Ingredients We Don’t Use in Defunkify Laundry Detergents (and Why You Should Avoid Them)

At Defunkify, we take pride in delivering ultra-concentrated laundry detergents that are not only highly effective but also safe for you, your gear, and the environment. Our commitment to safety and sustainability means we’ve made conscious choices about what not to include in our formulas. Here’s a look at some common ingredients found in conventional detergents that you won’t find in Defunkify products—and why you should avoid them.

1. Phosphates

Phosphates are commonly used in laundry detergents as water softeners and to improve cleaning performance. However, they are notorious for their harmful effects on the environment. When phosphates enter waterways, they promote the growth of harmful algae, which can lead to dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. This process, called eutrophication, severely disrupts ecosystems.

• Why We Don’t Use Them: Protecting our rivers, lakes, and oceans is a core value at Defunkify. We’ve formulated our detergents to perform powerfully without the need for environmentally damaging phosphates.

2. Synthetic Dyes

Synthetic dyes are often added to laundry detergents to create bright colors or make the product appear more appealing. However, these dyes are completely unnecessary for cleaning and can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

• Why We Don’t Use Them: Our mission is to provide safe, high-performance cleaning without fillers or irritants. Defunkify’s Free & Clear detergent, for example, contains no dyes, making it ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.

3. Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners are chemicals added to detergents to make fabrics appear whiter and brighter by reflecting light. They don’t actually clean your clothes better; they just give the illusion of brightness. These chemicals can remain on clothes after washing, potentially causing skin irritation and leaving a residue that can be harmful to the environment.

• Why We Don’t Use Them: At Defunkify, we believe in real clean, not fake bright. Our detergents work to remove dirt and grime at the molecular level—without leaving behind unnecessary chemicals that do more harm than good.

4. Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is commonly used to whiten clothes and remove tough stains. However, it’s a harsh chemical that can weaken fabric fibers over time, cause fading, and irritate the skin and respiratory system. Additionally, chlorine bleach can create harmful byproducts, such as dioxins, when released into the environment.

• Why We Don’t Use It: We’ve developed our oxygen-powered cleaning technology to safely and effectively remove tough stains without relying on harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach. Our goal is to clean without compromising the integrity of your fabrics or your health.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a commonly used surfactant in detergents, known for creating foam and helping to break down dirt. However, it’s also a known skin irritant and can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and irritation.

• Why We Don’t Use It: While SLS might help produce lots of suds, it’s not necessary for effective cleaning. We’ve chosen safer, milder alternatives that clean just as well without the harsh side effects on your skin or the environment.

6. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives commonly used in personal care products and detergents to extend shelf life. They are known to disrupt the body's hormonal balance and have been linked to reproductive issues. Parabens can also persist in the environment, causing long-term ecological damage.

• Why We Don’t Use Them: Defunkify’s products are designed with your health in mind, so we avoid parabens altogether. We use safer alternatives that ensure our detergents stay fresh without harmful side effects.

Defunkify’s Commitment to ProvenSafe™ Formulas

Each of our products is built on our ProvenSafe™ philosophy—powerful cleaning with safety at its core. We believe that you don’t have to compromise your health, your clothes, or the environment for a truly clean wash. By avoiding harmful ingredients like phosphates, dyes, and parabens, we ensure that our detergents are safe for sensitive skin, your high-performance gear, and the planet.

The next time you do laundry, check your detergent’s label. Are you unknowingly washing your clothes with unnecessary, harmful chemicals? With Defunkify, you can rest assured that you’re using a product that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and effective odor and stain removal.

Ready to Clean Smarter?

Choose Defunkify for a detergent that’s packed with cleaning power, without the harmful ingredients. Your gear—and the environment—will thank you!