Scary Facts About Laundry Soap - Healthy Alternatives

Laundry soap is something we all use- that is if we want clean clothes. Many people don't realize that laundry soap is actually very harmful to our health and the environment. The chemicals found in laundry soap leak back into the earth through our water systems. Laundry soaps also contain harmful ingredients that can absorb into the skin. Every day more consumers are becoming aware of the dangerous toxic chemicals which are entering their homes.

Study published by the University of Washington

The good news is that there is a way to get clean clothing without using traditional laundry soaps.

What are some of the harmful chemicals found in laundry soap?

Fragrances- This is very irritating to sensitive skin and especially abrasive to children and adults with eczema. Some of these are made from petroleum which affects our environment.

Phosphates- Another very harmful ingredient found in most commercial laundry soap and dish soap products. They may remove hard water minerals, but phosphates can be harmful to eco-systems and in some states the use of phosphates is very restricted.

Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates (LAS) - A synthetic surfactant which is carcinogenic, meaning it can cause cancer.

These are just a few of the harmful chemicals found in laundry soap.

The good news is that there is a way to get clean clothing without using traditional laundry soaps.

Soap Nuts! One of the best natural alternatives to laundry soap

In my opinion this is by far the best alternative to laundry soap. There is nothing artificial, toxic or harmful about this product. Soap nuts have actually been used to wash clothing and other items by Native Americans for thousands of years. They are called soap nuts but they are actually berries with foaming and cleansing capabilities. They are the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry tree. Although they look like nuts, hence the name soap nuts. This product is wonderful, and it works. They are also very affordable. A 10 oz box of Maggie's Soap Nuts is only $18.99, and this amount cleans 36-50 loads of laundry. You can also purchase a small size box for only $9.99, which cleans 16-20 loads, or if you just want to try them out you have the option of buying the sample size for $2.99 +shipping.

You can find soap nuts at: http://www.maggiespureland.com/

Other healthy alternatives

http://www.safewellnessproducts.com/laundry_detergent.html

Sources

http://greenlivingideas.com/housecleaning/the-dirty-scoop-on-laundry-soap.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/25/health/webmd/main4295506.shtml

http://www.webmd.com/news/20080725/fragrances-may-emit-potential-toxins

http://www.wpxi.com/health/16974631/detail.html?rss=burg&psp=health