Eco-Friendly Laundry Swaps Every Parent Should Know

As parents, we're always looking for ways to make life a little cleaner and greener—for our families and the planet. One simple but impactful change you can make is swapping out traditional laundry products for eco-friendly alternatives. Not only can this reduce waste, but it can also improve the safety of the products we use daily. Here are some easy swaps you can make to green up your laundry routine:

1. Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods

Dropps is one of the most well-known eco-friendly detergent brands on the market today. Their laundry detergent pods come in compostable packaging and are free from harsh chemicals. They’re also cruelty-free and use no artificial fragrances. For families who deal with eczema and sensitive skin or want to avoid unnecessary chemicals, Dropps is a great swap.

There are a variety of pod options to suit every need, from Free & Clear Unscented to ActiveWear pods for tackling smelly workout clothes and even OxiBooster pods to give your dirtiest laundry some extra TLC. Plus, the pods are pre-measured, which makes laundry day a breeze!

You might be wondering, "This all sounds great, but what kind of premium are we paying to be eco-friendly?" Well, a container of Free & Clear Tide Pods with 76 pods costs about $0.26 per load. The most affordable option with Dropps is buying in bulk with a subscription—192 pods shipped every four months comes out to around $0.30 per load. So yes, there’s a small difference in cost. But keep in mind, Tide Pods still come in plastic packaging that’s likely to end up in a landfill or our oceans. How much is doing your part to help the planet worth to you?

Why we love it:

• Low-waste compostable and recyclable cardboard packaging
• Dissolves well in hot and cold water compared to other eco-friendly options
• Pre-measured pods reduce overuse
• Gentle on skin, tough on stains and body odor

2. Laundry Detergent Sheets

Another fantastic option to consider are laundry detergent sheets. These lightweight, biodegradable sheets are easy to store and don’t require any plastic containers. The sheets dissolve quickly in water, making them an eco-friendly option for both cold and hot washes. They're a fantastic space-saving solution, especially for city dwellers with limited storage.

According to Beth over at The Laundry Guru, HeySunday detergent sheets edged out other brands like Earth Breeze, Clean People, and Sheets as the most effective and best smelling of the options. The only catch? They’re not available on Amazon. However, their subscription service for monthly or bi-monthly deliveries of 60 sheets costs about $0.25 per load, making it a budget-friendly choice.

If you’re looking to add a charitable twist to your laundry routine, Earth Breeze is even more affordable at only $0.22 per load AND they donate 10 loads of laundry detergent to various causes with every purchase. They’ve already donated over 100 million loads—now that’s something to feel good about!

Why we love it:

• Zero plastic waste
• Compact and convenient
• Dissolves quickly in any temperature
• Potentially more affordable than pods

3. Laundry Tablets

Blueland’s laundry tablets are a solid option if you’re looking for a sustainable, zero-waste solution that cuts out plastic entirely. Unlike many conventional pods and laundry sheets that use PVA (a type of plastic that dissolves in water but may not fully degrade), Blueland’s tablets are PVA-free. Say goodbye to microplastics in our waterways! They come in minimal, compostable packaging and are super convenient for tossing right into your washing machine.

Performance-wise, Blueland’s tablets do a great job, leaving clothes clean and fresh, even though they’re unscented. One thing to note is that they’re priced higher than the alternatives. With a subscription on Amazon, 120 tablets comes out to about $0.35 per load. However, if you’re looking to balance convenience with the most eco-friendly practices, these tablets are a standout choice. For the average family of four doing 8-10 loads of laundry a week, switching to something plastic-free like Blueland could be a meaningful step toward reducing your carbon footprint.

4. Magnesium Pouches

For those seeking an innovative, chemical-free laundry option, magnesium pouches might be the answer. These pouches, commonly used in Japan, contain specially treated magnesium that cleans your laundry without the need for detergent. Just toss the pouch into your washing machine, and it can last for up to a year or around 300 washes before the magnesium loses its effectiveness.

Magnesium pellets are like little cleaning superheroes! When they hit water, they release hydrogen bubbles and create an alkaline solution that magically lifts dirt and tough stains. The negative ions they produce help repel grime from your clothes in a totally natural way, leaving them fresh and clean. These pellets also give your washing machine some love, keeping the drum and pipes free from detergent residue. And when they're done after a year, you can sprinkle the spent magnesium into your garden or indoor plants to give the soil a boost.

Added bonus, magnesium pouches are perfect for travel since they’re lightweight, liquid free, and work well for hand-washing small loads of laundry. Just allow your clothes to soak a bit for the best results.

I first learned about magnesium pouches from a friend who sent me this MagPeace article. MagPeace pouches weren't available on Amazon, so I went with TerraWash at the time, but since then I've found another option from Japanese brand IPPINKA as well as Hexawash from Superbee which is the only one that is 100% plastic free with it's organic cotton pouch. Even the most expensive of these (the Hexawash pouch which is made in and shipped from Thailand) comes out to less than $0.15 per load.

Why we love it:

• Lasts for up to 365 washes
• Chemical-free, perfect for sensitive skin
• Reduces plastic and detergent waste
• Saves money compared to regular detergent

5. Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls are a sustainable alternative to single-use dryer sheets. Not only do they soften clothes naturally, but they also reduce drying time, which saves energy. You can use wool dryer balls for hundreds of loads, and they work great for both standard and HE dryers. Bonus tip: You could add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the balls before each load for a fresh, natural scent. Lavender, Jasmine, and Lemongrass essential oils are all great options and safe to use in the high heat of a dryer. Just don't overdo it, a little goes a long way!

Why we love it:

• Long-lasting and reusable
• Reduces drying time, saving energy
• Can be scented naturally with essential oils

Why Make the Swap?

Traditional liquid laundry detergents are usually packaged in high-density polyethylene, and shockingly, 68% of these bottles are not recycled. This contributes to the staggering 275 metric tons of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and waterways every year. A typical family of four can go through 5-6 plastic detergent jugs (each designed for about 64 loads) annually, creating a significant amount of waste. Because plastic is produced from fossil fuels, extracting and creating these plastics also emits vast amounts of greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change.

Switching to eco-friendly laundry products is a small change that can make a big difference. Not to mention, traditional detergents are often filled with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both our health and the environment. By opting for greener alternatives, you’re reducing your family’s exposure to potentially harmful substances while also cutting down on plastic waste and energy consumption.

Making sustainable laundry swaps doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By incorporating these products into your routine, you’ll be taking a step toward a greener household and reducing your impact on the environment. What’s your favorite eco-friendly laundry hack? Share it with us in the comments!