Conventional laundry detergents are amongst the worst items we can use in our house. The chemicals that bathe our clothes wind up in our bodies. Dryer sheets and fabric softeners are even worse. Wonder why there is an increase in skin and breast cancer? Clothes encase our bodies and the chemicals from these products are readily absorbed. Our skin is a living, breathing organ. Anything we put on it is internalized. Bed sheets and pillow cases that are washed with toxic detergents subject us to hours of skin and inhalation contact. Is it a wonder why so many have allergies, asthma, and fatigue?

Typical ingredients used in conventional laundry detergents:

Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates (LAS): These synthetic surfactants are commonly listed as ‘anionic surfactants’ on labels, and are one of the most common surfactants in use. During their production process, carcinogenic and reproductive toxins such as benzene are released into the environment. They also biodegrade slowly, making them a hazard in the environment.

Petroleum distillates: These chemicals have been linked to cancer, lung damage, lung inflammation and damage to mucous membranes.

Phenols: According to the National Institutes of Health, phenol is toxic and people who are hypersensitive to it could experience death or serious side effects at very low exposures. Plus, it is rapidly absorbed and can cause toxicity throughout the entire body. Typically, death and severe toxicity result from phenol’s effects on the central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys.One common surfactant in U.S. laundry detergents is nonyl phenol ethoxylate (this chemical has been banned in Europe, and was found to slowly biodegrade into even more toxic compounds). Studies have found that this surfactant stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells and feminizes male fish.

Optical brighteners: These synthetic chemicals convert UV light wavelengths into visible light, which makes laundered clothes appear whiter (although does not actually affect the cleanliness of the clothing). They’ve been found to be toxic to fish and to cause bacterial mutations. Further, they can cause allergic reactions when exposed to skin that is later exposed to sunlight.

Phosphates: These chemicals are used to remove hard-water minerals to make detergents more effective, and to prevent dirt from settling back onto clothes during a wash. A major problem with them is that, when released into the environment, they stimulate the growth of certain marine plants, which contributes to unbalanced ecosystems. Many states have banned or restricted the use of phosphates for this reason, and you may see laundry detergents advertised as “low-phosphate” or “phosphate-free.”

Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach): This is a chemical precursor to chlorine, which is highly toxic and involved in more household poisonings than any other chemical. When it reacts with organic materials in the environment, carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created than can cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.

EDTA (ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate): EDTA is a class of compounds used as an alternative to phosphates to reduce mineral hardness in water, prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they’re put in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not biodegrade readily and can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals in the environment, allowing them to re-enter the food chain.

Artificial fragrances: Many of these can be made from petroleum (see petroleum distillates above), and do not degrade in the environment. They’ve been linked to various toxic effects on fish and mammals, and often cause allergies and skin and eye irritation.

There are some good alternatives to Tide and Cheer but none are better than Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. This product works to clean the whole house, dishes, and as a hand soap by the sink.

• Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Fir Needle Oil, and Spruce Oil. Sal Suds is mostly coconut based and is all biodegradable.
• Sal Suds is free of phosphates, petroleum solvents, chlorine, perfumes, dyes, animal by-products, and other common triggers for respiratory or skin irritations.
• Non-caustic/pH neutral at ready-to-use dilutions. Effectively dissolves and removes acid and alkaline-based soils.
• Safe for all washable fabrics.
• No animals were used in the testing of this product.
• An environmentally responsible product.

The directions for use are on the bottle. If you are using a front-loading washer, only use half of the suggested amount. Remember, no fabric softener or dryer sheets. Use 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar in the pre-wash slot and 1/2 cup in the softener slot. If a top loader, use 1 cup at the beginning of the wash. Vinegar will soften clothes, preserve color, brighten whites, darken blacks, and eliminate static cling.

Have fun doing that laundry!

THE CURE IS THE CAUSE.