There are many reasons to seek out non-toxic household products, from air pollution to skin irritants and more. One recent study, for example, found the effect of certain cleaning products on respiratory systems to be as damaging as smoking twenty cigarettes a day.
Non-toxic laundry detergent is one of our favorite clean household products to switch to because it offers reliable cleaning power with less of the potential hazards associated with traditional detergents.
Unlike conventional laundry detergents, which often contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, non-toxic options are safe for sensitive skin and have natural cleaning properties. Plus, with companies like HeySunday offering money-back guarantees and easy-to-read ingredient lists, eco-friendly laundry loads are more delightful than ever.
What is Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?
Non-toxic laundry detergent is a cleaning agent that uses plant-based enzymes, essential oils, and minerals to clean your clothes rather than the harsh chemicals found in most other commercial products.
Common laundry detergents are made up of a concoction of dyes, synthetic fragrances, phosphates, and other chemicals such as acetaldehyde and benzene, which the Environmental Protection Agency classifies as carcinogens and has established no safe exposure level for.
Additionally, the chemicals in standard laundry detergents are common skin irritants or sources of respiratory issues, making them less than ideal for people with sensitive skin, allergies, or other conditions.
Non-toxic laundry detergents are formulated to be significantly gentler on your body and clothes. People who stop using traditional detergents may have fewer skin problems, headaches, or respiratory issues, along with a reduction in other symptoms caused by the toxic chemicals.
When shopping for the best non-toxic laundry detergent, you may notice different products marked with buzzwords like “eco-friendly,” “natural,” or "green.” However, it is very important to study the label for items like benzyl acetate, limonene, methyl ionone, and even the word “fragrance” to ensure what you have in your hands is truly non-toxic, for the good of your health and the environment.
The Benefits of Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
There are several benefits to finding the best non-toxic laundry detergent that fits your needs. Here’s a look at some of them.
Better for Sensitive Skin
Laundry detergent is a commonly known skin irritant, which is why many people will look for non-toxic options if they are particularly sensitive to chemicals.
As a recent study shows, the toxic chemicals found in most detergents can trigger skin conditions and lead to allergen sensitization early in life.
Allergic reactions, especially those involving the skin or respiratory tract, are not only uncomfortable but can be especially frustrating. People often mistake an allergy to laundry detergent for other skin problems, which hides the real cause. Many symptoms differ from person to person, but there are a few that you should always be on the lookout for.
Harvard Medical School says that the main signs of a detergent reaction are irritation and contact dermatitis. This could be anything from mild discomfort to extreme itching. Redness or a rash will show up on different people, and some may also have small bumps on their skin.
Most of the time, these symptoms show up where your clothes touch your skin, like around your waist, arms, or neck. You might also get a rash in a specific area where your clothes are tight and sweaty, like your feet, armpits, or groin.
Plant-based enzymes, mineral salts, baking soda, and essential oils are common cleaning ingredients in non-toxic detergents that don’t have the same abrasiveness as chemicals but still manage to keep your clothes clean and your family healthy.
Safe for Babies
Babies naturally have sensitive skin, making it important to choose household products that won’t cause uncomfortable irritation. Many spend a little extra on products that are labeled “baby-safe” yet continue to use typical commercial detergent on their own clothes; however, they soon realize that your baby has to touch your clothes, so you need to ensure that what you’re wearing is also toxin- and chemical-free.
This is why a non-toxic laundry detergent is preferable for families with infants. Not only will the gentler, non-toxic laundry formula be kinder to your child’s skin, but you’re also reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals that may cause health issues later in life.
When shopping for the best non-toxic laundry detergent to use on your little one’s clothes, look for ones that have the words “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free” to ensure your baby is comfortable. We love the fragrance-free laundry detergent sheets from HeySunday, which are easy to use and gentle on your baby’s skin.
Cleans Effectively
One of the major worries of people accustomed to using commercial cleaning products is that non-toxic products lack the strength required to adequately clean clothes.
Rather, if you use a non-toxic laundry detergent with a broad combination of natural cleaning ingredients, your everyday clothes will still come out fresh and clean.
To get the job done, many non-toxic laundry products replace synthetic chemicals with naturally occurring cleaning enzymes and minerals. Natural detergents also wash out of your clothes without leaving behind a chemical residue that you mean not see, but could pay for in the end.
Environmental Impact
Non-toxic detergents usually consist of biodegradable components that dissolve more readily without leaving toxic residue or chemicals.
Furthermore, non-toxic detergents are sometimes packaged in environmentally friendly materials, reducing the carbon footprint of your washing schedule and minimizing plastic waste associated with liquid detergent jugs.
Moreover, non-toxic detergents are less likely to aggravate skin irritation or allergic reactions, which helps the larger environment as well as individuals by lowering the demand for extra goods like lotions or drugs with their own environmental expenses. Choosing non-toxic laundry detergent is thus a small but significant step toward a more ecologically friendly way of life.
Better for Fabric Longevity
Using non-toxic detergent can benefit your clothes as it helps them last longer, preserving both the fabric and colors. Traditional detergent compounds can weaken fibers over time, causing fabrics to break down more quickly. Non-toxic detergents, however, are formulated with gentler, plant-based ingredients that clean effectively without stripping away the natural oils and dyes in the fabric.
Effective for All Washers
No matter the type of washer you have, non-toxic laundry detergent effectively dissolves and cleans your laundry in hot, warm, or cold water. Since HeySunday’s non-toxic formula is biodegradable, our laundry sheets are also compatible with all septic systems. One of the best perks is that the natural formulas clean your washer while cleaning your clothes! You won’t find any of the residue or gunk that is commonly left behind by synthetic detergents.
Why Choose HeySunday?
One of the best ways to find an effective and non-toxic laundry detergent is by opting for one that’s been third-party tested, reviewed, and loved by customers. HeySunday’s laundry sheets are biodegradable and free of toxic chemicals.
One of the best things about trying out new products with a company like HeySunday is their 100% money-back guarantee. Many people are skeptical of making the switch to non-toxic cleaning products, so HeySunday's money-back guarantee allows you to try the product for yourself without absorbing the risk if you are unsatisfied.
HeySunday also provides a clear ingredient list and customer support that makes the transition as smooth and seamless as possible.
Plus, you can pick up some tips, tricks, and more by visiting HeySunday's blog. Make doing laundry delightful!