The Health and Environmental Impacts of Laundry Practices

This comprehensive guide examines the health and environmental impacts of laundry detergents, products, and practices; and explores sustainable alternatives. It is the impact/context entry for our wider Textiles & Textile Care gateway.

By Ellen Rubin

You spend a lot of time and money picking out clothing and bedding. If you are sustainably minded, this may mean an even greater investment because you want to do what’s right for yourself and the environment. Once you’ve made your purchases, how do you take care of them?

The obvious answer is to follow the laundry instructions. But at what price? Like many other things, just because products like laundry detergent or dryer sheets are readily available in stores doesn’t mean that they are innocuous.

See Also:

• The Sustainable Laundry: How to Make Your Routine More Green
• The Guide to Sustainable Sheets: Bedding to Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
• The Denim Weight of Jeans: A Clear and Simple Guide
• A Thoughtful Mental Health Apparel Brand – How to Heal Co.

Introduction: The Impacts of Laundry Practices on Human Health and The Environment

Laundry products differ in ingredients, concentration and intended use. Health and environmental concerns need to be assessed for the specific product and exposure, rather than assuming that every conventional product causes harm.

What you initially thought was non-hazardous could actually be harming you, your family, and the environment. You have to go beyond reading the “headline” boasts of “clean” and “fresh” to understand what the labels are, and are not, saying.

A useful starting point is to read the product and garment labels, use the recommended dose and avoid unnecessary additives. A hazard associated with an ingredient does not establish the risk from every finished product used as directed.

Follow the detergent, machine and garment instructions. Consider fragrance-free products if scents irritate you, and look for substantiated environmental or animal-welfare claims. Our article on tested on animals explains a separate issue that should not be conflated with product toxicity.

Choose a detergent that cleans effectively at an appropriate temperature and dose. Fragrance-free products can be useful for people who find scents irritating, while environmental claims should be supported by specific criteria. For a product-specific account, see our Hey Sunday laundry sheets review.

How Much Laundry Do You Do?

If you’re one of those people who thinks that you’re constantly doing laundry — you might be. Here are just a few astonishing facts that have to do with laundry:

• Household laundry volumes vary. Our green laundry tips offer practical ways to review wash routines; use your own load count rather than treating a single family average as universal.
• Time spent on laundry varies with household size, equipment and routines; there is no single weekly time commitment that applies to every family.
• Cost per load depends on water and energy prices, machine efficiency, detergent dose and whether drying is indoors or in a tumble dryer. Measure your own routine before comparing savings.
• Laundry uses water, but a global annual total requires a dated dataset and clear boundaries. For household decisions, compare the machine’s labelled water use and the number of loads rather than relying on an unsupported worldwide figure.
• Detergents vary in concentration and packaging. Compare the amount needed per wash and transport or packaging requirements, rather than treating a fixed water-content percentage as universal.

Laundry isn’t without its lingering aftermath!

• Packaging waste depends on product format, local collection and actual recycling. Concentrates and refill systems may reduce packaging, but check their dose, performance and disposal instructions.
• Washing synthetic textiles is one source of microplastic pollution. Estimates depend on the definition and pathways studied; an estimate of primary microplastics should not be presented as a share of all ocean plastic pollution.
• Synthetic garments can shed fibres during washing. The amount varies with textile construction, wear, wash conditions and measurement method; a single fibre count should not be applied to every pair of jeans.
• Textile waste should be reported with a date, geographic scope and consistent units. An undated tonnage converted into a count of T-shirts is not a reliable measure of laundry’s environmental impact.

Detergent sales are not a direct measure of environmental harm. Historical market estimates and forecasts also should not be presented as current observations.

Studies can detect volatile substances in laundry emissions, but detection alone does not establish a health effect at the measured exposure. Results depend on the products, conditions and study design.

To compare formulations, look for current ingredient information and defined product criteria. A small study of selected products cannot rank every detergent or establish how all products have changed over time.

Fragrance can be unpleasant or irritating for some people. Selecting a fragrance-free formulation is a practical option; a strong smell is not by itself a measurement of toxicity.

Skin contact does not mean that every substance is completely absorbed into the bloodstream. Absorption and risk depend on the substance, concentration, contact time and condition of the skin. Follow handling instructions and avoid contact with concentrated products. For clothing-specific considerations, see our guide to fabrics, skin health and the environment.

