Laundry is the never-ending story of most households, making laundry detergent one of the most important cleaners in the house. Having a healthy routine with our daily chores makes a huge difference in not only our health, but also in the environment. With each and every load of laundry, we are creating wastewater that eventually makes its way back into the water table and natural waterways. Chemicals in well known commercial laundry detergents have very detrimental effects on these ecosystems, as well as living organisms. Chlorine, phthalates and formaldehyde are all common, and commonly known to be harmful. But there are some things lurking in commercial detergents that we aren't even aware of, or are unaware of how hazardous they are.
A chemical called 1,4-Dioxane, usually found in paints, adhesives and varnishes, is also in one of the most popular laundry detergents, and it is a solvent that is highly carcinogenic. Laundry detergents containing this chemical have even been banned in some places, due to its harmful effects on people.
Nitrogen in these detergents reacts with the phosphorus in the water, which in turn encourages the growth of algae in fresh water. This algae depletes all of the oxygen in the water, effectively ruining the ecosystem.
Surfactants are also a main ingredient in commercial laundry detergents, which are used to lift grease from washables. These surfactants are highly effective in cleaning dishes and laundry, but they are also effective in degreasing the mucus layer on the surface of fish. Anyone who has ever gone fishing knows how slimy a fish can be... but few know WHY they have that gooey layer. It protects them from parasites and bacteria, keeping them healthy and vital. These surfactants also reduce the surface tension of the water itself, and that will allow pollutants and pesticides to more easily be absorbed into waterways.
We could go on and on about the harms of chemical-rich detergents. Instead, we wish to be part of the solution by offering our very first cleaning agent, SUDS. It is completely natural and smells so good. SUDS can be used in high efficiency washing machines, standard washing machines, and is gentle enough to use for hand washing needs.
Our formula contains a combination of plant based degreasers, tea tree oil, oil-surface lubricants/softeners, lanolin blend, and pure floral essences. It does not contain any peroxides, alkali, phosphates or enzymes, so you can be assured that this effective soap will properly cleanse your garments while extending the lifespan of all your washables.
SUDS is safe for septic systems, as well as being safe for the environment.
MACHINE WASHING
We recommend you follow the manufacturers garment instructions.
Top loading machines: 1 - 2 oz per load
Front loading machines: 1/2 - 1 oz per load
HAND WASHING
Use 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Rinsing is optional.
We also use it full strength in our little scrubber, as seen below, when we are working out tough stains on the bottoms of kids' socks or rings around a hat brim.
SHEEP SKIN CARE
Use 2 ounces per skin to launder and maintain comfort and therapeutic properties. High temperature medicinal fleece may be washed in temperatures up to 170 degrees F with SUDS.
AMOUNT PER CONTAINER: 1 gallon
LOADS PER CONTAINER: 128-256 depending on what type of washing machine is being used.
COST PER 1oz LOAD: $.58