Our Favorite 1,4-Dioxane-Free Laundry Detergents

Concerns about irritants and allergens in laundry detergents often spark a person’s journey to create a healthier and less toxic lifestyle.

One of the most concerning ingredients is 1,4 Dioxane, a “Class B possible carcinogen found in many synthetic laundry detergents and other detergent-based products.

Although 1,4 Dioxane is nearly impossible to spot on labels (more on this to come), you can avoid it by choosing human-safe, biodegradable, plant- and mineral-based laundry products.

In this article, we share our favorite 1,4 Dioxane-Free laundry detergents and DIY alternatives that are human-safe, effective, earth-friendly, affordable, and easy to use.

What Is 1,4 Dioxane? 

1,4 Dioxane, also known as “Dioxane,” is a contaminant byproduct of ethoxylation.

Ethoxylation is an inexpensive shortcut process companies use to produce softer, sudsier detergents and make detergent chemicals less harsh.

For a detailed discussion on detergents, see Surfactant vs. Detergent: What's the Difference?

Now, here’s where things get less than transparent.

As a by-product contaminant and not technically an ingredient, 1,4 Dioxane is not required to be listed on product labels. 

This is a big problem for several reasons:

1: Multiple research studies have shown 1-4 Dioxane has carcinogenic qualities, leading the EPA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to classify it as a probable/possible/likely human carcinogen.

Wouldn’t you like to know if a probable carcinogen was in your laundry detergent? So would we.

2: Additional reports and independent studies show that 1,4-Dioxane exposure is prevalent in most American homes due to its use in various cleaning, laundry, cosmetic, and personal care products.

1-4 Dioxane is also a contaminant of concern in our waterways and is often not filtered out by municipal water systems.

We discuss the water contamination issue in more detail in: Is 1,4-Dioxane Toxic?

Now for some good news. 

Thanks to growing awareness about 1,4 Dioxane’s toxicity, New York State has banned its use except in minuscule amounts. 

Europe has also recently added 1,4 Dioxane to its list for potential regulation. 

1,4 Dioxane is also on California’s Proposition 65 list of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer or birth defects.

It’s not much, but it’s a good start in better regulation and, hopefully, eventual elimination of this contaminant.

That said, at present regulation around bans or allowable limits of 1,4 Dioxane in household products is inadequate at best.

Potential Health Effects of 1,4 Dioxane

1,4 Dioxane’s biggest threat is as a probable Class B carcinogen.

It’s also been linked to the following:

• Eyes, nose, and throat irritation
• Liver and kidney damage 
• Cancer
• Studies of skin exposure to 1,4-dioxane in animals have shown it can increase the cancer-causing properties of other chemicals.
• Breast milk transfer of 1,4-Dioxane from mother to baby.
• Accidental worker exposure to large amounts of 1,4-dioxane in industrial settings has resulted in several deaths believed to be related to adverse nervous system effects.
• Possible increased risk of spontaneous abortion and stillbirths have been associated with occupational exposure to a combination of chemicals that included 1,4-dioxane. However, the role of 1,4-dioxane, if any, is unknown.

These studies suggest human side effects or toxicity are dependent on how much 1,4 Dioxane is present and the length and frequency of exposures. 

You can learn much more about this in: Is 1,4-Dioxane Toxic?

5 1,4 Dioxane-Free Laundry Detergents

Now that you understand the basics of 1,4 Dioxane let’s look at the best way to avoid it: by using natural and human-safe laundry detergents and alternatives that do not use synthetic chemical surfactants likely to be contaminated with 1,4 Dioxane.

This used to be a tall order in terms of variety, efficacy, and price. 

However, the demand for safer laundry products has made it much easier to find comparable alternatives to the “hard stuff.”

1. Branch Basics Laundry Detergent

With a lack of human-safe, fragrance-free, optical-brightener-free, plastic-free, bleach-free, synthetic-preservative-free, 1,4-Dioxane-free, synthetic surfactant-free, and truly earth-friendly laundry detergents available, we decided to create one.

This plant- and mineral-based formula is waterless, fragrance-free, and contains powerful natural enzymes to lift and remove stains, deodorize, dissolve dirt and soil, and soften clothes while imparting long-term freshness and preserving the integrity of fabrics.

It works in HE and non-HE machines and excels in cold water, making it a truly eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) laundry detergent.

True to our commitment to the power of pure, it’s also Made Safe Certified, safe for the most sensitive skin (including babies and the chemically sensitive), and never tested on animals.

Learn more or order your Branch Basics Laundry Detergent here.

Related reading: 5 Best Natural and Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergents.

What’s in Branch Basics Laundry Detergent?

Me (Marilee), Allison, and Kelly (my Branch Basics co-founders) worked diligently with our formulators to create a human-safe and eco-friendly formula free from 1,4-Dioxane, optical brighteners, bleach, synthetic surfactants, synthetic preservatives, phosphates, phthalates, dyes, fragrance, and other common laundry detergent toxins.

