If your family is like the typical family, you wash a ton of clothes throughout the year. Consider the products you use when doing a given load of laundry – the detergent, and maybe a whitener, stain remover, fabric softener and dryer sheets. Did you know that those commercial products can contain ingredients which are highly toxic? Using laundry detergent alternatives such as DIY laundry detergent and wool dryer balls will make your home healthier.
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Unfortunately, manufacturers of cleaning products aren’t obligated by law to list all of their ingredients on their product package.
However, the Environmental Working Group has researched individual products and has given each product a rating from ‘A’ to ‘F’. Many laundry brands don’t rate higher than a ‘D’. They receive that grade due to a number of their ingredients having properties which can give
- respiratory challenges
- skin irritations
- reproductive and developmental difficulties
- and even cancer
Many of the chemicals in laundry products linger on your clothes long after they come out of the dryer. And speaking of the dryer, if you use dryer sheets, you are contributing to a host of toxic problems.
Dyer sheets give off volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) out of the dryer vent and their synthetic chemical fragrances linger and can harm your health.
In addition to the chemical coating left on your laundered clothes, both fabric softeners and dryer sheets release more chemicals when they are heated.
Putting your clothes in hot water, the dryer, or even ironing them creates more harm as the chemicals are heated and released.
Laundry Detergent Alternatives
Fortunately, there are some more natural options when it comes to laundry products. There are manufacturers who don’t use toxic ingredients and who disclose their ingredients on their product packaging, or website.
Here are my recommendations for non-toxic laundry detergents. All of these received an ‘A’ rating, or are certified by MadeSafe.
Are You A Do-It-Yourself Type of Person?
If you are someone who likes to go totally natural and make your own products, that’s great! You and your family will definitely benefit.
Fortunately, it only takes a few ingredients to make homemade powder or liquid laundry detergent. You can also make your own dryer sheets, fabric softener, and other laundry products.
You only need a few ingredients to make your own DIY laundry detergent. The typical ingredients are:
- Bar soap
- Washing soda, or baking soda (which can be made into washing soda)
- Borax
- Essential Oils
- And don’t forget the jar to store it in!
Many healthy living bloggers have already put together DIY laundry detergent recipes, so instead of me reinventing the wheel, here’s a roundup of DIY laundry product recipes for you to choose from.
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DIY Laundry Detergent Recipes
- DIY Natural Laundry Detergent – How to Detox Your Laundry Room by Dr. Eric and Mama Z
This DIY laundry detergent recipe also includes OxiClean
- Homemade Laundry Soap by Dr. Josh Axe
This recipe includes recommended specific essential oils to go with this traditional DIY recipe
- How to Make Laundry Soap (Liquid or Powder Recipe) by Katie the Wellness Mama
This laundry detergent only takes 3 ingredients!
- How To Make Natural Laundry Detergent (Borax-Free) by Heather the Mommypotamus
If you don’t want to use Borax, here’s a recipe for you!
- Soap Nuts for Natural Laundry Care by Katie the Wellness Mama
A totally natural laundry detergent. Just 1 ingredient! This is the easiest DIY recipe ever!
DIY Dryer Sheet Alternatives
- Homemade Dryer Balls by Stacy at A Delightful Home
Stacy even provides a video tutorial!
- How to Make Natural Dryer Sheets by Katie the Wellness Mama
Vinegar does wonders!
- How To Get Rid Of Static Cling Naturally by Heather the Mommypotamus
This is something I wouldn’t have thought of!
Additional Natural Laundry Products
- 3 Non-Toxic (& Cheap) Laundry Fresheners To Make Or Buy by Micaela the Mindful Momma
Different ways to freshen your laundry without harmful chemical fragrances
- Homemade Bleach Alternative by Heather the Mommypotamus
Made with only 3 ingredients that aren’t harmful to you or the environment!
- Natural Stain Removal Guide (No Harsh Chemicals Needed!) by Katie the Wellness Mama
Provides multiple suggestions depending on the type of stain
- Natural Stain Removers for Laundry by Kristie at Healthy and Lovin’ It
Provides non-toxic products you can use to remove stains from your clothes
Whether you make your own laundry products or purchase a non-toxic laundry detergent alternative, you will be reducing the number of chemicals in your home greatly!
The laundry room can be the most toxic room in the home, but by choosing to make these DIY laundry recipes, or purchasing my recommended laundry detergents, you can turn that room into your least toxic one!
Happy washing!
Read Next: Are You Using Toxic Laundry Detergent?
Living Natural Today Wants to Know:
- What do you do when it comes to your laundry? Do you DIY, or do you purchase a pre-made non-toxic brand?
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Kristie says
I like Molly’s Suds so far, but have also thought of making my own. Do you have any idea which of these would work really well in hard water?
Teresa says
Hi Kristie – Thanks for stopping by. I use Molly’s Suds too! Unfortunately, I don’t have a recommendation for hard water. I don’t have hard water, so it’s not something I’ve had to research yet. Hopefully someone else with hard water who reads this article and your comment will respond:).
Shelby @Fitasamamabear says
I soo could have used this three years ago! haha I finally found one I love after many many trials but some of these look pretty awesome..
Teresa says
Glad you’ve been able to make the switch and have found something that you like!
Kristy says
What a difference it made when I starting making my own laundry detergent. It’s been one the biggest money saving natural switches I’ve made. Great Resource Here!
Teresa says
Yes, switching out laundry detergent is an easy thing to do which will provide major benefits when it comes to reducing harmful chemicals. Glad you made the switch and are informing others!