Best Non Toxic Fabric Softener (5 Natural Softeners)
Cleaning clothes with gentle products free of harsh chemicals is important to actually soften clothes and avoid the dreaded cling. However, it is also a must that they work well.
There are different types of softeners available today from liquid to pods to balls. Using the best non toxic fabric softener that meets your needs will be easy for you once you know what to look for and why.
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Laundry is an ongoing chore in our house, which I am sure is no different for many of you. I cannot say it is the most fun task, but it does make me feel better using products that aren't harming the clothes being washed or the person wearing them.
We have tried quite a few laundry products over the years in order to find the fabric softeners with natural ingredients, free of toxic chemicals, and effective against static cling. These requirements were and continue to be a must for our sensitive skin.
We have narrowed down the list of friendly fabric softeners. This list offers you great choice options that will give you confidence that you are actually adding a non toxic softener into your laundry routine.
This post Goes over The best non toxic fabric softener that you will feel good about using when cleaning your laundry.
What Do Fabric Softeners Do?
Fabric softeners should keep clothes soft and non-clingy as well as help cut down on wrinkles. Clothes can pill and become overworked. Softeners added to loads of laundry will help them maintain their natural state whether it be fluffly, soft, durable, wicking, or what not.
What is wrong with Traditional fabric softeners?
The Toxic Chemicals
Conventional fabric softeners use harmful chemicals and often contain synthetic fragrances. They smell fresh and give the illusion of cleanliness. However, is something filled with synthetic chemicals really clean and fresh?
Bad for environment
These toxic chemicals leach into the skin as they are worn or rub off on the body as they are used. Additionally, these household products have a negative environmental impact as they run out into the ground and water compared to an eco-friendly fabric softener.
Allergic Reactions and Rashes
Lastly, they often cause skin irritation when worn or allergic reactions when on the body when inhaled. People often times don't even know what is causing their reaction throughout the day. Could it be your fabric softener?
What to look for in a non toxic fabric softener?
Plant-based ingredients / Natural Ingredients
It is best to use a fabric softener with plant derived ingredients. This ensures that it is all natural and will be best for human health as well as marine life.
Biodegradable fabric softener
Using a natural fabric softener automatically should mean that it is full of biodegradable ingredients. Of course a cleaning product that is easier to break down means better for the environment.
No Animal Testing
Many products on the market are leaping bunny certified. This indicates that the product was verified as effective without being tested on animals.
No Artificial colors
Most of the time liquid fabric softeners are clear without the use of colors. However, once in a while you will run into one that is colored. This indicates that chemicals have been used and the softener should be avoided.
Unscented / or plant-based scents
There should be no artificial scents used in any cleaning products unless it is scented through a natural means. I prefer unscented because then reactions are minimalized even further.
Why Such a short list?
You will notice that the list is short considering all of the fabric softener options on the market. This is because, unfortunately, many softeners market themselves as clean because they have better ingredients than other traditional fabric softeners.
However, this does not make them as safe as I am looking for. Let's admit it, fabric softener is nice, but it is not a must for getting clothing clean. Therefore, I am going to only promote products that offer the best non toxic choices. Why put additional toxins on my clothing when it is a luxury more than a necessity?
That being said, the fact that these wool balls help with fabric sticking together and tame wrinkles even in a small way is a big deal when it comes to saving time. Additionally, the reusability of them is huge when it comes to saving money and waste.
Best non toxic fabric softener list
Dropps is a company focused on providing a useful and effective laundry softener with a strong concern for the environment and our surroundings. They practice sustainable methods packaging their product in environmental safe pods. The outside of their packaging is also environmentally-friendly.
Also, they have transparent practices. The customer is able to view reports concerning the ingredients they use and the impact they have on the earth on their site. Lastly, Dropps is a certified B company verifying their commitment to transparency.
- Pods Form
- B Certified Corporation
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Sustainable and Transparent practices
Attitude is a fabric conditioner that holds the highest certification with the Environment Working Group (EWG). This indicates that strict protocol is met concern ingredients used in their fabric softener formula.
The formula that I prefer is the baby fabric softener. This unscented, high efficiency fabric softener is created without the added fragrance. This makes a great option for softer clothes, towels, and blankets without harm to sensitive skin.
Additionally, this liquid fabric softener offers transparency to their customers as well. They package their product in an aluminum bottle with eco-friendly labeling.
- EWG (Environmental Working Group) clean certified
- Sustainable and Environmentally-friendly
- High standard, transparent company
- PETA recognized - cruelty and animal free ingredients
- Offers unscented or essential oil fragrances for a fresh scent
Another fabric softener that proves to be safe and effective is 9 Elements. One of the founders of this product suffered from severe skin irritations as did her newborn. This led to the creation of this eco-friendly alternative.
The laundry softener is made up of 95% plant-based ingredients. Also, the name is based on the simplicity of using only 9 ingredients in their formula creation.
- Comprised mainly of ingredients from plants
- Provides a powerful clean with natural ingredients
- Offers a eucalyptus or lemon scented fabric softener
Branch Basics Dryer Balls
- Made in America so there is no worry about toxics from importation
- 100% Pure Organic Wool from a farm with organic practices
- fragrance-free
- Helps with static cling
- Produces less wrinkles
- Reduces clothing lint
- Absorbs moisture decreasing the amount of time clothes spend drying in dryer.
- Made from 100% organic New Zealand wool
- You get 6 balls and a muslin storage bag is included
- May use with essential oils (but recommend keeping fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin)
- The dryer balls work well for approximately 1000 loads of laundry
- Reduces wrinkles, energy costs, and static
How to wash wool balls To maintain effectiveness
Wash wool dryer balls in hot water on gentle to get grime and dirt out. This will allow the balls to effectvely work well again on your clothing.
How to store dryer balls
You can keep the wool balls right in the dryer for the next use. Alternatively, you can store them in a cloth bag. However, it is strongly recommened not to store them in plastic due to possible chemical absorption.
Household alternatives that work
Baking Soda can be used as a natural alternative to fabric softener. It is well-known for absorbing odors and can do the same with your clothing. This is helpful when it comes to getting a fresher scent with pet blankets. Baking soda also softens clothes by decreasing the amount of minerals deposited on the clothes, especially with hard water.
Vinegar is the second natural and affordable alternative to softening your loads of laundry. This household item has so many benefits, and it is so inexpensive in comparison to many other products. It has been shown to help with odor control and to brighten up your fabrics.
If you choose to use vinegar, you may want to consider using it sparingly. It can be harsh on the hosing and seals of some washer machines if used frequently.
This post showed you The best non toxic fabric softener Options.
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