How Safe is My Fabric Softener?
Until
recently, my organic cotton towels have never been treated with fabric
softeners; I have grown accustomed to having towels that give an
invigorating, but gentle exfoliation when using them.
One of the
main reasons for my aversion to fabric softeners is simply the toxic
and un-natural character of them. The purpose of these liquids is to
make fabrics softer, less static and easier to iron, this is usually
achieved by coating the fibres of the fabric with a chemical compound
that lubricates and changes the electrical charge of the fabric. While
this may seem fairly harmless, many of the chemicals used in everyday
commercial fabric softeners are released over a period of time, are
often in contact with our skin, inhaled and have the potential to cause
numerous side effects with our health and the environment.
Some
of these chemicals commonly found in fabric softeners effect the nervous
system, causing headaches, mood swings, memory loss or irritability.
Some people may experience skin irritations or rashes, breathing
difficulty or eye irritations when using fabric softeners. Many of the
chemicals commonly found in fabric softeners are also known carcinogens
linked with several forms of cancers.
From an environmental
perspective, many of the chemicals found in fabric softeners are derived
from petrochemicals and are not biodegradable, therefore causing
unnecessary pollutants to be added to our waterways.
Fortunately
in Australia, there are now a few companies that produce natural fabric
softeners that contain only natural ingredients, natural fragrance and
are biodegradable.
Search here to
find our range of natural fabric softeners that are free from known
carcinogens, phthalates, chloroform, artificial fragrances or any of the
other nasties that are found in your regular fabric softeners. Each of
the natural fabric softeners that we have in our Down To Earth Organics
store has a full ingredient list that allows you to have peace of mind
when choosing a natural fabric softener for yourself and your family.
In
my household we now treat natural fabric softeners as we do chocolate –
it is not something that is deemed as necessary for survival, but it is
nice to have on hand for an occasional treat, the best types are always
natural and organic.
For more information on the chemicals found in commercially available fabric softeners, read our article: What Chemicals Are in My Fabric Softener?
How Safe is My Fabric Softener?
Until
recently, my organic cotton towels have never been treated with fabric
softeners; I have grown accustomed to having towels that give an
invigorating, but gentle exfoliation when using them.
One of the
main reasons for my aversion to fabric softeners is simply the toxic
and un-natural character of them. The purpose of these liquids is to
make fabrics softer, less static and easier to iron, this is usually
achieved by coating the fibres of the fabric with a chemical compound
that lubricates and changes the electrical charge of the fabric. While
this may seem fairly harmless, many of the chemicals used in everyday
commercial fabric softeners are released over a period of time, are
often in contact with our skin, inhaled and have the potential to cause
numerous side effects with our health and the environment.
Some
of these chemicals commonly found in fabric softeners effect the nervous
system, causing headaches, mood swings, memory loss or irritability.
Some people may experience skin irritations or rashes, breathing
difficulty or eye irritations when using fabric softeners. Many of the
chemicals commonly found in fabric softeners are also known carcinogens
linked with several forms of cancers.
From an environmental
perspective, many of the chemicals found in fabric softeners are derived
from petrochemicals and are not biodegradable, therefore causing
unnecessary pollutants to be added to our waterways.
Fortunately
in Australia, there are now a few companies that produce natural fabric
softeners that contain only natural ingredients, natural fragrance and
are biodegradable.
Search here to
find our range of natural fabric softeners that are free from known
carcinogens, phthalates, chloroform, artificial fragrances or any of the
other nasties that are found in your regular fabric softeners. Each of
the natural fabric softeners that we have in our Down To Earth Organics
store has a full ingredient list that allows you to have peace of mind
when choosing a natural fabric softener for yourself and your family.
In
my household we now treat natural fabric softeners as we do chocolate –
it is not something that is deemed as necessary for survival, but it is
nice to have on hand for an occasional treat, the best types are always
natural and organic.
For more information on the chemicals found in commercially available fabric softeners, read our article: What Chemicals Are in My Fabric Softener?
