How to recognize an eco-friendly detergent

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN ECOLOGICAL DETERGENT

It's easy to say eco-friendly detergentIn reality, things are more complex, as a detergent with this basic quality, to avoid being a waste of money, must guarantee certain fundamental characteristics. And only then can we be sure we've purchased a product that doesn't harm the environment or pose a risk to our health, as traditional detergents also contain the most chemicals, with the associated risks of dermatitis and allergies.

ALSO READ: House cleaning: how to save time and effort. Quick and natural products: from vinegar to lemon.

ECO-FRIENDLY DETERGENTS: WHEN THEY REALLY ARE

But let's see in detail, one by one, the essential characteristics of truly eco-friendly detergents:

Plant-based surfactants. In traditional detergents, surfactants, the substances that give the product its cleaning power, are synthetic and aggressive. They are derived from petroleum. These molecules have a hydrophilic part that binds with water and another that mixes with fatty substances. This results in the emulsion, foam, and cleaning effect. Since they are substances derived from petroleum, chemical surfactants are pollutants and contain harmful and highly irritating materials such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or Sles (sodium laureth sulfate). In ecological detergents, however, the surfactants are of plant origin: they come from coconut, palm, olive oil, and wheat.

Chemical dyes and perfumes. They serve to improve the “aesthetic” appearance and smell of the detergents Traditional detergents, but they have no bearing on the product's effectiveness and effectiveness. However, they may contain substances that are harmful and toxic to the environment. Eco-friendly detergents exclude both chemical dyes and fragrances, ensuring they won't cause any allergies. Natural fragrances, such as essential oils, are used instead.

Against limescale.  Regarding this specific problem, which afflicts all kitchens and bathrooms in our homes, traditional detergents use phosphorus, phosphates, and phosphonates. All these substances, with their associated environmental drawbacks, enhance the cleaning action of surfactants. Eco-friendly detergents, on the other hand, use sodium citrate and lamellated silicates.

Optical brighteners and sodium perborate.  Here, too, we're in the thick of the chemical realm: these are substances used to make laundry whiter and brighter, but they have two drawbacks. First, they're called "optical brighteners" because they're only a visual effect (optical, indeed); in reality, the yellowing of the fabric is merely masked. It's there, but you can't see it. Second, these substances, which are not biodegradable, can cause eczema and skin conditions. As for phosphates, which soften wash water and enhance the product's cleaning action, once released into the environment, they cause abnormal blooms, algae growth, and oxygen depletion. The damage reaches the sea and rivers. What are the alternatives? First, eco-friendly detergents don't contain optical brighteners (which, incidentally, must be listed on the label), and instead use sodium percarbonate, a completely biodegradable crystalline salt, as an eco-friendly brightener.

Preservatives.  They eliminate bacteria, but they pollute and cause allergies: especially substances ending in thiazolinone. These are chlorinated preservatives, which are highly allergenic. Eco-friendly detergents, on the other hand, contain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which is highly effective: it has a natural preservative effect as well as being a whitener, sanitizer, and antibacterial. Ethyl alcohol can also act as a natural solvent for removing dirt.

Hypoallergenic.  One of the biggest risks with chemical detergents, especially for people with sensitive skin, is developing allergies. This risk is almost completely eliminated with eco-friendly detergents, which are hypoallergenic. That is, they don't cause such reactions, although it's important to note that no cleaning product is 100% guaranteed not to cause allergies. Hypoallergenic detergents aren't aggressive, but that doesn't mean they're less effective than traditional detergents, and this should be clearly stated on the label. They're highly recommended for use around infants and children.

The different packaging.  Environmental impact is also measured by the type of product packaging. Traditional detergents are almost always purchased in bulky plastic or paper containers. Eco-friendly detergents, on the other hand, prefer to be purchased in bulk, in refillable containers. It's also better to opt for smaller containers that take up less space, are easier to dispose of, and are effective in smaller doses.

GREEN CERTIFICATIONS FOR ECOLOGICAL DETERGENTS

Here too, the key is knowing how to read the label. And it's not difficult. There are four brands that guarantee eco-friendly detergents—that is, they don't harm the environment in any way and don't pose any particular risks to human health.

• Icea “Eco bio detergent”. It is issued by ICEA, the Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification, respecting the environment and health. Information can be found on the icea.info website.
• Lav. Certification It is released by the Anti-Vivisection League and guarantees a product not tested on animals. Its website and lav.it
• EU Ecolabel. It's a European eco-label for products with a reduced environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. Visit the website: www.ecolabel.eu
• Aiab clean detergent. This is a brand that certifies an organic product with a low environmental impact and respect for health. Here are all the instructions. https://aiab.it/

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NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HOUSE CLEANING:

• Laundry detergent: how to make it at home with baking soda and Marseille soap
• How to clean your house with vinegar. And how to use it in your washing machine and dishwasher.
• DIY dishwasher rinse aid: make it with citric acid, vinegar, and lemon essential oil.