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A healthy lifestyle extends beyond the food you eat. It includes every aspect of your daily routine, including how you do your laundry. Many conventional laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals that can pose risks to your health and the environment. Take a moment to think about how often you you’re exposed to your laundry detergent. It’s on the clothes you wear, the sheets you sleep in, the towels you clean your body with! For almost every second of every day, you are exposed to the laundry detergent you use, so you should be sure to choose a good one!
In this post, we’ll explore the dangers of these common ingredients and recommend cleaner, safer alternatives.
Understanding the Harmful Chemicals in Laundry Detergent
Conventional laundry detergents often contain a variety of chemicals that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and environmental damage. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Sulfates: These are used to create lather and remove dirt, but they can be harsh on the skin and may trigger allergies or eczema.
- Phosphates: Often used to soften water and improve cleaning efficiency, phosphates can cause environmental harm by promoting algal blooms in water bodies, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.
- Synthetic Fragrances: While they make your clothes smell fresh, synthetic fragrances can contain phthalates and other chemicals that disrupt hormones and cause allergic reactions.
- Optical Brighteners: These chemicals make fabrics appear whiter by reflecting light. They can remain on clothes after washing and may cause skin irritation.
The Importance of Switching to Clean Detergents
Switching to eco-friendly, plant-based detergents is a simple yet effective way to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and protect the environment. These detergents use natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and biodegradable, ensuring they don’t pollute water bodies.
Tips for a Healthier Laundry Routine
- Use Less Detergent: Most loads require only half the amount of detergent recommended by manufacturers. This reduces chemical residue on your clothes and helps them last longer.
- Add White Vinegar: A cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle can soften fabrics and eliminate odors naturally.
- Choose Fragrance-Free Options: Opt for fragrance-free detergents or those scented with essential oils to avoid synthetic fragrances.
My Recommended Clean Laundry Options
1. Branch Basics
Branch Basics offers a powerful, plant-based cleaning solution that’s free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances. Their concentrate can be used not just for laundry but for all your cleaning needs, reducing the number of different products you need to buy. Branch Basics is particularly effective because it’s gentle on the skin and safe for the environment. Their products are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
I also recommend checking out Branch Basics Wool Ball for a safer dryer sheet alternative!
2. Truly Free
Truly Free focuses on providing non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for your home and the planet. Their laundry wash is free from synthetic fragrances, phosphates, and optical brighteners. Truly Free products come in reusable containers, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Additionally, they use essential oils for natural fragrance, ensuring that your laundry smells fresh without the risk of harmful chemicals.
I also recommend checking out Truly Free Dryer Angels for a safer dryer sheet alternative!
