Is Laundry Detergent Bad for the Environment?

Wondering whether using a laundry detergent is bad for the environment? And if yes, what environmentally friendly products can you use instead? We’re here to help!

In this post from General Heating & Air Conditioning, we will discuss how using a laundry detergent can be detrimental to the environment and a few simple ways to switch to a more Earth-safe washing method.

What Effects Do Detergents Have on the Environment?

Detergents have a toxic effect on our environment. Most laundry detergents contain phosphates which are poisonous to aquatic animals and plants.

When detergents are released into freshwater, they destroy the external mucus, protecting the fish from parasites and bacteria. The chemicals in detergents also damage the gills of marine animals, which can prove to be lethal.

Detergents also disturb the natural pH, salinity, and texture of the soil. This can hinder vegetation by damaging plant growth in that particular area.

What Are Laundry Detergents Made From?

Detergents, like soaps and laundry detergents, are made from similar compositions. However, detergents are more effective in hard water than soaps.

The common ingredients used in their making are the following.

Alkalies

Alkalies can effectively remove dirt and stains from clothes. You do not have to scrub your clothes very hard since potassium and sodium alkali metals can remove grease from the fabrics.

Surfactants and Anti-Redeposition Agents

Surfactants break up the dirt and prevent it from attaching to the clothes when they return to the water. They disperse the dirt in water to avoid its redisposition on your clothes.

pH Modifiers

They maintain a balance between acid and alkali.

Water Conditioners

These prevent the loss of dyes from your fabric.

Catalytic Enzymes

These enzymes break down stain molecules to make the washing effective. For example, protease targets protein-based soils, while lipase targets fat-based soils. Once these soil molecules are broken into smaller fragments, you can eliminate the fabric stains.

Preservatives

Preservatives keep away microbial growth on your clothes because of their antimicrobial properties.

Fragrance

This adds a fresh smell to your clothes.

What are the Most Environmentally Friendly Ways to Wash Clothes?

• Choose laundry detergents that have less harmful chemicals. This will reduce the adverse impact on the environment.
• Use Energy-Efficient washing machines to clean your clothes.
• Switch to the cold water setting in your machine to save the energy spent on heating the water. Cold water is also known to be better for washing clothes.
• Use natural ways to dry your clothes instead of a clothes dryer.

Invest in Laundry Pro Instead!

With Laundry Pro, you don’t have to use laundry detergent or water again. It’s a cold water laundry system for residential use that utilizes specialized technology and activated oxygen to remove dirt from your fabric and prevent the growth of bacteria.

At General Heating & Air Conditioning, our expert technicians offer quality laundry pro technology that homeowners in the west Twin Cities metro area can rely on. Contact us online or call 952-445-2820 to connect with our experts.