What’s Really in Your Laundry Detergent?

Regarding household chores, laundry is one of those tasks that feels routine and harmless. We buy our detergent, toss it in the machine, and go about our day, assuming our clothes will come out clean and fresh. But have you ever stopped to consider what’s in that laundry detergent? Many leading brands are filled with chemicals that do far more than just clean your clothes—they can also have serious, long-term effects on your health.

The Toxic Chemicals Lurking in Your Laundry Detergent

1,4-Dioxane: This chemical is a known carcinogen commonly found in laundry detergents. It doesn’t have to be listed on the label because it’s a byproduct of the manufacturing process, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous. 1,4-Dioxane can penetrate the skin and is linked to organ toxicity, including damage to the liver and kidneys. Continuous exposure, even at low levels, may increase the risk of cancer over time.^[1]

Phosphates: Often used as a water softener in detergents, phosphates can lead to significant environmental damage, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. However, their impact on human health is also concerning. Phosphates can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system and contribute to algal blooms in water bodies, which can result in water contamination that ultimately affects human populations.^[2]

Surfactants: These are the agents that help to break down dirt and grease in your laundry. While effective, many surfactants, especially nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), are endocrine disruptors. This means they can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer.^[3]

Phthalates: Commonly used to add fragrance to detergents, phthalates are another class of endocrine disruptors. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, allergies, and disruptions in the development of the reproductive system, particularly in male fetuses.^[4]

Synthetic Dyes: While bright colors might make your detergent look appealing, synthetic dyes serve no real purpose in cleaning. Instead, they can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation and have been linked to certain cancers.

The Impact on Your Health

The chemicals in traditional laundry detergents don’t just rinse away with the water. They can linger on clothes and be absorbed through the skin, especially during physical activities that cause sweating. Over time, this can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, which may contribute to chronic health issues such as hormone imbalances, respiratory problems, and even certain cancers.

Children are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals. Their skin is more sensitive, and their developing bodies are less capable of detoxifying harmful substances. This makes choosing laundry products free from toxic chemicals is all the more important.

A Simple Solution: DIY Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

Given the potential risks, switching to a non-toxic laundry detergent is a wise choice. Fortunately, making your detergent is simple and affordable, allowing you to control exactly what goes into your laundry routine.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups baking soda: A natural deodorizer and mild abrasive that helps to clean and freshen clothes.
• 1.5 cups washing soda: A more potent cleaner than baking soda, washing soda helps to remove stains and neutralize odors.
• 1/4 cup sea salt: Enhances the cleaning power of the other ingredients and helps soften water.
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt: Acts as a fabric softener and helps to remove detergent residue from clothes.
• Optional: 20 drops of organic lemon essential oil add a natural, fresh scent and provide additional antibacterial properties.

Instructions:

1. Mix thoroughly with the baking soda and washing soda in a large bowl.
2. Add the sea salt and Epsom salt, then mix again to ensure even distribution.
3. If desired, add 20 drops of organic lemon essential oil, stirring well to incorporate the oil throughout the mixture.

Store your homemade detergent in a glass mason jar with an airtight seal to keep it fresh. Depending on the size of your laundry, use 1-2 tablespoons per load.

Natural Fabric Softener Alternative

Instead of commercial fabric softeners, often loaded with synthetic fragrances and other harmful chemicals, use vinegar as a natural alternative. Simply add vinegar to the softener dispenser in your washing machine. It will soften your clothes naturally without leaving behind any toxic residues.

The Benefits of Going Non-Toxic

By switching to non-toxic laundry detergent, you’re protecting your health and the health of your family and reducing your environmental impact. Natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are biodegradable and don’t contribute to water pollution, unlike many chemicals in conventional detergents.

Take control of your laundry routine today by choosing a healthier option. Your clothes will be clean, your conscience clear, and your health better protected

1. Wilbur, Sharon, et al. “PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT.” Toxicological Profile for 1,4-Dioxane, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US), 2012.
2. Lim, Chris C., et al. “Harmful Algal Bloom Aerosols and Human Health.” eBioMedicine, vol. 93, July 2023.
3. Bernal-Jácome, Luis Armando, et al. “Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Degradation in Detergents during Shelf Time, a New Exposure Pathway, and a Perspective on Their Substitution.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, vol. 31, no. 21, May 2024, pp. 30497–508. PubMed.
4. Wang, Yufei, and Haifeng Qian. “Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health.” Healthcare, vol. 9, no. 5, May 2021, p. 603. PubMed Central.