It can sometimes be challenging to find effective detergents that don’t contain harmful ingredients. Many of the conventional detergents you’ll find in stores are loaded with chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. In this blog post, I’ll dive deeper into the reasons why it’s important to choose non-toxic detergents, how you can easily make your own detergent yourself . Are you not much of a DIY’er after all? No worries, I’ll also give you a few healthy ready-made options
Why choose non-toxic detergents?
1. Skin irritation
Many regular detergents contain harsh chemicals such as fragrances and dyes that can cause skin irritation. This can result in symptoms such as redness, itching, or even skin rashes. People with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema are particularly susceptible to this. Non-toxic detergents are typically free of these harsh substances, making them a safe choice for anyone who suffers from skin problems.
2. Allergies
Some ingredients in detergents, such as enzymes or synthetic fragrances, can cause allergic reactions. This can manifest itself in symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, or skin rashes. The use of natural detergents can reduce the risk of such allergic reactions, as they do not contain any irritants.
3. Breathing problems
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in detergents can contribute to indoor air pollution and exacerbate respiratory problems. These chemicals are associated with conditions such as asthma and can even irritate the airways of healthy people. Choosing detergents without these harmful VOCs can contribute to a healthier living environment, especially for children and people with respiratory problems.
4. Chemical sensitivity
Some people are more sensitive to the chemicals in laundry detergents, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Avoiding these chemicals can help to reduce or prevent such symptoms. Non-toxic detergents are often made from natural ingredients that are less likely to trigger such reactions.
The impact of detergents on health
It is important to realize that the products we use on a daily basis have a direct impact on our health. Avoiding harmful chemicals in detergents can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and reduce health risks. In addition to the direct health problems they can cause, these chemicals also affect the environment.
The environmental impact of conventional detergents
Plastic pollution
One of the most visible problems with traditional detergents is packaging. These resources often come in large plastic bottles, which contribute to the growing plastic pollution worldwide. While many of these bottles are recyclable, much of them still end up in landfills or the ocean. By switching to homemade detergents or products with eco-friendly packaging, we can significantly reduce our plastic footprint.
Water pollution
The chemicals in traditional detergents are not completely broken down during the washing process and eventually end up in our waterways. This can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and water quality. Natural and biodegradable detergents break down more easily and reduce the impact on the environment.
Make your own detergent
Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to control what ingredients you use and create a non-toxic alternative. Here’s a simple recipe for making your own laundry detergent, for both liquid detergent and washing powder:
Ingredients for Making Liquid Laundry Detergent
- 20 grams Marseille soap (flakes)
- 10 grams of soda (for white laundry)
- 1 liter of water
- 20 drops of essential oil
Don’t feel like looking for all the individual ingredients? I have put together a ready-made DIY kit for you. With this you can get started right away!
Instructions
- Boiling water
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a saucepan. This is the base of your detergent and helps the soap dissolve better. - Adding soap
Add 20 grams of Marseille soap flakes to the boiling water. Stir well until the soap is completely dissolved. Marseille soap is a natural, plant-based soap that is gentle on the skin and cleanses effectively. - Adding soda
For the white laundry, you can add 10 grams of soda. Baking soda acts as a natural bleaching agent and helps remove stubborn stains. Make sure the soda is well dissolved in the mixture. - Cool down and add essential oil
Allow the mixture to cool completely before adding 20 drops of essential oil. Lavender oil is a great choice for a calming scent, while lemon oil provides a fresh, clean scent and provides extra cleaning power. - Preserve
Pour the cooled mixture into a reusable bottle or jar. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to preserve freshness. Your homemade laundry detergent is now ready to use!
Ingredients for making washing powder:
- 80 grams Marseille soap (flakes)
- 250 grams of washing soda (for white laundry)
- 350 grams of baking soda
- 100 grams epsom salt
- 75 grams of sea salt
- 50 drops of essential oil
Don’t feel like looking for all the individual ingredients? I have put together a ready-made DIY kit for you. With this you can get started right away!
Instructions:
- Grind
Grind the soap flakes very finely in, for example, a food processor. - Mix
Mix all the ingredients together. - Preserve
Store in a reusable jar and make sure it seals tightly. Your homemade washing powder is now ready to use.
Use of homemade detergent
When using your homemade detergent, use about 100 ml (liquid) or 40 grams (powder) per wash. For larger or more soiled loads, you can increase the amount slightly. You’ll find that your clothes are crisp and clean without the harsh chemicals of traditional detergents.
Benefits of Homemade Laundry Detergent
Cost savings
One of the biggest advantages of making your own detergent is the cost savings. The ingredients needed to make your own detergent are often cheaper than buying pre-made detergents. Plus, you can buy the ingredients in bulk, which adds up to even more savings.
Control over ingredients
When you make your own detergent, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means that you can avoid any irritating or unwanted substances. You can experiment with different essential oils to customize the scent to your personal preference.
Less environmental impact
By making your own laundry detergent, you reduce the amount of plastic waste and the emission of harmful chemicals into the environment. You contribute to a more sustainable world by using natural and biodegradable ingredients.
Alternatives to homemade laundry detergent
Fortunately, if you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own laundry detergent, there are other options available that are free of toxic substances. You can find it here.
Ready-to-use non-toxic detergent
For those who prefer to use a ready-made product, there are several brands that offer detergents without harmful chemicals. You can find it here.
It’s clear that switching to non-toxic detergents offers many benefits, both for your health and the environment. Making your own laundry detergent is a simple and cost-effective way to realize these benefits. By consciously choosing natural ingredients and avoiding harmful chemicals, you can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner planet. Together, we can take a step towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