Isn’t it worth it to make sure that you are choosing the best products that will clean your clothes, but also protect you, your family’s, and the environment’s health?

How Does Laundry Detergent Work?

Most detergents use 4 types of ingredients for effectiveness:

1. Surfactants make sure that the dirt and grime can be washed out with the water.
2. Alkalis help remove dirt and stains from the fabric.
3. Enzymes are proteins that break down oils and stains.
4. Bleaching agents to whiten clothing.

Ingredient lists and independent assessments can help compare products. The EWG guide uses its own criteria; a grade is not a guarantee of zero risk. The EPA Safer Choice standard provides separate ingredient and product requirements. Check what an assessment actually covers.

1. Surfactants

Surfactants’ (surface active agent) job is to hold on to the dirt and grime during the wash cycle so that it will be swept away in the rinse cycle. This is accomplished by breaking the surface tension of the water, letting it soak into the clothing and then lifting the dirt away from the fibers —the water is absorbed rather than just beading on top of the surface.

Surfactants help water wet surfaces and lift soil. Phosphates are generally detergent builders, not simply another name for surfactants. For the basic mechanism, see the American Cleaning Institute‘s explanation.

How to interpret laundry-ingredient hazards: A chemical name alone does not tell you the risk from a finished detergent used as directed. Risk depends on the specific ingredient, concentration, route and duration of exposure, formulation, and environmental fate. The EPA Safer Choice program evaluates ingredients by functional class and considers endpoints such as human-health hazards, aquatic toxicity, persistence and biodegradation. Use product labels and safety information rather than a generic ingredient-to-disease checklist.

Surfactants lift and disperse soil. Their presence in industrial products does not establish the risk of a laundry formulation; concentration, other ingredients and intended use matter.

Surfactants differ in biodegradability and aquatic effects. Petroleum origin alone does not mean that every ingredient is carcinogenic, and benzene or 1,4-dioxane should not be treated as inevitable components of all surfactants.

Cationic surfactants may be used in fabric softeners. Assess the particular ingredient and finished product rather than describing every ammonium compound as the same chemical or assigning the same effects to all of them.

Some chemicals have well-established hazards, but a claim about one substance or exposure cannot be transferred to every detergent. Product-specific evidence is needed before making claims about cancer, hormones or effects on children.

Phosphate builders can improve cleaning in hard water, but nutrient releases can contribute to eutrophication. Pollution affecting the Great Lakes illustrates why wastewater management matters. Restrictions vary by jurisdiction and product category; one blanket timeline does not describe every country.

Chelating agents help bind metal ions and improve cleaning. Their environmental behaviour and use conditions matter; EDTA should not be described as causing cancer or hypotension from any routine laundry use without relevant exposure evidence.

2. Alkalis

Primarily a dirt and stain remover, alkalis are salts or bases that react with acids to neutralize them.

Alkaline ingredients differ in strength and concentration. Washing soda and other boosters should be handled according to their labels, with attention to eye and skin contact and fabric compatibility.

The strongest alkalis can cause surface burns and if swallowed, internal injuries. Otherwise, the most likely reactions for mild alkalis are skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Alkalis are especially good at removing grease because they attach themselves to particles suspended in the wash water so they can be rinsed away rather than reattaching to fabric.

Baking soda is a household ingredient, but that does not make it necessary, universally harmless or compatible with every wash. Follow the detergent, machine and garment instructions before adding a booster.

3. Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that break soil down into smaller molecules so they can be rinsed away. When enzymes are present, lower temperature water and less detergent can be used to get the same results. Their introduction meant the end of boiling clothing with lye-based soaps to get them clean. Because specific soils require different enzymes, look for a detergent that will meet your specific needs:

• Protein-based soils – Protease
• Carbohydrate or starch-based – Amylase
• Cotton fibers will release soils best with Cellulase
• Fat-based – Lipase
• Food stains – Mannanase
• Fruit stains – Pectinase

Enzyme content varies by formulation, not simply by price. Check the product’s stated function and intended use rather than assuming that all inexpensive detergents lack enzymes.

