What’s in Your Laundry Detergent?

Posted on February 16, 2018 0 Comments By Lindsay

Take a quick look at your laundry detergent and see what’s actually in it. There’s a good chance that you’re washing your clothes in toxic chemicals. I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the ‘Tide Pod’ challenge or about babies accidentally eating Tide Pods. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t be putting these things in your mouth, because they can cause serious harm or even death. But did you know that your skin is also highly absorbable and can even absorb the chemicals found in your laundry detergent?

Easiest way to find out what’s in your Detergent:

Download the Environmental Working Group (EWG) app and scan it.
Google search the name of your detergent followed by EWG.
Still read the ingredients. Even well rated detergents on EWG may still contain harmful chemicals.

Things to Avoid:

Possible Health Effects from Chemicals:

Autoimmune disorders
Cancer
Endocrine disorders
Skin irritation
Respiratory problems
Vertigo (dizziness)

DIY Laundry Detergent
This is the safest laundry detergent I’ve come across. Read more about it by clicking here.

Ingredients:

6 Cups of washing soda
3 Bars of finely grated soap

Directions:

Blend washing soda and grated soap in food processor.
Store in clean container.
Use 3-4 tablespoons of laundry detergent per load.

Tips:

I dissolve my detergent in warm water, before pouring into the washer.
I add in laundry boost or lavender essential oil drops.
I use ½ cup of vinegar in the fabric softener compartment.
For the dryer I use wool dryer balls.

Not a fan of making your own detergent? No problem. Check out BioKleen. They sell their liquid formula at Whole Foods and online. You can find their powder formula online. They are rated ‘A’ on EWG, but this formula does contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Laureth-7. It cleans the clothes, but has very little scent to it. You can add in laundry boost by Mrs. Myers. I love the Peony Scent. It’s rated ‘B’ on EWG. For fabric softener I pour a ½ cup of vinegar into the softener compartment and I use wool dryer balls in the dryer.