Detoxing is an age old tradition! After weeks of binging on sweets, and a post-Diwali lull, it is time to flush our bodies with organic fruits and vegetables. Amid all of this, there is another type of detox that is trending — a whole home detox! The process of detoxing a home requires dedicated efforts to remove causes of chronic illnesses, one room at a time. Kitchens and pantries maybe stocked with organic and safe goodies, but the one most overlooked place is the laundry.
Close scrutiny reveals several toxins linked to health concerns lurking in clothes because of the substances used to wash them. What makes synthetic detergents particularly dangerous is the exposure to toxins in them. They contain chemicals which remain even after a wash — as evidenced by the ‘fresh scent that lasts and lasts’. Manufacturers brainwash consumers into believing that all this is good for them. So, let’s start understanding the typical ingredients in laundry detergents available in the market and search for some options.
The history of washing soaps in India shows that it was only in the 80s that specific ‘laundry soaps’ emerged as a popular choice. It was always about the lather, and we all know now that our laundry detergents of today form more lather with the promise of faster, deeper cleaning and of course the fresh smell. Waste from washing machines now fill drains and rivers with foam, and chemicals ending up in oceans is not great news for the environment.
The main ingredients in soaps are soda ash and cellulose. Apart from this, detergents could have bleaching agents, fragrances and foaming chemicals. Studies have shown that of all these, artificial fragrances are by far the most toxic as they linger, affecting our skin and lungs by constant exposure.
They contain many VOCs which architects are fighting hard to ban in building products such as paints and adhesives. These fragrances and other toxic ingredients build up over time in human anatomies and their toxic effects have been linked to health issues like asthma, hormone disruption, reproductive problems, birth defects and of course cancer. Also dangerous are stain removing chemicals and fabric softeners that continue to remain for long after use, and therefore well advised to avoid.
Unfortunately, in today’s market there are few options for organic detergents for laundry. Laundry detergent without all of the unwanted chemicals is also likely to be much more expensive than the standard stuff. There are a few DIY sites that list how to make homemade laundry detergents using borax and a variety of washing/baking soda, natural essential oils and some regular bathing soaps. Just like taking up to baking as a hobby, consider making soap at home too.
If you are not willing to go that far to detox your laundry, start by making a switch to an organic product which is free of harmful chemicals. The next time you reach out for the ‘washing machine detergents’, remember you have the power to make family life free of harmful synthetics. You have control over the health of your community and your planet. To detox your home, you may well start with your clothes!
Pavitra Sriprakash
Twitter@pavisriprakash
The writer is an architect, urban designer, dancer and chief designer at Shilpa Architects