Understanding the Hidden Dangers of Laundry Detergent Residue

Posted By: Truly Free

Posted On: 12/19/2024

When you pull on your favorite outfit, you probably don't think twice about the laundry detergent you used to clean your clothes. After all, it's something we do without a second thought.

Your choice of laundry detergent, however, might be one of the culprits behind a range of health issues. From skin irritation to hormone disruption, the chemicals left behind in your clothes after washing them with detergent can have a significant impact.

The hidden detergent residues on clothes from conventional laundry detergents

Traditional laundry detergents are filled with chemicals designed to make your clothes look cleaner and smell fresher.

But many of these ingredients don’t fully rinse away, especially when your washing machine is overloaded. That means they remain trapped in the fibers of your clothes.

While this might seem harmless, those detergent residues are essentially a toxic film that your skin can absorb—day in and day out.

How chemicals are absorbed through your skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s highly permeable. When you wear clothing washed in conventional detergents, your skin is absorbing whatever chemicals are lingering in the fibers, including these common ingredients in conventional laundry detergents:

Synthetic fragrances: These are often linked to skin irritation, allergies, and even reproductive issues. Some fragrances also contain phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors.
Optical brighteners: Many contain fluorescent colorless dyes that deceive the eyes into thinking that clothes are cleaner and brighter than they actually are.
Surfactants: Some surfactants, like alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), are toxic to aquatic life and have been linked to hormone disruption in humans.
Formaldehyde: Often used in traditional fabric softeners and other laundry products, it’s linked to an increased risk of cancer, and can cause respiratory issues if inhaled.

How heat and sweat reactivate these dangerous laundry detergent chemicals

You might be surprised to learn that the chemicals in your clothes don’t just stay dormant while you wear them. In fact, heat and sweat can reactivate these detergent residues on clothes, amplifying their effects on your body.

When you sleep, for example, your body temperature rises, and you sweat. This creates an environment where the chemicals trapped in your pajamas and sheets are essentially “reactivated.” These chemicals, especially fragrances and optical brighteners, can then be absorbed more readily into your skin, even as you sleep.

Switching to a safer, alternative, chemical-free laundry detergent

Choosing non-toxic, plant-based laundry products is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself. Truly Free Laundry Wash and Truly Free Softening Rinse are free from synthetic fragrances, toxic chemicals, and other harmful ingredients.

Not only are they safe for skin, your health, and the environment, they help your family cut down on single-use plastics. Your first order comes with a forever bottle you use again and again, thanks to Truly Free refills.

Best of all, both non-toxic laundry products come in Unscented or Signature Scent, which is made from all-natural plant and essential oils for a delightful aroma that lasts. Make a safer choice and switch today.

Click to Switch to Non-Toxic Laundry