• Travel
    • Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • London
      • USA
      • Caribbean
      • Thailand
      • Sri Lanka
      • Bermuda
      • Japan
    • Away Luggage
  • Latest Posts
  • Reviews By Brand
    • Clothing >
      • Encircled Reviews
      • Mott & Bow Reviews
      • Quince Clothing Reviews
      • Tradlands
      • Vetta Capsule
    • Shoes >
      • Bali Elf Handmade Leather Shoes & Accessories
      • Birdies
      • Nisolo
      • Rothys
    • Meal Delivery >
      • Aldi
      • Butcherbox
      • Hello Fresh
    • Home >
      • Last Tissue
      • Last Object
      • Brooklinen
    • Sustainable Gifts
  • Lifestyle
    • Capsule Wardrobe
    • Discounts & Promos >
      • Last Tissue & Last Swab Discount Code TRIPDONTFALL
      • Hello Fresh Sign Up Discount!
      • Butcherbox Sign Up Discount
      • Instacart Sign Up Discount Code
      • Current Miles + Points
      • Chase Freedom Flex - 5% Cashback Groceries - $200 Bonus
      • Chase Freedom Unlimited - % Groceries + 1.5% Cashback Everyday - $200 Bonus!
      • Chase Sapphire Preferred - Best Travel Card - $0 Foreign Transaction Fees - $750 Bonus!
    • Food & Drink
    • For The Home
    • Travel
    • Reviews
    • Style
    • Black Friday/ Cyber Monday 2021 >
      • Sustainable Brands Black Friday Cyber Monday Deals
      • Blog Posts - Sustainable Brand Round-up BFCM 2021
      • Encircled - Canadian Shoppers
      • Encircled - US/Global Shoppers
      • Etsy Black Friday & Cyber Monday BFCM 2021
  • Faves
    • Low Waste Swaps
    • Protein Bars To Try
    • Smoothies
    • Safer Laundry Detergents
    • Travel Shoes
    • Cooking Essentials
  • Deals
  TDF LIFE & STYLE
  • Travel
    • Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • London
      • USA
      • Caribbean
      • Thailand
      • Sri Lanka
      • Bermuda
      • Japan
    • Away Luggage
  • Latest Posts
  • Reviews By Brand
    • Clothing >
      • Encircled Reviews
      • Mott & Bow Reviews
      • Quince Clothing Reviews
      • Tradlands
      • Vetta Capsule
    • Shoes >
      • Bali Elf Handmade Leather Shoes & Accessories
      • Birdies
      • Nisolo
      • Rothys
    • Meal Delivery >
      • Aldi
      • Butcherbox
      • Hello Fresh
    • Home >
      • Last Tissue
      • Last Object
      • Brooklinen
    • Sustainable Gifts
  • Lifestyle
    • Capsule Wardrobe
    • Discounts & Promos >
      • Last Tissue & Last Swab Discount Code TRIPDONTFALL
      • Hello Fresh Sign Up Discount!
      • Butcherbox Sign Up Discount
      • Instacart Sign Up Discount Code
      • Current Miles + Points
      • Chase Freedom Flex - 5% Cashback Groceries - $200 Bonus
      • Chase Freedom Unlimited - % Groceries + 1.5% Cashback Everyday - $200 Bonus!
      • Chase Sapphire Preferred - Best Travel Card - $0 Foreign Transaction Fees - $750 Bonus!
    • Food & Drink
    • For The Home
    • Travel
    • Reviews
    • Style
    • Black Friday/ Cyber Monday 2021 >
      • Sustainable Brands Black Friday Cyber Monday Deals
      • Blog Posts - Sustainable Brand Round-up BFCM 2021
      • Encircled - Canadian Shoppers
      • Encircled - US/Global Shoppers
      • Etsy Black Friday & Cyber Monday BFCM 2021
  • Faves
    • Low Waste Swaps
    • Protein Bars To Try
    • Smoothies
    • Safer Laundry Detergents
    • Travel Shoes
    • Cooking Essentials
  • Deals

The Quest For A Better Laundry Detergent - Washing Your Clothes Shouldn't Be Dangerous ... or itchy. 10 Safe Laundry Detergents For Your Family

10/11/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Washing your clothing in appropriate intervals is part of good hygiene. It helps your clothes to last and is good for your health. Or is it? 
Many have switched to fragrance-free laundry detergents to avoid fragrance sensitivity issues or the additional chemicals, but is that really enough? Did you know that the high-level scrubbing power we expect from our laundry detergents is actually the result of some very hash chemicals? 

Below I will share some research I have done along with some possible better options. I am very much in the learning and self-educating phase, so feel free to do continued research on these subjects and products especially as time goes on and more information becomes available. I do not claim to be an expert on any of this, hence referencing the experts in the sources linked below. Hope you find it insightful and that it helps you make educated decisions for a safer, cleaner, greener, healthier life! 


