Naturally we're concerned about the health and safety of our family members. Doing laundry is no different. Did you know your laundry could be causing harm to your health? Not just in the washer or dryer, either.
According to studies, 1/3 of all laundry detergents contain at least 1 chemical flagged by the EPA as potentially causing cancer. On average, toxic laundry detergents emit 17 toxins that go unlisted on the label, and which can cause problems ranging from skin irritations to neurological damage. For these reasons, you might want to stay away from conventional laundry detergents, dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners altogether.
According to studies, 1/3 of all laundry detergents contain at least 1 chemical flagged by the EPA as potentially causing cancer. On average, toxic laundry detergents emit 17 toxins that go unlisted on the label, and which can cause problems ranging from skin irritations to neurological damage. For these reasons, you might want to stay away from conventional laundry detergents, dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners altogether.
Like you, we LOVE to have clothes that feel soft, smell fresh and are free of static cling. In my home we do everything organic: shampoo, conditioners, body soap, dish soap, carpet cleaners, doggie shampoo, deodorant, foods, etc.. ALL ORGANIC and CHEMICAL-FREE. But for whatever reason our laundry routine was the last to make the ultimate switch. I was fixed on cleaning my sports gear and work out clothes with a detergent to get the stink out, and fixed on using the giant box of dryer sheets I got at Costco. I thought it was working, but finally realized the yucky smell was getting locked in the fabric with those detergents.. and the dryer sheets were just covering up the stink.
Since fabric softeners are designed to stay in your clothes for extended periods of time, those yucky chemicals gradually seep out, and can be inhaled or absorbed directly through your skin. Liquid fabric softeners are slightly preferable to dryer sheets, as the chemicals in dryer sheets get released into the air when they are heated up in the dryer and can pose a respiratory health risk to those both inside and outside the home. This isn't what I want!!
I had enough! And had to make a change. After a google search I found so many options! And when I finally made the switch to using all natural cleaners and wool dryer balls with essential oils, I was completely amazed at how fresh my laundry smelled and how well my clothes are maintained. It's so easy and also makes the house smell great!
Since fabric softeners are designed to stay in your clothes for extended periods of time, those yucky chemicals gradually seep out, and can be inhaled or absorbed directly through your skin. Liquid fabric softeners are slightly preferable to dryer sheets, as the chemicals in dryer sheets get released into the air when they are heated up in the dryer and can pose a respiratory health risk to those both inside and outside the home. This isn't what I want!!
I had enough! And had to make a change. After a google search I found so many options! And when I finally made the switch to using all natural cleaners and wool dryer balls with essential oils, I was completely amazed at how fresh my laundry smelled and how well my clothes are maintained. It's so easy and also makes the house smell great!
Harmful Ingredients in Dryer Sheets and Liquid Fabric Softener:
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SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR LAUNDRY
These are our favorite laundry solutions. Simple and easy - they cost half the price of using toxic detergents and other commercial products. Not only will you save money, but your clean laundry will smell so fresh!
LAUNDRY DETERGENT
COLOR-SAFE “NON-BLEACH” STAIN REMOVER
| LAUNDRY HELPER Add 1/2 teaspoon Tea Tree Essential Oil to your laundry for towels and other fabrics prone to getting moldy... including workout clothes and sports gear. LAUNDRY SOFTENER
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Ditch the Dryer Sheets!
Plastic dryer balls and tennis balls can leach chemicals when they reach high heat, as well as cause extra static, so it is a good choice to go with natural fibers like wool. Wool is the perfect material for dryer balls since it is renewable, natural, and absorbent.
Depending on how many balls you use, you can reduce your drying time by anything from 20% to half. Dryer balls also gently pummel your fabric, softening clothes and linens. This is great for hard water.
Add 8-15 drops of essential oils to your balls to add a light scent and even cut down on static.
Wool dryer balks offer so many benefits:
Depending on how many balls you use, you can reduce your drying time by anything from 20% to half. Dryer balls also gently pummel your fabric, softening clothes and linens. This is great for hard water.
Add 8-15 drops of essential oils to your balls to add a light scent and even cut down on static.
Wool dryer balks offer so many benefits:
- Dry on low (save energy)
- Dry in half the time (save energy)
- Forgo dryer sheets and fabric softeners (fewer chemicals and expenses)
- Avoid plastics and off-gassing
Essential Oils to use with Dryer Balls (8-15 drops)
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