Toxins Fabrics in Clothing
By Diane Robet
As a young woman, I was fixated on the latest fashions to keep pace with my peers. As time wore on, I cared less about being in vogue and more about finding quality clothes that stood the test of time. I studied labels to ensure ‘safe’ fabrics were used.
Two of the most popular fabrics in the clothing industry are Polyester and conventional cotton. Petrochemicals are used in the manufacturing process for these fabrics in different ways. Polyester is known for its versatility and the fact that it is wrinkle-free. The downside is that it contains micro-plastics that can cause skin rashes, irritation and bacterial growth from trapped moisture.
Conventional cotton on the other hand, often contains pesticides and insecticides used in farming. Add to the list the toxic dyes and other harmful chemicals. In recent times, manufacturing and technology have improved although doubt still lingers amongt wellness experts. The skin barrier only protects us to a degree.
How to Detox Clothing
Despite best efforts to purchase clothing that is “safe” to wear, make it a rule to detox new garments before wearing them.
- I begin by soaking new clothing overnight in the washing machine. I add a mixture of hot water, 1/2 cup baking soda, along with a small cap of eco-laundry detergent. In the morning I double-wash the clothes before drying them.
- If it’s a sunny day, I’ll air-dry my wash outdoors as ultraviolet light helps reduce residual chemicals including formaldehyde.
- Keep in mind, the more you wash your clothes, the less toxic they become.
Safe Fabric Solutions
- Choose organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool, peace silk/100% Mulberry silk. Check for certification labelling such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Oeko Tex Standard.
- Be cautious of clothing with a strong chemical smell.
- Avoid acrylic, nylon and rayon (viscose) as they are manufactured with harsh dyes and chemicals.
- Opt for natural organic fabrics for undergarments as Formaldehyde (a carcinogenic) is used in strong dyes.
- Choose organic cotton, not conventional cotton. Browse eco-friendly websites when purchasing natural clothing.
- Shop for used clothing at Thrift shops or consignment stores. The majority of chemicals will likely disappear through repeat washings.
- Replace commercial laundry soap with eco-friendly detergent or use 1/2 cup baking soda or Borax with 1/2 cup of vinegar. Add a couple of drops of essential oils such as Lavender. Avoid toxins from fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
Be kind to your skin!