Australians are becoming increasingly conscious of what they put in their washing machines—and for good reason. Conventional laundry products are often laced with harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and phosphates that not only linger on your clothes but also wreak havoc on waterways and sensitive skin. The good news? There’s now a wide range of eco laundry products that are just as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts—without the environmental or health cost.
In this article, we compare the best natural and biodegradable laundry products available in Australia. Whether you're seeking a powerful oxygen bleach, a gentle plant-based laundry liquid, or the latest innovation like laundry strips, we break down the benefits, ingredients, and performance of each so you can make an informed and sustainable choice.
What Makes a Laundry Product “Eco”?
To be considered truly eco-friendly, a laundry product should meet several criteria:
- Biodegradable ingredients that break down harmlessly in waterways
- Non-toxic formulations, free from phosphates, SLS, parabens, and synthetic fragrances
- Plastic-free or minimal packaging (e.g., compostable refills or cardboard)
- Cruelty-free and vegan certification (no animal testing or ingredients)
Look for independent certifications such as ACO (Australian Certified Organic), GECA, or Palm Oil Free to verify claims.
Top Eco Laundry Products Compared
Here’s how leading eco laundry products stack up across key metrics like ingredients, performance, packaging, and skin-friendliness.
1. Oxygen Bleach
Best for: Deep cleaning whites, removing stubborn stains, and odour control.
A safe alternative to chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach uses sodium percarbonate to lift stains without toxic fumes.
- Active Ingredient: Sodium percarbonate (breaks down to water, soda ash, and oxygen)
- Use: Brightening whites, removing mould, sanitising fabrics
- Eco Factor: 100% biodegradable, septic-safe, no synthetic fragrance
Eco Traders Oxygen Bleach – Non-Toxic & Fragrance-Free
2. Natural Laundry Powder
Best for: Everyday washing with strong performance in hard water.
A go-to staple for many eco households, natural laundry powder is concentrated, affordable, and effective.
- Key Ingredients: Washing soda, sodium bicarbonate, pure soap flakes, essential oils
- Pros: Cost-effective, no fillers, safe for sensitive skin
- Packaging: Often in compostable or recyclable cardboard
Try That Red House Soapberries or Simply Clean Lemon Myrtle Powder
3. Eco Laundry Strips
Best for: Travellers, small households, and minimalist lifestyles.
Laundry strips are lightweight, waterless detergent sheets that dissolve in hot or cold water.
- How They Work: One strip = one load; no measuring or mess
- Benefits: Zero plastic, space-saving, no spills
- Drawbacks: May underperform on very dirty or large loads
Available at Eco Traders – Eco Laundry Strips
4. Plant-Based Liquid Laundry Detergent
Best for: Delicates, baby clothes, and front loaders.
Liquid detergents made from coconut or sugar-based surfactants clean gently while protecting fibres.
- Typical Ingredients: Coco-glucoside, citric acid, glycerin, eucalyptus or lavender oils
- Ideal for: Sensitive skin, cold water washes
Recommended: Koala Eco or Abode Sensitive Laundry Liquid
Why Avoid Conventional Laundry Products?
Many traditional detergents contain:
- Optical brighteners (which don’t actually clean but mask dirt)
- Artificial fragrances (linked to allergies and respiratory issues)
- Phosphates (harmful to aquatic life)
- Surfactants like SLS (which can irritate skin and harm the environment)
By switching to eco alternatives, you're protecting your health, your family, and Australia’s precious waterways.
How to Choose the Best Eco Laundry Product for You
Here are a few tips when making the switch:
- For sensitive skin: Opt for fragrance-free or essential oil–scented formulas.
- For brightening whites: Choose a product with oxygen bleach.
- For low-waste homes: Try laundry strips or bulk-buy cardboard-packaged powders.
- For hard water areas: Powders usually outperform liquids.
And remember—less is more. Natural laundry products are often concentrated, so you’ll use less per load.
FAQ
Q1: What is the most eco-friendly laundry detergent in Australia?
A1: Products like Eco Traders Oxygen Bleach and That Red House Soapberries are among the most eco-friendly options—biodegradable, toxin-free, and plastic-free.
Q2: Are oxygen bleach products safe for colours?
A2: Yes. Oxygen bleach is colour-safe when used as directed and doesn’t contain the harsh agents found in chlorine bleach.
Q3: Do laundry strips really work?
A3: Yes, they work well for everyday washing. They’re ideal for smaller loads but may not be as effective for heavy stains or soiling.
Q4: Can I use eco laundry detergents in cold water?
A4: Absolutely. Most eco products are formulated to dissolve and clean effectively in cold washes, saving energy.
Q5: Are natural laundry powders suitable for front loaders?
A5: Yes—just make sure you use a front-loader compatible powder to avoid excess suds.
Q6: What is the best option for people with allergies?
A6: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options like Abode Sensitive or unscented oxygen bleach are great for allergy-prone skin.
Conclusion
Switching to eco laundry products is one of the simplest and most impactful changes you can make for your health and the environment. Whether you opt for oxygen bleach, a natural powder, or convenient laundry strips, you'll enjoy clean clothes with a clean conscience.
👉 Explore EcoTraders’ full range of natural and sustainable laundry products to make your next wash kinder to the planet.
