As a building biology practitioner, I spend my days helping families uncover the hidden dangers in their homes. And time and time again, we come back to a space that is often overlooked but has a huge impact on our health: the laundry room.
This isn’t just about choosing “natural” detergents. It’s about understanding the science of what happens in that room and how those processes can affect your family’s wellness. Your laundry room has a direct line to your body through the clothes you wear and the air you breathe. By creating a truly healthy laundry room, you are making one of the most significant changes you can for your family’s well-being.
The Hidden Connection: Humidity and Chemical Exposure
You might already know that excess moisture can lead to mold, but did you know it can also dramatically increase the toxic load in your home? Every load of laundry, especially in a dryer that isn’t properly vented, releases moisture into the air.
The Science: Recent studies have shown that when indoor relative humidity rises above 60%, the rate at which VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) off-gas from building materials and household products can increase by up to 40%! This means the chemicals in your laundry products are far more impactful in a humid environment.
Your Action Plan: The simplest and most impactful step you can take is to monitor your humidity. Use an inexpensive hygrometer to keep levels between 35-45%. Improve airflow with an exhaust fan or an open window during and after cycles. For persistent issues, a dehumidifier is a great solution.
Beyond the Label: The Truth About "Free and Clear"
The world of laundry products is a marketing minefield. Terms like “green,” “natural,” and “free and clear” are unregulated, often giving a false sense of security.
The Science: A 2023 Environmental Working Group (EWG) study found that 65% of products marketed as “free and clear” still contained potentially harmful fragrance chemicals. The term “fragrance” itself is a trade secret that can hide a cocktail of hundreds of different chemicals, including hormone-disrupting phthalates.
Your Action Plan: Instead of relying on misleading labels, look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients. Some of my favorites that use truly non-toxic ingredients are Branch Basics, Aspen Clean, and Molly’s Suds.
Proactive Care for a Healthy Laundry Room
While products are important, the long-term health of your laundry room comes down to proactive maintenance.
The Science: A restricted dryer vent not only increases the risk of fire but also traps heat and moisture, contributing to the very humidity problem we just discussed. In fact, research shows that up to 40% of homes have some degree of dryer vent restriction.
Your Action Plan: Schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning every 12-18 months. Also, check outside vent covers monthly for any blockages like lint or bird nests. This simple habit will improve efficiency and make your healthy laundry room safer.
More Actionable Steps for Your Healthy Laundry Room
Beyond the basics, here are a few more steps you can take to upgrade your laundry space and routine.
Mindful Storage: Your laundry room might be where you store other cleaning supplies. Use glass or stainless steel containers for your detergents and cleaning products instead of plastic to prevent chemical leaching. Also, choose low-VOC paint for the walls to avoid adding more chemicals to your indoor air.
Preventing Water Damage: A small leak can turn into a huge mold problem. Consider installing a disaster pan under your washing machine, especially if it’s on an upper floor. Swap out old rubber supply hoses with stainless steel braided hoses, which are far less likely to fail and cause a flood.
Rethink Your Detergent Use: More is not always better! Using too much detergent can leave a residue on your clothes that can irritate your skin and act as a food source for mold inside your washing machine. A good practice is to start with half the recommended amount and adjust based on your load size.
Healthy House Approved Healthy Laundry Swaps
For Detergent: Aspen Clean Laundry Powder (plastic-free option), Branch Basics Concentrate (very versatile), Molly’s Suds, or Dropps Unscented Pods. (use code HHOTB25 for 25% off your first order and HHOTB15 for 15% off all other orders)
For Whitening: Molly’s Suds Oxygen Whitener or Mrs. Stewart’s Bluing
For Stain Remover: The Buncha Farmers Stain Stick or the Molly’s Suds Stain Spray.
For Fabric Softener/Static: Wool dryer balls (with or without essential oils) or simply adding distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Creating a healthy laundry room is about making informed choices that protect your family. It’s a journey, not a race. Start with one small, manageable change. Whether it’s running your exhaust fan after every load or trying a truly non-toxic detergent, every step makes a difference.
Remember, every choice you make brings you closer to a home that supports your family’s health and well-being. What small change will you make first?