Here’s what’s in Branch Basics Laundry Detergent:

• Sodium Carbonate: Acts as a builder in detergents, enhancing cleaning by binding to hard water elements like magnesium and calcium. This prevents hard water from reducing the detergent’s effectiveness. It softens water, removes minerals that cause hardness, and ensures detergents penetrate fibers properly, keeping laundry whiter, brighter, and fresher. It also prolongs garment and machine life, lifts soil from fabrics, and optimizes pH levels, making it an essential ingredient for effective cleaning. Rated 1 on EWG Skin Deep
• Sodium Percarbonate:  A powerful, non-toxic laundry booster with bleaching, deodorizing, sanitizing, brightening, and cleaning capabilities. It effectively removes stains and disinfects by killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, mildew, and algae. It is activated by all temperatures. It brightens without the harsh effects of chlorine bleach, though it may lighten non-colorfast fabrics. Avoid use on silk, wool, and leather, and handle with gloves. Rated 1-2 on the Environmental Working Group database
• Sodium Gluconate: A chelating agent that binds and removes minerals and metals from water and surfaces, breaking bonds that hold stains to fabric. It also acts as an anti-redeposition agent, preventing soil from redepositing on fabrics during washing. As a builder, it softens water, prevents color fading by binding dyes together, and inhibits microbial growth in products. Rated 1 on EWG Skin Deep
• Decyl Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside: These are surfactant cleansing agents that reduce surface tension, making it easier for detergent to mix with and remove dirt, grease, and grime. They improve surface wetting, help emulsify and break down oils and dirt, and promote ease in rinsing and removal from fabric. They also stabilize oil and water mixtures and create stable, long-lasting foam. Decyl Glucoside forms a rich foam quickly that disappears fast, while Lauryl Glucoside has a slow, stable foaming action. Rated 1-2 on EWG Skin Deep
• Sodium Metasilicate: A laundry booster and enhancer that softens water, augments stain removal, and neutralizes acidic soils. It emulsifies fats and oils, disperses or dissolves protein stains, and improves the cleaning efficiency of surfactants. As a foaming and wetting agent, it helps remove organic matter during washing, prevents dirt redeposition on fabric, and breaks down the bond between stains. Rated 2-3 on EWG Skin Deep (the rating is lower for products that don’t create a high risk of inhalation, such as granulated laundry detergents)
• Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED): Acts as a laundry enhancer by boosting sodium percarbonate’s stain removal, deodorizing, disinfecting, whitening, and brightening capacity. As a bleach activator, it catalyzes the reaction between sodium percarbonate and soil particles, enabling low-temperature bleaching and cleaning. This saves energy and preserves both fabric and fabric color. Rated 1 on EWG Skin Deep
• Protease: A plant-based enzyme that removes protein-based stains such as eggs, gravy, grass dirt, blood and other bodily fluids. Active at low temperatures, it increases detergent efficiency but can break down silk and wool fibers, so avoid using it on these fabrics. Rated 2 on EWG Skin Deep
• Amylase: A plant-based enzyme that effectively removes starchy stains like sauces and ice cream, as well as blood, grass, and soil. Without amylase, starch can bind to dirt, making the wash less effective. Amylase is active at low temperatures, ensuring effective cleaning even in cooler water. Rated 1 on EWG Skin Deep
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate: A surfactant that removes oil, dirt, and bacteria from fabric by reducing surface tension. It helps detergent mix with and remove grime, improves wetting, and emulsifies oils for easier rinsing. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil in water and removes fabric softener residue. It also acts as a foaming and dispersing agent, keeping particles stable and suspended for better removal during rinsing. Rated 1 on EWG Skin Deep
• Poly (itaconic acid-co-AMPS) Sodium Salt: This ingredient stabilizes surfactants, enhancing their effectiveness. It also increases foam volume and viscosity, leading to richer, more stable lather. Rated 1 on EWG Skin Deep.

Related reading:

• Are Surfactants Toxic? The Dangers And Alternatives
• Enzymes in Laundry Detergent: What You Need to Know 
• The Power of Sodium Percarbonate for Cleaning 

2. Liquid Castile Soap

Castile soap has a cult following among DIYers and toxin-conscious consumers because it is natural and versatile.

We love it for hand washing dishes, DIY cleaners, and as a laundry detergent alternative.

When using castile soap for laundry, we recommend choosing 100% pure, unscented liquid castile soap from a reputable brand, such as Dr. Bronner’s.

You can use a bar castile soap and shave it in, but the liquid is easier to measure and work with.

To use castile soap to wash your clothes:

1. Add 1/3 of a cup of liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) with an optional half to 1 cup of vinegar or lemon juice in the washing machine. 
1. Vinegar and lemon juice will help whiten and brighten clothing while acting as natural fabric softeners and water softeners.
2. Launder as usual.

Note: These are general instructions for using castile soap as a laundry detergent alternative. Check the bottle or manufacturer’s website for specific laundry instructions, as different brands’ amounts and concentrations may vary.

Related reading: Is Natural Laundry Detergent Better?

3. Soap Nuts

Before founding Branch Basics, I was a big fan of Soap Nuts as a totally natural laundry detergent alternative for myself and my chemically sensitive clients.

