Which Products To Use (And Avoid) When Cleaning Linen

Anyone with linen sheets knows that a bit of TLC goes a long way in keeping them soft, bright and in beautiful condition. Pure 100% French flax linen is durable, but strong cleaning chemicals can weaken its fibres over time, causing it to lose its strength, texture, and appearance.

There are some failsafe tactics you can use to maintain the quality of your linen: delicately machine washing or handwashing, safely air and tumble drying, properly storing and regularly cleaning. But what about the products we use when washing our bed sheets? Not all detergents are made equal, and there are some harsh substances that find their way into powders and liquid concentrates.

These days, chemicals are generally necessary for cleaning products to properly cleanse and disinfect, but through research, we’re discovering that some are harmful in large amounts, while some are not. Before buying a new laundry wash, note down these ingredients to avoid the next time you’re at the supermarket.

Fabric softener

Fabric softener itself isn’t an ingredient, but you should avoid using it in your laundry routine. It often has silicone-based and ammonium compounds that build up and leave a thin layer of chemicals on the fabric, over time making it feel greasy or stiff rather than soft. It can also reduce breathability and absorbency, and cause build-up in machines, potentially causing blockages or damage. Instead, consider using a bit of white vinegar in the rinse cycle, which helps break down detergent residue and soften the fabric naturally.

Parabens

Parabens help extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria and mould, but should be avoided in your household products. While there are still ongoing studies, they have been linked to hormone disruption and bioaccumulation, which means they can build up in the body over time, potentially leading to long-term health effects. Parabens can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin, leading to flare-ups of conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

Phosphates

While these are also a collection of harsh chemicals, they are more damaging to the planet than anything else. They can wash into wastewater systems and ultimately make their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing excessive algae growth and producing toxins that are dangerous to aquatic life. Phosphates do not break down easily in the environment. Once they enter water systems, they can remain there for years, continuing to contribute to water quality problems and harming ecosystems long after their initial release. In fact, phosphates are restricted and banned in many places, but lots of products still contain them. It’s best to steer clear if you see them on a list of ingredients.

Optical Brighteners

Also known as fluorescent whitening agents, optical brighteners are commonly added to laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning products to make fabrics appear brighter and whiter. They absorb ultraviolet light and emit visible blue light, and while this might look nice, but studies suggest that these substances could be toxic in the long term. These chemicals are purely aesthetic and aren’t necessary for the cleaning process, so if you’re looking to reduce the amount of chemicals you’re using, culling products with optical brighteners is a good place to start.

Chlorine Bleach

A common whitening agent and disinfectant, chlorine bleach is often used in stain removers in laundry products as well as household cleaners. When used frequently, it can irritate the skin, eyes, and even the lungs. This study found that using chlorine bleach can cause natural fabrics to absorb harmful chlorine-based by-products, known as organochlorines. These by-products can remain in the fabric long after the laundry is done, posing potential risks to human health through direct skin contact. If you're treating a stain, never reach for the bleach and instead use an alternative like bicarbonate soda or lemon juice.