4. Bleaching Agents/Brighteners/Whiteners

If your goal is whiter whites, there are two types of bleach, chlorine or oxygen based, plus some bleach alternatives.

Chlorine bleach needs careful dosing, fabric compatibility and handling. Follow its label and never mix it with acids, ammonia or other cleaners. The CDC’s bleach guidance explains the mixing precaution. Using a product as directed should not be equated with exposing skin or clothing to undiluted bleach.

Oxygen-based bleaches differ from chlorine bleach, but still need appropriate dosing and handling. Check the garment care label and product instructions; a bleach alternative is not a guarantee of safety for every fabric or user.

Optical brighteners alter how a fabric reflects light and can make it appear whiter. Their use should be assessed by specific ingredient and product criteria, rather than an unsupported claim that all brighteners carry a steep health cost.

Optical brighteners should not be described as causing clothes to combust spontaneously through static electricity. Maintain the dryer and follow its instructions, including restrictions on items contaminated with oils or other flammable substances.

Dyes provide colour to a product. Some users prefer dye-free formulations, but it is inaccurate to describe nearly all detergent dyes as endocrine disruptors or carcinogens without identifying the substance and relevant evidence.

Paradoxically, adding extra detergent to your wash won’t make your clothes cleaner, but may actually be making them dingy because dirt clings to the excess detergent. Adjusting your usage to the proper amount is the easiest fix to making clothes whiter.

Non-Essential Additives to Detergents

Fragrance is optional for cleaning performance. Ingredient-disclosure requirements differ by market, so consult the label and manufacturer rather than assuming the same rules everywhere.

Terms such as unscented and fragrance-free are not always interchangeable. Check the product’s ingredient information and any applicable certification criteria, particularly if avoiding fragrance is important to you.

Fragrance ingredients differ, and some can irritate or sensitise susceptible users. That does not justify claiming that all fragranced laundry products cause cancer, endocrine disruption or seizures.

A broad count of fragrance ingredients does not describe the composition or risk of a particular detergent. Look for information about the finished product and the ingredients actually used.

Formaldehyde has recognised hazards, but should not be assumed to be present in every fragrance or to arise at harmful levels from every laundry routine.

If scents cause discomfort, choose a fragrance-free product and use the labelled dose. Avoid making universal claims that every breath near laundered clothing contains a harmful dose of benzene or formaldehyde.

The EPA’s Safer Choice fragrance-free criteria provide a defined basis for that label. They are more informative than a broad population statistic without its survey method or exposure context.

Sustainable Alternatives to Harsh Detergent Chemicals

The following names are examples to investigate, rather than a verified ranking or a guarantee of current availability, safety or sustainability. Household boosters and soaps are not interchangeable with every machine detergent. This isn’t a product review, so investigate these for yourself to see if they meet your standards. Truly Free, My Green Fills, Dr. Bronner’s products of Sal Soap or Castile Soap, Washing Soda, Borax, Tru Earth, Eco Roots, Earth Breeze (see Unsustainable’s product review), EnviroKlenz, Biokleen, Blueland, Puracy, Seventh Generation, Dropps, Aspen, Attitude, Blueland, Defunkify, Healthy Baby, 9 Elements, or PUR. You can get an evaluation of these products at EWG.

Household boosters are not automatically needed or compatible with every machine and fabric. Use a suitable detergent first and follow the instructions before adding anything else.

• Vinegar is acidic and may be unsuitable for some materials, seals or finishes. Do not treat it as a universal laundry cleaner or mix it with bleach.
• Baking soda can affect wash chemistry. Use it only where compatible with the machine, garment and other products, rather than assuming that more additives always improve cleaning.
• Air-drying can reduce tumble-dryer energy use, where space and weather permit. Sunlight can also fade colours, so follow the garment’s care requirements.
• Lemon juice and vinegar are acids, not universal stain removers. Test only where the care instructions allow, and never combine acids with bleach.
• Hydrogen peroxide products vary in concentration and intended use. Follow their label and fabric instructions rather than applying a household recipe to all garments.

The Truth About Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners are optional. They can affect a textile’s feel and performance, and some users prefer to avoid fragrance or other ingredients. Routine use should not be described as poisoning the wearer.

Softener coatings can affect absorbency or moisture-wicking performance on some textiles. Check care instructions, particularly for towels and technical clothing; it is not accurate to say that every use traps harmful bacteria.

