The CleanSuds Blog
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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Clean Laundry Soap for Sparkling Fresh Clothes
Are you tired of laundry soap that leaves residue on your clothes and fails to deliver that sparkling freshness you love? Look no further! In this ultimate guide, we will help you find the best clean laundry soap that will leave your clothes looking and smelling clean.
At MamaSuds, we understand the importance of having clothes that not only look clean but also feel clean. Our mission is to provide you with a laundry soap that tackles even the toughest stains, while still being gentle on your fabrics.
With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right laundry soap for your needs. That's why we have done the research for you. In this guide, we will break down the key factors to consider when selecting a laundry soap, such as ingredients, fragrance options, and eco-friendliness.
So, whether you're looking for a laundry soap that is free of harsh chemicals, has a delightful fragrance, or is environmentally conscious, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to dingy clothes and hello to a fresh, clean wardrobe with our ultimate guide to finding the best clean laundry soap.
The importance of using clean laundry soap
Using clean laundry soap is crucial for maintaining the longevity and quality of your clothes and washing machine. Conventional laundry soaps often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can damage fabrics, cause skin irritation, and leave behind residue that dulls the appearance of your clothes and decreases the life of your machine.
When you invest in high-quality, clean laundry soap, you're not only protecting your clothes but also your health and the environment. Clean laundry soaps are formulated with gentle, natural ingredients that are effective at removing dirt, grease, and stains without compromising the integrity of your fabrics. They also often come with eco-friendly and biodegradable properties, making them a more sustainable choice.
By using clean laundry soap, you can enjoy the benefits of brighter, clean-smelling clothes that last longer. This not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces your environmental impact by minimizing the need for frequent clothing replacements. Investing in a clean laundry soap is an easy way to make a positive difference in your daily life and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Understanding the ingredients in laundry soap
When it comes to choosing the best clean laundry soap, it's important to understand the ingredients that go into the formulation. Laundry soaps can contain a wide range of chemicals, some of which can be harmful to both your clothes and your health.
The primary active ingredients in laundry soap are surfactants, which are responsible for lifting and removing dirt, grease, and stains from your clothes. Common surfactants used in conventional laundry soaps include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which can be harsh and drying on fabrics and skin.
At MamaSuds we use REAL soap as our surfactant. It's imperative that when using real soap as a laundry product it doesn't leave a residue. That's why we make our Castile Soap in house to ensure that no extra fat is used in our formulation.
In addition to surfactants, laundry soaps may also contain optical brighteners, fragrances, and other additives. Optical brighteners, for example, are chemicals that make your clothes appear whiter by reflecting light, but they can also be harsh on fabrics and may cause skin irritation. Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, can contain a cocktail of chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions and contribute to indoor air pollution.
Common harmful ingredients to avoid in laundry soap
When selecting a clean laundry soap, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients and avoid those that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Some of the common harmful ingredients to steer clear of include:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These surfactants are known for their harsh, drying effects on skin and can also be damaging to fabrics over time.
- Optical Brighteners: These synthetic chemicals are used to make clothes appear whiter, but they can be irritating and may contribute to environmental pollution.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Fragrances can contain a complex mixture of chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions and contribute to indoor air pollution.
- Phosphates: These chemicals can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the eutrophication of waterways.
- PVA (polyvinyl alcohol): Popular in pods and sheets and they dissolve into microplastics which are released into our water system, eventually finding its way into our bodies and aquatic life.
By avoiding these harmful ingredients and opting for clean, natural alternatives, you can protect your clothes, your skin, and the environment while still enjoying the benefits of a sparkling clean wardrobe.
Factors to consider when choosing the best clean laundry soap
When it comes to selecting the best clean laundry soap for your needs, there are several key factors to consider. By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can ensure that you find a laundry soap that not only cleans your clothes effectively but also aligns with your personal values and environmental concerns.
- Ingredients: As mentioned earlier, it's crucial to carefully examine the ingredient list and avoid harsh chemicals like SLS, SLES, and synthetic fragrances. Look for clean, natural ingredients that are gentle on fabrics and skin, such as plant-based surfactants, essential oils, and biodegradable components.
- Fragrance: If you prefer a fresh, clean scent, consider laundry soaps that use natural essential oils. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances, which can be irritating and contribute to indoor air pollution.
- Eco-Friendliness: Look for laundry soaps that are eco-friendly and sustainable, with certifications such as Leaping Bunny. These products are typically made with renewable, biodegradable ingredients and have a lower environmental impact.
- Effectiveness: Ensure that the clean laundry soap you choose is effective at removing tough stains, grease, and dirt without compromising the quality of your fabrics. Read reviews and consider trying out a few different options to find the one that works best for your needs.
