When you’re doing laundry, the last thing on your mind is whether your liquid detergent contains harmful chemicals like PFAS that could cause skin irritation and affect your health and the environment.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are synthetic chemicals used in some traditional toxic laundry detergent brands to boost stain resistance and cleaning power, but pose serious health risks.
After months of researching over 40 laundry soap brands and analyzing third-party test results, our team has identified which products are genuinely PFAS-free and which might still pose risks.
We’ve partnered with environmental health experts and reviewed EPA-certified laboratory findings to bring you the most comprehensive guide on PFAS-free laundry detergents available today.
Quick Summary
Best natural laundry detergents such as Blueland, Meliora, and Branch Basics use plant-based enzymes and mineral-based ingredients instead of toxic ingredients to deliver effective cleaning without environmental harm.
Recent studies found 75% of laundry detergent sheets tested positive for volatile organic compounds containing fluorine above 10 ppm, indicating potential PFAS contamination even in products marketed as eco-friendly.
Third-party certifications like EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, and EPA Safer Choice provide reliable verification that natural detergents are truly PFAS-free and free from harsh chemicals, optical brighteners, and artificial fragrances.
What Are PFAS-Free Laundry Detergents?
PFAS-free laundry detergents are cleaning products formulated without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, synthetic chemicals that resist water and stains.
These detergents use natural laundry detergent ingredients such as plant-based enzymes, natural surfactants, and mineral-based builders instead of PFAS to achieve effective cleaning results.
Traditional laundry detergents often contain PFAS to enhance stain resistance and cleaning power. However, PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in your body over time [1].
When you wash clothes with PFAS-containing detergents, these chemicals can transfer to your fabrics and remain even after rinsing. They also enter wastewater systems, contaminating drinking water.
Why Should You Avoid PFAS in Laundry Detergent?
You should avoid PFAS exposure because it links to serious health effects, including immune system suppression, thyroid disease, and increased cancer risk.
Studies show exposure to PFOA and PFOS, common PFAS chemicals, may cause developmental delays in children and reduced vaccine response [2].
The persistence of these chemicals in the environment is concerning. PFAS earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they remain in soil and water for thousands of years.
Health Risks Associated With PFAS
Research shows associations between PFAS exposure and multiple health conditions:
Reproductive effects, including decreased fertility and pregnancy complications
Increased risk of kidney, testicular, and prostate cancers [3]
Liver damage and elevated cholesterol levels
Weakened immune system and reduced antibody response to vaccines
Developmental delays in children, including low birth weight [4]
Children and pregnant individuals are especially vulnerable as PFAS can cross the placenta and concentrate in breast milk [5].
Environmental Impact of PFAS
PFAS contamination spreads beyond household use. Washing clothes with PFAS-containing detergents sends these chemicals to wastewater plants, which cannot effectively filter them out.
PFAS then contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater, polluting drinking water. The EPA set maximum contaminant levels for several PFAS at just 4 parts per trillion, highlighting their toxicity [6].
Top 5 PFAS-Free Laundry Detergents
Based on research and testing, these brands demonstrate genuine PFAS-free (non-toxic laundry detergent) formulations with third-party certifications and transparency.
1. Blueland Laundry Tablets
Blueland offers EWG-verified laundry tablets free from PFAS, parabens, phthalates, and phosphates. Their pressed tablet format eliminates PVA film, making them truly plastic-free.
Key Features:
Certifications: EWG Verified, B Corp, Climate Neutral, Cradle to Cradle
Ingredients: Plant-based enzymes, mineral surfactants
Packaging: Compostable pouches, reusable tins
Performance: Effective on stains, works in all water temperatures
2. Meliora Laundry Powder
Meliora uses just four ingredients (natural laundry detergent): baking soda, washing soda, vegetable soap, and optional organic essential oils for scent.
Key Features:
Certifications: MADE SAFE, B Corp, Leaping Bunny
Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium cocoate
Price: Affordable at approximately $0.13 per laundry load
Packaging: Reusable steel canisters, paper refills
3. Branch Basics Concentrate
Branch Basics provides a multipurpose concentrate diluted for laundry use. It contains natural soap nuts and has no plastic packaging, reducing plastic waste.