The fatty acids used don’t completely rinse out of your laundry so continued use will affect the texture and absorbency over time. Don’t believe that commercial where they compare the height of towels with and without fabric softener. Eventually, your towels will be less fluffy. Softeners will also lessen the effectiveness of the moisture-wicking properties of fabrics (like towels and sportswear). The fabric will be less able to pull moisture away from your skin so you’ll stay sweatier and warmer.

Evaluate fabric-softener ingredients in the context of the finished formulation and exposure. A list of unrelated symptoms and diseases does not establish that normal use of every softener causes those outcomes.

Do not equate fragrance ingredients with narcotic effects or hazardous-waste classifications without identifying the substance, concentration and relevant use. Choose a suitable product and avoid direct contact with concentrates.

Safer & More Sustainable Alternatives to Fabric Softeners

You can omit fabric softener, particularly where a garment’s instructions advise against it. If you use one, check its compatibility and use the specified dose.

Fabric softener is optional. If you choose a product, check the label, garment compatibility and dose. Names such as Soganics, Molly’s Suds, Dropps and Public Goods are examples to investigate, not a certification of lower toxicity. Do not assume that a baking-soda and vinegar recipe suits every machine or garment.

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are meant to eliminate static cling, make sure your clothing feels soft and smells nice. These are the same reasons why you add fabric softeners… so why were dryer sheets invented? Before manufacturers created separate compartments for fabric softeners, you had to time your trips to the machine to add the softener during the rinse cycle.

It was inconvenient. A Proctor & Gamble engineer decided to solve this problem for his wife and the company patented a dryer sheet in 1969 that would do these same things. It was launched nationally in 1975 with the original purpose of reducing lint, wrinkles, and static cling.

A quick look at social media will show you any number of additional uses for dryer sheets. The question becomes: “should you ever use dryer sheets for anything” and “how can I get the benefits of dryer sheets without using them”?

Dryer-sheet ingredients and uses vary. A green label does not prove lower impact, but neither does it mean that every product is equally toxic.

Dryer emissions can vary with products, equipment and ventilation. Studies of selected scented products do not establish the exposure or health outcome for every user or neighbour. For broader context, see our air quality coverage. Keep the dryer and vent maintained and choose fragrance-free products if desired.

The fatty acids on the dryer sheets are transferred to the dryer drum and your clothing at the same time. The build-up on your clothes means that you pick up more dirt, and it and odors become trapped in the fabric. Residue can affect some fabrics and appliances, but fire risk should be managed primarily by following the dryer manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions, especially keeping the lint filter and vent system clear.

Safer & More Sustainable Alternatives to Dryer Sheets

Choose extras only if they serve a useful purpose and are compatible with the dryer and clothing. Fragrance-free is a specific attribute; plant-based alone is not proof of lower hazard or environmental impact.

There are a few dryer sheets that don’t rely on a polyester foundation and use plant-based ingredients. Some of the companies to look at are Babyganics, Molly’s Suds, or Grab Green. Public Goods uses rayon (plant based) sheets rather than polyester. They also work to use less harmful fatty acids and softening agents. Many of the more natural products use essential oils for fragrance and are compostable. You still need to consider that you are coating your clothing and dryer with fatty acids which will eventually allow grime and body odor to collect in your clothes and make them less absorbent.

Dryer balls may help separate items in some loads, but follow the dryer manufacturer’s guidance. Do not assume that adding vinegar or baking soda is necessary, or that every plastic dryer accessory releases harmful amounts of chemicals.

Wool dryer balls can help separate items in some loads, but drying-time savings vary with the load and appliance; a fixed 25–40% reduction is not guaranteed. I’ve been using my wool dryer balls for a couple years and they are still going strong.

Alpaca dryer balls are offered by suppliers such as Alpacas of Montana and Faire. They should not be recommended as automatically suitable for someone with a wool allergy. Check materials and appliance compatibility, and seek appropriate advice where an allergy is relevant.

Before I found wool dryer balls, I would crumple up some aluminum foil and place some balls in the dryer. They do compact over time but it worked pretty well. This describes my experience, rather than a recommendation for every appliance; check your dryer’s instructions before adding accessories.

