To care for green clothing in a “green” way, you’d 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’re looking for eco-friendly clothes that are organic in every way, so you know what to look for before you buy clothes care products. You will find that green clothing may need to be cared for differently due to the way it is processed. Surprisingly, you may find more chemicals in your green clothes than you think.
Clothing is sometimes said to be “green”, even though it is not organic due to chemicals or synthetics that may have been applied during the creation and production process, and this has an effect on aftercare once it is in your wardrobe. For example, you may have an organic cotton fiber that has been combined with chemically treated fibers. other natural fibers to gain certain characteristics in the fabric. It’s still all natural, but not necessarily all organic, and not chemical free.
A little history on permanent press clothing and why it was developed: At some point, you may have bought what’s known as permanent press, which is easier to care for clothing that retains creases and resists wrinkles . In fact, this was considered an advance over clothes without, as in modern times, people have been looking for easier ways to get things done, 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 clothing fibers to keep them 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 decreased over the years, but it is still an ingredient in permanent pressing, along with a host of other chemicals, such as softening agents and coloring agents. The health effects of such chemicals are well known and include lung dysfunction, respiratory 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 overload of chemicals we have in our homes has in some cases made some people sensitive to chemicals, forcing them to remove as many chemicals as possible to minimize negative cumulative effects. Adding 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 control bacteria and fungi. The use of nanotechnology is a newer technology whose long-term effects are not fully understood.
Even if your clothes are completely organic with no chemicals used in processing, what are you using when you wash, treat or iron them? Do you use popular laundry detergent and fabric softeners? They often have fragrances that include substances that have been shown to be harmful to the earth and to human health.
If you’re concerned, do some research on your favorite products, their ingredients, and how they may affect your family. Many of us have friends and family members who are unable to use certain products due to resulting headaches, breathing problems, or skin sensitivity. Using eco-friendly products in your clothing will help ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your green clothing and your family.
Note: in some cases, even some natural and organic fragrances may not agree with some family members. Check labels for details and choose the best ones for your loved ones.
For clothes that can only be dry cleaned, do some research on “wet” cleaning and cleaning that uses CO2, which contain no chemicals.
So rest assured, whether you launder or dry clean, you can take care of all your green laundry cleaning needs with a little research and care in the products you choose.