Discover the hidden health dangers of conventional laundry detergents and our top 5 safe & affordable non toxic laundry detergent picks.
Did you know the seemingly harmless bottle of detergent sitting in your laundry room right now might be harboring a cocktail of harmful chemicals? If you are using a conventional laundry detergent, you might want to reconsider what you are using to wash your clothes. Because your clothes sit on your skin all day, every day you are increasing your exposure to these dangerous detergent chemicals since they can be absorbed through your skin, leading to adverse health effects over time.
As we learn more about the chemicals commonly found in our homes, many of us are beginning to look more closely at the ingredients that make up our everyday household products, whether it's food, cleaning products, or personal care items.
However, many people overlook their laundry detergent, unaware that conventional laundry detergents contain a variety of potentially harmful chemicals, including synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and surfactants. Many of these ingredients are irritants and allergens; some are even linked to more serious health issues like cancer and hormone disruption.
If you're trying to create a toxin-free home or just looking to reduce the number of chemicals you expose yourself and your family to on a daily basis, switching to a nontoxic laundry detergent is an easy place to start.
In this post, we've included 5 of our favorite safest laundry detergents that are both effective and affordable and will keep your clothes clean, your body healthy, and our planet thriving.
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Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Your Laundry Detergent When Trying To Create A Toxin Free Home
Regulatory Gaps: Unlike foods or drugs, the regulations around laundry detergents are less stringent. As a result, not all ingredients are required to be listed on the product's label, making it harder for consumers like you and me to make informed decisions about the products we bring into our home.
Deceptive Marketing Tactics: Major brands often use deceptive marketing terms when it comes to their laundry detergents claiming they are "fresh," "clean," or "natural," giving the impression that they are organic, non toxic, and better for your health. However, these marketing terms aren't regulated and can be used even when a product does contain harmful chemicals.
Perceived As Ineffective: Some people believe that natural or non toxic laundry detergent alternatives won't clean their clothes as effectively as conventional detergents, often making them reluctant to switch from the laundry detergents they have used for years.
Accessibility and Cost: People can also be discouraged from making the switch to non toxic laundry detergents because they think they are either harder to find or are more expensive than conventional brands. In this post we hope to prove otherwise!
Frequency of Contact: While its easy to consider what harmful chemicals might be lurking in the food we eat, water we drink, and the air we breath, it's easy to overlook what chemicals might be sitting our skin. Our skin is the body's largest organ and is in constant contact with our clothes, bed linens, and towels. So any residues from laundry detergents can be absorbed through our skin and impact on our health.
What Makes a Laundry Detergent 'Non Toxic'?
Laundry detergents often contain phosphates, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, chlorine, artificial fragrances, and VOCs, which we are finding are harmful to our health and the environment.
On the other hand, a non toxic laundry detergent is free from these harmful chemicals. It is typically made from plant-based ingredients and natural minerals that are biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and free from artificial colors and fragrances.
It's important to note that 'non-toxic' isn't a regulated term, so be sure to read the ingredient lists closely and research to ensure the products you're buying live up to the claim.
While no universal standards exist to define a product as 'non-toxic', here are several characteristics that are good to look for if you want to make sure a laundry detergent is truly non toxic:
- Plant-Based Ingredients: Non toxic laundry detergents often use plant-based surfactants, which are the ingredient responsible for actually cleaning your clothes. Plant-based surfactants are less likely to cause skin irritation and are typically biodegradable.
- Transparent Ingredient Lists: Companies that produce non toxic laundry detergents often list all their ingredients on the label, allowing you to research and understand what you're using.
- Biodegradable and Eco-friendly Packaging: The best non toxic laundry detergents are not only good for humans but also for the environment. They use biodegradable formulas and packaging materials that are recyclable or compostable.
- No Synthetic Fragrances or Dyes: Many conventional laundry detergents contain synthetic fragrances and dyes made from phthalates, which can cause allergic reactions and are linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. Synthetic dyes are usually found at the end of the ingredient list under terms such as 'color,' 'dye,' or 'colorant,' followed by a color and a number (for example, Yellow 5, Blue 1).
- No Phosphates or Bleach: Phosphates and bleach wreak environmental havoc once in our waterways. Phosphates are responsible for causing algal blooms that are especially harmful to aquatic life, and bleach can disrupt or even kill sensitive marine ecosystems.
- Free from Petroleum-Based Ingredients: Petroleum-based ingredients are common in conventional laundry detergents but are harsh on the skin and not biodegradable.
- No Optical Brighteners: Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals that make clothes appear whiter or brighter. They can cause allergic reactions and may be toxic to aquatic life.
Suggested Reading: Organic Cotton Yoga Pants: Breathe Easy With These 5 PFAS-Free Brands
What Are The Benefits Of Switching To A Non Toxic Laundry Detergent?
