Laundry is a routine task, but our detergents often contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals that can impact our health in ways we may not realize. Traditional laundry detergents, including popular options like Tide Pods, are loaded with 1,4-dioxane, phosphates, surfactants, phthalates, and toxic dyes. These ingredients can disrupt hormones, irritate the lungs, and, over time, damage other organs.

If you’re concerned about what these toxic substances are doing to your health and want to avoid them, making your own laundry detergent is a simple and effective solution. Here’s a DIY recipe allowing you to control your laundry routine with non-toxic, safe ingredients.

DIY Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups baking soda
• 1.5 cups washing soda
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• Optional: 20 drops of organic lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking soda and washing soda.
2. Add the sea salt and Epsom salt, then mix thoroughly.
3. For an added fresh scent and a boost of natural cleaning power, add 20 drops of organic lemon essential oil to the mixture. Stir well to ensure even distribution.

Store your DIY detergent in a glass mason jar with an airtight seal to keep it fresh. Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on your laundry’s size and soil level.

Natural Fabric Softener Alternative

Instead of relying on commercial fabric softeners, which often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the skin, consider using vinegar. Simply add vinegar to the softener dispenser in your washing machine. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener, leaving your clothes feeling fresh and soft without any toxic side effects.

Why Choose Non-Toxic Detergents?

Switching to a non-toxic laundry routine with safer detergents isn’t just about avoiding chemicals—it’s about taking proactive steps toward better health. Choosing simple, natural ingredients in detergents reduces exposure to harmful substances, protects your skin from irritation, and safeguards your overall well-being. Plus, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing exactly what’s in your laundry detergents.

Make the switch today and experience the difference that non-toxic cleaning can make. Your clothes—and your body—will thank you.

References:

1. Wilbur, Sharon, et al. “PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT.” Toxicological Profile for 1,4-Dioxane, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US), 2012.
2. Lim, Chris C., et al. “Harmful Algal Bloom Aerosols and Human Health.” eBioMedicine, vol. 93, July 2023.
3. Bernal-Jácome, Luis Armando, et al. “Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Degradation in Detergents during Shelf Time, a New Exposure Pathway, and a Perspective on Their Substitution.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, vol. 31, no. 21, May 2024, pp. 30497–508. PubMed.
4. Wang, Yufei, and Haifeng Qian. “Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health.” Healthcare, vol. 9, no. 5, May 2021, p. 603. PubMed Central.