To care for green clothing in a “green” way, you would first do well to understand some basic information about how traditional (and sometimes even green) clothing is processed and treated. This is even more important if you are looking for eco-friendly clothing that is organic in every way, so you will know what to look for before purchasing clothing care products. You will find that green clothing may need different care due to the way it is processed. Surprisingly, you can find more chemicals in your green clothing than you think.
Clothing is sometimes called “green”, although it may not be organic due to chemicals or synthetics that may have been applied throughout the creation and production process, and this has an effect on aftercare once it is. in your closet. For example, you may have an organic cotton fiber that has been combined with other natural fibers to acquire certain characteristics in the fabric. It is still totally natural, but not necessarily all organic, and not chemical free.
A little history about permanent press clothing and why it was developed: At some point, you may have purchased what is known as permanent press, which is easier to care for clothes that retain wrinkles and resist wrinkles. . In fact, this was considered a breakthrough over clothes without it, as in modern times, people have been looking for easier ways to do things, including taking care of their clothes.
But what some may not know is that to achieve these characteristics, a chemical called formaldehyde was added to the processing, which changed the nature of the fibers in clothing to keep it more wrinkle-free. Formaldehyde is a toxic solution used in explosives, industrial applications such as adhesives, paints, and insulation and embalming. It has been found in bath and food products, among other products. Formaldehyde is believed to be carcinogenic.
The use of formaldehyde has declined over the years, but it is still an ingredient in permanent press, along with a number of other chemicals, such as dyeing and softening agents. The health effects of such chemicals are well known and include lung dysfunction, respiratory tract and skin irritation, organ and system failure, decreased learning and brain function, eye and vision problems, and others. Some of these chemicals have also found their way into the processing of other fabrics.
The chemical overload we have in our homes in some cases has made some people sensitive to chemicals, forcing them to eliminate as many chemicals as possible to minimize the cumulative negative effects. Added to the chemical load are the chemical additives used to create and process clothing, including the increasing use of nanoparticles that are added to protect fabric from wrinkles, stains, and even the control of bacteria and fungi. The use of nanotechnology is a newer technology whose long-term effects are not fully understood.
Even if your clothing is completely organic and no chemicals are used in processing, what are you wearing when you wash, stain, or iron it? Do you use detergents and popular fabric softeners? They often have fragrances that include substances that have been shown to be harmful to the earth and human health.
If you’re concerned, do a little research on your favorite products, their ingredients, and how they can affect your family. Many of us have friends and family who are unable to use certain products due to the resulting headaches, breathing problems, or skin sensitivities. Using eco-friendly products on your clothing will help ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your eco-friendly clothing and your family.
Note: In some cases, even some natural and organic fragrances may not agree with some family members. Check the labels for details and choose the ones that are best for your loved ones.
For your clothes that can only be dry cleaned, do some research on “wet” cleaning and cleaning that uses CO2, which does not contain chemicals.
So rest assured, whether you wash or dry clean, you can take care of all your eco laundry cleaning needs by doing a little research and taking care of the products you choose.