Key Features:
Certifications: MADE SAFE, EWG Verified, B Corp
Ingredients: Decyl glucoside, sodium citrate
Versatility: Use for laundry, all-purpose cleaning
Best for: Sensitive skin, fragrance-free households
4. Dropps Laundry Pods
Dropps offers pre-measured laundry detergent pods with formulations for sensitive skin, athletic wear, and heavy-duty cleaning.
Key Features:
Certifications: EPA Safer Choice Partner, B Corp
Packaging: Compostable cardboard boxes (eco-friendly packaging)
Note: Contains PVA film (biodegradable but debated environmentally)
5. Attitude Laundry Detergent
Attitude produces liquid laundry detergent with 98% naturally sourced ingredients and full formulation transparency (non-toxic laundry detergent standard).
Key Features:
Certifications: EWG Verified, PETA Certified Vegan
Free from: Phosphates, dyes, enzymes, animal by-products
Format: Liquid concentrate
Availability: Widely available in retail stores
How to Identify PFAS in Laundry Detergents
PFAS are not listed on labels, so use these three methods:
1. Check Ingredient Names
Look for terms with “fluoro” or “perfluoro,” such as:
Perfluoropolyether
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Fluoropolymer
PFAS can also contaminate PEGs and ethoxylated substances [7].
2. Verify Third-Party Certifications
Trusted PFAS-free certifications include:
EWG Verified
MADE SAFE
EPA Safer Choice
Cradle to Cradle
3. Avoid Unregulated Marketing Claims
Terms like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “green” are unregulated and do not guarantee PFAS-free. “Free & Clear” labels may still contain PFAS or other toxins. Independent tests found that many “natural” and clean laundry detergents fail evaluations [8].
What Makes Effective PFAS-Free Alternatives?
PFAS-free detergents use 3 main natural ingredients to clean effectively.
1. Plant-Based Enzymes
Target specific stains:
Proteases: proteins (blood, grass)
Amylases: starches (food)
Lipases: oils and grease
2. Natural Surfactants
Reduce water surface tension to clean fabrics:
Decyl glucoside (corn, coconut)
Sodium cocoyl isethionate (coconut oil)
Coco-glucoside (plant-derived)
3. Mineral-Based Builders
Soften water and boost cleaning:
Sodium citrate (water softener)
Sodium carbonate (soda for washing)
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
Tips for Maximizing PFAS-Free Detergent Performance
PFAS-free detergents may require slight laundry routine adjustments. Follow four tips:
Pre-Treat Stains. Apply detergent directly to stubborn stains before washing. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the enzymes to work.
Use Correct Water Temperature. Most PFAS-free detergents work in cold water, but warm water may improve enzyme activity for heavy soils.
Adjust Amount for Water Hardness. Hard water may require more detergent. Increase gradually if residue or dull clothes appear.
Add Oxygen Booster. Use a PFAS-free oxygen booster like sodium percarbonate for whitening and brightening as a natural chlorine bleach alternative.
Don't Overload the Washer
Fill the washer only three-quarters full for proper agitation and detergent distribution. Use laundry powder detergent if possible.
FAQs
Are All Laundry Detergent Sheets PFAS-Free?
No, not all laundry detergent sheets are PFAS-free. Recent testing found that 75% of detergent sheets contained organic fluorine above 10 ppm, indicating PFAS contamination even in products marketed as eco-friendly. Many sheets also contain PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), which contributes to microplastic pollution. It is recommended to choose brands with third-party PFAS-free certification.
Do PFAS-Free Detergents Clean as Well as Regular Detergents?
Yes, PFAS-free detergents can clean just as well as regular detergents. Certified PFAS-free brands like Blueland and Branch Basics perform comparably on common stains when used correctly. For stubborn stains, pre-treatment is recommended.
Can PFAS-Free Detergents Work in Cold Water?
Yes, most PFAS-free detergents work effectively in cold water. They are capable of removing stains while also conserving energy and extending the life of your fabrics.
Did you enjoy this article? See Wynbert’s homepage for more information on how to keep your household pristine clean.
References:
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp200.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7906952/
https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(23)00372-9/fulltext
https://www.epa.gov/pfas
https://letsgogreen.com/blog/non-toxic-laundry-detergent/
Safest Laundry Detergent Sheets Tested for Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
