What’s Really in Laundry Detergent?

We anticipate fresh and clean clothes once we load laundry into the washer. Have you considered the unknown substances hiding in the laundry detergents we use every week and sometimes daily? Popular laundry detergent brands such as Tide, Gain, All, and Arm & Hammer contain toxic ingredients that may lead to health complications and environmental damage.

We need to examine which harmful chemicals appear in household laundry products and understand the significance of their presence.

1. Tide

Tide remains a popular household product but multiple studies and consumer reports question the safety of its ingredients.

Toxic ingredients commonly found in Tide include:

1,4-Dioxane: This substance has been confirmed as a carcinogen with known associations to cancer development and liver impairment. Manufacturing creates this chemical as a byproduct, which regulations permit it to be excluded from product labels.

Fragrance (Parfum): Fragrance components in Tide contain unknown chemical mixtures which incorporate endocrine-disrupting phthalates.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): The compound Sodium Lauryl Sulfate provokes skin irritation while it frequently contains traces of 1,4-dioxane.

Optical Brighteners: Clothes contain synthetic chemicals that give them a clean appearance without truly being clean. These substances create skin irritation effects and pose dangers to aquatic organisms.

Dyes and Colorants: These unnecessary additives possess the potential to trigger allergic responses and skin sensitivity.

2. Gain

Gain has maintained popularity because of its robust fragrance, yet this smell carries a concealed price.

Harmful ingredients in Gain may include:

Fragrance/Parfum: Gain's fragrances contain synthetic compounds which could act as allergens or disrupt hormones like those found in Tide.

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LAS): This synthetic surfactant irritates skin and eyes while posing toxicity risks to aquatic species.

Ethoxylated Alcohols: Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.

Enzymes and Preservatives: Sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from these ingredients.

3. All

All detergent claims to be a gentler choice for sensitive skin, but comprises multiple concerning ingredients.

Problematic chemicals in All detergent may include:

Fragrance/Parfum: Based on their specific varieties, fragrance components remain significant offenders in “Free & Clear” detergents.

Methylisothiazolinone & Methylchloroisothiazolinone: The preservatives Methylisothiazolinone & Methylchloroisothiazolinone have been associated with skin irritation and allergic reactions and might pose neurotoxic risks.

Sodium Borate (Borax): This compound causes hormonal disruption and triggers worries about its reproductive toxicity.

Polyacrylate Polymers: Polyacrylate Polymers work to stop dirt from resettling on clothes while presenting a risk of skin irritation.

4. Arm & Hammer

The Arm & Hammer detergents are marketed as natural options based on baking soda, yet they contain questionable ingredients.

Toxins often found in Arm & Hammer include:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.

Fragrance/Parfum: The fragrance in Arm & Hammer detergents contains hazardous chemicals that cause allergies and hormone disruption and lead to respiratory problems.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) have been banned by several countries because of their long-lasting environmental impact and ability to disrupt the endocrine system.

Synthetic Polymers: May contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways.

Why Should You Care?

These ingredients may contribute to:

Hormone disruption

Allergic reactions

Respiratory problems

Skin irritation

Long-term health risks including cancer

Environmental pollution and harm to marine life

The unseen chemicals on our clothing and linens remain on these fabrics even after washing them. These substances attach to our skin before entering our bloodstream and become pervasive in our homes and waterways.

A Better Way: Safer Alternative Exists

Suppose you want to make sure what's in your detergent. Make your detergent!!

The value of your health exceeds any benefit gained from convenience products that leave behind synthetic scents. When you make your own detergent, you are selecting safer ingredients. Therefore, you protect more than just your clothes; you safeguard your body and environment while keeping your family safe. Your future self will also be grateful.

Thanks for being here.

Blessings

You did not see the detergent you use. If you let me know what it is in the comments, I will report back to you.