Lower-Tox Living: Switching Laundry Detergents
When we took on lower-tox living after my cancer diagnosis, I knew one of the first things I wanted to replace was our laundry detergent.
Over 10 years ago, I started to make my own laundry detergent. I thought what I was making was so much better for me, but I’ll admit, I was a bit naive to what I was using. Yes, there were fewer ingredients than store-bought detergents, but what I was using was not helpful. Borax, oxi-clean, fragrance additives, and more, were all part of the mix. And now after much research and learning about toxins, I’ve realized what fragrance, borax, and chemicals can do to the body.
So I stopped making my own detergent, tried finding “healthier” options in the store, but really to no avail. Dreft, which they say is “safe” for babies, has 1,4-dioxane (a likely carcinogen), synthetic fragrance, and preservatives – I wouldn’t say it is safe. Same with many “free and clear” detergents. They often still have preservatives and 1,4-dioxane. Nonetheless, each had its own list of toxic ingredients, but I just chose the lesser evil.
And if you’re wondering about laundry pods, well, those release microplastics and toxic chemicals into your washer, then the water, and therefore onto your clothes. The highly concentrated detergent, that creates a LOT of suds, actually decreases the washer’s ability to rinse all the suds out of the clothes and therefore the washer too, effecting the motor and sensors, and our bodies, as our bodies absorb those chemicals from the clothes we wear.
So what is one to do? I thought I just always had to stick with the “lesser evil”…
Until my friend introduced me to Truly Free Home. And since then, other brands have been created that are much less toxic than others, like Branch Basics, Molly Suds, Blueland, Ecos, and so many more. The reason I settled on Truly Free Home is because they are non-toxic, plant-based and do not contain dyes, synthetic fragrances, and harsh chemicals. They have a “signature scent” detergent, but use essential oils (they also have an unscented version), making it great for sensitive skin.
Second, IT WORKS. I’ve tried way too many laundry detergents in the past and they always left me thinking “meh…” Well, with TFH, I find that I am washing the same way I did with other detergents, using a stain stick for big stains, if needed (btw, they have one and rarely have I NOT gotten a stain out the first try), and our clothes come out just as clean, if not cleaner, with this detergent. I used to think less-toxic meant it worked less, but that is not the case. And that’s what I hear from those who use it as well – IT WORKS.
Another reason I love TFH’s Laundry Detergent is they often run sales and it’s usually a bulk sale, so if you buy a certain number for instance, often you get that number for free. So, I take full advantage of those sales and typically have to buy detergent once a year. Plus, they use pouches as the refill, so you just use the same jug each time, creating MUCH less waste, making it environmentally friendly.
Finally, I LOVE Truly Free Home’s heart behind their mission. They have provided jobs for women at the Carribean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) in Jamaica, by allowing THEM to make the dryer angel covers for the products they sell. Their website says, “Today, we actively employ more than a dozen full-time artisans in Jamaica—women who create every single Dryer Angel by hand. What started as a small idea has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined.” Not only have they employed women in Jamaica, but also in Southeast Asia, where they “began employing survivors of human trafficking. Today, 18 women stitch Dryer Angels as part of rebuilding their lives after experiencing unimaginable trauma.” Knowing that this is their mission and desire, each time I use a dryer angel, I think about the person who made it overseas, and pray for them. Also, their company is based in Michigan!
What has your laundry detergent journey looked like? Have you found something that worked and you’re sticking to it? I get it! One thing I want you to remember is that in this world, we will NEVER fully rid our lives from the toxins of this world. Not until the day Jesus comes again and rights every wrong. Cleans out all the toxins and replaces it with His perfect world. Until that day, I am just choosing to do my best, while realizing that in the end, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL and STILL HAS MY DAYS NUMBERED. So no judgment here if you’re sticking with what you’ve got! This has just been my personal journey, and so I don’t ever want you to feel judged or wondering what I think if you use something else. We live in a society where we have so many choices and for that I am so thankful!
If you’re interested in trying TFH’s detergent, they have a FANTASTIC sale going on where if you buy 100 loads, you can get 150 loads FREE + a FREE Wrinkle & Static Releaser, all for $39 (save $87.60). That comes out $.15/load, plus the static releaser AND it’s FREE SHIPPING (ENDS February 1, 2026).
Thank you for this post. I have started the switch to non toxic cleaning products in my home, as well. I look forward to your recommendations.