Detox Your Laundry Room

Since my last past was all about the toxic chemicals used in manufacturing our clothes, I figured it was only natural to follow up with what toxic chemicals could be lurking in your laudry room and some non-toxic alternatives. 

When it comes to washing our laundry, most people love when their clothes smell “good” or “clean”. Unfortunately, that clean smell we love so much often comes from "fragrances" in your laundry detergent.  Fragrance usually means there are dozens, if not hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals, including phthalates (which are hormone disruptors), and companies are not required to disclose what ingredients are used in it.  Many of the top selling laundry detergents emit carcinogenic chemicals, including acetaldehyde, benzene, and 1,4 dioxane (one of the products with the highest levels of 1,4 dioxane include tide laundry detergent) .  

Fragrance in laundry detergent is designed to stick to your clothes, unfortuately it also sticks to your skin, which is then absorbed in your bloodstream.  If that wasn't bad enough, these toxic chemicals travel up through the vents in your dryer polluting your indoor air, filling your lungs with toxins. Emmissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated.  So, that "clean" smell we all love so much, is anything but "clean".  

Below are some clean swaps for your laundry essentials.

Honest Company

• Fights stains - 4 stain fighting enzymes 
• Plant-derived ingredients 
• Dermatologiest tested
• Made in the USA with US and imported materials

Made without

• Dyes
• SLS/SLES
• Optical brighteners
• Fragrances
• Methylisothiazolinone
• Formaldehyde donors

Norwex
Norwex's ultra-concentrated, USDA certified biobased Liquid Laundry Detergent has been tested against the toughest odors and stains. The unique blend of enzymes easily breaks down and removes all kinds of odors and organic stains, getting your laundry exceptionally clean. Best of all, you never have to worry about harmful chemicals like bleach or added fragrances. It’s tough on dirt, not the environment.

• Enzyme power boosters reduce strong odors and tough stains, even in athletic apparel and performance wear.
• Breaks down and helps remove:
  • Starch- and/or sugar-based stains, like those from jam, chocolate and other foods.
  • Fat-based stains, like those from gravy, oils, grease, makeup, etc.
  • Protein-based stains, like those from coffee, tea, blood, sweat, dairy and grass.
• Ultra-concentrated so just a few pre-measured pumps per load is all you need, just a fraction of the amount required by most typical store brands.
• One bottle of Liquid Laundry Detergent saves money and space:
  • Clean three times as many loads as 46 ounces of a leading brand of laundry detergent.
  • Washes up to 215 loads in an HE machine.
  • Washes up to 107 laundry loads in a conventional machine.
• 97% USDA biobased means the product is certified to come from natural resources, so it’s safe for you and the environment.
• Convenient pump bottle prevents spills and messes and dispenses a consistent amount every time.
• Effective in hard water.
• Safe for septic systems.
• Bottle is recyclable, PETE #1, and smaller bottle means less waste (always remember to rinse before recycling).
• Product not tested on animals.
• No animal-derived ingredients.

Dryer sheets

Dryer sheets are particularly toxic: “According to a study in Science Daily, analysis revealed 25 VOCs in dryer sheets, including two known carcinogens, acetaldehyde and benzene.”  Dryer sheels and fabric softeners can cause harm to your dryer and the environemtn with all of thsoe chemicals.

Clean swap

Norwex Dryer Balls

Norwex Dryer balls- Dryer sheets can leave harmful chemicals in clothing, which then touches your skin. Norwex's Fluff and Tumble Dryer Balls are made of 100% New Zealand wool to soften fabric, help reduce static and wrinkles as well as cut drying time—all without the use of harmful chemicals. They’re also great for use with your favorite essential oil to naturally scent your laundry.

Benefits

Reduce dryer time, wrinkles, and static cling

They don't contain chemicals or dryer-harming ingredients 

Separates and creates space between clothes, allowing the hot dryer air to circulate better and soften fabrics.

Made of 100% hand spun New Zealand wool, a naturally sustainable and biodegradable resource.

Safe for all clothes.

Saves time, energy and money.

Quieter and more natural than plastic dryer balls, and they won’t melt.

Excellent for use with pure essential oils for scented laundry.

Norwex's Wrinkle release

Norwex's wrinkle release:  Biodegradable ingredients remove unsightly wrinkles in no time. Simply spray lightly, then gently tug and smooth the wrinkles away. Gently conditions while also preserving the shape of garments. Contains natural fragrances and safe for bright colors and delicate fabrics. Great for home or on the go to quickly get rid of creases and wrinkles!

Free From:
• Synthetic dyes and fragrances
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde
• Sulfates
• Phosphates
• Bleach
• SLS/SLES
• Petrochemicals
• Parabens
• Animal-derived ingredients

Norwex's Stain remover

Norwex's stain remover works without chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals to penetrate, dissolve and eliminate a variety of stains on contact. It’s gentle on delicate fabrics and works in all water temperatures. The formula contains biodegradable ingredients and is free of dyes, petroleum solvents, phosphates and other harsh chemicals.

Free From:
• Chlorine bleach
• Glycol ethers
• Phthalates
• Petroleum solvents
• Synthetic fragrances
• Dyes

Benefits

• Exceptionally fast-acting and effective against most food, soil, protein, grease and sugar stains
• Penetrates and dissolves tough stains like coffee, tea, juice, grass, makeup, lipstick, mascara, wine and eggs and colored fruit stains like cherries, strawberries, mustard and tomatoes.
• Virtually eliminates protein stains like blood and greasy stains like butter, ice cream, yogurt and mayonnaise
• Say “goodbye” to ring around the collar and underarm stains
• Ultra-concentrated with a neutral pH
• Gentle and safe to use on delicates, colorfast fabrics, baby clothes and bedding
• Safe for septic systems
• The OceanBound Plastic packaging helps keep plastic waste from reaching our waterways and is recyclable, HDPE #2.