Toxic Chemicals in Your Laundry Room
It may feel like the cleanest place in the house, but your laundry room is likely full of health hazards, from common detergents to dryer sheets.
We all love the smell of clean and fresh clothes, towels, and linens, but the “fresh” scent comes at a health cost. Many products have a tremendous negative effect on our health.
In the quest for the brightest whites and static-free towels, we get an endless supply of chemical-based products that put toxic ingredients into our laundry and waterways. So, what are the toxic ingredients in our laundry and how do they affect our health?
Fragrance
Fragrances are considered trade secrets, so the formulas are proprietary. Since individual ingredients are not required to be listed on the label, most companies don’t disclose them, so you have no idea what you’re getting in your products.
Health effects from fragrance ingredients range from allergies to nervous and respiratory problems and cancer. Phthalates, synthetic nitro and polycyclic musks are among the worst culprits.
Fragrance alternatives: The best way to avoid scented products is to realize that we don’t need them to prove our laundry is clean. Many times, scents just mask the odor rather than addressing the root of it.
Instead, opt for fragrance-free products. If you want a little scent, try a naturally scented laundry product that uses essential oils and discloses potential allergens.
Optical Brighteners
Optical brighteners, UV brighteners or fluorescent whitening agents are added to laundry detergents and fabric softeners to make clothes appear brighter or whiter. They work by absorbing UV light and releasing blue light, which counteracts yellow discoloration.
Current sewer/water treatment technologies are not fully able to remove these chemicals from wastewater. These toxins persist in the environment, poorly affect aquatic life and have possible reproductive impacts.
PFAS
PFAS, or forever chemicals, are found in laundry detergents, stain removers and waterproofing treatments for outdoor gear. In the latter, they’re often called durable water repellents, or DWRs. Once in the environment, they can persist for hundreds of years. They’re now found in much of our drinking water and soil, as well as inside our bodies.
PFAS are associated with a growing number of health problems, including impacts on the endocrine and reproductive systems; increased risks of prostate, testicular and kidney cancer; and decreased immune responses, including our body’s ability to develop beneficial antibodies in response to vaccines.
Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners
Most dryer sheets are bad for the environment. They release toxic and hormone-disrupting chemicals, can cause migraines and asthma and even cancer. They’re also typically made of polyester (plastic), which isn’t good for the environment.
Ingredients to avoid (although they’re not always listed) include: quaternary ammonium compounds (aka quats, also found in detergents and fabric softeners). To identify quats, look for ingredients that end in -onium chloride.
Can I Avoid Toxic Chemicals in My Laundry?
Absolutely! No detergent, no bleach, no softeners and no hot water = LaundryPro 2.0.
LaundryPro 2.0 uses cold water with hydrogen & oxygen-based molecules to lift dirt and grime from cloth fibers and leave clothes brighter and cleaner. It’s easy to install and connects to your existing washing machine so no modifications or additional plumbing is required.
Benefits
- Eliminates detergent = save money!
- Eliminates hot water = save money!
- Average family savings over $450 per year, so it pays for itself quickly
- No allergic reactions or skin sensitivities as no chemicals from detergent and fabric softeners
- No chemical buildup in clothes and towels = softer!
- Cleans the inside of your washing machine where detergents and mildew tend to collect, grow mold, and mix into your wash loads (yuck!)
- Whiter whites and brighter colors without bleach
- Extends the life of your clothing
- Perfect for those who care about the planet
Our Real Life Experience Using the LaundryPro 2.0
We have used the LaundryPro 2.0 since 2017 and have saved thousands of dollars as we no longer spend money on detergents, specials cleaners and hot water. We do use fragrance-free dryer sheets to reduce static as our Arizona climate is very dry. Our laundry is cleaner, keeps colors and lasts longer, and our skin feels better by reducing the chemicals. In addition, our washing machine looks brand new after years of use as it gets a cleaning with every load we do!
We also use the water from the LaundryPro 2.0 for cleaning our floors, countertops and appliances. It works great on stainless steel and makes it look brand new! We have the optional kit that allows us to get the treated water from the unit and fill a bucket for cleaning. One of our associates has a LaundryPro 2.0 connected to his power washer. He uses it for chemical-free cleaning of decks and other areas outside of his home. You can watch this short video he made to see it in action.
To learn more about what we believe is the best green, safe, chemical free solution for cleaning and doing laundry, please give us a call or visit our website.
Some content in this article from https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/laundry-room-safety/.
