Laundry is one of my favorite chores to do. Why? Because it’s as simple as load, scoop, measure and pour. I close the lid and know that the suds and minerals are getting my family’s clothes clean without any heavy scrubbing, soaking, or use of ammonia-smelling chemicals or brighteners. The clothes come out stain-free, smelling wonderful and never lose their color. We haven't been a natural-laundry-detergent-using family for long, but I can proudly say we’re not going back to conventional.
As a natural-minded consumer (and mom of a messy baby), finding alternatives to cleaning products is very important to me. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew we had to evaluate what we used around the house — and laundry detergent was no exception. I sadly admit that before I started working at Frontier Co-op, I bought many conventional cleaning products. They were cheap, long-lasting and readily available. It’s not that I didn’t care what went on my skin, clothes or into the environment — I simply didn’t have the guidance or know-how to find alternatives.
I slowly replaced my all-purpose, glass and bathroom cleaners with their natural equivalents, then tackled dishwasher powder and eventually laundry detergent.
"Softening, freshening and stubborn stain removing,” conventional laundry detergent companies tout. What’s not to love? Well, in addition to phosphates, they may contain a variety of other ingredients of concern to natural-minded consumers, like 1,4-dioxane, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and nonylphenol ethoxylate. These chemicals can not only cause adverse reactions for humans but also affect the health and quality of life for wildlife and aquatic organisms. The average family washes approximately 80 pounds of laundry per week. Not only do we come in contact with these chemicals in our laundered clothing, but we’re also breathing them in while doing the wash.
I knew after doing my research that I needed to make a change for my family’s health and the environment.
I invested in a 100 fl. oz. jug of Earth Friendly’s ECOS Laundry Detergent. This detergent is phosphate-, dioxane-, fragrance- and chemical-free. I was amazed at how affordable it was! And, it's even cheaper with the associate member discount. ECOS detergent — which comes in many wonderful scents — is made with plant-based ingredients, meaning it’s completely septic and graywater safe. In addition, all products are derived from replenishable resources, are biodegradable, color-safe and feature a neutral pH for sensitive skin.
We’ve been happily using this line of laundry detergent for about two-and-a-half years. For some laundry problems (like the stubborn food and poop stains on my baby's clothes), I also add Earth Friendly Oxo-Brite Non-Chlorine Powder Bleach. We’ve been really happy with both the price and quality of ECOS, but would consider trying other detergents, especially the pods for added convenience.
If you’re looking for a detergent to get the tough jobs done without hidden chemicals or additives you can’t pronounce, I’d highly recommend a jug or two of ECOS. Your clothes — and the earth — will thank you.
