Toxin Free + Low-Waste Laundry Routine
How to Build a Sustainable Laundry Routine That Actually Works
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If you want a toxin free, low-waste laundry routine that works great and is safe for all members of your family, here’s the simple answer:
It’s not difficult, and you don’t have to make everything yourself (in fact, I don’t recommend that you do). Simply use a truly non toxic laundry detergent that rinses clean, skip DIY recipes, replace fabric softener with white vinegar, use natural oxygen brightener only when needed, and swap dryer sheets for reusable dryer balls.
That’s it. No complicated mixing. No residue buildup. No plastic overload.
How many irritating toxins and chemical were in laundry products was a big surprise to me when I started caring about it. I always knew that when my daughters were young, I couldn’t use fabric softener sheets or regular laundry detergent with their clothes, but I thought once they grew up it was fine to use.
I WAS WRONG!
Now that I know better, I’ve come up with a sustainable laundry routine that actually works, and I’m here to share it with you. If you’re a busy mom trying to reduce toxins for your family, cut waste, and simplify your routine, this guide will walk you through exactly how to create a toxin free laundry routine that is sustainable and realistic.
What’s So Bad About Commercial Laundry Products?
Many conventional laundry products are designed for strong scent and bright appearance, not long-term health. They often contain synthetic fragrance blends and additives that remain in clothing after washing.
Common concerns include:
- Synthetic fragrances that can contain undisclosed chemicals
- Potential endocrine disruptors that may interfere with hormone balance
- Optical brighteners that coat fabric to create the illusion of “whiter” clothes
- Preservatives and stabilizers that aren’t necessary for performance
- Residue buildup that stays in fabric and against your skin
- Plastic-heavy packaging, especially large liquid detergent jugs
Because detergent and fabric softener sheets touches your clothing, sheets, and towels, exposure isn’t occasional. It’s daily, and stays with you ALL DAY. A toxin free laundry routine helps reduce chemical load while also minimizing unnecessary waste.
The problem you may be facing is that when you try to switch, you either end up overwhelmed… or frustrated with DIY recipes that don’t clean properly and ruin your clothing.
Let’s simplify it.
Why I Don’t DIY Laundry Detergent
So, is homemade laundry detergent safe?
Short answer: I don’t endorse it or believe it’s the best choice. But ultimately you have to make the choice for your family.
Here’s why I decided against it.
1. Soap Is Not the Same as Detergent
Most DIY recipes use grated bar soap, washing soda, and borax. That mixture creates soap, not detergent.
Soap does not rinse clean in modern washing machines, especially in hard water. Over time it can:
- Leave residue on clothing
- Cause buildup in your washer
- Trap odors in fabric
- Make whites look dingy
There are appliance technicians who regularly report buildup issues linked to homemade detergent. That’s not fear-based marketing. It’s chemistry.
2. It Can Irritate Sensitive Skin
Ironically, many families switch to DIY because they want a natural laundry routine for families with sensitive skin.
But soap residue left in clothing fibers can actually increase skin irritation. If you’ve ever noticed towels getting stiff or clothes feeling coated or oily, that’s residue.
3. It Isn’t Truly Low-Waste or Cost
Many DIY recipes still require buying plastic containers of ingredients. You’re also often making large batches that can clump or degrade over time.
And it’s true that DIY laundry detergent is very cheap to make, however think about the cost of replacing clothes that get damaged, or worse yet your washing machine. That won’t be saving you money.
Even though I don’t suggest making your own laundry detergent, there are a few items for the dryer you could make yourself that work great (ie. DIY dryer sheets or cotton dryer balls).
When it comes to how to switch to non toxic laundry, I believe choosing a well-formulated, minimal-ingredient detergent is the safer and more sustainable choice.
My Toxin Free + Low-Waste Laundry Routine
Here’s exactly what I use in my home.
It’s simple, effective, and works for everyday family laundry.
1. Wash: Nellie’s Laundry Soda
For washing, I absolutely LOVE to use Nellie’s Laundry Soda (Buy in CAN or USA).
Why I trust it:
- Minimal ingredient list
- Free from synthetic fragrance
- No optical brighteners
- No liquid plastic jugs
- Highly concentrated powder
Nellie’s is a true non toxic laundry detergent that rinses clean and works in both HE and standard machines. You can also use it in hot, warm or cold water and it works amazing. Even though it is fragrance free, my clothes always come out smelling fresh and clean (without a chemical smell).
Powder detergent also tends to leave less residue than liquid formulas.
For a deeper look at reducing toxins in your cleaning routine, you can also read my guide on switching to non toxic cleaning products.
2. Fabric Softener Alternative: White Vinegar
Ok, I will admit that this suggestion made me nervous when I first heard about it. I mean who doesn’t hate the smell of vinegar! The last thing I want is my clothes smelling like it. But I promise you that you will not smell the vinegar.
