand with the power of liquid detergents,” Earth Rescue’s Laundry Detergent Sheets are fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, promising to be gentle on the skin and the environment.
These ultra-concentrated sheets dissolve quickly and are packaged in a 100% recyclable, uncoated box, making for a mess-free and waste-free laundry experience. Packaged without plastic, they help you reduce household waste while still getting the clean results you expect from your detergent.
- Average cost: $13 for a 30-pack
- Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (Amazon)
10. Biokleen Free & Clear Sheets: No Artificial Fragrances
Another sheet-based detergent to try out is Biokleen’s Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Sheets. These plant-based sheets are hypoallergenic and free from fragrances and dyes—a win for sensitive skin. The laundry detergent sheets come in recyclable packaging with no plastic jugs necessary. They dissolve quickly and work efficiently in both hot and cold water.
The coolest feature? You can rip a sheet in half for smaller loads, or use a full sheet for large loads.
- Average cost: $27 for 50 sheets
- Customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Amazon)
Cut the Waste: Try Out A Powder Detergent
With so many great options, switching to a powdered or sheet-based detergent has never been easier…or more sustainable. Whether you’re looking for a powerful stain-fighter, a gentle option for sensitive skin, or zero-waste packaging, there’s a detergent on this list that fits the bill. Brands are stepping up to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly choices, proving that clean clothes and a cleaner planet can go hand in hand. So next time you’re restocking your laundry supplies, consider making the switch—your wardrobe (and the environment) will thank you!