Get Your Clean On: 5 Dog-Friendly Laundry Detergents

By: Rebecca West

Friday, September 17th, 2021 • 5 mins read

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You know it’s time to wash the leash and collar when the bright pink they used to be is now a dusty beige. When washing anything your dog wears or plays with, it’s best to have dye and fragrance-free laundry detergents.

Dogs have incredibly sensitive noses, which can make scented formulas harmful to and uncomfortable for your pet. So we’ve dug around for you and found some pet-friendly detergents that will keep those collars, leashes, and toys sparkling and get rid of that wet dog smell.

Greenshield Organic Free and Clear

Pack of 4 for $20

This has an ingredient list like you’ve never seen. After water, it contains soap berries and coconut oil, both natural ingredients that do virtually no harm to the environment (or to your dog), and the rest are all-natural as well. Greenshield Organic is the first USDA-certified laundry detergent, is fragrance-free, and works for both high efficiency and standard washing machines.

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EcoMe

Pack of 1 for $16

EcoMe is a plant-based laundry detergent with a concentrated formula to use on the really tough stuff. It’s made from plant extracts, natural botanicals, and is eco-friendly. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, and it’s made in the USA. It’s also septic and greywater-safe, so it really runs the gamut on washing machines. Of course, it’s also fragrance-free. However, it’s a bit on the pricey side, so keep that in mind when making your choice.

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Seventh Generation Free and Clear

Pack of 2 for $25

This detergent is great for pampering and cleaning your dog’s gear as it is fragrance and dye-free. It claims to lift coffee and spaghetti stains while still being safe for sensitive skin, and it works in both high efficiency and standard washing machines, so no worries there. It is also a USDA Certified Biobased Product, as it boasts 96% of its stain-fighting power comes from biological products*. However, there are some chemicals that are a little concerning to the environment, which has contributed to its Environmental Working Group (EWG) score of a C. *Biobased products are “composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials, renewable chemicals, and forestry materials.”

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Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented

1 Gallon for $58

If you’re looking for a multi-faceted eco-friendly cleaning solution, you can make your own detergent with Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. You know the one; it can be a shampoo, a floor cleaner, a facial cleanser, a dish soap, a dog wash, and at least 13 other things. Dr. Bronner’s Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap can be a good alternative for detergent. Simply use ⅓-½ cup of soap for a large load and ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. If you have an HE machine, use half of both measurements.

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Babyganics Fragrance Free

Pack of 3 for $14.99

Although a less eco-conscious choice (check out the ingredient list on this baby! whew), Babyganics’ laundry detergent is fragrance and dye-free and is made from plant-derived ingredients. It boasts pediatrician and dermatologist-tested, and it is non-allergenic and never tested on animals. And if it’s safe for cloth diapers, it’s likely safe for your pet. It’s also a very economical choice, so if cost is a factor, this might be the way to go. Beware: the Amazon version seems to have some issues with the formula, so to be safe, pick it up at your nearest store.

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It’s important to wash your your dog’s items with care. And always make sure to test the cleaning solution on one or two things before washing everything all at once, just to be sure it’s safe for your pet. What’s your favorite laundry detergent for your pup’s stuff?