Introduction
Laundry! It’s a necessary domestic chore that needs to be done at least once a week, maybe more or less depending on your routine and the amount of clothes you have to cycle through.
Most people don’t think about laundry detergent past the point of smelling fresh and clean. After all, detergent is just a method to clean your clothes, right? Washing clothes is much like washing your hands. You want to get rid of the dirt, grime, and in this case, odor.
In this blog, I uncover the harsh truth about the toxic chemicals found in regular laundry detergent that may be affecting your health without you knowing it.
Harmful chemicals found in laundry detergent
Your skin is your body’s biggest organ (yep, it’s an organ) and it absorbs everything you put on it, including any chemicals your clothing carries from detergent. Your clothes and skin go hand-in-hand, especially your underclothing (underwear & bras/tee shirts) where you may experience more skin irritation from your detergent.
The more your detergent has a strong scent and bright colors the higher the likelihood it contains toxic chemicals.
Pro tip: Toxins stick to fabric and that’s why you can smell the so called, “clean.”
Carcinogens
The following is a list of chemicals that could be found in regular detergent that may cause cancer:
Formaldehyde is an antibacterial agent that can also irritate your lungs and eyes. Listed as a group 1 carcinogen.
Dioxane (1,4 Dioxane/Diethylene Dioxide/Diethylene Ether/Dioxane) – a known carcinogen that causes inflammation of your skin, eyes, and lungs. In addition, it can affect your kidneys, central nervous system, liver, and respiratory system.
Dichlorobenzene – listed as a carcinogen warning for humans.
Skin irritants
Chlorine Bleach – skin and lung irritant (if you read the bottle it states, “can cause severe caustic burns to skin and eyes, blindness, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure”)
Respiratory issues
Ammonium Sulfate – laundry additive (oral, skin, and respiratory toxin; not to be used indoors according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.)
Phthalates – can also be found in laundry detergent which negatively affects the reproductive and endocrine systems and infant development. They won’t be listed on the label as they are often found associated with fragrances. Another reason to avoid fragrance.
Natural vs regular detergents
Natural laundry detergents contain ingredients found naturally occurring in the environment, usually plant-based that don’t contain synthetic chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. These are biodegradable and eco-friendly for the environment, unlike regular detergents.
Regular detergents come in two variations: bio and non-bio. Biological laundry detergent is made from enzymes that help to break apart the oil and dirt on clothes best used in cooler water temperatures but is harmful to delicates like silk and wool.
Non-biological detergent uses surfactants to clean clothes that are more delicate like silks.
Pro tip: Clean your washing machine! The residue from detergent builds up on the drum and transfers to other loads of laundry leaving your clothes feeling sticky or waxy. 12 easy steps to clean your washer
Ditch the fresh fragrances
If you’ve read a few of my blogs, you know I’m not a fan of fragrances because of the chemicals they contain. For more on fragrances read, Are Air Fresheners Really Fresh? Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients of fragrances. Many chemicals that may smell fresh and clean are carcinogenic. Plus, they are endocrine disruptors (chemicals that interfere with your body’s hormones causing multiple health issues).
The best type of detergent
By now, you probably guessed that using a non-toxic, natural detergent is best. These will be more expensive, but worth it if you don’t do loads of laundry every week.
What to look for on the label
The quickest way to shop for a safe laundry detergent is to look for the logo that says “Safer Choice”.
Companies that carry this label invest in research and reformulate their product to ensure it meets the standard to earn the label. More on Safer Choice Standards.
Pro tip: Don’t let the words “free” and “clear” on the bottle mislead you into thinking it’s free of chemicals or carcinogens. Read the label! Avoid any fragrances, dyes (bright colors) and perfumes.
Check out the best-rated laundry detergents from EWG (Environmental Working Group).
Laundry/Fabric softeners
Many fabric softeners (dryer sheets included) are just as toxic as laundry detergent. I know they make clothes smell fresh and clean, especially the pillowcase! I grew up with the smell of Downey and thought I had to continue that tradition to keep my clothes smelling like springtime. I learned it’s not the best for your health, clothes, or your dryer.
The chemicals found in the softeners and dryer sheets build up a residue that is collected in the lint. The lint screen doesn’t catch all of it, but your dryer exhaust system (vent) does. Over time, the residue (waxy build-up) and lint can create mold and mildew in the vent system. If not cleaned regularly, it can cause a fire. Plus, the more build-up of lint and residue the harder your machine works to dry your clothes.
Maybe it’s time you had your dryer exhaust system cleaned from the back of the dryer to the top of the exhaust. A good rule of thumb is to have your dryer serviced once a year. If you have pets, twice a year. If your clothes are taking longer to dry than normal, it may be time to get your dryer checked.
Pro tip: Fabric softeners are not recommended for clothes, towels, and sheets because they block the wicking action. The same goes for your workout clothes! Dryer sheets made with fabric softeners do the same thing.
Alternative softeners
Instead of using fabric softeners, add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle and a few drops of your favorite essential oil like lavender. You can also use dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help make clothes soft.
Conclusion
The most popular brands of regular laundry detergent sold are the most toxic and contaminated with all the chemicals you should avoid when being diligent about your health.
Read your labels and look for the “safer choice” logo when buying over-the-counter detergents. If you can afford a better alternative check out the best-rated detergents from EWG.
Skip the laundry detergent and use soap nuts. It’s not a soap or a nut, but a berry! It comes from the Sapindus mukorossi (soap berry) tree. This is how people cleaned their clothes for centuries before chemical laundry detergents were made. These “nuts” have a natural cleaning agent called saponin; a type of surfactant that lifts dirt and holds it in water to be rinsed away. If you’re feeling really inspired, you can always use a washboard!
Skip the fabric softeners and use distilled white vinegar or dryer balls.
Laundry may be an undesirable chore but your health shouldn’t suffer because of it. Choose the best optimal option for you and don’t worry about your clothes smelling fresh for someone else.
In optimal health,
Lisa