Avoid adding essential oils to dryer balls unless the appliance and accessory manufacturers explicitly allow it. Oils are chemicals too, and fragrance is not needed to dry clothing.

Resetting Your Laundry

Laundry stripping is not a routine requirement for every garment. If residue persists, first check detergent dosing, rinse performance and the garment’s care instructions.

A named product such as Washing Soda has its own instructions. Do not combine it with other products or assume that a fixed two-ingredient mixture is appropriate for all laundry.

Borax, washing soda and bleach alternatives are distinct products with their own instructions. None should be treated as harmless simply because it is a familiar household ingredient.

Do not apply a universal boiling-water, multi-hour stripping recipe. Heat and strong alkaline mixtures can damage unsuitable fabrics; use only a method compatible with the garment and equipment.

Avoid eye and skin contact with concentrated laundry products and keep them away from children. The fact that one ingredient is familiar does not remove the need for safe handling.

Microplastics & Microfibers

Laundry can release microfibres from many textile types. When those fibres are made from synthetic polymers such as polyester or nylon, they are also microplastics. This contributes to plastic that are floating in our oceans, but the share depends on definitions, pathways and study methods; a single percentage is not a measure of all marine plastic.

Microfibres can be natural or synthetic; they are not all microplastics. Fibre dimensions vary, and evidence about particles found in the environment or human tissue does not quantify the exposure from a particular household wash.

Textiles shed fibres during manufacturing, wear, washing and drying. Some are plastic-based microfibres from synthetic textiles; others are cellulosic or natural fibres. The European Environment Agency stresses that these categories should not be conflated. Dryer sheets are a separate product choice; their use should not be counted as a universal quantity of textile microfibre shedding. You can learn more about microfiber pollution from the Environmental Protection Agency.

A claim that everyone consumes a credit card’s weight of plastic each week is not a reliable measure of laundry exposure. Reducing unnecessary washing and managing shed fibres are practical actions without relying on that analogy.

Environmental persistence and potential health effects are reasons to study microplastics carefully. They do not establish that ordinary laundering causes the specific developmental or hormonal effects associated with every chemical sometimes mentioned alongside plastics.

Sustainable Practices around Microfibers

You may not be able to eliminate all fibre shedding during laundry, but wash conditions matter. EPA guidance recommends washing clothes less often where practical, using full loads without overstuffing the machine, choosing colder and shorter cycles, and considering a microfibre-catching device or external filter where compatible with the washer.

A Cora Ball is one fibre-capture option to investigate. Capture performance depends on the device, fabric and wash conditions. Follow its cleaning instructions and dispose of captured fibres in solid waste rather than rinsing them into the drain.

A washing bag such as GuppyFriend may retain some shed fibres. Check its use and cleaning instructions; capture is not complete for every load. Remove collected fibres for solid-waste disposal.

External filters require compatible plumbing and installation. Follow the machine and filter instructions, inspect for leaks and dispose of captured lint in the appropriate solid-waste stream rather than rinsing it down a drain.

External filters from PlanetCare and Filtrol are examples to compare. Check current capture-test conditions, installation compatibility and replacement or take-back terms. Manufacturer percentages should not be applied to every wash or treated as a count of all fibres generated.

Brands that use synthetic fabrics can also support fibre-shedding reduction. Check current product availability and independent performance evidence before buying a filter; a historical brand initiative is not proof that a device remains on sale.

Some equipment includes fibre-capture features, while other systems use external devices. Compare current specifications, maintenance and capture-test conditions rather than assuming that all future machines will use the same technology.

Dry Cleaning

So far, we’ve only talked about washing your clothes. But what happens if you buy something that isn’t machine washable? What are your alternatives?

Yes, we’re talking about dry cleaning. This is a process that substitutes water for solvents that lifts stains from delicate fabrics. Using water to clean wools often leads to excessive shrinkage and to water spots on silks. Water causes the fibers to swell and stretch during laundering; however, dry cleaning solvents are nonpolar so they can interact with stains without affecting textile fibers.

