Laundry detergent is one of the most used cleaning supplies in a household!
Due to the type of detergent used, sometimes people can have various noticeable reactions, while others do not.
Regardless, it’s important to avoid toxic chemicals in laundry detergent and limit your exposure to these since laundry detergent is used so frequently.
Not only does it affect our health as humans, but it also greatly affects the health of marine life.
Switching to a non-toxic laundry detergent is extremely easy and cost efficient! Sometimes, it can be even cheaper than conventional laundry detergents, yet just as effective.
Table of Contents
- What Problems are Associated with Toxic Laundry Detergent?
- What Ingredients are Toxic in Laundry Detergent?
- Common Toxic Conventional Laundry Detergent Brands.
- Top 7 Safe, Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Brands.
What Problems are Associated with Toxic Laundry Detergent?
- Respiratory Issues
- Skin Reactions
- Reproductive/Hormone Health Issues
- Headaches
- Potential Risk of Developing Cancer
What Ingredients are Toxic in Laundry Detergent?
- Fragrance
List of ingredients companies are not required to disclose. Fragrance does not contribute to cleaning, it only provides a “scent.” According to the Environmental Working Group, fragrance is associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and can alter reproductive health. Most fragrances contain Phthalates, a chemical known to disrupt the reproductive and endocrine system.
- Optical Brighteners
Does not contribute to cleanliness of clothing, only helps to cover up yellowing. Contain various chemicals such as Benzene, which increases risk of developing cancer and reproductive health issues. It can also cause skin irritations and are toxic to marine life.
- Bleach (Sodium Hypoclorite)
Skin irritant, respiratory toxin, endocrine disruptor, neurotoxin and human carcinogen (cancer causing). It is also very toxic to our marine life.
- Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)
Group of nonionic surfactant petrochemicals that are known endocrine disruptors and directly affect physical health and fetal development. This group of chemicals is banned in Europe and Canada, but still allowed in the USA. It is especially important for children to not be exposed to this.
- 1,4 Dioxane
Possible human carcinogen (cancer causing) and toxic to the brain, central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and lungs. 1,4 Dioxane is a byproduct of other ingredients and the manufacturing process. This ingredient is not added intentionally, but is extremely common in laundry detergent products. Products that are contaminated with 1,4 Dioxane have ingredients such as:
- PEG
- Polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene
- Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate
- Polysorbate
- Myreth or other ingredients with “eth”
- Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative and disinfectant. Although it’s used in a small quantities, it is considered a carcinogen (cancer causing) and skin irritant. Look for ingredients such as: DMDM Hydantoin, Dioazolidinyl urea/imidazolidinyl urea and Quaternium-15
- Surfactants (Sodiym Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate)
Makes the product foam when mixed with water, doesn’t make clothes any more clean. It can be irritating to the skin and often contaminated with 1,4 Dioxane (as discussed above)
Common Toxic Conventional Laundry Detergent Brands
- Tide
- Ajax
- ALL
- Cadia All Natural
- Dynamo
- FAB
- Gain
- Kirkland Signature
- Total Home
- Trader Joes
- Up&UP
- Arm&Hammer
- Everspring
- Mrs. Meyer’s
- Seventh Generation
- Method
Top 7 Safe, Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Brands
BRANCH BASICS
Use one concentrate for multiple cleaning solutions around the house. 100% non toxic and very cost efficient. Visit their website here.
DROPPS
Eco-friendly plastic free laundry pods, extremely affordable and simple to use. Check out the Dropps website here.
ATTITUDE
Affordable and high quality non-toxic liquid detergent option. Can easily be purchased on amazon here.
WHOLE FOODS ORGANIC
High quality and easy accessible laundry detergent. Can be found at whole foods or on amazon here.
MOLLY SUDS
For a detergent in the form of a powder, this is highly rated, convenient and free of toxins. Find it on amazon here.
9 ELEMENTS
Affordable and effective liquid detergent option. Conveniently buy it on amazon here.
BLUELAND
Eco Friendly and Affordable option. Check out their website here.
Follow The 80/20 Rule!
I’m a firm believer in the 80/20 rule when it comes to your health.
80% of the time, make healthy choices. 20% of the time, it’s okay to relax a bit.
Not everything has to be perfect! All you have to do is try your best and intentionally make choices that make sense for your life. Try to use the most safe and healthy products to your knowledge.
It’s never too late to make changes and try out something new!
I’m here to help and support you. Let’s create a healthy, less toxic community and take our power back!
References
(2023, January 19). 8 laundry detergent ingredients to avoid. ATTITUDE. https:attitudeliving.com/blogs/lifestyle/8-laundry-detergent-ingredients-to-avoid
Fragrance. EWG Skin Deep. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702512-FRAGRANCE/
Nelson, M. (2021, December 28). How To Toss Your Toxic Laundry Detergent. Branch Basics. https://branchbasics.com/blogs/toss-the-toxins/laundry-chemicals
Preston, M. The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent For Your Family’s Needs. Mindful Momma. https://mindfulmomma.com/eco-friendly-laundry-detergent/