18 Safe Laundry Detergent Brands For You And Your Family

Laundry detergent is a common household product used by millions of people daily to keep their clothes clean and fresh. However, in terms of safety and environmental impact, not all laundry detergents are created equal. There are many detergents on the market that contain harsh ingredients phosphates, chlorine, and optical brighteners. In this article, we will look at some of the safest laundry detergent brands on the market and discuss the recent bans imposed on certain detergent products in the United States.

Recent Bans on Laundry Detergents in the USA 

To safeguard consumers’ from any health concerns, regulatory authorities in the United States, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), regularly monitor the substances used in laundry detergents. The USA has implemented bans on certain laundry detergent products containing ingredients that pose health risks to consumers. Anything deemed harmful to consumers’ health are banned so, its critical to stay updated about these bans in order to keep your family safe.

The following substances in laundry detergent have been recently banned:

• Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): NPEs, commonly used as surfactants in detergents, have been linked to hormonal changes and negative effects on aquatic life. The EPA has taken measures to restrict the use of NPEs in laundry detergents to protect human health and the environment.

• Phosphates: Phosphates, commonly found in laundry detergents, can contribute to water pollution by promoting excessive algae growth in bodies of water. Several states have restricted or banned the use of phosphates in laundry detergents, encouraging manufacturers to adopt phosphate-free formulations.

• Optical Brighteners: Optical brighteners are chemicals added to detergents to make fabrics appear whiter and brighter. However, these substances can cause skin irritation and may be harmful to the environment. Bans or restrictions on optical brighteners have been introduced to minimize potential health risks.

On the other hand, some laundry detergent brands have lately been banned in the United States due to the presence of dangerous substances. OMO detergent is one of these brands, and it includes significant levels of 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcinogen. Ariel is another banned brand that contains harmful substances such as nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and petroleum distillates. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent was also shown to contain hazardous compounds such as 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. Despite the fact that Tide has now modified its product to remove these chemicals, it is still critical to read labels carefully before purchasing any laundry detergent.