What is the bad chemical in laundry detergent?

Author: Vena Anderson  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

Avoid laundry detergents containing artificial fragrances, preservatives such as 1,4-dioxane, carcinogens such as benzene, chlorine bleach, phosphates, synthetic dyes, fabric brighteners, and harsh surfactants such as LAS. These compounds negatively impact health and the environment.

What harmful chemicals are in laundry detergent?

Many laundry detergents use surfactants like petroleum distillate or naphtha. These surfactants can boost the cleaning power of laundry detergent. However, they also can damage mucus membranes and lungs, which could lead to serious respiratory problems.

What is the safest laundry detergent to use?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

What laundry detergents don't contain 1/4 dioxane?

5 1,4 Dioxane-Free Laundry Detergents
  • Branch Basics Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Liquid Castile Soap. ...
  • Soap Nuts. ...
  • Baking Soda + Vinegar. ...
  • Branch Basics Laundry Kit.

Is C12-16 Pareth toxic?

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concludes this substance is safe for use when formulated to be non-irritating.

Laundry Detergent Chemicals That Spike Your Blood! 🔺 Ep72

Is Arm & Hammer laundry detergent toxic?

Expert-Verified Answer. Arm and Hammer laundry detergent may contain ingredients that raise concerns about both human health and environmental toxicity. Compounds like volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and phosphates can pose risks when inhaled or when they enter waterways.

Is seventh generation laundry detergent Dioxane free?

To its limited credit, Seventh Generation claims that there is no dioxane in its products when measured at a detection limit of two parts per million or higher.

Is non-toxic laundry detergent worth it?

Non-toxic detergents generally use ingredients that are gentler on the skin, minimizing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. This makes them a preferable choice for people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

Is Arm and Hammer laundry detergent septic safe?

After doing some research with septic system companies, including Wind River Environmental, these are the best detergents for septic systems: Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent. Charlie's Soap Laundry Detergent. Earth Friendly Laundry Products.

What is America's number 1 laundry detergent?

America's favorite detergent, Tide, has every laundry detergent you need - whether it's HE detergent or Tide PODS® with Febreze. For over 75 years, we have been committed to changing the way laundry is done while always delivering the hardest working laundry detergents.

What is the #1 dermatologist recommended laundry detergent?

all Free Clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin. 100% free of perfumes and dyes, all Free Clear is Tough on Stains, Gentle on Skin.

What is the best substitute for laundry detergent?

Baking Soda + Lemon Juice

Many people know that baking soda and lemon juice are the go-to combinations for many cookies, cocktails, and cakes. However, these two powerful ingredients are also the greenest replacement for laundry detergents.

What is the least toxic laundry detergent?

Puracy's nontoxic natural laundry detergent was developed by doctors for people with sensitive skin and allergies, so it's hypoallergenic and free from toxic chemicals like sulfates, phosphates, dyes, and optical brighteners.

What's wrong with Tide detergent?

EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.” 1,4-dioxane is commonly found in Tide and many other major brands of laundry detergent.

How to make homemade laundry detergent?

Here are our experts' steps for making homemade laundry detergent:
  1. Begin by boiling 8 cups of water.
  2. Next, add 2 cups of borax and 2 cups of baking soda.
  3. Dilute 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water; add to mixture.
  4. Add 2 cups of dish soap and another 8 cups of boiling water.

What laundry detergent has no dioxane?

Because Meliora Cleaning Products are made without ethoxylated ingredients, they do not contain any 1,4-Dioxane. Our products are also MADE SAFE® Certified, meaning they have passed the strictest ingredient screening requirements in the industry.

Is oxiclean toxic?

Harmful if swallowed. Contains sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate. Avoid powder or solution contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact (wear gloves). EYE CONTACT: Flush with water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention immediately.

Is it good to wash clothes without detergent?

Can you wash clothes with just water? Washing clothes with only water may not get them thoroughly clean. The washer's agitation takes care of easy-to-remove dirt, but it won't remove stains and heavy odors. Use a laundry detergent to break down stains and soiling.

What is the seventh generation controversy?

Seventh Generation class action lawsuit overview:

Personal care product company Seventh Generation misleads consumers about the amount of uses they are getting out of its laundry detergent products, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

Does all tide have dioxane?

Every Tide product that we ship complies with all state and federal regulations, including the New York state 1,4 dioxane requirements. Because Tide is designed for everyday use, we go beyond regulatory compliance to ensure continued monitoring of every ingredient, in every product.

Is Persil laundry detergent safe?

The safety and well-being of our consumers is our top priority. Persil fragrances are formulated to be safe, which includes compliance with the standards set by the International Fragrance Research Association (IFRA), which are based on risk assessments by an independent scientific expert panel.

Is tide banned in New York?

Despite the claims being made by social media influencers, New York did not ban any laundry detergent products.

Is Purex laundry detergent toxic?

INGESTION: Large quantities may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lethargy. CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS: None known.

Why is arm and hammer detergent banned?

In recent lab examination, it was discovered that the following laundry detergents contained more than the legal limit for 1,4-Dioxane: Arm & Hammer Clean Burst.

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