Laundry detergent is an essential item in every household that most people use daily. But did you know that the cleaning product we rely on to keep our clothes clean and smelling fresh may affect our health and the environment? Let me tell you why your laundry detergent could harm your skin.
Most commercial laundry detergents have surfactants, enzymes, and fragrances. While these chemicals make our clothes clean, fresh, and good-smelling, they strip the skin of natural oils and can even trigger asthma or respiratory problems.
Now, will you still use a commercial laundry detergent? Here are some tips for choosing a healthier option for laundry detergent.
Go for plant-based and biodegradable options.
The first step is to choose a detergent free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. Look for products that are labelled “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free.” These products are designed to be gentle and less likely to irritate your skin.
You can use natural alternatives to traditional laundry detergent. The easiest way to choose a healthier option for laundry detergent is to look for plant-based detergents. Most plant-based laundry detergents are gentle on the skin and your clothes.
Read the products’ labels to ensure they are certified by organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG). You can ensure you choose the right product as these organizations have strict standards in considering a healthy laundry detergent.
In addition, they are not harmful to the environment as they are biodegradable. It means they break down naturally and minimizes the impact on the environment.
Avoid optical brighteners and fragrances.
Several laundry detergents have optical brighteners that make clothes brighter and whiter, while fragrances make our clothes smell good. However, these ingredients cause skin irritation. It is also important to note that optical brighteners are non-biodegradable, can accumulate in the environment, and may cause long-term harm. Choose a detergent that is fragrance-free and does not contain optical brighteners.
If you often go to wash and fold services, it is best to ask them about the laundry detergents they use to protect your skin.
Try to make your laundry detergent.
Besides investing in natural and biodegradable laundry detergents, you can make your laundry detergent if you feel a little adventurous. Homemade laundry detergents are easy to do and can be made with the natural ingredients in your kitchen cabinet. Baking soda or white vinegar as a natural fabric softener. These ingredients are gentle on the skin and can help keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Making laundry detergent can help you save money while being healthy for you and the environment.
Final Takeaway
So, that’s what you can do to protect your skin from the harmful ingredients of laundry detergent. Look for plant-based ingredients, avoid fragrances and optical brighteners, choose biodegradable options, and read labels carefully. Taking these simple steps helps you protect your skin from irritation, dryness, and other health issues. If you depend on laundry delivery services, you can request special instructions for your case.