- Skin Sensitivity: If you or any members of your household have sensitive skin, look for laundry soaps that are hypoallergenic and gentle, free of potential irritants like perfumes and dyes.
- Compatibility with Washing Machines: Some clean laundry soaps may be better suited for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines, so be sure to check the product specifications to ensure compatibility.
By considering these factors, you can find the best clean laundry soap that not only delivers sparkling clean clothes but also aligns with your personal and environmental values.
How to properly use clean laundry soap for optimal results
Using clean laundry soap effectively can help ensure that your clothes come out sparkling clean and fresh every time. Here are some tips for properly using clean laundry soap:
- Follow the Dosage Instructions: Clean laundry soaps are often more concentrated than conventional detergents, so it's important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the packaging. Using too much can lead to excessive suds and residue, while using too little may not effectively clean your clothes.
- Adjust for Load Size and Soil Level: The amount of laundry soap you use should be adjusted based on the size of your load and the level of soil or stains on your clothes. Larger loads or heavily soiled items may require a slightly higher amount of soap.
- Use Warm or Hot Water: Clean laundry soaps work best when used with warm or hot water, as this helps to activate the cleaning agents and lift dirt and stains more effectively.
- Pre-treat Stains: For tough stains, it's a good idea to pre-treat the affected areas with a small amount of clean laundry soap or a dedicated stain remover before washing. This can help to break down the stain and make it easier to remove.
- Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine: Overloading your washing machine can prevent the clean laundry soap from circulating properly and may lead to incomplete cleaning. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for load size.
- Use the Appropriate Cycle: Different types of fabrics and soil levels may require different wash cycles. Consult your washing machine's manual and the care instructions on your clothing to determine the best cycle for your clean laundry soap.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your clean laundry soap is used effectively, resulting in sparkling clean clothes that last longer and feel fresher.
DIY recipes for making your own clean laundry soap
For those who are interested in taking a more hands-on approach to their laundry routine, making your own clean laundry soap can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. Here are a couple simple DIY recipes to try.
When making your own clean laundry soap, be sure to use high-quality, natural ingredients and store the finished product in an airtight container to maintain its effectiveness. Additionally, always test a small batch first to ensure that the recipe works well with your washing machine and clothing.
Conclusion: Finding the best clean laundry soap for your needs
In conclusion, finding the best clean laundry soap for your needs is a crucial step in maintaining a fresh, clean wardrobe and reducing your environmental impact. By understanding the importance of using clean laundry soap, familiarizing yourself with the key ingredients to avoid, and exploring the different types of clean laundry soap options available, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and environmental values.
When selecting the best clean laundry soap, consider factors such as ingredient transparency, fragrance preferences, eco-friendliness, and effectiveness in removing tough stains and odors. Refer to the reviews and recommendations provided in this guide to help you narrow down your options and find the perfect clean laundry soap for your household.
Remember, the benefits of using a clean laundry soap go beyond just sparkling clean clothes. By investing in high-quality, natural products, you're also contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future. So, take the time to explore the clean laundry soap options available and find the one that works best for you and your family.
How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
• For Powdered Laundry Soap: grate 1 cup of MamaSuds Castile Bar Soap, mix 2 cups of Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) and 1 cup of Borax (sodium borate), mix in soap flakes and store in airtight container
• Use 2-3 Tablespoons per load for regular washer; use 1 Tablespoon or less for HE Washer
• For Liquid Laundry Soap: dissolve 1/2 cup Borax and 1 cup of Soda Wash into warm water on a stove while stirring; add essential oils for scent if desired; add to 2 cups of MamaSuds Castile Soap; let cool completely
• Use 1/4 cup per load for regular washer; use 1-2 Tablespoons or less for HE Washer
Why does my Laundry Soap look different?
One of our most FAQs for our Laundry Soap is:
My Laundry Soap is thinner/thicker/darker/lighter/cloudy, is something wrong with it?
Answer: MamaSuds does not use ANY synthetic ingredients in our products and there are no natural products that make the soap the exact same consistency that we are willing to use. Some companies use calcium chloride or calcium formate which we don't use. Other ingredients that stabilize the color or viscosity are: diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethanolamine, monoethanolamine, PEGs, propylene glycol, and sodium bisulfite are just a few.
We also don't add dyes to hide color variations.
So what IS happening? Cold weather (as many of you saw this year in particular) is the biggest culprit. If your soap was "gloppy" or cloudy or looked like it needed to be mixed then the cold weather cause a physical reaction. The soap is still in working order, it just looks.... well like snot. The soap will perform exactly the same as your last visually perfect bottle.
