It’s hard not to get confused by reading the labels of modern detergents. Almost all of them contain optical brighteners. What is this component, and why is it needed? Does it harm humans and the environment? How to apply it?
What is optical brightener?
The name of this component speaks for itself. Optical - means creating a certain visual effect. In other words, optical illusion. It consists in the fact that the surface looks more white than it actually is. In fact, the composition of the optical brightener is an organic dye that makes it possible to reflect the rays of the violet-blue part of the spectrum brighter. This masks the yellowness of the white fabric, which inevitably appears after repeated washing, but does not make the fabric cleaner. Optical brighteners are fluorescent substances, therefore they show their effect in daylight and under ultraviolet rays.
Where and how to apply
The technology was invented and began to be used in the West since the 30s of the last century. The action of the well-known and previously popular blue is based on a similar principle. The difference is that ultramarine partially absorbs yellow, reduces its intensity, but does not give brightness and whiteness. Also, the mistresses of the old school remember how easy it was to spoil the laundry, adding too much blue when washing. Indeed, with an overestimated dosage, the dye gives an undesirable hue, and this effect may appear after several applications.
Modern washing powders already contain optical brighteners of a more advanced composition and in the correct concentration. For home use it is very convenient - you do not need to measure anything. Professional dry cleaners use the component separately from washing products, at the final stage, which allows to achieve the maximum cleanliness effect.
The technology of optical whitening is used not only for washing, but also for lightening the fibers of fabrics at the stage of their production, in the manufacture of plastics, varnishes, paper, soap, film.
There are also other, no less popular means that increase the whiteness of matter. These are inorganic or chemical bleaches (chlorine-containing, oxygen-containing). Their advantage is that they clean the pollution itself.
The benefits and harms of optical brightener in washing powder
Many housewives and especially mothers are wondering if this "chemistry" is harmless. Nobody knows the exact answer, since studies on the effect of optical brighteners on humans and the environment have not been conducted, there is only indirect evidence. Let's try to analyze them.
One of the main requirements for washing optical bleach is its relative resistance to washing off with water and detergents, as well as light, sweat. Otherwise, there will be no whiteness effect. However, it should be borne in mind that the optical component alone does not guarantee the desired result. If the fabric does not wash well and its fibers are clogged with dirt and dust, then after a while the sheet will become even grayer than before.
From washing to washing, the substance accumulates in the fabric. This means that the bleach is in regular contact with human skin, which can cause skin irritation, itching, redness and allergies.
At the same time, it is impossible to say that the harm is caused precisely by the addition of optical brightener, which is put into washing products in very small quantities. The composition of the powders contains much more dangerous substances.
Much more is known about chlorine-containing, phosphate and other “chemistry” and its harm. Most likely, for man and nature, organic optical brightener is not so dangerous. And if it even partially replaces bleach in the wash, this can already be considered a benefit.
Use when washing children's things
The skin of a child, especially a newborn, is many times more sensitive than that of an adult. According to statistics, allergies are very often caused by external irritants (household chemicals and cosmetics). Therefore, for natural clothes and clothes for babies, only natural products should be used. Unfortunately, not one of the popular and widely advertised in Russia brands of children's washing powders complies with safety requirements, according to independent examinations!
Is it harmful to the environment?
Scientists are well aware of the toxicity of optical brighteners for aquatic life. These substances, including those deposited on the gills of fish, prevent them from breathing normally. The main volume of pollution of water bodies comes from urban wastewater, which contains an incredible amount of household chemicals. As a result of this, living organisms begin to hurt and die, the quality of water and soil, and therefore our health, is deteriorating - an environmental disaster does not pass anyone by!
Analogs of "chemistry"
As recently more and more people are starting to take care of their health and the environment, natural detergents that do not contain harmful components appear on store shelves. You only need to carefully read the composition. And if more recently, these products were made only abroad and were very expensive, today there are more and more domestic analogues at affordable prices.
Powder with optical brightener is best replaced with an oxygen-containing stain remover. It will make the laundry cleaner and harmless, as it is non-toxic and completely biodegradable. It’s cheaper and more environmentally friendly to prepare bleach yourself at home using one of the time-tested methods. You can use citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, aspirin, ammonia, soda and other substances that eliminate stains and make the fabric snow-white.
Homemade Citric Acid Bleach Recipe:
- lemon juice 2-3 tbsp. l., hot water - 5 l;
- for severe pollution lemon juice - 1 tbsp. (or citric acid in powder 1 tbsp. l.), hot water - 3 l.
In this solution, it is necessary to soak the laundry at least for a couple of hours or at night.
Bleach recipe for soda and ammonia:
- baking soda - 5 tbsp. l .;
- ammonia - 2 tbsp. l .;
- warm water - 5 l.
To remove stains, soak laundry in this solution for 3-4 hours. To get rid of yellowness, you need to boil things in it for 30 minutes. Do not wash delicate fabrics (wool, silk), as well as dyed ones in this solution. Always, before bleaching, study the label on the clothes - it says what temperature and intensity can wash it.
How to minimize harm
If you still use ordinary “chemical” powders, then try to reduce the frequency of washing and significantly (2-3 times) increase the rinse time.
Another good way to reduce the impact of "chemistry" on your life is to use colored linen, it simply will not need to be bleached.
Make a choice: which is more important for you - the ideal appearance of the sheet or the health of the family and the environment? Shining whiteness of linen or just its cleanliness?