We've come a long way in our laundry journey. Soap was originally made from animal fat and ashes long ago in ancient times. In 1907, Dr. Otto Rohm made a major breakthrough in laundry cleaning. This led to a significant transformation in the soap-making process. The real game-changer came in 1914 when Rohm's research on enzyme applications in washing detergents kicked off a cleaning revolution.
The 1930s saw the birth of synthetic detergents in America, with Proctor & Gamble leading the charge. Their first synthetic detergent, Dreft, hit the market in 1933, followed by the heavy-duty Tide in 1946. By 1953, detergent sales had completely surpassed soap for laundry cleaning.
When choosing laundry detergents, we often focus on cleaning power and ignore ingredients. However, in our increasingly health and eco-conscious world, it's vital to know what we're using. Opting for non-toxic laundry detergent has become more crucial than ever as we recognize the effects of chemicals on our wellbeing and the planet. Let's review some of toxic ingredients that we should avoid in our laundry routine:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are surfactants found in many detergents. While effective at cleaning, they can be skin irritants and may cause inflammation.
- Phosphates, once widely used, have been linked to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
- Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is surprisingly present in some laundry products as a preservation. It often causes skin, eye & lung irritation.
- Chlorine bleach, a common additive, can be a skin and lung irritant. Optical brighteners, while making clothes appear cleaner, can be toxic to aquatic life.
Many laundry detergents contain those harmful chemicals that can lead to skin irritation, allergies, and long-term health issues. Therefore, it’s important to check the product label to avoid those chemicals and opt in for plant-based, non-toxic alternatives.
Fig 1: The evolution of laundry detergents reflects advancements in technology and a growing awareness of environmental and health concerns.
One of the primary benefits of non-toxic laundry detergents is their gentle formulation. These products are typically made from natural ingredients that are less likely to cause skin irritation. This is especially important for families with young children or individuals with sensitive skin. Non-toxic detergents clean well without harsh chemicals, leaving clothes fresh and clean with no harmful residues.
Moreover, non-toxic laundry detergents are better for the environment. Many conventional detergents contain phosphates and other pollutants that can harm aquatic life when they enter our waterways. In contrast, eco-friendly detergents are biodegradable and made from sustainable ingredients, reducing their impact on the planet.
Opting for non-toxic alternatives is a deliberate choice to safeguard your family and the environment for upcoming generations. In fact, our ECOFRIENDS laundry detergent sheets serve as an ideal non-toxic laundry detergent solution for you and your loved ones.
With plant-based ingredients, our products are free from harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and phosphates. ECOFRIENDS laundry detergent sheets are hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, effective, and reduce plastic waste by eliminating bulky containers.
Additionally, our detergent sheets are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for travel or small living spaces. You can conveniently throw a couple of sheets into your luggage or laundry bin without fretting over leaks or clutter. You have the option to select between the scent of fresh linen or without any fragrance.
Choosing ECOFRIENDS means you get a safe product for your family and support a brand that cares about the environment.
Join the movement towards a cleaner, greener future. Make the switch to ECOFRIENDS laundry detergent sheets today and experience the difference for yourself. Your clothes, your health, and the planet will thank you!