In a previous blog post, I talked about how I switched out all my cleaning products to those that didn’t have any chemicals and were more natural to better the health of my family. Today, I am going to talk about changing out your laundry products to healthier, cleaner options.
Your laundry room is a key part of your home, but many of the products we traditionally use can contain harmful chemicals. From detergents to fabric softeners, these can impact both our health and the environment. Switching to healthier, eco-friendly products doesn’t just make your laundry routine more sustainable; it also promotes better overall health for your family. Here’s how to transform your laundry room into a healthy, toxin-free zone.
Why Choose Healthier Laundry Products?
Conventional laundry detergents and fabric softeners often contain a cocktail of chemicals. These ingredients can lead to skin irritation (I noticed this with my boys especially getting skin rashes), respiratory issues (which I have noticed with my asthma worsening with fragrance), and environmental pollution. Opting for natural, chemical-free laundry products can help:
- Reduce skin allergies: Many detergents contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
- Limit toxic exposure: Chemical fragrances, optical brighteners, and phosphates are common in laundry products and are linked to a range of health issues.
- Protect the environment: Chemicals from laundry products can pollute water systems and harm marine life.
Here’s how you can make healthier swaps for a greener, cleaner laundry routine.
1. Natural Laundry Detergents
The cornerstone of any laundry routine is the detergent. Opt for products that are free of harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and phosphates. Look for labels that say “biodegradable,” “plant-based,” or “non-toxic.”
- Brands to Try: Ecos, Seventh Generation (we use the Seventh Generation Free and Clear), and Molly’s Suds offer plant-based, eco-friendly options.
- DIY Option: You can also make your own detergent with simple ingredients like castile soap, washing soda, and borax. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also minimizes your exposure to synthetic chemicals.
2. Wool Dryer Balls
Traditional dryer sheets and fabric softeners often contain harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. These can leave a residue on your clothes, which gets absorbed by your skin. Instead, switch to wool dryer balls. These natural alternatives soften your clothes, reduce static, and cut down drying time, all without the use of toxins. Dryer balls can be purchased at any local health food store or you can purchase on Amazon.
- Bonus Tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the dryer balls for a natural, chemical-free scent. My favorite combination go to scents are lavender and orange.
3. Non-Toxic Stain Removers
Stains are inevitable, but reaching for toxic stain removers doesn’t have to be. Many store-bought stain removers are packed with chemicals that can irritate your skin and harm the environment.
- Natural Alternatives: Brands such as Molly Suds, Branch Basics, Miss Mouth’s Stain Treater (from Amazon) are greats options. I use Norwex stain remover and it does an awesome job considering I have boys and all the dirty clothes I clean.
- Or you can try DIY stain removers using ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. These natural solutions are surprisingly effective for lifting stains.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar as Laundry Boosters
For an extra boost of cleaning power, skip the chemical-laden boosters and reach for baking soda or white vinegar. Both are natural, affordable, and work wonders for freshening up laundry.
- Baking Soda: Helps remove odors, brightens whites, and softens clothes.
- White Vinegar: Acts as a natural fabric softener, helps break down detergent residue, and fights mold or mildew. I ditched the fabric softener years ago and started using white vinegar. I tend to buy the large jug (can be off brand) from the grocery store and keep it in my laundry room.
5. Eco-Friendly Laundry Accessories
Healthy laundry isn’t just about detergents. Consider upgrading your laundry accessories to make your entire routine more eco-friendly.
- Mesh Laundry Bags: Use these bags to protect delicate items without needing harsh detergents.
- Drying Racks: Instead of using the dryer for every load, invest in a drying rack to air-dry clothes. It’s gentler on fabrics and reduces energy consumption.
6. Natural Fragrance Alternatives
If you enjoy fresh-smelling laundry, avoid synthetic fragrances, which are often made from petrochemicals. Instead, try adding a few drops of essential oils to your wash cycle or to wool dryer balls.
- Popular Essential Oils: Lavender, orange, lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are great options for naturally scenting your laundry while also offering some antibacterial properties.
Final Thoughts
It can seem daunting to make a switch from the current laundry products you are using, which may have been things you have used for years. But, making the switch to healthy, eco-friendly laundry products can have a profound impact on both your family’s health and the environment. Start with small changes, like swapping out detergents and fabric softeners for natural alternatives, and gradually overhaul your routine with greener options. You’ll soon find that healthy laundry practices can be just as effective—if not more so—than conventional methods, all while giving you peace of mind.
Do you have any specific healthy laundry products you use, or are you looking to make the switch? Let me know in the comments below!