So, instead of conventional fabric softener, I add:
- ½ cup of plain white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment in my washing machine
Vinegar helps:
- Soften fabric naturally
- Reduce static
- Break down detergent residue
- Remove lingering odors
The smell does not stay in your clothes once dry. In fact, vinegar is so effective at removing odors that you can soak extra smelly clothes in diluted white vinegar as an effective, natural way to neutralize odors like sweat, mildew, and smoke.
I don’t find I need to do that, just adding vinegar to my load and using Nellie’s Oxygen Brightener (for stubborn smells) instead does the trick.
This is one of the easiest swaps when learning how to create a toxin free laundry routine.
3. For Extra Dirty Loads: Nellie’s Oxygen Brightener
For extra smelly, stained or dull clothes, I add:
This is especially helpful for:
- Kids’ sports uniforms
- White towels
- Cloth napkins
- Outdoor play clothes
Oxygen brightener lifts stains without chlorine bleach, making it safer for both fabric and your home.
4. Drying: 100% Cotton or Wool Dryer Balls
My sister makes amazing 100% cotton dryer balls, so I started using these before I ever was worried about toxins and chemicals in my home. They work great to reduce static, are toxin-free and zero-waste! I’ve only ever used the cotton ones, but traditionally wool dryer balls have been used as well.
Instead of dryer sheets, I use:
- 100% cotton dryer balls (make your own or buy online at Raven and Zoey)
or - Wool dryer balls (buy in CAN or USA)
They:
- Reduce drying time
- Eliminate static
- Soften clothes naturally
- Replace single-use dryer sheets
Dryer sheets are one of the biggest hidden toxin sources in the laundry room due to synthetic fragrance. Removing them is one of the simplest upgrades in a sustainable laundry routine.
How to Create a Toxin Free Laundry Routine (Step-by-Step)
If you’re ready to switch, here’s your simple plan:
Step 1: Replace Your Detergent
Choose a non toxic laundry detergent with:
- Transparent ingredients
- No synthetic fragrance
- No dyes or optical brighteners
- Concentrated formula
As already discussed, my #1 recommendation is Nellie’s Laundry Soda. But there are lots of other great options out there as well. Here’s a few other brands to check out as well:
- Pronouce Laundry Detergent (buy in CAN or USA)
- Blueland Laundry Detergent (buy in CAN or USA)
- Brand Basics Laundry Detergent (buy in USA)
- Dirty Labs Laundry Detergent (buy in CAN or USA)
Step 2: Ditch Fabric Softener
Replace it with white vinegar in your fabric softener dispenser.
I also love to make my own DIY dryer sheets that uses white vinegar and essential oils for scent. Simply cut up a bunch of cotton or linen pieces of material (think an old shirt or rag), put them in a jar, pour a vinegar and essential oils mixture over them to soak.
Then for each load (along with your dryer balls) squeeze out excess liquid from a couple of the sheets, and throw them in the dryer with your load. Just make sure to put them back in the jar after for reuse.
Step 3: Remove Dryer Sheets
Switch to reusable dryer balls to reduce static, waste, and energy.
Step 4: Buy in Bulk or Refillable Formats
Look for cardboard packaging or refill options to reduce waste. Nellie’s products are great for this!
Step 5: Wash in Cold Water When Possible
This reduces energy use and extends clothing life.
That’s your sustainable laundry routine.
No overwhelm. No complicated recipes.
Why This Matters for Kids
Children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure because their skin is thinner and their detox systems are still developing.
Choosing non toxic laundry products for kids reduces exposure to:
- Fragrance chemicals
- Phthalates
- Artificial preservatives
- Optical brighteners
Laundry touches your skin all day long. It’s not a small exposure. Which is why switching to a toxin free laundry routine is so important!
Frequently Asked Question
Is homemade laundry detergent safe?
While ingredients like washing soda and borax can be safe individually, homemade recipes often do not rinse clean in modern machines. Over time, residue buildup can affect both clothing and appliances.
For most families, a professionally formulated non toxic laundry detergent is a better option.
Final Thoughts
A toxin free laundry routine does not need to be complicated.
Mine looks like this:
- Nellie’s Laundry Soda
- White vinegar
- Nellie’s Oxygen Brightener when needed
- Cotton or wool dryer balls
That’s it.
If you’re working toward a healthier home overall, you may also enjoy my article for 10 Low-Tox Swaps to Instantly Safer DIY Beauty & Home Products where I break down my top 10 simple low-tox swaps.
And if you want a step-by-step roadmap for building a low-tox home without feeling overwhelmed, download my free Low-Tox Starter Map. It will help you prioritize which swaps matter most and simplify your journey.
Start with laundry. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce daily toxin exposure and waste at the same time.
