Low-Tox Laundry Solutions
- Maryana Lishman
- Jan 30, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Laundry is one of those tasks we don't usually think much about, but for those dealing with eczema or other skin challenges, these products can often be a trigger, even in brands that claim otherwise.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition that can cause chronic or periodic flares of dry and itchy skin. While many doctors focus on prescribing creams and medications, it's important to consider the role that environmental and chemical sensitivities can play in triggering sensitive skin. I believe that a holistic, multi-factorial approach is key to managing or resolving skin challenges.
Our skin is our largest organ so it's important to be mindful of what we put on or near it. Even if you're a fan of sleeping nude, you're still lying on sheets that have been laundered which can leave residue on your skin adding to the cumulative toxin load your liver must process. Since most of us are in close proximity to laundered materials 24/7, this really is a topic that affects everyone.
Our "Eco" Experience.
When my daughter first developed eczema, none of the doctors we talked to mentioned anything about identifying or managing her triggers - only suppressing it with steroid creams. It was only noticing her skin was flaring where her clothes sat that I began to suspect laundry detergent.
So I toddled to the supermarket to switch to a very popular eco-friendly sensitive laundry product. As an aspiring holistic mama, I felt this brand would care for me, my baby and every dolphin on the planet so I was confident it was the safest and best choice because the label said so. Not only did her eczema worsen but suddenly my husband and I developed dry and itchy patches. I was surprised when I realised the only change I'd made was the laundry detergent so I switched to a genuinely natural laundry product, our skin began to heal and we've never gone back.
Since then I've connected with thousands of families and have seen our experience was not unique and that often the sensitive eco-friendly supermarket detergents or the ones that claim "dermatologist approved" often trigger eczema just as much, if not more, than the standard types (that's a whole other topic) so I put together these suggestions to help.
Going {Genuinely} Natural.
Choosing a detergent free from harsh chemicals and fragrances is an excellent step toward creating a supportive, low-tox space for healing at home. We want to know that what we’re purchasing isn’t going to make us sick, irritate our skin or harm the planet - and we want it to actually clean and not cost a million bucks. Easy? Not always.
Defining something as non-toxic is difficult because not only is toxicity is related to quantity, even natural agents such as baking soda and (especially) essential oils are irritating to some. It's okay to be skeptical of claims as it's very easy for products to create the impression they're safer than they really are, preventing us from rationally assessing the connection when symptoms persist.
Supermarket laundry products often contain ingredients that can irritate your skin and are often extremely alkaline and high in naturally occurring salicylates meaning they're not always a great match for eczema prone or immature sensitive skin.
Going natural often means doing laundry a little differently though, as natural products tend to be less strong, which is good for our skin and liver but not always great for stains.
HELPFUL TIPS
Pre—soak to dramatically improve results.
If you've been using chemical products for a while, do a hot wash with a little white vinegar to help clean your machine, and minimise existing residue.
Try not to overload your machine - good water flow and agitation helps a lot.
While you can add a few drops of safe essential oils for scent, limit this at first especially if you're in active gut healing or have a young baby as these are still super concentrated natural extracts that can create more work for the liver - fragrance free is best.
Choose the right washing cycle.
Choose natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo, silk and hemp.
Use oxygen bleach for brighter whites and colours.
Wash in 60°C (140°F )hot water to help remove dust mites, pet dander and pollen if your triggers are more environmental, and use the dryer rather than dry outdoors.
Just as there is no single topical product that will help everyone with eczema, it's the same with laundry solutions so find what you like, and what likes you back. With any new product, it's always a good idea to patch test a small area of clothing or fabric to ensure that the detergent does not cause any adverse reactions before using it on your entire laundry load.
I do recommend moving away from supermarket choices however if you have no choice, try washing soda crystals like these ones from New World as they are versatile, affordable, easily dissolved and low allergy however may not shift stubborn stains on their own.
So without further ado, here are some of my faves.
MAKE YOUR OWN - MY DIY RECIPE
1 cup washing soda (also known as sodium carbonate, soda ash, or soda crystals
1/2 cup borax
1/4 cup sodium percarbonate
1/2 cup liquid castile soap
2-3 drops of essential oil (optional) - I like rose.
In a mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, borax and sodium percarbonate. Stir well to combine. Add liquid castile soap to the bowl and mix until the ingredients form a paste.
If desired, add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Store in an airtight container.
Add 2-3 tablespoons to each load of laundry, depending on the size of the load and level of soiling. This recipe can be used for both front-loading and top-loading machines.
GREEN GODDESS (NZ)
This is the brand we switched to, and we still use it to this day.
I also love their entire range of cleaning products so I've listed a range of their goodies below.
Green Goddess Cleaning Paste (this stuff is magical)
SOAP NUTS
A sustainable, biodegradable and natural resource that grows wild with the dried fruit producing saponin (soap). Extremely gentle, it's perfect for sensitive skin but not a heavy duty cleaner.
MOLLY'S SUDS
Molly's Suds was created after a mum was inspired to create safer choices following the loss of her stillborn daughter and is non-toxic, eco-friendly and effective detergent that is gentle on clothes and skin. Available from iHerb.
BLOODY AWESOME, PERIOD.
An effective stain remover enhanced with sodium sesquicarbonate for ultimate cleaning power. The fragrance free non-irritating formula is suitable for clothing, period underwear, cloth pads and nappies and works on many stains including blood, dirt and grease. Cruelty free.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Koala Eco (Australia)
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