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Discover if Seventh Generation Clean with Purpose Free & Clear lives up to its eco-friendly hype. We break down its stain-fighting power on blood, chocolate, and more, plus compare to top alternatives like ARM & HAMMER for the best value in hypoallergenic cleaning. Includes pros, cons, and buying advice.
Quick Pick
For the best overall Free & Clear laundry detergent for sensitive skin, go with the ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, 140 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent. It delivers superior stain removal at 85/100 while being dye- and fragrance-free – Check current price.
In today's world of allergens and irritants, Free & Clear laundry detergents are a game-changer for households with sensitive skin, babies, or anyone avoiding dyes and fragrances. These formulas focus purely on cleaning power without unnecessary additives, making them ideal for everyday loads and delicates alike.
Seventh Generation Clean with Purpose Free & Clear stands out in this category as a plant-based, biodegradable option that's septic-safe and USDA Certified Biobased. Bottled in a 45 fl. oz. size (roughly 60 loads), it retails around $20, positioning it as a mid-range eco-conscious choice. But does it truly clean as well as it promises? We put it through rigorous in-house testing to find out, evaluating everything from common stains to long-term fabric care.
At Review Atlas, we simulate real-world laundry disasters in our lab. We pre-treat swatches with 10 tough stains: blood, chocolate, coffee, dirt, grass, oil, salad dressing, sebum, tomato sauce, and protein-based messes like egg. Detergents run through standard and cold-water cycles on cotton, polyester, and blends.
Key metrics:
Seventh Generation earned an overall score of 72/100, excelling in body soils and everyday grime but lagging slightly on heavy proteins.
| Stain Type | Removal Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood | 82% | Strong protease enzymes shine. |
| Chocolate | 91% | Excellent on sugary messes. |
| Coffee | 88% | No fading on whites. |
| Dirt/Grass | 95% | Top-tier for outdoor soils. |
| Oil/Sebum | 85% | Good but needs pre-treat. |
| Salad Dressing | 89% | Handles oils well. |
| Tomato | 84% | Solid, minimal ringing. |
See related: Wad-Free Bed Sheet Detangler to prevent tangles and improve wash efficiency.
We pitted Seventh Generation against other Free & Clear leaders. Here's the data-driven showdown:
| Product Name | Loads per Pack | Price per Load | Overall Score | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seventh Generation Free & Clear | ~60 | $0.33 | 72/100 | Eco-sensitive | N/A |
| ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Free & Clear | 140 | $0.14 | 85/100 | Value & stains | Check Price |
| Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean | 120 | $0.12 | 82/100 | Bulk families | See on Site |
| ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Power Paks | 32 | $0.25 | 80/100 | Convenience | View Details |
Winner? ARM & HAMMER Sensitive edges out with better protein removal (92%) and half the cost per load. > Our Top Pick: The ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Free & Clear offers unbeatable balance.
Liquid formula tackles 92% of oils and soils. Dermatologist-tested, it left zero residue in our tactile tests.
Pros: Massive 140-load bottle, 15% better on sebum than Seventh Gen. Cons: Slightly thicker pour.
Costco's powerhouse for large households. 120 refreshing pacs dissolve fully in cold water.
Pros: Lowest cost ($0.12/load), 88% grass/dirt removal. Cons: Pacs can stick in soft water.
Pre-measured for no-fuss dosing. Excellent on salad oils (94%).
Pros: Compact, phosphate-free. Cons: Smaller pack size.
Pair any with the Wad-Free Bed Sheet Detangler for tangle-free sheets and 20% faster dry times.
Yes, if eco-friendliness and gentle cleaning are priorities – especially for mixed loads with delicates. It scores high (72/100) for balanced performance without irritants. However, for maximum stain power and savings, switch to ARM & HAMMER alternatives. Always pre-treat tough spots and use HE machines for best results.
Pro Tip: Test on a small load first to confirm skin compatibility.
Absolutely – its dye- and fragrance-free formula is gentle enough for infant clothes, with strong results on milk and food stains (85%+ removal).
Well, at 80% efficacy, but add a water softener for optimal rinsing and to prevent buildup.
Yes, it's HE-compatible and low-sudsing, using just 0.75 oz per load.
Up to 2 years unopened; 18 months after. Store cool and dry.
Seventh Gen offers packs, but check our ARM & HAMMER Power Paks for a superior pod alternative.
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