About 1,4 Dioxane - Is It Dangerous? How To Identify It?

For instance, the solvent 1,4-Dioxane is considered by the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) likely to be a human carcinogen. [Read the EPA 1,4 - Dioxane Fact Sheet Here]
What's a carcinogen? Something that has the potential to cause cancer. 
Studies on rats whose drinking water has been exposed long-term to 1,4-Dioxane has revealed liver and kidney damage and tumors. In humans 1,4-Dioxane side effects can include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, lack of appetite, and irritation of the throat, lungs, nose, eyes, and skin. 


Now add to that knowledge the fact that 1,4- Dioxane is found commonly in laundry detergent. And the more laundry we do, the more we are exposed to this chemical as some of it will remain in the fabric after washing and the more this chemical infiltrates the water system. According to the FDA (US Food & Drug Administration), 1,4 Dioxane "forms as a byproduct during the manufacturing process of certain cosmetic ingredients. These ingredients include certain detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers, and solvents identifiable by the prefix, word, or syllables "PEG," "Polyethylene," "Polyethylene glycol," "Polyoxyethylene," "-eth-," or "-oxynol-." (source) 
So, again, if you are seeing the following, know that 1,4- Dioxane is nearby: 
  • "PEG"
  • "Polyethylene"
  • "Polyethylene glycol"
  • "Polyoxyethylene"
  • "-eth-"
  • "-oxynol-"
​
Look carefully. I found quite a few "natural" "eco" laundry detergents that contained some of these! Hopefully I didn't miss any in the brands I list below. If I did, please let me know! 
In 2013, Tide agreed to reduce the amount of 1,4 Dioxane in their laundry products. Why the need to reduce it, if it's not a bad ingredient? Why just reduce rather than find a way to eliminate it? [ENS article] 


Other Harmful Laundry Detergent Chemicals

Phenols, Phosphates, SLS [sodium laurel sulfate], ammonia, are just a few other harmful ingredients in laundry detergent that can impact your skin, causing irritation and dermatitis. Even worse, some chemicals, such as Nonylphenol Ethoxylate [NPE] are endocrine disrupters, causing hormonal imbalances, lowered metabolism, kidney and liver damage, fertility issues, immune system suppression and more. While some of these chemicals are "inexpensive", the cost on our health is quite high. 


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Grab Green

Philosophy: "You Shouldn't Have To Sacrifice Effective For Non-Toxic". 
"It's Not Just About What's Removed, But Also What's Left Behind."

Grab Green wants to combine better-for-you ingredients that are still effective and good for the environment. 

​Learn about their brand here. Learn about their ingredients here. Shop Grab Green here. 

 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent Pods

The Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods line is made in USA and free of phosphates, chlorine, phthalates, parabens, perfumes, caustic chemicals and dyes. Ingredients are naturally derived and non-toxic. These pouches use 98% less plastic than conventional cleaning products and packaging is recyclable. These are also safer for little ones because they are not dyed which means they don't look like an appealing piece of candy for them to try to eat. Powder pods are also hard to swallow and if ruptured are much less likely to be consumed compared to liquid pods. 
Grab Green Natural Laundry Detergent Packs Cost - As Low As .23/load
Grab Green 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent Pods Lavender + Vanilla With Essential Oils
Grab Green 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent Pods Gardenia With Essential Oils
Grab Green 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent Pods Lavender With Essential Oils
Grab Green 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent Pods Vanilla With Essential Oils
Grab Green 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent Pods Free & Clear Unscented
Grab Green 3-In-1 Laundry Detergent Pods Vetiver With Essential Oils
Shop All Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods
These do contain C9011 Pareth-6 as a surfactant of low concern on EWG.


Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods

Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods are an EPA Safer Choice Certified product. They are also powder pods making them a safer choice to prevent ingestion by children. Plastic-free outer packaging is made from Kraft paper. Again, made without phosphate, chlorine, dyes, and available in fragrance free or some interesting essential oil fragrances. 
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods Cost - As Low As .19/load
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods in Olive Leaf [Patchouli, Geranium, Clove, and Peppermint Essential Oils]
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods in Rose Petal  [ Cedarwood, Bergamot, Lime Essential Oils]
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods in Birch Branch [Patchouli and Vetiver Essential Oils]
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods in Oak Tree [Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Geranium, and Patchouli Essential Oils]
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods in Rain [Fragrance Free
Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods Sample Kit - Try All Varieties 
Shop All Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods
These do contain C9011 Pareth-6 as a surfactant of low concern on EWG.


