Organic Clothes Washing Liquid: How to Choose and Use It Without Damage

You want to switch to organic laundry detergent. You’re concerned about the chemicals in conventional detergent and their effect on your skin and the environment. But you’re not sure if organic detergent cleans as well. You don’t want to sacrifice cleaning power for natural ingredients. Organic clothes washing liquid can clean effectively when you choose the right one and use it correctly. Here’s how.

Organic clothes washing liquid is laundry detergent made from natural, plant-based ingredients without synthetic chemicals, fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. Organic detergents use plant-based surfactants and natural enzymes to clean clothes. They’re gentler on skin and the environment but may require different usage than conventional detergents.

To use organic clothes washing liquid, choose a plant-based, fragrance free, HE-compatible detergent, use 2 tablespoons per normal load, pre-treat stains separately, add baking soda for odors and vinegar for the rinse, and clean the machine monthly. Don’t use too much, don’t use fabric softener, and don’t expect organic detergent to remove all stains without pre-treatment.

What to Look for in Organic Detergent

Plant-Based Surfactants

Organic detergents use plant-based surfactants (from coconut, corn, or other plants) instead of petroleum-based surfactants. Plant-based surfactants are biodegradable and gentler on skin.

Natural Enzymes

Some organic detergents contain natural enzymes for stain removal. Enzymes break down protein, fat, and starch stains. If your organic detergent doesn’t contain enzymes, you’ll need to pre-treat stains separately.

Fragrance Free

Look for fragrance free organic detergents. Some organic detergents add essential oils for scent, which can irritate sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose fragrance free.

HE Compatible

If you have an HE machine, choose an HE-compatible organic detergent. Not all organic detergents are HE compatible. Check the label.

Certifications

Look for certifications like:

• USDA Organic
• EPA Safer Choice
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• Leaping Bunny (cruelty free)

How to Use Organic Washing Liquid

Step 1: Sort Clothes

Sort by color and fabric type as you would with any detergent.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Organic detergents may not be as strong on stains as conventional detergents. Pre-treat stains before washing:

• Oil: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
• Food: OxiClean Max Force Spray
• Grease: Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Step 3: Add Detergent

Add 2 tablespoons of organic washing liquid to the dispenser. Use 1 tablespoon for small loads.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda for Odors

Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the drum for extra deodorizing and hard water softening.

Step 5: Choose the Right Cycle and Temperature

• Everyday items: Normal cycle, warm water
• Delicates: Gentle cycle, cold water
• Whites: Normal cycle, hot water
• Towels: Heavy duty, hot water

Step 6: Add Vinegar to the Rinse

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser to remove residue and soften clothes.

Step 7: Dry According to Fabric

Dry according to the care label.

Monthly: Clean the Machine

Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly. Organic detergents can leave residue if used in excess, so monthly cleaning is important.

Organic vs. Conventional Detergent

Feature	Organic Detergent	Conventional Detergent
Surfactants	Plant-based	Petroleum-based
Fragrances	Natural or none	Synthetic
Dyes	None	May contain
Preservatives	Natural or none	Synthetic
Biodegradable	Yes	Varies
Skin safety	Gentler	Can irritate
Stain removal	Good (may need pre-treat)	Strong
Cost per load	Higher	Lower
HE compatible	Check label	Most are

What to Avoid

Don’t use too much. Organic detergents can leave residue if used in excess. Use 2 tablespoons per normal load.

Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and the machine with waxy residue. Use vinegar instead.

Don’t expect organic detergent to remove all stains. Organic detergents may be gentler on stains. Pre-treat tough stains with dedicated stain removers.

Don’t use essential oil detergents on sensitive skin. Essential oils can irritate skin. Choose fragrance free.

Don’t use non-HE organic detergent in an HE machine. Check the label for HE compatibility. Non-HE detergent causes oversudsing in HE machines.

Don’t use organic detergent with chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach is a harsh chemical that defeats the purpose of using organic detergent. Use oxygen bleach instead.

Don’t skip monthly cleaning. Organic detergents can leave residue. Clean monthly with affresh.

Recommended Products

Organic detergent: Choose a plant-based, fragrance free, HE-compatible detergent with natural enzymes.

Stain removers: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap for oil, OxiClean Max Force Spray for food, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam for grease.

Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Gentle detergent (alternative): Tide Free and Gentle

FAQ

What is organic clothes washing liquid? Organic clothes washing liquid is laundry detergent made from natural, plant-based ingredients without synthetic chemicals, fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. It uses plant-based surfactants and natural enzymes to clean clothes.

Does organic laundry detergent clean as well as conventional? Yes, for most everyday loads. For tough stains, organic detergents may need pre-treatment with a dedicated stain remover. Choose an organic detergent with natural enzymes for better stain removal.

How much organic detergent should you use? 2 tablespoons per normal load. 1 tablespoon for a small load. Don’t use more than 2 tablespoons, as organic detergents can leave residue if used in excess.

Can you use organic detergent in an HE machine? Yes, if the detergent is labeled HE compatible. Not all organic detergents are HE compatible. Check the label. Non-HE detergent causes oversudsing in HE machines.

Is organic detergent better for sensitive skin? Yes. Organic detergents are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives that can irritate skin. Choose a fragrance free organic detergent for the best results.

References

1. The Spruce. “Organic Laundry Detergent Guide.” thespruce.com.
2. Good Housekeeping. “Natural Detergent Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
3. EPA. “Safer Choice Program.” epa.gov.
4. Consumer Reports. “Detergent Guide.” consumerreports.org.