Dangers of Traditional Laundry Cleaners
Common Laundry Cleaners and their Toxic Ingredients
Enzymes Enzymes are found in various laundry detergents and pre-soaking products which help to loosen soil and remove stains. The enzymes are obtained from selected strains of bacteria. Products which contain enzymes have irritating and sensitizing properties. Asthma and dermatitis may occur from industrial exposure to these enzyme products but would be unlikely from routine household use. Granulated detergents, which encapsulate the enzyme, are less toxic than powdered formulations to people who have become sensitized to these enzyme detergents.
Petroleum distillates or Napthas Linked to cancer, lung damage and/or inflammation, and mucous membrane damage. This is a very harmful chemical.
Optical brighteners Optical brighteners are a broad classification of many different synthetic chemicals which, when applied to clothing, convert UV light wavelengths to visible light, thus making laundered clothes appear “whiter.” Their inclusion in any formula does not enhance or affect the product’s performance in any way; they simply trick the eye. They are toxic to fish when washed into the general environment and can create bacterial mutations. They can cause allergic reaction when in contact with skin that is then exposed to sunlight.
Artificial fragrances Artificial fragrances are made from petroleum. They can cause allergies and skin or eye irritation.
Natural Cleaning Ingredients for the Laundry
Natural laundry detergent recipes
Laundry Detergent Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads.
Fabric softener To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying clothing is another alternative.
Stain remover 1 cup water, ½ cup baking soda, ½ cup hydrogen peroxide. Mix the ingredients and pour into spray bottles. Treat the stain spot and soak overnight.
Grass stain remover Dab a generous amount of vinegar into the stain first, was as usual. You can also wet the stain with water and cover with sugar. Soak for at least 1 hour and then wash as usual.
Mildew stains First, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the spots then sprinkle with salt. Let the garment dry in the sun then wash as usual.
Perspiration stains Combine a solution of water and vinegar in a 60/40 split quantity. Sponge onto the stain and wash as usual. Alternately mix the same ingredients using 1 quart warm water with 4 tablespoons salt and soak the garment in it. Wash as usual.
