Laundry is a necessary chore that we all have to do, but have you ever stopped to think about the products you use to wash your clothes?
HARMFUL LAUNDRY PRODUCTS
Traditional laundry products can contain a host of chemicals that are harmful to both the environment and our health. Fortunately, there are many non-toxic laundry products available today that can get your clothes clean without harming the planet or your family's health.
First, let's take a look at why traditional laundry products can be harmful.
Traditional laundry products
OFTEN CONTAIN:
- synthetic fragrances
- dyes
- chemicals that can irritate skin
HAVE THE ABILITY TO:
- trigger allergies
- disrupt hormones
- contain phosphates, which can cause algal blooms in bodies of water, leading to oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life
NON-TOXIC LAUDRY PRODUCTS
Now, let's talk about the benefits of using non-toxic laundry products. For starters, they're better for your health.
Non-toxic laundry products
TYPICALLY FREE FROM:
- synthetic fragrances
- dyes, and other
- harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and cause other health issues
BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:
- don't contain harmful ingredients that can pollute our waterways and harm wildlife
HOW TO SHOP FOR LAUNDRY PRODUCTS
So, what should you look for when shopping for non-toxic laundry products?
KEY INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
- Synthetic Fragrances - Look for products that are fragrance-free or scented with natural essential oils.
- Optical Brighteners - These chemicals can make clothes appear brighter, but they don't actually clean them. They can also be harmful to the environment.
- Phosphates - As mentioned earlier, phosphates can cause harm to aquatic life and should be avoided.
- Bleach - Chlorine bleach can irritate skin and eyes and release harmful fumes. Oxygen-based bleaches are a safer alternative.
NON-TOXIC PRODUCTS TO USE INSTEAD:
- Soap Nuts - These are natural nuts that contain saponin, a natural surfactant that can clean clothes. Simply add a few soap nuts to a muslin bag and toss them in with your laundry.
- Wool Dryer Balls - These are a great alternative to dryer sheets, which often contain synthetic fragrances. Wool dryer balls can help reduce static and soften clothes naturally.
- Plant-Based Detergents - There are many plant-based laundry detergents available that are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harmful chemicals.
- Oxygen-Based Bleaches - These are a safer alternative to chlorine bleach and can be used to brighten whites and remove stains.
WHAT I USE FOR LAUNDRY
A few years ago when I began to learn about toxins I switched from Gain to 7th Generation laundry detergent. It took a few months to realize that that detergent wasn't as toxin-free as I thought. I switched to Method then settled on Mrs. Meyer's. I spent many months using Mrs. Meyer's until I learned that the brand wasn't as clean as I thought either. They changed their ingredients so I changed detergent again. I eventually settled with Branch Basics and have been with them for over a year. I've been very happy with their ingredients and their transparency.
WHAT I USED TO USE:
- Method
- Mrs. Meyer's
- 7th Generation
WHAT I USE NOW:
- Branch Basics
- Attitude
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
In conclusion, using non-toxic laundry products is a simple and effective way to protect your health and the environment. By avoiding harmful chemicals and opting for natural alternatives, you can ensure that your clothes are clean and fresh without any negative side effects. So next time you're shopping for laundry products, take a closer look at the ingredients and choose non-toxic options that work for you.