Does Fabric Softener Cause Cancer and Natural Alternatives

Fabric softeners and other laundry products have become household staples, promising to leave clothes soft, fresh-smelling, and static-free. However, recent studies and recalls have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with these products, including a possible link to cancer. This blog post explores these risks associated with laundry detergent and various forms of fabric softener, highlights harmful chemicals found in common fabric softeners, and provides natural alternatives to keep your laundry routine safe and effective. Healthy cleaning and living are important to us and we try to avoid the most worrisome preservatives when looking for ways to have a fresh scent without increasing the risk of cancer. So Does Fabric Softener Cause Cancer? Let’s find out.

Does Fabric Softener Cause Cancer: The Cancer Risk Associated with Fabric Softeners

In March 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled Laundress fabric conditioners due to the presence of ethylene oxide, a chemical that can damage DNA and increase the risk of certain cancers over time. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide is linked to an increased risk of cancers of white blood cells (such as myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphocytic leukemia), as well as breast cancer. This known carcinogen poses a greater risk to children, who are more sensitive to its harmful effects than adults. 

Ethylene oxide is not the only concerning ingredient found in liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Many of these products contain a mix of chemicals that can have adverse health effects, including:

• Benzyl acetate: Linked to respiratory issues and eye irritation.
• Chloroform: A carcinogenic substance that can cause dizziness, headaches, and liver damage.
• Limonene: A skin and eye irritant that can react with ozone to form formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
• Alpha-terpineol: Associated with central nervous system disorders, headaches, and respiratory problems.
• Quaternary ammonium compounds: Linked to skin irritation and respiratory issues.
• Synthetic fragrances: Often contain phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors and can cause reproductive health problems.

What is VOC and What Does It Have to Do with Fabric Softener?

Fabric softeners can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air through a process called off-gassing. These hazardous chemicals can include aromatics, alcohols, esters, and compounds used to enhance fragrance. For example, Anderson and Anderson (2010) detected toluene, styrene, and other aromatics, as well as ethanol, thymol, and other alcohols. Researchgate.net found that ethyl 2-methyl butyrate, nonanal, d-limonene, and eucalyptol are commonly emitted VOCs from fabrics treated with fabric softener

Given these potential health hazards, many consumers are seeking safer, natural alternatives to traditional fabric softeners.

VOCs can be problematic for people with respiratory conditions or who are sensitive to them. Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and memory issues. Long-term exposure can lead to nausea, fatigue, loss of coordination, and damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Other symptoms associated with exposure to household VOCs include:

Shortness of breath, Asthma, Allergic reactions, Hormone imbalance, Itchy throat, and Coughing. 

To protect your health, you can try to limit your exposure to products and materials that contain VOCs. You can also try making your own non-toxic fabric softener.

Dryer Vent Emissions: A Hidden Health Hazard

Dryer vent emissions are a significant yet often overlooked source of indoor air pollution. When you use fabric conditioners, heat-activated dryer sheets, or liquid softeners, they release a variety of chemicals into the air. A recent study from the University of Washington found that dryer vent emissions contain numerous probable carcinogens, including acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate. These emissions can also release synthetic musks and fragrance chemicals, which contribute to the chemical smells that permeate your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, prolonged exposure to these substances can increase the risk of lung cancer and other serious health issues. The good news is that by switching to natural alternatives for fabric softeners and using healthier cleaning products, you can significantly reduce these emissions and improve the air quality in your home. Adopting these changes not only supports environmental health but also protects your family’s well-being.

Natural Alternatives to Fabric Softeners

With so many concerned , wondering if fabric softener will cause cancer, It’s time for a laundry room makeover, and that means more than just reorganizing your shelves. Rethinking your laundry routine can make a big difference in your health and the environment. As you clean out your dryer vents and optimize the performance of your clothes dryers, consider switching to natural alternatives for fabric softeners. Traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets are often loaded with chemicals that can pose health risks and harm the environment. By choosing safer options, you can enjoy fresh, soft laundry without the use of harmful household cleaning products. Here are some effective and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional fabric softeners that will revolutionize your laundry routine and keep your clothes, and home, healthier.

1. Wool Dryer Balls:Wool dryer balls are an excellent natural alternative to chemical fabric softeners and dryer sheets. They help reduce drying time, minimize static cling, and soften fabrics without any toxic chemicals. Additionally, you can add a few drops of essential oils to the wool balls for a pleasant fragrance.
2. White Vinegar:Adding a small amount of white vinegar to your laundry can act as a natural fabric softener. Simply pour white vinegar into a Downy ball or directly into the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine. Vinegar helps to break down detergent residues, soften fabrics, and reduce static electricity. It’s especially effective in the rinse cycle for removing chemical residue.
3. Baking Soda:Baking soda is another effective natural fabric softener. Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine during the wash cycle to help soften clothes, control odors, and reduce static cling.
4. Epsom Salt Fabric Softener:You can create your own natural fabric softener by mixing Epsom salt with essential oils. Combine one cup of Epsom salt with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender or lemon). Add a quarter cup of this mixture to your laundry during the rinse cycle for soft, fresh-smelling clothes.
5. DIY Fabric Softener with Hair Conditioner:Mix one part hair conditioner (preferably an unscented, natural brand) with two parts white vinegar and two parts water. Shake well and use half a cup of this mixture in the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine.

Environmental and Health Impacts of Fabric Softeners

The environmental impacts of traditional fabric softeners AND Laundry detergents are also a concern. Many fabric softeners contain cationic surfactants and other toxic chemicals that can harm marine life and affect indoor air quality. Fabric softener sheets and liquid softeners often leave chemical residue on clothes, which can lead to skin allergies and irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin.

Additionally, the use of synthetic fragrances and heavy fragrance ingredients in fabric softeners can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. Constant exposure to these fragranced products can lead to health problems, including endocrine disruptors that affect reproductive systems.

While the convenience of commercial liquid softener and dryer sheets is undeniable, the potential health risks and environmental impacts associated with their use are concerning. By opting for natural alternatives like wool dryer balls, white vinegar, and baking soda, you can achieve soft, fresh-smelling clothes without exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals that are often common ingredients. Prioritizing health and safety in your laundry routine is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your exposure to potentially carcinogenic substances and protect the environment.

Switching to fragrance-free products and avoiding synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, and other harsh chemicals in your laundry routine and switching to more natural in-wash fabric softeners can significantly improve your indoor air quality and reduce health risks. Embrace these healthier cleaning options and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re making safer choices for your household. Chemicals found in your average fabric conditioner or spray air fresheners  stay in the fabric fibers in your home and on your clothing for longer than you’d think. 

For more information on safe laundry practices and product recommendations, check resources from the Environmental Working Group and other reputable organizations. The Environmental Working Group, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , The American Cleaning Institute and Food and Drug Administration are getting more and more information available all the time. The United States is not always the first to recognize harmful chemicals, so we also like to stay informed on what ingredients are being banned in other countries or even watching for the next small study here in the states.  Stay informed and proactive about the ingredients in your household products to maintain a healthy and safe living environment.

Check out our Homemade Laundry Detergent and Homemade Laundry Scent Booster.