Did you know that the liquid laundry detergent industry was worth around $21 billion in 2021?
We rely on laundry detergent to deal with stubborn stains and leave our clothes looking pristine. Anybody who has ever had a grass or red wine stain will testify to the value of a powerful cleaning agent.
But is it possible that your laundry detergent is damaging your skin? Is laundry detergent toxic? This guide explores the issue and directs you towards a safe laundry detergent you can rely on.
Read on for more information.
Is Laundry Detergent Toxic?
The reality is that the laundry detergents you use may be impacting your home’s air quality, your skin health, and even the air outside your property.
When you use detergents that contain 1,4-Dioxane or other toxic compounds, some are left on your clothes following the washing cycle. Thus, you are exposing yourself and your family to these substances. These chemicals can also have severe negative effects when inhaled or in close contact with the skin.
Because these chemicals stick to your clothes, they may also infiltrate your skin, especially if your clothing becomes damp. For example, when you sweat, your body absorbs the detergent residue from your textiles. This can be harmful to the skin and impact your overall health.
Why Are There Toxins in Laundry Detergent?
Following WWII, there was a worldwide scarcity of soap. To combat this problem, scientists discovered that various petrochemicals (chemical compounds produced from petroleum) could be used for cleaning purposes.
Many industries were repurposed for civilian use after the war. One chemical, tetra-propylene, was employed in the production of laundry detergents. By the ’50s, petrochemical detergents had nearly totally supplanted soap for washing clothes.
Most detergents on the market today are laden with toxic petrochemicals, which can endanger our health.
Finding a Safe Laundry Detergent
If you don’t want to be exposed to toxins, you need to look for natural detergents. Always use a detergent that contains plant-based surfactants and is phosphate-free.
Because detergent makers are not obligated to list all the chemicals in detergent, it can be challenging to know exactly what you’re buying. Some websites provide a list of well-known companies you can trust for clean clothes and better health.
If misused, soap-based detergents can leave residue on clothing. However, this is nontoxic and will wash right out. View this site for a few trusted detergent options.
Choosing the Best Laundry Detergent
You shouldn’t have to choose between clean clothes and healthy skin. Unfortunately, that’s a choice you have to make with most modern laundry detergent.
By choosing soap-based and natural cleaning detergents, you remove toxins from your home and promote better air quality in the house. We hope this guide has given you the inspiration to make a change today.
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