how to tell if your laundry detergent is legal
A new law was passed in New York state that bans the sale of certain laundry detergents contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. As of January 1, 2023, the maximum allowable concentration is 2 parts per million (ppm) of 1,4-dioxane in household cleansing and personal care products. By the end of 2023, that limit will be lowered to 1ppm.
Hooray for New York! However, it’s difficult for consumers to know how much 1,4-dioxane is in any product because it doesn’t show up on ingredients lists. It’s a compound created when chemicals are combined during the manufacturing process. Laundry detergents tend to have the highest 1,4-dioxane concentrations because of the way they’re manufactured. Conventional laundry detergents from Arm & Hammer, Tide, and Gain contain more than 3ppm 1,4-dioxane and, therefore, are banned from sale in New York. Products from Tide’s gentler lines and from plant-based manufacturers like Mrs. Meyers and Method were found to contain 1,4-dioxane as well, although at much lower, “acceptable” levels.
So, if 1,4-dioxane isn’t found on product ingredients lists, how can you tell if your laundry detergent is legal under this new law?
You could send your products out to a lab for 1,4-dioxane testing. Or you could read your product labels and watch out for these ingredients found in ethoxylated detergents, which are known to leave behind residual 1,4-dioxane:
- sodium laureth sulfate
- laureth-6 and laureth-7
- C12-16 pareth
- polyethelene glycol (PEG)
Or, you could shop worry free from a trusted non toxic products manufacturer whose products are available throughout the United States. All Pure Haven’s products are 100% safe and effective, never containing those ethoxylates mentioned above. Our laundry detergent is made with natural enzymes to get clothes clean safely.
Check out these ingredients to avoid (never found in Pure Haven products) and ask your Pure Haven Consultant about our laundry detergent and other non toxic home products.
FAQs
You could send your products out to a lab for 1,4-dioxane testing. Or you could read your product labels and watch out for these ingredients found in ethoxylated detergents, which are known to leave behind residual 1,4-dioxane: sodium laureth sulfate. laureth-6 and laureth-7.
How do I know if my detergent is low suds? ›
Detergents with the HE symbol on the bottle are formulated for the low-sudsing, low-water environment of an HE machine.
What laundry detergent has dioxane? ›
1,4-Dioxane contents in parts per million (ppm)
| Laundry Detergent | 1,4-Dioxane parts per million (ppm) |
|---|
| Tide Simply plus Oxi (Refreshing Breeze) | 8.3 ppm |
| All with Stain Lifters (Fresh Rain) | 5.2 ppm |
| Up & Up Fresh Linen | 4.3 ppm |
| Arm and Hammer (Clean Burst, 2x Concentrated) | 2.8 ppm |
9 more rowsTelltale signs of using too little detergent are clothes that feel dirty, greasy, or stinky. If yours aren't coming out of the laundry clean, try increasing the amount of detergent used in your next similarly sized load. Conversely, using too much detergent can leave your clothes feeling stiff, scratchy, or sticky.
How to tell if detergent is high efficiency? ›
How do I know if my detergent is high efficiency? When shopping for laundry detergent, look for the “HE” symbol on the container or packaging to ensure the detergent is made for your HE washer. The HE symbol is comprised of a lowercase “h” and “e” inside a circle.
What are low-sudsing detergents? ›
HE detergents only create a small amount of suds and must be used in high-efficiency washing machines. The Spruce / Sarah Lee. High-efficiency washers use much less water than older standard washers. The HE detergents are developed as low-sudsing and quick-dispersing cleaners for use in low-water-volume machines.
How do I know if my laundry detergent is mild? ›
To determine if a laundry detergent is mild, read the product labels carefully. Look for terms like “gentle,” “mild,” or “for sensitive skin.” Avoid detergents containing harsh chemicals like bleach, which can irritate sensitive skin.
What is the safest laundry detergent to use? ›
Among our favorites, you'll find plant-based and earth-derived ingredients with these picks: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder, Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent, and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Laundry Detergent.
What is the best dioxane free laundry detergent? ›
Seventh Generation stands out for its commitment to safety and the environment. Its laundry detergents are designed with plant-based ingredients and are free from dioxanes, making them a safe choice for families and individuals seeking a healthier, more sustainable laundry solution.
What are the four banned laundry detergents? ›
The chemical byproduct, 1,4-Dioxane, is present in many popular laundry detergents. In recent tests, Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, and Gain Original + Aroma Boost all contained more than 3 PPM of 1,4-Dioxane, over the NY State limit.
Washing machines clean clothes in part by allowing clothes to rub against each other; this friction helps work dirt and stains out of fabric. Using too much soap can reduce this friction, which means that your clothes may not get as clean as they would otherwise.
Does it really matter what laundry detergent you use? ›
If you need a detergent for sensitive skin, buy one. If you need stain-lifting power, look for a winning one on that front. Regardless of what you pick, don't overuse it and your laundry will come out nice and fresh. A simple rule of thumb is to always remember to check your machine manual to see what is recommended.
Is 1 cup of detergent too much? ›
For a large load of clothes, use no more than 2 tablespoons. Never fill up your detergent's measuring cap or cup, which is significantly too much detergent for most washers.
What happens if you use the wrong detergent in a high efficiency washer? ›
Please don't. Use of the wrong detergent will confuse your wash cycle, your clothes will not rinse thoroughly, and you could potentially create a big problem (read: mess) with your machine. You want to be sure to use only HE detergents in you High-Efficiency washer.
Is Arm and Hammer laundry detergent high efficiency? ›
All ARM & HAMMER detergents are high efficiency detergents, so whether you prefer liquid, paks or powder your clothes will get a deep clean and you will save water*. Using regular detergents in HE washers can create too many suds.
Why don't I see soap suds in my washing machine? ›
Seeing little or no suds should be considered normal. This is due to the amount of water the machine uses.
What is the difference between high suds and low suds? ›
Low foam detergents contain a different combination of surfactants that produce fewer suds than their high foam counterparts. Despite the reduced suds, well-formulated low-foam detergents can effectively remove dirt and grime from various surfaces as well.
How do you know if your laundry is too soapy? ›
What are the signs that you might be using too much detergent? 🚩 Your wet clothes feel slimy, sticky or soapy after the cycle is done. 🚩 Dry clothes feel stiff out of the dryer. 🚩 Coloured clothes have lost their vibrancy.
Is Tide detergent low suds? ›
Tide HE Turbo Clean Laundry Detergent is formulated to be low sudsing, so you can use the recommended dose for your load size without having to worry about over sudsing in your machine. Check your detergent's instructions to know how much detergent to use in order to minimize washer foam.
