It is important to choose the right laundry detergent. It affects how your clothes look and feel, especially if your skin is eczema-prone.
Assess your family’s laundry, including the types of stains you have, the amount, and the preferred fragrance. Also, consider whether you prefer powder, liquid, or single dose. Natural formulas do not harm fabrics and are gentler.
Surfactants
Laundry detergents such as Tyler Laundry Detergent contain surfactants, which are chemical compounds that work with water to loosen dirt and lift it off fabrics. In addition to surfactants, a typical laundry detergent contains other ingredients that help clean your clothes and make the washing process more effective. For example, some detergents contain enzymes that can break down specific types of stains, and others include fabric softeners and bleaches. Some detergents contain chelators or odor neutralizers that keep your laundry looking and smelling great.
Surfactants make up a large portion of the effectiveness in your laundry detergent. Branched alkylbenzenesulfonates (also known as SLS) and linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (LAS) are two popular non-ionic surfactants used in modern detergents. These molecules are hydrophobic (attracted to water) with a hydrophilic (attracted to oil and grease) tail. When the tails of these surfactant molecules come into contact with fat in grease or oils, they surround the grease and bond with it. This allows your detergent to dissolve fat and remove them from your laundry during the rinse cycle.
These surfactants clean your laundry in either hot or cold water, and they do not leave behind soap scum which is difficult for you to remove from fabrics. Surfactants can be more effective at cleaning your clothes than the detergent itself.
In addition to being biodegradable, LAS and SLS are environmentally friendly surfactants. They are also phosphate free, which is better for your clothes and the environment.
Other ingredients found in modern detergents that make them more effective and safe for the environment include ethoxylated or fatty alcohol amides, which are milder than other surfactants. These are usually blended with anionic detergents to create a blend that is effective without damaging fabrics.
Sodium carbonate is also an important ingredient of liquid detergents. It is a sanitizer and pH adjuster, as well as a booster for the surfactants. It is a naturally occurring compound that is mined as trona and then refined into powdered sodium carbonate. It’s often added to liquid detergents as a bulking agent, helping to make the product thicker and less runny.
Enzymes
Enzymes, which are biological molecules, speed up chemical reaction. They are very specific, and will only react with certain molecule. In detergents, they are useful because they can remove the most difficult and stubborn stains from dishes and fabrics. In addition, enzymes are reusable–they can be used over and over again. They are also biodegradable, which means that they break down into harmless molecules in the environment. Because of this, many detergent companies use enzymes in their products.
There are several types of laundry enzymes, but proteases and lipases are the most commonly used in detergents. These enzymes help to remove protein, starch, and fat stains from fabrics. In fact, they are so effective at removing these stains that they can replace some of the surfactants in detergents. These enzymes work well in colder water, which can help reduce energy costs.
Using an enzyme detergent is also better for the environment because it uses less energy and produces fewer byproducts. These detergents also save energy and money by not requiring fabric softeners. Finaly, because the enzymes come from natural sources, these are more environmentally-friendly than most synthetic surfactants.
There is a large market for enzymes in laundry detergents. These enzymes help remove proteins, fats and starches from dishes and laundry. These enzymes can also reduce the amount of washing water required and increase the speed with which stains can be removed.
The main classes of laundry and automatic dishwashing enzymes are proteases, lipases, amylases, and cellulases. Lipases, amylases and cellulases are used most often in laundry detergents. Cellulases can also help to reduce the amount of dyes that are transferred from colored fabrics to the whites.
Chelators
The laundry detergent list includes chelators in addition to surfactants and enzymes. These chelators work to trap particles like calcium or Magnesium in solution. These chemicals work to prevent the formation or hard water deposits which can dull clothes and discolor them. They also prevent mineral build-up in washing machines, which can cause odors and reduce machine efficiency. There are many types of chelators, including EDTA and hexanedioic acids.
Many manufacturers of natural washing detergents include chelators in the formulas of their products to ensure that they are safe for all types of washing machine, including those with HE cycle and septic system. These ingredients reduce the impact of the environment through reduced water and energy usage.
Natural laundry detergents are gaining popularity as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact traditional products have. This presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to enter the industry and offer eco-friendly alternatives that are gentle on the environment.
Not all detergents are created equal. The best option for you will depend on your family’s cleaning needs, such as the types of soil and stains you typically wash. For example, if you wash mostly light-soiled clothes with few stains, you may prefer a liquid detergent that is easier to measure than a powder detergent.
Biodegradable
Most conventional detergents contain dyes, fragrances and chlorine bleaches which do not dissolve during the washing process. They continue to pollute waterways and ecosystems. Fortunately, many brands offer eco-friendly alternatives that are safe for the environment. The best organic, biodegradable laundry detergents are free of such chemicals and are made from natural ingredients. They are also available in re-usable pouches to reduce waste. If you are interested in trying out an eco-friendly substitute for your liquid detergent, look for laundry sheets or pods that are made with natural plant-based ingredients and biodegradable ingredients.
When selecting an organic, biodegradable laundry detergent, look for the EWG (Environmental Working Group), as well as a transparent ingredient disclosure. These ratings can help you avoid products that contain chemicals that are harmful to your family and the planet. Select a product without synthetic colorants or scents. These chemical additives can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation for sensitive people.
The best low waste, eco-friendly laundry alternatives use plant-based surfactants and enzymes that are renewable and biodegradable. These products are free from sulfates as well as caustics, dyes, phosphates and sulfates. They come in zero waste packaging that is both compostable and recyclable. The products are compatible with both HE and conventional washing machines.
Another sustainable option for washing your clothes is a laundry soap bar that comes in a cardboard box and can be cut to the size of your load. It is a bit pricey, but it does not contain any phosphates or toxic surfactants. Ethique Flash is an online retailer of organic and vegan products.
