Laundry Room

Mainstream laundry detergents contain synthetic fragrance (which includes unlisted phthalates as fragrance fixatives), optical brightening agents (OBAs) that fluoresce under UV light and are absorbed through skin, and sodium lauryl sulphate as a surfactant. Residues remain in fabric after washing and are in continuous skin contact.

Fragrance-free, plant-based laundry detergent

Brands: Ecover Zero, Method Free and Clear, Attitude Fragrance Free. Check the EWG cleaning product database for verified scores. Avoid products listing fragrance or parfum without full ingredient disclosure.

Fabric softeners work by coating fibres with a layer of quaternary ammonium compounds and synthetic fragrance. The fragrance components include phthalates as fixatives. Dryer sheets are worse: the heat activates the chemicals and they release directly into indoor air during the drying cycle. Studies have detected over 25 VOCs in dryer vent emissions from scented sheets.

Wool dryer balls with no added fragrance

Unscented wool dryer balls reduce drying time by 25-30%, reduce static without chemicals, and last for hundreds of uses. If you want fragrance, add 1-2 drops of pure essential oil to the wool ball.

A single wash or dry cycle of a synthetic garment releases hundreds of thousands of microplastic fibres. The tumble dryer releases these into indoor air and outdoors via the vent. Synthetic fleece, polyester and acrylic shed the most fibres. Heat in the dryer also accelerates fibre breakdown.

Air dry synthetic garments where possible; wash in a Guppy Friend microplastic filter bag

The Guppy Friend washing bag captures up to 90% of microfibres that would otherwise enter the water system. For drying, an indoor airer for synthetic garments eliminates tumble dryer microplastic release from that load.

Many conventional stain removers contain perchloroethylene, chlorinated solvents, or glycol ethers. These compounds are absorbed through skin during application and off-gas in enclosed spaces. Spray format increases inhalation exposure.

Enzyme-based stain removers or a paste of plant-based washing soap

Enzyme-based products break down protein, fat and starch stains without solvents. Brands: Puracy, Sonett, Ecover. For most stains, cold water and a plant-based dish soap applied immediately is effective.

Dry cleaning bags trap PERC vapour against the garment. When brought indoors, the off-gassing occurs inside the home. PERC is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC and a likely carcinogen by the EPA.

Remove dry cleaning bags immediately and air garments outdoors for several hours before bringing inside

Ask your dry cleaner about wet cleaning or CO2 cleaning alternatives. Both are effective for most garments and use no PERC.