Laundry is one of those everyday jobs we all just get on with. But have you ever stopped to look at what’s actually in your detergent or fabric conditioner?
Many mainstream products (including supermarket own brands and big names like Ariel and Persil) contain ingredients that aren’t always as gentle as they seem — on your skin or the environment.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to look out for.
Petroleum-based surfactants
Surfactants are what do the cleaning in your laundry products.
They can be made from petroleum or from plant-based sources (like coconut). The petroleum-based versions are cheaper, but often harsher on skin and slower to break down in the environment.
Because they don’t fully biodegrade, they can end up lingering in waterways long after they’ve left your home.
What to look for instead: plant-based surfactants that are clearly labelled and more readily biodegradable.
Optical brighteners
These are added to make clothes appear whiter and brighter — but they don’t actually clean your clothes.
Instead, they coat fabrics with a residue that reflects light. This is why clothes can feel “clean” but still carry build-up.
They can also be irritating for sensitive skin and don’t break down easily in the environment.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives often found in fragranced products.
They’re widely known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormone system. For many people, they’re something they prefer to avoid — especially in products used regularly like laundry detergents.
Phosphates
Phosphates have been used in cleaning products for years, but they come with a big environmental impact.
When they enter waterways, they encourage excessive algae growth, which reduces oxygen levels and harms aquatic life.
And of course… plastic waste
Most laundry products still come in single-use plastic bottles.
While some larger brands are starting to make changes, refill systems are still far from the norm — which is why small, local businesses are often leading the way with lower-waste options.
A simpler, lower-tox approach to laundry
The good news is you don’t need lots of different products to get great results.
A few well-chosen, gentler options can cover everything you need — without the unnecessary extras.
At Arborfill, our laundry range is designed to be:
- Plant-based and biodegradable
- Free from harsh additives like parabens and optical brighteners
- Suitable for family homes, including sensitive skin
- Refillable, to help reduce single-use plastic
Simple swaps that actually work
If you’re looking to simplify your routine, these are the only essentials most homes need:
- Non-bio laundry liquid – a gentle, everyday all-rounder
- Laundry powder (scented or unscented) – great for deeper cleans and higher temperatures
- Biological powder – effective at lower temperatures
- Oxygen bleach – for whitening and stain removal without chlorine
- White vinegar – helps with odours and naturally softens fabrics (especially towels and reusable nappies)
You can browse all these products here. Switching to lower-tox laundry doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.
It’s simply about choosing products that work well, feel better to use, and are a little kinder to your home and the wider environment.
And when you refill where you can, it’s a small change that adds up over time.
Want to learn how to reduce toxins at home? Download our free Gentle + Practical Green Cleaning Guide.
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