January 13, 2010

Switch to the More Natural Scoop

washer and dryer

As a child, I was horribly allergic to a number of laundry detergents. Every laundry detergent my parents would switch to would end up causing the same reaction with my skin–I would break out in horrendous rashes that would itch like crazy so I’d of course scratch, being a child who didn’t know better, which would then result in more irritation and even bleeding and scarring. It was not a pretty picture in the least. Coming from a family who all have their own skin issues, it wasn’t really a surprise to find out that I had (and still have) very sensitive skin and cannot come into contact with most conventional laundry detergents.

Back in the day, you couldn’t find eco detergents; they just weren’t readily available, but luckily, enough people have hopped on the green wagon for companies to pay attention and to start offering more eco detergent options.

Every year in the US alone, more than 25,000 children have accidents involving chlorine bleach and the fragrances and ammonia in conventional detergents trigger allergies, asthma and severely irritate sensitive skin, just like mine! Eco detergents, of course, also help out our environments. Typical laundry detergents contain phosphates and they usually end up in our rives and lakes, causing harm to aquatic life which is really sad and unnecessary.

Try These Eco Detergents:

Method Baby Laundry Detergent: Coconut oil-based, biodegradable soap; triple concentrate means you need less. — $12.99/32 loads

Maggie’s Soap Nuts: Made from dried fruit nuts of the Chinese Soapberry tree; biodegradable, hypoallergenic; natural fabric softener. — $9.99/36 loads

Seventh Generation 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent: Concentrated and biodegradable liquid; Kosher certified; not tested on animals; available in Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender, White Flower & Bergamot Citrus and Free & Clear (unscented). — $30/pack of two 50oz bottles

Mrs. Meyers’ Clean Day Baby Blossom Dryer Sheets: Vegetable-based softener, biodegradable paper sheets — $12/80 sheets

Try This Eco Laundry Tip:

Instead of fabric softener, use half a cup of baking soda or white vinegar in the rinse cycle. You can also use a half a cup of baking soda (plus detergent) in the wash to brighten and whiten your clothes; works especially well for all those really old and ratty t-shirts and night shirts you refuse to throw away; this way you can give them some new life.

By Holly

2 Comments

Posted in Green Living , Home & Food

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About the Author: Holly Ord

In addition to being the Founder and Editor of Woman Tribune, Holly Ord is a freelance writer, web designer and developer, feminist activist and blogger, and hopeless video game addict. She lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania and has been blogging on liberal politics and gender equality on her personal website, Menstrual Poetry since 2007.

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2 Comments on Switch to the More Natural Scoop / Add Your Comment

Skin Cap says:

January 17, 2010 at 8:35 pm

Yeah you are right,in these days eco detergents are not readily available.

Hypoallergenic Detergent says:

June 21, 2011 at 10:20 am

Haha I do actually think that using those “baby” laundry detergents are best for sensitive skin, even though I don’t think I count as a “baby” anymore

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