Introduction
It’s no secret that more and more people are turning towards natural and DIY options for household items. One of the most popular DIY trends is making homemade laundry soap. However, as much appeal as the process and outcome may have, there are many reasons why the practice should be avoided. In this article, we’ll take a look at the potential harm that can be caused by making homemade laundry soap.
Harmful chemicals present in DIY laundry soap recipes
Homemade laundry soap often includes ingredients like borax, washing soda, and various types of soap. While each one of these ingredients is generally considered safe in small doses, the problem with DIY recipes is that people tend to use these chemicals in high concentrations. This can lead to a number of potential health problems.
The FDA does not regularly regulate the ingredients of laundry detergent. This means that while components of the mixture may have been tested, the mixture could be more toxic than any one component on its own. In addition, many of the ingredients, such as borax, have been flagged as potentially dangerous. Swallowing borax, for example, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases.
Negative impact of homemade laundry soap on the environment
Many people overlook the fact that laundry soap is a delicate item to dispose of. When washed down the drain, the soap goes directly into our water system. This can cause problems for aquatic life and the environment.
In addition, homemade laundry soap is not as biodegradable as store-bought options. This means that it can remain in the environment longer, ultimately harming the planet. Homemade laundry soap often needs to be treated with a septic friendly formula for proper disposal.
The environmental impact of homemade laundry soap is larger when compared to store-bought options. The store-bought options are sort of industry-scale and mitigate waste much better than homemade laundry soap ever could. Manufacturers ensure that the negative impacts of their products are reduced through advanced research, and proper disposal of the waste generated through the production process.
The true cost of making homemade laundry soap
Many people turn towards DIY solutions to save money. While this may be true for some items, this is not the case with homemade laundry soap. The cost of making homemade laundry soap can be just as high as buying store-bought options.
When you factor in the cost of ingredients, the equipment needed, and the amount of time required to make the soap, the cost of homemade laundry soap doesn’t add up. Many store bought options are now eco-friendly as well, making the cost both an environmental and a personal cost comparison issue.
Personal accounts of negative experiences
One of the ways to fully understand the potential dangers of homemade laundry soap is by looking at the personal experiences of others. There are many personal accounts of people who have tried making their own laundry soap, only to suffer negative consequences. These can include skin irritation or even ruined clothing. Glycerin soap options may be less harsh on the skin, but the other ingredients still pose risks to the environment and not FDA regulated.
The misconception of homemade laundry soap as a “natural” option
Many people assume that because homemade laundry soap is natural, that it must be safer. However, this is not always the case. Many of the ingredients are processed, and there is no guarantee that the final product is free from harmful contaminants. The natural label can be misleading or contradicts the potential environmental and chemical risks of the process.
Common mistakes people make when creating their own laundry soap
Even with the best intentions, there are many common mistakes people make when creating their own laundry soap. For example, not measuring ingredients correctly can lead to inconsistent results. Likewise, not properly diluting the soap can lead to skin irritation and other issues.
Homemade laundry soap can also be affected by changes in water hardness, which means that it may not work as effectively as store-bought options, leading to additional cost and time commitments.
Conclusion
All in all, homemade laundry soap may seem like a good idea at first, however, the consequential dangers of the process outweigh the benefits. The risks include potential harm to your health, the environment, and can be costly in time and money to produce. It’s important to consider these factors before deciding to make homemade laundry soap. Ultimately, while the desire to stay natural may have good intentions, it is best to go with a less harmful, industry secured alternative.