What are the main functions and what is the danger of zeolites in washing powder?
In order to take care of the environment and human health, manufacturers of washing powders are constantly improving the composition of detergents, making them as safe as possible.
Thus, increasingly, instead of dangerous phosphates, zeolites are added to washing powder - natural minerals with special absorbent properties.
It is believed that zeolites are absolutely harmless to humans. But is this really so? Let's try to figure it out.
Content
What is it and why do we need it?
Zeolites are minerals whose peculiarity is the ability to form a glassy bubbly substance when heated strongly.
The main function of zeolite in washing powder is to reduce the water hardness level, due to which less surfactants are used (surfactants quickly remove dirt from fabric fibers in “soft” water).
What are they?
In the general group of zeolites there are more than forty varieties of minerals. In more detail, these substances are divided into two categories: natural and artificial minerals.
Natural zeolites are rock crystals. Particles vary in shape and shade (can be transparent or colored).
Natural particles are formed under the influence of high temperatures from the remains of volcanic rocks or during the degeneration of sedimentary rocks of the seabed.
Artificial zeolites are mined in laboratory conditions (artificial synthesis makes it possible to obtain more than a hundred different species).
Are they harmful?
The use of zeolites helps the manufacturer reduce the amount of potentially hazardous substances in the laundry detergent.
Also, answering the question about the dangers of zeolites in washing powder, it is worth noting:
- The molecular structure of minerals is very similar to a sieve. The smallest cells of the substance, filtering out contaminants, accumulate the chemical components of washing powders. By interacting with human skin through clothing, they can cause severe allergic reactions.
- The smallest particles of zeolites, like an abrasive, negatively affect the parts and components of the washing machine mechanisms.
- Without dissolving in water, minerals make the fabric rigid, change its structure and even its shade.
- Zeolites are very difficult to rinse out of fabric fibers. When drying, they enter the air and, together with dust particles from the surrounding space, settle on the lungs and bronchi of a person through inhalation.
Zeolites are not the most dangerous substances. But to maintain your health, you should switch to powders without such particles, with a completely natural composition.
How to choose a detergent without this component in the composition?
Choosing safe washing products, you need to make sure that the composition contains a minimum amount of zeolites (or better without them) and surfactants.
Normally, surfactants should not exceed 2%, and zeolites (represented by silicates and carbonates that are the safest for humans and the environment) - 1/3 of the total weight of the powder.
TOP 3 best
Below is a rating of organic and hypoallergenic washing powders:
Cleantown "Organic"
Chistown “Organic” is a new generation detergent created on the basis of natural soap. The powder gently and efficiently washes clothes, while preserving human health and the environment.
Chistown Organic is a concentrated product. One pack (600 g) is enough to wash 50 kg of laundry.
The average cost is 180 rubles. (pack 600 g).
Sodasan Color
Organic laundry detergent Sodasan Color - German quality confirmed by GREENPEACE ENERGY certificates (Germany). Only natural composition:
- herbal extracts,
- lemon acid,
- minerals,
- essential oils.
Perfectly washes clothes from any fabrics.
The average cost is 1100 rubles. (pack 1.2 kg).
KLAR ECO SENSITIVE
Hypoallergenic washing gel KLAR ECO SENSITIVE consists of substances of plant and mineral origin (natural soap nut extract, succinic acid). Perfectly removes any dirt. The gel is odorless.
The product is absolutely safe for human health and the environment (confirmed by an organic certificate).
The average cost is 1500 rubles. (capacity 1.5 l).
Before purchasing, you must make sure that the seller has the appropriate product quality certificates. This will help you purchase a truly natural, safe washing powder.
The composition and purpose of the components of washing powder are discussed in given section.
Conclusion
Replacing phosphates in laundry detergent with zeolites will not help completely eliminate allergic reactions and the development of other health problems. But by choosing products with the most natural composition, you can minimize such risks.
