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You switched to a toxin-free laundry detergent because you wanted a non-toxic option, but now your clothes smell funky, look dull, and feel rough, and you’re ready to go back to Tide.
In this second episode of my three-part “Toxin Free Fails” series, I’m breaking down exactly why your clean laundry detergent isn’t working and what you can do about it without going back to toxic products.
(Here is part one about finding a clean shampoo that works!)
The truth is, it’s not the detergent’s fault. It’s your water hardness, your high-efficiency washing machine, and the fact that you need to understand which ingredients actually work in different water conditions!
I’m doing a complete ingredient breakdown of three different clean detergents:
- The ultra-clean Meliora powder
- My go-to Thieves liquid detergent
- The controversial Truly Free that works in the hardest water conditions.
You’ll discover why plant-based surfactants get “gunked up” by minerals, why your high-efficiency washer isn’t using enough water to get clothes clean, and the two specific ingredients that make some clean detergents work in hard water (even though some people call them “toxic”).
This episode will save you from throwing in the towel on clean laundry products and give you the knowledge to choose the right detergent for your specific water situation. No more funky-smelling clothes or going back to products that actually harm your health.
In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:
- The water hardness factor
- High-efficiency washer problems
- Three detergent case studies
- The “toxic” ingredient controversy
Why Your Toxin-Free Laundry Detergent Doesn’t Work
Before you rush back to Tide, consider these reasons why your current clean laundry detergent may not be working well for you.
Water Hardness
Your water hardness might be causing your clean laundry detergent to be less effective.
The mineral content in your water (mostly magnesium and calcium) determines the hardness of your water.
If you have over 180 ppm coming into your home, that is considered very hard water. Under 60 ppm is considered soft water.
You can check how hard your water is with this tool.
Why does this matter?
Minerals interact with the soap you use. Plant-based surfactants and powders tend to cling to those minerals, causing gunking. It’s not dispersing onto your clothes to clean them properly.
It’s difficult to use those clean ingredients in a hard water environment.
If you have very hard water, it’s almost impossible to get clean clothes by using a clean laundry powder. You’re better off investing in clean liquid detergent.
Efficient Laundry Machines
We now have washing machines that are highly efficient.
They use a lot less water, which is problematic for toxin-free laundry detergents. You need a lot of water to get the washing going. There’s not enough water being used to wash our clothes effectively.
If you have a washing machine with an agitator, don’t give it up! Those are the best we can get right now. They wash clothes so well.
Here are some other things you can do that will make a difference in how well your clothes get washed:
- Pre-rinse
- Pre-soak
- Add an extra rinse
You’re adding more water to the washing process to bring out the cleaning properties of the toxin-free laundry detergent.
Picking a Clean Laundry Detergent
Toxin-free laundry detergent CAN work for you – you just have to understand how it works with your water and washing machine.
- Meliora Powder is great in soft water environments.
- For low to medium water hardness, check out Thieves detergent.
- If you have very hard water, Truly Free is your best option.
I hope this episode helped you learn how to use your toxin-free laundry detergent more effectively!
To learn more about toxins to watch out for, download my free Top 25 Toxins to Avoid list.
I’m also launching my signature course, Toxin Free in 3, soon!
You’ll learn:
- The truth about toxins
- Quick wins that matter
- How to label hack
- Choosing your own swaps
Products mentioned:
- Get 40% Thieves Cleaning Bundle
- Try Truly Free for $5
- Check your water hardness
FAQs About Toxin-Free Laundry Detergent
Should I switch to non-toxic laundry detergent?
Absolutely. Your household cleaners, laundry detergent, and fabric softeners make up a large majority of the toxins in the indoor air of your home. Detoxing your cleaning products is one of the most impactful toxin-free swaps you can make in your home.
What is a good alternative to dryer sheets?
Wool dryer balls are great! It helps your clothes dry faster, gets rid of wrinkles, and naturally softens your clothing.
Why do people say laundry detergent is toxic?
In my honest opinion, and one that I strongly believe is backed by all the data and all the science, your dryer sheets, laundry detergent, and fabric softeners are probably the most toxic products in your entire home. Not only are we exposed to laundry detergent toxins through our clothing, but we’re also breathing in polluted air as our washing machine runs and sleeping in sheets coated with toxins.
Related Episodes:
Episode 12: Spring Cleaning: Why You Should Detox Your Toxic Laundry Detergent
Episode 13: Spring Cleaning: Why You Should Ditch the Toxic Dryer Sheets
Episode 112: How Truly Free Is Revolutionizing Laundry and Online Shopping with CEO Stephen Ezell
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