The harmful chemicals in traditional laundry detergents can cause skin irritation, allergies, respiratory problems, and even more serious long-term health consequences. They can also contaminate waterways, harming aquatic life and disrupting marine ecosystems. By switching to a non toxic laundry detergent, you protect your health, the health of your loved ones, and the planet.
- Reduced Exposure to Harmful Toxins: Many conventional laundry detergents contain harmful toxins such as parabens, phthalates, naphthas, and others, which can cause serious health problems when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Switching to a non toxic detergent will reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Non toxic laundry detergents are often free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh cleaning agents like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause skin irritation, especially for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Proactively Improve Your Health: The long-term health effects of constant low-level exposure to the chemicals found in laundry detergent are not well understood. Switching to non toxic products can be a precautionary measure to protect your health.
- Avoiding VOCs: Laundry detergents, especially those with synthetic fragrances, contribute to indoor air pollution through volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When you run your washing machine or dryer, these scents — and the dangerous chemicals they're composed of — are released into your home.
- Environmental Impact: Many conventional laundry detergents contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. When these chemicals are rinsed out of your machine, they can end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, impacting aquatic life and the broader ecosystem.
Our Top 5 Picks: Non Toxic Laundry Detergents For a Toxin-Free Home
Molly's Suds emphasizes safety, creating vegan and cruelty-free products that are gentle on the skin and the environment. Their laundry powder is made from just five ingredients and is great for delicate skin and clothes. The peppermint smells amazing, making your clothes feel fresh and clean. Molly's Suds is safe for high-efficiency washing machines because it makes very few suds (despite its name).
The key ingredients in Molly's Suds laundry powder are sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, unrefined sea salt, and organic peppermint oil. Each of these ingredients comes from natural sources and is non-toxic. Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are both alkaline, which helps to neutralize acids and remove stains. Magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salt, is a natural fabric softener that helps to remove odors and stains. Unrefined sea salt is a natural cleaning agent that helps to remove dirt and grime. Organic peppermint lends your clothes a light, clean, naturally fresh scent.
Molly's Suds laundry powder is a great product for those seeking a non toxic laundry solution that is good for sensitive and allergy-prone skin. If you have allergy-prone pets with sensitive skin, Molly's Suds is also good for washing pet items.
Highly sensitive skin may react with the sodium carbonate and the peppermint oil. There is an unscented version that is available for those who are very sensitive to fragrance or peppermint oil.
ATTITUDE creates hypoallergenic laundry detergents for those who value clean and natural products as well as sustainability. Their mission is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place to live by designing high-quality personal and household care products using clean ingredients.
ATTITUDE's laundry detergents use sodium coco-sulfate, lauryl glucoside, sodium citrate, and sodium gluconate. Sodium coco-sulfate is a surfactant derived from coconut oil that helps remove dirt and stains from clothes. Lauryl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant that aids in cleaning and is gentle on the skin. Sodium citrate and sodium gluconate are both chelating agents that help remove hard water minerals and improve the cleaning performance of the detergent.
ATTITUDE's natural laundry detergents are available in various scents, including Wildflower, Citrus Zest, Summer Berry, Mountain Fresh, Lavender, and Pink Grapefruit. They also offer an unscented version for those who prefer fragrance-free products. All of their laundry detergents are ECOLOGO certified, hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
We selected ATTITUDE’s Citrus Zest laundry detergent and were pleasantly surprised by the refreshing and uplifting aroma. The detergent effectively cleaned our clothes, removing stains and odors without any harsh chemicals. Having fairly sensitive skin, we were anticipating the citrus fragrance would irritate our skin, but we were happy to find the hypoallergenic formula did not cause any reaction.
Dirty Labs develops high-performance, hyper-efficient biobased cleaners that are safe for both people and the environment. They are committed to transparency and are recognized by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the National Eczema Association for their commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients.
Dirty Labs offers their Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent in both Free & Clear (fragrance-free) and scented formulations. Their key ingredient, Phytolase®, is an enzyme that effectively breaks down stains and odors, making it an excellent option for whites and tough stains. The detergent is 97% USDA Biobased certified, cruelty-free, vegan, and safe for sensitive skin.
Other ingredients include lauryl glucoside, a gentle surfactant, and a blend of enzymes such as protease, amylase, pectate lyase, mannanase, and cellulase, which work together to break down dirt and microfibrils that cause fabric dullness.
The Dirty Labs Signature Scent laundry detergent has a beautifully subtle yet sophisticated scent made from a blend of magnolia, bergamot, and cedar. Beyond leaving your clothes smelling beautifully clean, the detergent's stain-removing power is impressive, effectively tackling tough stains and dirt. We also appreciate the detailed ingredient information provided by Dirty Labs, which demonstrates their commitment to transparency and safety.
