With laundry, the problem is the potentially irritating and allergenic residues they leave on clothes. “Especially since to save water, the rinsing cycles of current washing machines are questionable”, notes Philippe Perrin, eco-nurse. It is therefore important to choose the right detergent in order to avoid as much harmful substances. First point: we prefer powder detergents, because liquid products contain more compounds, in particular “biocides” against organic compounds.
Eco-labeled detergents
They are a good alternative. Another solution, do your own laundry and stain remover with natural products:
A natural detergent with Marseille soap shavings, hot water, white vinegar, baking soda and possibly a few drops of essential oils to perfume the laundry;
Black soap to loosen;
Dry cleaning with Sommières earth;
Sorrel salt to obtain a brilliant white.
At the same time, in order to optimize the rinsing and limit the detergent residues, we adopt these few reflexes:
Respect the dosage of detergent;
Do not overload the drum so that the laundry is well stirred and rinsed;
Choose a long rinsing cycle.
Should I use a special detergent for baby’s laundry?
As with adults, use a laundry eco-labeled or a natural homemade laundry, with an optimum rinsing cycle, helps to limit laundry residues potentially irritating to baby’s skin. In the event of proven skin problems, we go back to the old method for body linen: hand washing with Marseille soap, taking care to rinse well.
What about fabric softeners?
They are also avoided, because they leave potentially allergenic residues and are an additional source of pollution. For softer laundry, put a little white vinegar in the fabric softener tray and possibly a few drops of lavender essential oil to scent it (except in the case of allergy to essential oils).
