Fabric Softener, Free & Clear, 40oz

Aqua (water), methyl bis (cannola amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate (canola-derived fabric softener), calcium chloride (cleaning enhancer), hexahydro-1,3,5-tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine (preservative, less than 0.05%)

Most fabric softeners use animal tallow and water repellants to make your clothes feel softer. Seventh Generation uses naturally-derived canola for a wholesome softness that you can feel good about! And their Free & Clear line has no dyes or perfumes, which is good for people with sensitivities, or for those who just want a fabric softener that won't compete with the scent of their laundry detergent.

Why is this fabric softener so good for you? Here's why:

Safer for the environment
Non-toxic
Biodegradable
Hypo-allergenic
No dyes
No optical brighteners
No petroleum-based cleaners
No animal tallow derivatives
Safe for septic and grey water systems
Not tested on animals
Free & Clear of fragrances and perfumes
Kosher
Made in the USA

 

STARS: 4 out of 5 stars for naturalness
COMMENTS: Fabric softeners are notorious for containing a number of harmful toxins, and since they are usually added to the rinse cycles, these toxins will remain trapped in your clothes and therefore come into contact with your skin. Additionally, when your washing machine drains, all those toxins are also dumped into our water systems, where they can wreak havoc on delicate ecosystems.

Seventh Generation offers a biodegradable and safe choice for a fabric softener that you can feel good about. There are also a few tricks you can use for added softness, naturally, including adding vinegar to your wash (but DO NOT MIX WITH BLEACH, because vinegar and bleach react to create toxic fumes), adding baking soda, or I've even heard that adding a piece of aluminum foil to the dryer reduces static cling (it's worth a shot....). Read more about the problems with fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as well as some good natural alternatives here:

Natural Alternatives to Fabric Softeners & Dryer Sheets