Fabric Softener is Toxic

Hey Peeps,
I was astounded to recently learn how toxic fabric softener is.  I mean seriously toxic.  Check out this utterly surprising list of some of the harmful ingredients commonly found in liquid fabric softeners:

• Chloroform - This substance was used as an anesthesia in the 1800s up through the early 1900s when its potential for causing fatal cardiac arrhythmia was discovered. A carcinogenic neurotoxin, it is on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list. Inhaling its vapors may cause loss of consciousness, nausea, headache, vomiting, and/or dizziness, drowsiness. It may aggravate disorders of the heart, kidneys or liver. Its effects worsen when subjected to heat.
• A-Terpineol -  Causes Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, meaning problems relating to the brain and spine such as Alzheimer's disease, ADD, dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, seizures, strokes, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Early symptoms of CNS problems include aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine. A-Terpineol also irritates the mucous membranes and, if aspirated into the lungs, can cause respiratory depression, pneumonia or fatal edema.
• Benzyl Alcohol -  This upper respiratory tract irritant can cause central nervous system (CNS) disorders, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and dramatic drops in blood pressure.
• Benzyl Acetate -  This substances has been linked to pancreatic cancer. Its vapors can be irritating to eyes and respiratory passages and it can also be absorbed through the skin.
• Ethanol: Another fabric softener ingredient which is on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list and linked to CNS disorders.
• Pentane -  A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled.
• Ethyl Acetate -  This substance, which is on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list, can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. It may also cause severe headaches and loss of consciousness, as well as damage to the liver and kidneys.
• Camphor -  Another substance on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list. It is easily absorbed through body tissue, causing irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Camphor can also cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions.
• Linalool -  A narcotic known to cause respiratory problems and CNS disorders. In animal testing, exposure to linalool has resulted in death.
• Phthalates -  Used in scented products to help the scent last longer, phthlates have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive system problems.
• Limonene -  This known carcinogen can cause irritation to eyes and skin.


I have been using liquid fabric softener which I now know to be liquid poison my entire life!  Manufacturers are aware that the products contain toxic chemicals. The packaging on many brands include a warning that the product should not be used on children's sleepwear. Since some of the same brands also have large images of children and toys, however, consumers may miss the small print message.

Homemade fabric softener is super easy to make, and economical as well.  It is FAR less expensive to make fabric softener than it is to buy it.  And before you roll your eyes and call me crunchy, check out the recipe below.  I mean c'mon, anyone can do this!  I for one, will no longer be using this commercial liquid poison in my house!


Suzy's Homemade Fabric Softener



Ingredients:

• 28 oz of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 64 oz (1/2 gallon) hot water
• Essential oil (optional) approx 20 drops

• Preparation:
  

In a one gallon BPA free jug, combine the vinegar, baking soda and water.   Please be  careful with the chemical reaction of these ingredients, as it will create lots of bubbles.  When the bubbles calm down and the liquid decreases, pour it into one or multiple glass storage jars and add any essential oil that you like (I love lavender for laundry.)  Always shake before each use. Use 4 tablespoons of this mixture per load.