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When you choose a detergent to take with you to the laundromat, some options are safer than others. This is because there are a few ingredients used for cleaning purposes that may have adverse effects on your health and the environment. To help you make the right choice when you’re at the store, here are a few of the types of ingredients to steer clear of. 

What Should You Avoid in Laundry Detergents?

1. Substances That Cause Irritation

Some chemicals that remove soil or grime from fabrics can irritate or inflame your skin, eyes, lungs, and other organs. Chlorine bleach is known for this. Other common culprits are the various forms of sodium lauryl, including sulfate and ether sulfate, ammonium, nonylphenol ethoxylates, alkylphenol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, petroleum distillates, and all types of dioxane. Even artificial fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners are risky in this regard. Fragrances may also negatively disrupt your hormones, wreak havoc on your reproductive system, and stunt infant development.

2. Anything Carcinogenic

laundromatFormaldehyde can put you at risk of developing cancer, so for the safety of your family, avoid using it when you visit the laundromat. Many fragrances and dyes may be carcinogenic as well. The same can be said of dichlorobenzene, ethylene oxide, quaternium-15, petroleum distillates, and any dioxane compound. 

3. Chemicals That Harm Aquatic Life

Humans aren’t the only living beings that can be adversely affected by chemicals. When the water from the laundromat’s commercial washer returns to a local water source, the fish and aquatic wildlife that live there will come in contact with it. To protect the Earth’s wildlife, avoid detergents that contain dichlorobenzene, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, alkylphenol, and phosphates.


For a laundromat that cares about the comfort and wellness of your family, visit Wash & Spin Coin Laundry in Atlanta, GA. They offer 24-hour drop-off laundry service, free Wi-Fi, machines that take coins and cards, and cleaning supplies. They are open every day. Learn more about their facility online or call (404) 756-1666 to discuss your needs. 

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