Are Your Laundry Products Making You Sick?
In the pursuit of cleanliness, many of us have unknowingly turned our homes into chemical battlegrounds. Traditional cleaners might leave things looking spotless and smelling “fresh,” but beneath the fragrance lies a cocktail of synthetic chemicals that can quietly chip away at your well-being.
The reality is this: a large portion of mainstream homecare products—all purpose cleaners, room sprays, laundry detergents—contain toxic ingredients that aren't just unpronounceable but are also unregulated and, in many cases, untested for long-term exposure. The marketing might scream “antibacterial” and “ultra-powerful,” but they rarely mention the lingering impact on your body, your family, and your space.
What’s Lurking in the Bottle?
A 2021 study from the Environmental Working Group found that common household cleaning products emit over 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which are linked to serious health conditions. These VOCs don’t just vanish after you’ve cleaned. They hang in the air. They soak into fabrics. They are inhaled. Absorbed, and ingested.
Some of the usual suspects include:
- Phthalates (found in synthetic fragrances): known endocrine disruptors, linked to hormonal imbalances and fertility issues.
- Formaldehyde (a preservative): a known carcinogen that can cause respiratory problems.
- Ammonia and Chlorine Bleach: harsh irritants to the lungs and skin, and when mixed (accidentally or unknowingly) can create toxic gas.
- 1,4-Dioxane (a contaminant in some detergents): a probable human carcinogen.
Now imagine interacting with these every day. Breathing them in. Touching your skin. Washing your clothes in them. Living in them.
Chronic Symptoms You Might Be Ignoring
The short-term side effects—dizziness, headaches, and skin irritation—are more obvious and often dismissed. But what about the long-term, low-level exposure that most people simply don’t connect to their cleaning routines?
Hormonal Imbalances
Phthalates and parabens mimic or block hormones. Over time, this disruption can lead to irregular periods, mood swings, thyroid issues, and infertility.
→ Want to cut out hormone disruptors? Start with cleaner laundry products.
Respiratory Issues
Spray cleaners and VOCs inflame airways. Studies show women who regularly use spray cleaners are up to 50% more likely to develop asthma.
→ Ditch the irritants. Breathe easier with our non-toxic alternatives.
Skin Sensitivities
From hand wash to laundry liquid, conventional products often include harsh surfactants that disrupt your skin barrier. That “clean” residue can leave your skin red, dry, or itchy.
→ Sensitive skin? Switch to skin-kind cleaning essentials.
Brain Fog + Fatigue
Toxic build-up from VOCs has been linked to cognitive issues like forgetfulness and fatigue. These effects aren’t immediate—but they add up.
→ Your home should recharge you, not drain you. Use clean home scents.
Headaches and Migraines
Artificial fragrance blends—often made with dozens of synthetic chemicals—are common triggers for migraines. And brands don’t have to tell you what’s inside.
→ Avoid hidden triggers. Choose fragrance with purpose.
The Real Clean Isn’t Just What You See
If harsh chemicals are so harmful, why are they still everywhere? Two reasons: cost and convenience. Synthetic ingredients are cheap. And for years, we’ve been conditioned to believe that “harsh = effective.” But that’s changing. At The Lab Co., we believe real clean means:
No hidden toxins
Full ingredient transparency
Functional fragrances that support mood, focus, and wellbeing
Products that are effective, kind, and radically clean
Switching to cleaner products might feel like a small step—but over time, it’s one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your health.