EcoRoots was developed to provide eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to conventional household products in order to reduce waste and promote sustainability by offering high-quality, plastic-free, and non toxic products.
EcoRoots Laundry Sheets are an eco-friendly alternative to liquid laundry detergents that come in heavy bottles. We loved using these laundry sheets since they are compact and lightweight, and you don't have to worry about spilling!
The sheets come in two scent options: Fresh Breeze, which has a subtle aroma that smells light and clean, or Fragrance-Free. The laundry detergent sheets are made with hypoallergenic, plant-based surfactants, which help to remove dirt and stains from clothes.
We found these sheets incredibly easy to use. Simply toss one or two into the washing machine, depending on the size of your load, and start. We were impressed by the sheets' cleaning power, handily removing dirt and stains from our clothes and leaving them smelling clean. We've found that many all-natural laundry detergents can leave clothes smelling a little musty from the washing machine, but not with the EcoRoots Laundry Sheets.
These sheets are also a great option if you are planning a long trip and need to wash some clothes along the way. They take up minimal space in your luggage and leave your suitcase smelling fresh.
Blueland is setting new standards in the world of non toxic and eco-friendly household cleaning products. Their refillable, fragrance-free laundry detergent tablets are free from harmful chemicals like petroleum derivatives, dyes and colorants, artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.
The company's commitment to the environment is substantiated by its various certifications, including EWG, Cradle to Cradle, Leaping Bunny, Climate Neutral, and B Corp. Additionally, their packaging is also plastic-free and compostable.
The key ingredients in Blueland's laundry detergent tablet include sodium carbonate, subtilisin, and amylase. Sodium carbonate is a natural cleaning agent, while subtilisin and amylase are enzymes that help break down protein stains and starch, respectively. These gentle ingredients make it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or sensitive to synthetic fragrances.
Even though Blueland's laundry detergent is made from gentle ingredients, it's tough on odors and stains. With just one tablet, even our large loads of laundry come out clean and fresh-smelling, and our whites were noticeably brighter after several uses. We especially loved that the packaging is compostable and the affordable refills reduce waste and save money. Plus, we love how cute the purple reusable tin looks in our laundry room.
Frequently Asked Questions about Non Toxic Laundry Detergent
Why should I use a non toxic laundry detergent?
Non toxic laundry detergents provide several benefits. They are less likely to cause skin irritations or allergies, making them perfect for sensitive skin. They're also environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable and do not contaminate waterways. Plus, they can clean as effectively as traditional laundry detergents.
Are non toxic laundry detergents more expensive than regular detergents?
Some non toxic laundry detergents might be slightly more expensive than their traditional counterparts due to the cost of natural and organic ingredients. However, many brands offer competitively priced options. Moreover, the health and environmental benefits of using non toxic products often outweigh the cost difference.
Do non toxic laundry detergents clean as effectively as regular detergents?
Absolutely. While non toxic laundry detergents may not produce as many suds as conventional detergents, they can clean just as effectively, if not more so. Some non toxic detergents also contain natural enzymes that can help break down stains and dirt.
How can I tell if a laundry detergent is non-toxic?
To determine if a laundry detergent is non-toxic, you should check its ingredient list. Look for plant-based ingredients and avoid products with harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and artificial fragrances. Certifications from reputable organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), ECOLOGO, and PETA can also attest to a product's non toxic credentials.
Can I use non toxic laundry detergent with a washing machine?
Yes, non toxic laundry detergents can be used with both standard and high-efficiency washing machines. Just follow the usage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
This post was all about non toxic laundry detergent.
In this post, we discussed the importance of using a non toxic laundry detergent because conventional laundry detergents can contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to your health and the environment. Since our clothing is in constant contact with our skin, and can absorb the dangerous chemicals in these detergents resulting in harmful impacts on our health. For this reason, we've stressed the importance of switching to a non toxic laundry detergent to protect your health, the health of your family, and the environment.
We addressed the pitfalls of deceptive marketing, regulatory gaps, and misconceptions about the efficacy of natural laundry detergents and provided a list of 5 non toxic laundry detergents that are safe for you, your family, and the environment.
- Molly's Suds
- ATTITUDE Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent
- Dirty Labs
- EcoRoots Laundry Sheets
- Blueland Laundry Essentials
If you're ready to make the switch to a non toxic laundry detergent, here are a few things you can do:
- Do your research and find a product that meets your needs and values.
- Read the ingredient lists carefully and be careful to avoid deceptive marketing language.
- Try out different options, including powders, sheets, tablets, or liquid detergents, to see which type best suits your needs.
Our hope is that you will use this information to make a conscious choice next time you're shopping for laundry detergent and consider switching to one of these recommended non toxic alternatives. Take a step towards reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, and help create a safer environment for yourself and the planet.
Are you ready to make the switch to non-toxic laundry detergent? What are your biggest concerns about switching? Let us know in the comments below.
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