Have you ever wondered what's really in your laundry detergent and how it might be affecting you and the environment?
As you pour that colorful liquid into your washer and enjoy the floral scent wafting through your laundry room, the last thing on your mind is probably the ingredients listed on the back of the bottle. But the truth is, those detergents designed to make your clothes bright and fresh can come with some health and environmental costs you may not even realize.
Before your next load of laundry, take a few minutes to learn the effects—both good and bad—that detergents can have on you and the planet. You may find yourself reaching for an eco-friendly alternative next time.
Effects of laundry detergents
The traditional laundry detergents found in most households are made with a pool of chemicals. Made using synthetic chemical compounds, laundry detergents can cause many diseases like skin irritation or respiratory diseases. The detergents we use to keep our clothes clean and fresh have some not-so-clean effects on the environment and your health.
Some detergents include hormone disruptors called alkylphenols that pass-through water treatment plants and may accumulate in fish and other animals. These chemicals could potentially cause reproductive issues in both humans and wildlife.
Residue from detergents left on your clothes can continue to emit fumes even after washing. These fumes build up in your home and you end up breathing them in constantly. Not exactly a fresh, clean feeling!
What are the toxic ingredients found in laundry detergents
The common harmful chemicals and pollutants found in laundry detergents to make them more effective and appealing are:Fragrance and dyes: Fragrances added to many detergents to leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. They may trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These chemicals work wonders when removing oils and dirt from your clothes. But it leaves your skin dry and irritated as these surfactants and emulsifiers tend to strip away natural oils.
Other chemicals like 1,4-Dioxane, bleach, and optical brighteners are most often used to create an illusion of freshly-laundered clothes. The chemicals also have concerning effects on both health and the environment. Many popular detergents have optical brighteners also known as endocrine disruptors like phthalates. These interfere with your hormones and may cause problems with development, fertility, and more. These chemicals have more adverse effects on your kid’s skin. So, if you’re in a house full of kids, the laundry detergent safety is a must.
What Other Alternatives Do You Have?
So now you know the scoop on laundry detergents and their effects. Consider switching to an eco-friendly, plant-based detergent - your health and the planet will thank you.The eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets from Savage For Him fit the bill!
These laundry detergent sheets are lightweight and easy to use. They have a manly scent and keep your clothes fresh for a long time. Furthermore, these sheets are designed with eco-friendly materials, so you can do your laundry without leaving a bucket of harmful chemicals.