Is MamaSuds Laundry Soap HE safe?
• High-efficiency machines require special detergent with less water than traditional washers.
• MamaSuds Laundry Soap is HE safe, indicated by the logo on the back of the labels.
• For best results, put soap directly in with laundry – not in automatic dispenser – to prevent wastage and soap residue build-up on clothes.
What is the Full Ingredient List of MamaSuds Laundry Soap?
Answer: Maybe you're thinking to yourself, it's on the product page isn't it?
Actually it's on there twice but that's not the point.
The point is that you are all feeling totally over the "duped again" feeling, am I right? You think you have found a clean laundry product then you get the product and it's not the same as what was listed on the website (or some variation of this).
So even though it's on our website a lot, we don't mind ingredient questions at all (we love them) and totally understand why it's asked so much.
Here is the entire ingredient list: water (distilled or RO), potassium olivate which is also called saponified olive oil (our very own castile soap), sodium carbonate, and sodium borate.
If you get the lemon or lavender scent then we use pure essential oils (nothing synthetic).
That's it!
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Toxic chemicals may be hiding in your laundry detergent. Find out what you need to know to stay safe and healthy and get your laundry clean.
Doing the Laundry is the Worst. Okay, so maybe a few people like one aspect of laundry. But most hate it. I like putting my laundry into the washer and starting it. But then that's when I wish the Laundry Fairy would finish the job for me! Who can relate?
Unless you live in a nudist colony, your skin is touching fabric 24/7, so what you use to wash your laundry is important to your health. Conventional laundry detergent (and many greenwashed "natural" ones too!) contains many unhealthy ingredients that can severely impact your health. In fact, your laundry room products are some of the most toxic cleaning chemicals in your house!
With so much to sort through on product labels (if your detergent lists the ingredients on the label at all), it can be hard to sort through the good, the bad and the greenwashed. We have some ingredients to steer clear of when you are looking at a safe and healthy detergent.
1. Fragrance
Fragrances in laundry products can lead to skin irritation (which can be the cause of rashes, eczema, and itching). A big problem with fragrance is that companies can list them as one ingredient without listing all the components. Why does this matter? Most fragrance is synthetic and contains both phthalates and petrochemicals (which is bad for the environment) which do not have to be disclosed. These components can cause headaches, asthma attacks, and skin irritations that don't always show up right away. They build up in our system and cause a gradual overload.
“Fragrance is considered to be a trade secret, so brand formulas are proprietary and the individual ingredients are not required to be listed on the label,” explains Tonya Harris, an award-winning environmental toxin expert and the creator of the Slightly Greener Method. “Fragrances in detergent can be made up of dozens of ingredients, of which some may be allergenic [and] toxic to the brain and nervous or respiratory system.”
Bottom line: stick with essential oils (real ones!) or go unscented, and stay clear of the word FRAGRANCE and PARFUM.
2. Ingredients that end in "-ETH"
Ethoxylated ingredients are treated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) when it's processed. A by-product of this process is 1,4-dioxane (another carcinogen) which is absorbable through the skin. 1,4-dioxane won't be listed as an ingredient on your products so it's important to stay away from ingredients that when processed create 1,4-dioxane as a by-product. Companies use ethoxylated ingredients to stabilize their formula so the ingredients won't separate.
Bottom line: steer clear of ingredients that end in "-eth", polysorbates, phenoxyethanol, and PEGs.
3. Sulfates
We have been conditioned in the last 100 years to believe that soap/detergent must foam or lather in order to clean. Sulfates are found in so many everyday products; everything from shampoo to toothpaste, and laundry detergent. They are a skin irritant that doesn't always show up as an immediate reaction.
Bottom line: avoid sodium laurETH sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Benefits of Using Castile Soap in Your Laundry Soap
• Its gentle on skin properties combined with powerful dirt-grabbing abilities make it an ideal clothes cleaner.
• It contains no synthetic compounds, chemicals, or other unwanted substances into your laundry.
• It is also useful as a pre-treatment to tackle stains with just a few drops of the liquid version rubbed directly on them.
• Additionally, it is eco-friendly and safe for clothes and skin.
• Mama Suds provides Castile soap household cleaning products including a mixture specially designed for high efficiency machines without any chemical additives.
Castile Soap as a Miracle Cleaner
• It has a pH balance of 8.9, which is effective for removing grease and other substances without being harsh or acidic.
• Castile soap can be used for face and body wash, all-purpose cleaners, dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, and vegetable cleaner.
• Mama Suds offers quality Castile soap products with all-natural ingredients and no irritants.