5 Best Laundry Detergents to Avoid Toxic Ingredients, According to a Stanford Nurse
As a nurse, I know a thing or two about stains. Blood, sweat, coffee—you name it, I’ve probably had to scrub it out of my scrubs. The last thing I need after a 12-hour shift is a laundry detergent that doesn’t get the job done or, worse, irritates my skin. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, sensitive skin, or just want a detergent that actually works, you’ll want to avoid products loaded with artificial dyes, sulfates, and unnecessary chemicals. Those things cause reproductive/fertility risk; respiratory/pulmonary (asthma, cardiopulmonary disease) risk; neurological/cognitive (ADHD, autism) risk; metabolic (diabetes, obesity) risk; and oncogenic (cancer) risk. (1)
So, after a lot of trial and error (and way too many ruined pairs of scrubs), here are my top five laundry detergent recommendations for people who need clean clothes fast and without the hassle.
1. Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets
This one takes the top spot for me. Clean People’s Laundry Sheets are a game changer. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and get the job done without any mess. No measuring, no spills—just grab a sheet, toss it in, and you’re good to go. Plus, they’re free from all the junk that usually causes skin irritation, which is a huge win for me since I’m constantly in scrubs. They dissolve completely, even in cold water, and handle everything from coffee stains to mystery ER fluids. Oh, and they’re eco-friendly, which makes me feel like I’m doing my part outside of work too.
Why I recommend Clean People as a Nurse:
✅ The ingredients: No 1,4 dioxane, No optical brighteners (known hormone distruptor), No synthetic dyes, No SLS/SLES.
✅ It works! Effective in removing dirt & stains
✅ Hypoallergenic formula, Dermatologist-tested & approved.
✅ Made in Canada. Almost all the other laundry sheets are Made in China.
✅ Clean People has a BOGO Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Promo running right now.
Updated: Clean People has a BOGO Buy 1, Get 1 FREE Promo going right now. Click Here to get BOGO
2. Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Powder
If you prefer powder over sheets, Molly’s Suds is the way to go. It’s made with natural ingredients, meaning no harsh chemicals to mess with your skin. This one works especially well for anyone dealing with sweaty gym clothes or, in my case, scrubs that have seen some serious action. It’s safe for sensitive skin and doesn’t have any overpowering scents, which I appreciate since I already deal with enough hospital smells. Just a little scoop goes a long way, making it a great value for the price.
Charlie’s Soap has built a solid reputation for being tough on stains but gentle on fabrics. This liquid detergent is biodegradable, fragrance-free, and doesn’t leave any residue behind. I’ve noticed it keeps my scrubs soft and doesn’t cause any weird buildup in my washing machine. If you’re looking for something powerful but simple, Charlie’s Soap is a solid pick.
Nellie’s is another great powder detergent that keeps things clean without unnecessary additives. It’s super concentrated, so you don’t need a lot, and it works in both standard and high-efficiency machines. I like that it keeps whites looking fresh without using bleach, which is important when your work uniform is a light color. Plus, the retro tin packaging just looks cool in the laundry room.
If you’re someone who likes a little aromatherapy with your laundry, Zum is your best bet. It’s made with essential oils and plant-based ingredients, so it smells amazing without artificial fragrances. I don’t always use it for my scrubs, but for my regular clothes, it’s a nice way to freshen things up. The cedar and frankincense scent is my personal favorite, but they have a few other options if you’re into something different.
Final Thoughts
Clean People Laundry Detergent is my recommended laundry detergent. It’s what I use at home. The ingredients (no harsh chemicals), effectiveness at removing stains and odors, no plastic jugs, convenience, and the BOGO offer make it #1.
Here are the rankings:
#1 Clean People Laundry Sheets Buy it here
#2 Molly’s Suds Buy it here
#3 Charlie’s Soaps Buy it here
#4 Nellies Buy it Here
#5 Zum Buy it here
Updated: Clean People has a BOGO! Buy 1, Get 1 FREE Promo going right now.
Click Here to get BOGO
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351494142_Toxicities_of_Laundry_Products_-_Review_of_the_Evidence
