Some ingredients in laundry detergents can trigger allergic reactions, causing skin irritation, itching, and discomfort. These laundry detergent allergy reactions can result from strong chemicals added to the detergent formulas. Here are nine clean ingredients that you should look for in laundry detergents:

1. Soap Nuts

Soap nuts are a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical-laden laundry detergents. These berries naturally contain saponin, a surfactant that effectively cleans clothes. Soap nuts are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and gentle on clothes. This makes them ideal for people with sensitive skin.

You can use soap nuts in various ways, such as boiling the berries in water and using the liquid as a laundry detergent. You can add a few soap nuts to a cotton muslin bag and place it in the washing machine. Soap nuts are also cost-effective since you can reuse them up to five times before disposing of them.

2. Washing Soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly effective in removing dirt, grease, and stains from clothes. It is an alkaline substance that can help raise the water’s pH level. This makes it easier for detergents to dissolve and remove dirt from clothes. Washing soda can also be an ideal water softener.

You can use it in hard water areas since it helps prevent the buildup of mineral deposits that can affect the efficiency of your detergent. It is also a cost-effective alternative to commercial fabric softeners since it naturally softens clothes. Don’t just fall for customised packaging, always check product thoroughly. 

3. Essential Oils

Many of these oils smell good and possess antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Adding essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender, or eucalyptus to your laundry detergent may help kill bacteria, fungus, and dust mites while leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean. Essential oils can act as natural fabric softeners, reducing static and making clothes feel softer.

4. Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing and hydrating properties. Coconut oil can quickly break down dirt and grime when added to a detergent. This can leave your clothes clean and give them a mild, natural smell. Coconut oil also can act as a natural fabric softener, making clothes feel softer and reducing static.

5. Vegetable Glycerin 

Vegetable glycerin is derived from plants like soy, palm, or coconut, making it a clean and eco-friendly ingredient to look for in laundry detergent. This natural ingredient can help the clothes stay soft and wrinkle-free by lubricating individual fibers. Vegetable glycerin has antimicrobial properties, which kills bacteria, germs, and other pathogens. This can make it an ideal ingredient for people with sensitive skin.

6. Borax 

Borax is an eco-friendly and cheap ingredient that can be found in the laundry section of most stores. It can help to remove stains, brighten clothes, and deodorize laundry, leaving it sparkling clean. Borax can act as a water softener and optimize the effectiveness of the detergent. This can make it a great ingredient to look for in laundry detergents.

7. Sodium Bicarbonate

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate has natural cleaning properties and can effectively remove dirt and stains from clothing. This happens without the harsh chemicals found in many traditional detergents. Baking soda is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. This makes it an ideal alternative for a person who suffers from a laundry detergent allergy.

8. Citric Acid

Citric acid is a natural ingredient in fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit. It is used in laundry detergents as it has a gentle bleaching effect, helps to break down dirt and grime, and helps to remove stains. Citric acid is also an effective natural alternative to fabric softeners as it helps to keep the fabrics soft.

9. Enzymes

Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins added to laundry detergents to break down stains and dirt. Several different types of enzymes commonly used in laundry detergents include protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulose. Protease enzymes effectively remove protein-based stains such as blood and grass, while lipases target oil-based stains like grease and butter.

Prevent a Laundry Detergent Allergy

Looking for clean and organic ingredients in your laundry detergent may help benefit your family’s health and the environment. By choosing laundry detergents with the above ingredients, you can effectively clean your clothes while also being eco-friendly. Inspect the ingredients carefully next time you shop for laundry detergents.