Doing the Laundry

Safer Recommendations

Branch Basics ($10 off)
https://branchbasics.refr.cc/daddybuzzkill

Friendsheep Dryer Balls
https://amzn.to/3Uwp6ZX

White Vinegar 5% Acidity
https://amzn.to/3vX4QHv

ATTITUDE Laundry Stain Remover
https://amzn.to/4b2527C

ATTITUDE Liquid Laundry Detergent
https://amzn.to/3UlPXrm

Molly's Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
https://amzn.to/3xNX42W

Molly's Suds Oxygen Whitener
https://amzn.to/4bVSM8L

Puracy Stain Remover
https://amzn.to/4bzepf1


Problems With Mainstream Products

Are you aware of the cocktail of chemicals you're potentially introducing into your home with every load of laundry? Today, we take a deep dive into the hidden world of laundry products, where phosphates, optical brighteners, synthetic fragrances with phthalates, surfactants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals lurk behind the promises of whiteness, brightness, and freshness. Phosphates, for instance, are known to trigger algal blooms in water bodies, causing significant harm to aquatic life.

Optical brighteners may not be as bright and shiny for your health as they are for your clothes. They can cause allergic reactions and are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Fragrant laundry products are particularly deceptive. Underneath, their pleasant scents hide potentially harmful volatile organic compounds. These VOCs, including acetone and quaternary ammonium compounds, can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory issues, and some are even linked to cancer.

Bleach, a common household item, is another culprit. It may make your whites whiter, but at what cost? Skin irritation respiratory distress, chemical burns, and an increased risk of several types of cancer are just a few of the potential effects. Even the seemingly innocuous free and clear products may not be as clear of harmful substances as you'd think. DEA and 1,4 dioxane, for example, can interact with other laundry chemicals to produce carcinogenic byproducts.

But is there an alternative? Absolutely. It's possible to keep your clothes clean and fresh without compromising your health or the environment. For example, consider making your own laundry detergent and fabric softener. If DIY isn't your thing, there are brands out there like Attitude and Branch Basics that are committed to providing low toxicity products. Say no to conventional bleach and welcome oxygen-based whiteners.

Hydrogen peroxide or natural soaking solutions with lemon juice, baking soda or vinegar into your laundry routine. Replace traditional fabric softeners with vinegar or wool dryer balls. Changing habits is never easy, but prioritizing the overall reduction in chemical exposure is key. In summary, the world of laundry products is more complex and potentially harmful than many realize.

More on YouTube
https://youtu.be/2eCXFEQhDLE