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Dropps

Dropps Natural Laundry Detergent Cost - As Low As .19/load
Mission: "Prevention is the Cure. We believe that individuals and families can take simple steps to replace everyday products that are both eco-responsible and economical - which, if multiplied across a multitude of individuals and families, can have a measurable impact on the planet. #onefamilyonehomeonefuture" [source]

Dropps is very interested in reducing plastic waste and it's far reaching effects on earth. Dropps Laundry Pods are free of dyes, chlorine, phosphates, enzymes, optical brighteners and are made from plant-derived ingredients making them biodegradable. See their ingredients here and click "show me the ingredients".  The packaging is 100% recyclable, repulpable, and compostable cardboard boxes. The pod film is made of polyvinyl alcohol [PVA] which is said to be biodegradable by micro-organisms naturally in water. Within one month or less it is broken down into component parts, unlike micro plastics which essentially never break down entirely. According to NCBI of NLM of NIH [National Center for Biotechnology Information of US National Library of Medicine of National Institutes of Health. whew, that's a mouthful], Orally administered PVA is relatively harmless. yay! source.  
Shop Dropps Laundry Detergent
Dropps Natural Laundry Detergent Pods Fresh Scent Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin
Dropps Natural Laundry Detergent Pods UnScented Hypoallergenic Sensitive Skin
Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pacs - Unscented 
Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pacs - Lavender Eucalyptus Essential Oils 
Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pacs - Clean Scent Orange and Fir Needle Essential Oils
Dropps Small Loads Sensitive Skin Natural Detergent Pods - Unscented 
Dropps Small Loads Sensitive Skin Natural Detergent Pods - Fresh 
Shop Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods
Contains triethanolamine which may be of concern according to EWG.


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Lucky Fiji Water Soluble Detergent Sheet by LG

Shop Lucky Fiji Water Soluble Detergent Sheets
Wish I could find more information on these, but they could be great for travel in particular. They are free from Petroleum Surfactants, Phosphate, Fluorescent Whitening Agents, Parabens, and Triclosan. Safe cleaning ingredients include Baking Soda, Coconut Fruits, Papaya and "Aroma Oil" [I would like more information on that.] They say the Lucky Fiji laundry sheets are 100% water soluble, so not like those sheets you used to put in  the washer then the dryer and later throw away. 
Lucky Fiji Eco and Travel Friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Cost: As Low As .28/load
Seventh Generation Laundry Packs are 100% Free of fragrances, dyes, synthetic brighteners. An EPA safer choice product, you can find an ingredient list on the container. Unfortunately they come in plastic containers, but the good thing is the container is made from 100% recycled plastic and is recyclable. 
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs Free & Clear 
Shop Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs
These do contain Laureth-6 as a cleaning agent of low concern on EWG.


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Nellie's All Natural Non Toxic Vegan Powdered Laundry Detergent

Nellie's has no SLS, SLES, gluten, phosphates, fragrance or chlorine. It comes in a metal container. 
Nellie's All Natural Detergent Cost - As Low As .16/load

Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Clean Cult Biodegradable Non Toxic Laundry Detergent Tablets
CleanCult makes use of coconuts as an SLS alternative. See all ingredients on their site here
They are also promoting zero waste packaging which is excellent. 
Clean Cult Laundry Detergent Cost - As Low As .46/load
Shop Clean Cult Laundry Detergent Tablets


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Molly's Suds

Molly's Suds Natural Laundry Soap Powder is free of toxins, synthetic fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, chlorine, fillers, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Phthalates, Petrochemicals, or known carcinogens.  Nice. 
Molly's Suds Cost - As Low As .34/load
Molly's Suds Lavender
Molly's Suds Ocean
Molly's Suds Ocean Mist
Molly's Suds Unscented 
Molly's Suds Ultra Concentrated
Molly's Suds Ultra Concentrated Unscented
Shop Molly's Suds


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - Rockin' Green

Rockin' Green is all about Vegan, Gluten Free, Biodegradable, Recyclable Packaging, Plant-Based, Cruelty Free, Sustainably Manufactured products. They are not all about parabens, phthalates, optical brighteners, sodium hypochlorite, phosphates, artificial fragrance, SLS, SLES, or dyes. Solid. 
Rockin' Green Laundry Detergent Cost - As Low As .20/load
Rockin' Green Active Wear Laundry Detergent 
Rockin' Green Lavender Mint Revival
Rockin' Green AC/DSea Breeze
Rockin' Green Smashing Watermelons
Rockin' Green Bare Naked Babies
Shop Rockin' Green Laundry Detergent


Better Laundry Detergent Choices - SoapNuts/Soap Berries

For one of the most natural options out there - straight up soap nuts. This is a dried fruit that naturally cleans your laundry! [read more here] Toss them in the pouch and then into your washer. Or you can boil them to make liquid soap too!
Shop Soap Nuts/ Soap Berries

Picture

​Thanks for visiting
Trip Don't Fall - A Clumsy Girl's Travel & Lifestyle Blog



Growing up I thought I would never leave my home town, but in my 20's I caught the travel bug and if I'm not traveling you can bet I am dreaming about my next adventure. If I am 'home', I probably have my AirPods in and I'm listening to a podcast or youtube (travel, declutter, zero waste videos mainly) while trying to streamline my home and wardrobe, and working to create a greener, simpler, more intentional life one baby step at a time. Feel free to poke around here at www.tripdontfall.xyz and follow us on instagram @tripdontfall.xyz to join me on my journey! ​​​​ [This post may contain affiliate or referral links which help support this website at no cost to you]

Pin Me!