These days, they are easier to find online and at natural food stores and are still a great option for those seeking a completely waste-free and plant-based alternative.

To use soap nuts for laundering:

1. Place 4-5 soap nuts in a cotton bag.
2. Toss in with your laundry.
3. Launder as usual.

Soap nuts can be re-used for up to 5-10 washes and last longer if used in cold water. 

When their color, shine, and sheen fade or if you observe cracking, it's time to replace them.

4. Baking Soda + Vinegar

Is there anything baking soda and vinegar can’t do? 

This acid and alkaline combination is a powerhouse at sanitizing, removing stains, deodorizing, softening water, brightening and whitening, and removing grease and oil. 

Plus, the vinegar will descale your washer as it runs.

These can be used together or in combination with your favorite natural detergents to boost their cleaning and softening power.

To use baking soda and vinegar to wash your clothes:

1. Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to your washing machine.
2. Add 1 cup baking soda.
3. Run the desired laundry cycle.

For handwashing: 

Reduce the amount of each product you use. For example, a small wash basin or bowl would require 1-2 Tablespoons of baking soda and 3-4 tablespoons of vinegar.

I have more tips for you on using baking soda and vinegar to create a healthy home in:

• 12 Uses For Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) Around The House
• 12 Ways To Use Vinegar In Your Home

5. Branch Basics Laundry Kit

The original Branch Basics Laundry Kit combines our signature all-in-one, human-safe, 100% biodegradable, natural, and 1,4-Dioxane-free Concentrate, plus mineral-based laundry booster and bleach alternative, Oxygen Boost, and a refillable bottle.

Branch Basics Laundry dilution is a liquid laundry soap made by combining Branch Basics Concentrate with water. 

Like our Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, the original Branch Basics Laundry Solution (liquid) is free from fragrance, optical brighteners, plastics/PVAs, VOCs, chlorine bleach, synthetic preservatives, 1,4-dioxane, and synthetic surfactants. 

It is 100% biodegradable, safe for the most sensitive skin, and compatible with HE and non-HE machines and cold water.

Oxygen Boost is a natural deodorizer, whitener, and brightener. It is also a fantastic laundry booster, stain remover, and safe bleach alternative that does double duty as a household cleaner and scouring agent.

How to use Branch Basics Laundry:

1. Dilute Branch Basics Concentrate with water per bottle instructions.
2. Add 3/4 of a capful to your washing machine.
3. If desired, add a scoop of Oxygen Boost.
4. Wash your clothes.
5. Add wool dryer balls to the dryer as a natural fabric softener, and to reduce drying time, static, wrinkles, lint, and leave your clothes smelling exceptionally fresh.

For handwashing a few items, one teaspoon of Laundry dilution in a basin is usually plenty.

For soaking stained clothing, add about half a scoop of Oxygen Boost to a basin of water.

Branch Basics Laundry or All-Purpose dilutions are also awesome natural stain removers. 

See our Stainmaster Guide for instructions on how to remove all types of stains safely and naturally.

How do you choose between Branch Basics Laundry Detergent and our original Laundry dilution? It’s entirely up to you, and many of our customers enjoy using both.

If you prefer a liquid detergent you make yourself using our all-in-one Concentrate, then Laundry dilution is a great choice.

If you prefer a waterless powdered laundry detergent and/or prefer to reserve your Branch Basics Concentrate for making other dilutions (All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Foaming Wash, etc.) instead of Laundry, then Branch Basics Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice.

After years of having very few human-safe options for doing laundry, it’s nice to have more than one, isn’t it?

Related reading: How Branch Basics Is A Healthy And Sustainable Cleaning Line.

Toss The Toxins With Branch Basics

In all my years of doing this (going on several decades at this point!), it never ceases to amaze me how quickly product companies will remove ingredients when consumers vote with their dollars.

Governments are already making positive changes regarding the regulation of 1,4-dioxane, and the more people who vote with their dollars, the faster this chemical will be eliminated from our lives.

If you’d like to redirect your support to a company dedicated to helping millions create safer, healthier homes, we’d love to be part of your journey!

Click here to check out our Branch Basics Laundry Detergent (powder), Branch Basics Laundry Kit (liquid), and Wool Dryer Balls. 

Looking for more human-safe and environmentally-friendly products to clean your home?

Branch Basics Starter Kits contain everything you need to replace every single synthetic chemical cleaning and laundry product in your home (including hand soap, produce wash, makeup remover, carpet cleaner, pet wash, baby wash, and more!) with just one human-safe, plant- and mineral-based, Made-Safe Certified Concentrate plus Oxygen Boost.

For more information on healthy, human-safe, and eco-friendly laundry and stain removal, check out the following articles:

• 7 Human-Safe Laundry Bleach Alternatives
• Branch Basics Stainmaster Guide: How To Get Stains Out Of Everything With Branch Basics
• How To Clean And Detoxify Your Washer And Dryer
• 6 Healthy Laundry Room Essentials: A Complete Checklist
• Ditch The Fabric Softener: 7 Natural Alternatives