Non-Toxic Laundry
Did you know some ingredients in typical laundry detergents classify as carcinogens? And that fresh scent smell that lingers on your clothes long after washing is actually full of synthetic chemicals? Yuck! Even Tide Free and Clear still has an F on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) website due to a known developmental and reproductive toxicity ingredient, Sodium Borate. I talk more about the EWG on my natural deodorant post. I highly recommend checking it out to see if your products are actually safe.
Once you know better, you do better. These are my favorite laundry products to keep our family clean and healthy! This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link at no cost to you.
PS: The detergent packaging both use less plastic. The environment thanks you 🙌
1. Molly's Suds Powder Detergent Made in the USA with clean ingredients. I buy unscented but there are scented choices. This product gets an A rating on the EWG. This is always my go-to recommendation.
2. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Detergent I have this for when I feel like using a liquid. The easy auto dosing squeeze makes it a breeze. This gets a D rating on the EWG which is why it's my second choice and I use it less often. This is pretty standard for any 'free and clear' you find at the big box stores. It is free from most of the harsh chemicals I avoid like parabens but I still wouldn't use it as my main laundry detergent. The flagged ingredients are mostly environmental concerns. It is concentrated, meaning they took the water out so you use a lot less and that's why it uses less plastic in its packaging.
3. Stain Removal
With three boys, stain removal is a must! I make my own using just three ingredients. I mix a paste in a bowl, put on with a toothbrush, let sit for 5 min-24 hours and wash as usual. This works like a charm!
Relative Foods Baking Soda, family and veteran-owned. Also approved for organic cooking!
Mom hack: Set aside stained items and mix a bigger batch of stain removal before you start the first load of laundry. Apply to all stains. Rinse the dish and toothbrush out in the washer when it's running. Then run the stained items through on the last load of laundry for that day.
I don't have a set amount that I use. Just a little bit of each. It doesn't seem to matter. I've also used this and forgotten about an item for more than 24 hours and the clothing was just fine.
If making your own stain remover isn't for you, I found this #1 bestseller that has thousands of positive reviews and works in just 15 minutes. I've used Puracy's other products and they are free from harsh chemicals. Let me know how it works!
4. Dryer Balls These will shorten dryer time and soften clothes, completely replacing dryer sheets. This is a one time cost that will last you many years. If you like scent in your clothes you can put a few drops of oil on the wool balls and let it dry before using them.
Wherever you are in your journey these are easy swaps you can make today to make your home and family healthier. Comment your favorite laundry hack or non-toxic product, I'd love to hear from you!