Have you ever noticed that some laundry detergents have a long list of 'active' ingredients in their powders or liquids but they never seem to actually clean your clothes very well?
This is because many of those ingredients are actually just fillers, added to the mix only to increase the bulk or weight of the product.
Shocking right!? We think so too!
So to ensure you're kept in the loop, here's a break down on fillers and other synthetic chemicals hidden in your laundry detergent.
What are fillers?
Fillers are materials that do NOT contribute to the cleaning power of laundry detergent but are added to increase the volume of the product. They are typically cheap and abundant, and they do not react with the other ingredients in the detergent.
Why are fillers added to laundry detergent?
Fillers are added to laundry detergent for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is to reduce the cost of the product for manufacturers. By adding fillers, manufacturers can increase the volume of the product without having to add expensive active ingredients, such as surfactants and enzymes.
Another reason fillers are added to laundry detergent is to improve the appearance of the product. A product with a larger volume can appear more substantial and provide the impression of better value for the consumer.
Are fillers in laundry detergent a concern?
Simply put, detergents with a high filler content do not clean as effectively as those with a lower filler content but more importantly fillers contribute to environmental pollution in our waters and harm aquatic life.
Common fillers to be aware of:
- Sodium sulfate
- Sodium chloride
- Calcium carbonate
Our Laundry Slips are natural, biodegradable and completely grey water safe to ensure your clothes and our planet stay clean and healthy!
