Find out if the all natural laundry detergent is fact or fiction…
There are literally dozens of ‘natural’ laundry detergent brands all claiming to be clean, non-toxic and safe. Yet, the ingredients lists beg to differ. For starters most of these brands contain phthalates, which are typically associated with fragrances and have been shown to cause hormone disruption. Another top ingredient found in these detergents is sodium-lauryl-sulfate (SLS) and sodioum laureth sulfate (SLES), which have been linked to skin & eye irritation, organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption & ecotoxicology. Next, on the list of toxins is methylisothiazolinone & benzisothiazolinone, which is linked with inhalation toxicity, dangerous allergic reactions and possible neurotoxicity. It’s also an environmental pollutant that’s toxic to fish.
Soap Nuts
Now despite the plethora of conventional brands masquerading as ‘natural’ there is hope yet. At the top of our list is soap nuts. Soap nuts are a berry shell that naturally contains a cleaning agent that works like detergent. They grow on the Sapindus mukorossi (Soap Berry) tree in the Himalayas. Though if you’re someone who likes to suds it up soap nuts may not live up to your standards because unlike conventional detergents that have artificial foaming agents, soap nuts do not produce lots of bubbles or foam. Also, because its all natural and doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals don’t expect it soften or get your whites their whitest.
Attitude
Next on our list of true ‘natural’ laundry detergents is Attitude laundry detergent. Unlike soap nuts, it’s not totally ‘natural.’ However, it still makes the list of ‘naturals’ because the ingredients are significantly less toxic than conventional brands. Moreover, for a ‘natural’ laundry detergent brand it’s priced fairly well. Its plant-based formula is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. Also, compared to soap nuts it gives your laundry a deep clean and is tough on stains and kills bacteria and odors. That said, its well worth a try.
Better Life
Next, Better Life laundry detergent, like Attitude is not totally natural. However, the ingredients set it apart from most conventional brands giving it a better environmental footprint. Better Life laundry detergent removes odors and stains better than soap nut, but not better than conventional brands. What really sets Better Life apart from other brands is that it’s very concentrated so a little goes a long way, which means you’ll definitely get an ample amount of washloads. That said Better Life laundry detergent deserves a shot as well.
When it comes to grime-busting and grease-kicking ‘natural’ laundry detergent brands still have a way to go to be competitive with conventional brands. However, when it comes to your health and the environment the ‘natural’ brands are still leading the pack and well worth a try.
What do you think? Is the all natural laundry detergent is fact or fiction?
