From Baby-Safe to Allergy-Friendly: The Best Natural Laundry Products in South Africa
- Sonja Joubert
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Doing the laundry doesn’t have to mean filling your home with harsh chemicals. More and more South Africans are switching to natural laundry products that are safe for sensitive skin, kinder to the planet, and still tough on dirt.
If you love the fresh feel of clean laundry on your washing line but want a healthier, eco-friendly way to get there, these six Proudly South African natural products are a great place to start.
Not sure where to begin with eco-cleaning? This starter pack has all the essentials you need to replace your conventional detergents with natural, biodegradable options. It’s the perfect way to test out natural cleaning without feeling overwhelmed.
This liquid detergent is gentle on clothes yet powerful enough to remove everyday dirt and stains. The fresh citrus scent leaves your laundry smelling clean without synthetic fragrances. A simple, natural option for everyday family laundry.
Designed for washing machines, this eco-friendly powder is tough on grease and grime while being completely biodegradable. It’s a reliable choice if you’re looking to make the switch to a natural detergent that still delivers excellent results.
Made especially for delicate baby skin, this plant-powered laundry liquid is free from harsh chemicals, artificial dyes, and synthetic fragrances. It’s the safe, gentle choice for baby clothes, bedding, and even for adults with sensitive skin.
If you suffer from allergies, this additive can make a huge difference. It helps remove dust mites and bacteria from your laundry, leaving clothes and bedding more hygienic and comfortable. Ideal for households with asthma or allergy concerns.
Give your laundry a soft, fresh finish with this neroli-infused conditioner. It’s free from synthetic softeners and toxic chemicals but still leaves fabrics feeling smooth and lightly scented. A lovely finishing touch to naturally clean clothes.
Natural vs. Synthetic Laundry Products – Why I Choose Natural
Most of us grew up with the big-name laundry brands. They promise whiter whites and fresher scents, but here’s the thing: those results often come with a hidden cost.
Synthetic laundry detergents are packed with chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and artificial fragrances. They make your clothes smell strong, but they also leave behind residues that can irritate your skin. If you’ve ever had an itchy reaction after wearing freshly washed clothes, your detergent could be the reason. Plus, all those chemicals get rinsed into our water systems, where they can harm plants, soil, and even wildlife.
Natural laundry products take a completely different approach. Instead of harsh ingredients, they use plant-based cleaners and essential oils. They’re gentle on skin, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and often vegan. And because they’re grey-water safe, you can reuse your laundry water in the garden without worrying about damaging your plants.
For me, the switch to natural just made sense:
I wanted healthier laundry with no hidden chemicals.
I needed something gentle for sensitive skin and baby clothes.
I love that it’s better for the planet - no toxins, no harm.
And honestly? My laundry still comes out just as clean and fresh, only without that “chemical” smell.
Making the switch is one of the easiest eco-friendly changes you can start with at home. Every wash makes a difference - for your family, and for the environment.
Fresh Laundry, Fresh Air
There’s nothing quite like the smell of laundry dried in the open air. And when you pair eco-friendly detergents with a durable washing line, you get the best of both worlds: clothes that are naturally clean and a washing line that stands the test of time.