What laundry detergent?

Question

I want to switch over to a really enviornment safe laundry detergent. I don't mind spending more for it but I haven't had any luck with the ones I tried. Any suggestions?

My situation:

* I have well water

* I only wash in cold water

* My repairman said to only use liquid detergent (HE Front loader)

* Weather permitting I dry my clothes on a clothesline in full sun

* Light fragrance - I have a hub and 2 sons and I need a little fragrance but not too much - they don't like smelling like a garden :)

Also, is "used" washwater safe to collect and water trees, flower and vegetable gardens if I choose to use the detergent you suggest?

Thanks!

Answer 1

We have city water, only wash in cold and have a HE Front Loader and I have been using either Seventh Generation for HE Machines or Mrs. Meyer's.  For whites I use Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus.  All natural, works great and clothes smell good, and no petroleum based products!!!

Answer 2

I strongly prefer Ecover Ultra.  It is (very) lightly scented with lavender.

Not only is it safe for plants, but it's also good for keeping aphids off rosebushes.

Answer 3

Seventh generation and Methos both make non toxic, biodegradable laundry detergant for front load washers

Answer 4

You can actually make your own!  about.com has a site for homemade detergent!

Answer 5

Personally I've found that Tide Coldwater works well.  Huddler green home is a green products website which includes user reviews of products like laundry detergent.  Check it out - here's the laundry section:

http://greenhome.huddler.com/products/ca...

Method HE detergent has gotten good reviews, and Method makes some good environmentally friendly products.  That's probably your best bet:

http://greenhome.huddler.com/products/me...