This useful property of lifting stains without water was discovered in the early 1820’s. Thomas Jennings, a New York tailor (and the first African American to hold a patent in the US), used a process of “dry scouring” to clean clothes. Jean-Baptist Jolly, a French dye worker discovered that when kerosene was spilled on paint-stained linen the stain disappeared after the kerosene evaporated. While effective, petroleum-based chemicals like kerosene, gasoline, and mineral spirits had the unfortunate drawback of being incredibly flammable.

Perchloroethylene, also called tetrachloroethylene, is commonly abbreviated PCE or perc. Dry-cleaning processes vary, so ask the cleaner which solvent or wet-cleaning method is used.

Residual solvent depends on the process and finishing controls. If a garment has a strong solvent odour or you have concerns, contact the cleaner; an arbitrary airing time does not guarantee that residues have been removed.

The EPA’s current PCE risk-management information describes health risks from particular uses and exposures and a staged phase-out of PCE in U.S. dry cleaning, ending in 2034 under the current rule. That regulatory concern should still be distinguished from unsupported claims that every dry-cleaned garment creates the same exposure or risk.

Solvent hazards depend on the chemical and exposure. Cleaners need appropriate equipment, ventilation and handling controls; consumers can ask about the process rather than assuming that all solvent-based services are equivalent.

Tetrachloroethylene and perchloroethylene are names for the same chemical, PCE. Trichloroethylene, abbreviated TCE, is a different chemical. Findings about one should not be attributed to the other.

Choose a professional service that can explain its process and garment compatibility. A history of industrial use does not by itself describe the exposure from a finished garment.

Safer & More Sustainable Alternatives to Dry Cleaning

Alternatives to PCE include other professional solvent processes and wet cleaning. Suitability, performance, cost and environmental effects depend on the garment, equipment and process controls.

• Hydrocarbon solvents require suitable professional equipment and fire and exposure controls. They are not automatically harmless or equivalent in performance and cost.
• Siloxane-based processes use a different solvent system. Claims that the complete process is harmless because of possible breakdown products overlook handling, emissions and other lifecycle considerations.
• Liquid carbon-dioxide cleaning requires specialist high-pressure equipment. It should not be described as having no energy demand or greenhouse-gas footprint.
• Other solvent systems also require product-specific safety and environmental assessment. A different chemical name is not proof that every use is safer.
• Professional wet cleaning may suit some garments when the process controls moisture, agitation, drying and finishing. Ask an experienced cleaner whether it is appropriate for the item; do not override its care label.

What to do Between Dry Cleaning or Laundering

Some garments need professional care, while others can be washed according to their label. To reduce unnecessary laundering, consider wear conditions and the item’s care requirements. Even suitable cleaning products should be dosed correctly, and washing and drying contribute to fabric wear.

There is an increasingly popular option… a steam closet, also called a Styler, Airdresser, closet manager. This is a stand-alone unit that uses steam and gentle agitation (really waving your garments) to remove odors and wrinkles between cleanings. They were first introduced in Korea about a decade ago and can now be purchased in most countries. Popular brands include Samsung, GE, and LG, and have a range of price points.

Steam-care appliances have model-specific functions and test claims. A universal assertion that all garments are 99.99% sanitised in 20 minutes is not justified.

Check both the appliance instructions and garment label, especially for leather, silk, fur and other delicate materials. Do not add fragrance oils unless expressly permitted; steam is not a guarantee of compatibility or complete cleaning.

These units won’t replace your washing machine or trips to the dry cleaner because it doesn’t remove dirt and stains, but it will work well on things like perspiration and cigarette smoke smells. The units can be added to your laundry room, or even a walk-in closet, to help keep you looking, and smelling, fresh without subjecting your clothing, or your skin, to harsh chemicals. There is a built-in water reservoir so all you need is an electrical outlet.

Final Thoughts…

Laundry decisions involve cleaning performance, garment care, water and energy use, packaging and product handling. No single ingredient or marketing label settles every question.

Read product information, use the recommended dose and choose only the extras you need. Hazard descriptions should be interpreted alongside the actual formulation and exposure.

Useful steps include washing appropriately sized loads, using suitable lower-temperature cycles and air-drying where practical. Fragrance-free or independently assessed products can help meet specific preferences; plant origin alone is not a safety guarantee.

Choose products and professional services that explain their intended use and provide credible evidence. Careful washing and maintenance can reduce avoidable waste while keeping clothes fit for use.