Picture


Tags: USA Travel Blog, Thailand Travel Blog, Japan Travel Blog, Sri Lanka Travel Blog, London Travel Blog, Portugal Travel Blog, Cruise Travel Blog, Travel Hacking Blog, Credit Card Blog, Lifestyle Blog, Simplify Blog, Declutter Blog, Downsize Blog, Less Stuff More Travel BlogTags: USA Travel Blog, Thailand Travel Blog, Japan Travel Blog, Sri Lanka Travel Blog, London Travel Blog, Portugal Travel Blog, Cruise Travel Blog, Travel Hacking Blog, Credit Card Blog, Lifestyle Blog, Simplify Blog, Declutter Blog, Downsize Blog, Less Stuff More Travel BlogTags: USA Travel Blog, Thailand Travel Blog, Japan Travel Blog, Sri Lanka Travel Blog, London Travel Blog, Portugal Travel Blog, Cruise Travel Blog, Travel Hacking Blog, Credit Card Blog, Lifestyle Blog, Simplify Blog, Declutter Blog, Downsize Blog, Less Stuff More Travel Blog, Tiny House Blog, Unawatuna Travel Blog, Trip Don't Fall Travel & Lifestyle Blog, Ella Travel Blog, Udawalawe Travel Blog, Tangalle Travel Blog, Mirissa Travel Blog, Colombo Travel Blog, Chiang Mai Travel Blog, Bangkok Travel Blog, Chiang Rai Travel Blog, Phuket Travel Blog, Fukuoka Travel Blog, Tokyo Travel Blog, Curacao Travel Blog, St Kitts Travel Blog, Bonaire Travel Blog, Aruba Travel Blog, Bermuda Travel Blog, Barbados Travel Blog, Antigua Travel Blog, London Travel Blog, low waste living, zero waste lifestyle tips, clean laundry, natural laundry detergent, safe laundry detergent, hypoallergenic laundry detergent, soap nuts, eco friendly biodegradable no plastic laundry detergent
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

Trip Don't Fall Travel & Lifestyle Blog (TDF)
www.tripdontfall.xyz
Copyright 2021
  • Travel
    • Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • London
      • USA
      • Caribbean
      • Thailand
      • Sri Lanka
      • Bermuda
      • Japan
    • Away Luggage
  • Latest Posts
  • Reviews By Brand
    • Clothing >
      • Encircled Reviews
      • Mott & Bow Reviews
      • Quince Clothing Reviews
      • Tradlands
      • Vetta Capsule
    • Shoes >
      • Bali Elf Handmade Leather Shoes & Accessories
      • Birdies
      • Nisolo
      • Rothys
    • Meal Delivery >
      • Aldi
      • Butcherbox
      • Hello Fresh
    • Home >
      • Last Tissue
      • Last Object
      • Brooklinen
    • Sustainable Gifts
  • Lifestyle
    • Capsule Wardrobe
    • Discounts & Promos >
      • Last Tissue & Last Swab Discount Code TRIPDONTFALL
      • Hello Fresh Sign Up Discount!
      • Butcherbox Sign Up Discount
      • Instacart Sign Up Discount Code
      • Current Miles + Points
      • Chase Freedom Flex - 5% Cashback Groceries - $200 Bonus
      • Chase Freedom Unlimited - % Groceries + 1.5% Cashback Everyday - $200 Bonus!
      • Chase Sapphire Preferred - Best Travel Card - $0 Foreign Transaction Fees - $750 Bonus!
    • Food & Drink
    • For The Home
    • Travel
    • Reviews
    • Style
    • Black Friday/ Cyber Monday 2021 >
      • Sustainable Brands Black Friday Cyber Monday Deals
      • Blog Posts - Sustainable Brand Round-up BFCM 2021
      • Encircled - Canadian Shoppers
      • Encircled - US/Global Shoppers
      • Etsy Black Friday & Cyber Monday BFCM 2021
  • Faves
    • Low Waste Swaps
    • Protein Bars To Try
    • Smoothies
    • Safer Laundry Detergents
    • Travel Shoes
    • Cooking Essentials
  • Deals