Mrs White - taking the headache out of doing the laundry

As mentioned previously by us the biggest 'undeclared' additives in household cleaning agents are 'fragrances.' The manufacturer is obliged to list only the inclusion of 'fragrances' on the product packaging and with these use of clever marketing can imply that these 'fragrances' are natural, derived from plants or flowers. In fact, one fragrance can contain over 600 petrochemicals. These chemicals can have many serious side effects including eczema, headaches and migraines. No other products are fragrance d more highly than commercially produced laundry products. The reason why these products are so heavily scented? Fresh smelling washing? No. To mask the pungent chemicals that are used.

The chemicals and toxins in laundry products have considerably more opportunities to be absorbed by our bodies than most other household cleaning agents, most of which, however, have equally sinister contents. During use they often come into direct contact with the skin and are immediately absorbed, they also become airborne and are easily inhaled and residues from laundry products remain on clothing and linens after washing which are then absorbed by the skin. Moreover layering of chemicals from various products can create very harmful compounds – the addition of chlorine in many washing detergents can react with ammonia, also present in many cleaners, to create a lung damaging noxious gas.

Phthalates, used to lengthen the duration of a scent, are hormone disruptors and the reason why fish change sex. And there is even more bad news for the fish. Phosphates are used to remove hard-water minerals and to stop dirt from settling back onto clothes during a wash. When released into the environment phosphates stimulate the growth of certain marine plants which in turn stifle other marine life. You will have seen the dense green plant matter on the top of ponds. Detergents also often contain phosphorous to create the illusion of whiter than white whites. Phosphorous is also dangerous to marine life.

Ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate or EDTA is a class of compounds used as an alternative to phosphates to reduce mineral hardness in water, prevent bleaching agents from becoming active and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not biodegrade and can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals in the environment, allowing them to re-enter the food chain.

Detergents can also contain alkylphenols which can affect fertility, damage the immune system and increase likelihood of genetic abnormalities during pregnancy.

In 2004 cleaning products were tested on 272 animals.


Most fabric softeners contain formaldehyde, embalming fluid, which can cause headaches, heart palpitations, depression, insomnia, asthma, dermatitis and lung damage.


If all that was not enough have you ever wondered why your fluffy towels been dense and matted after a only a few washes? That is because a key ingredient in fabric conditioners and softeners is beef fat. Not that Comforting is it?
Mrs White's complete people, pet and planet friendly home laundry kit is just £60.00 (£64.70 when purchased separately) contains:
Laundry Maid – All Purpose Machine Wash 1 litre £10.95
Mrs White's Old Lace – Fabric Softener for Delicates & Intimates 1 litre £10.95
Mrs White's Soft As Snow – Fabric Softener for Wools & Knits 1 litre £10.95
Mrs White's Woolly Answer – Handwash for Wool and Cashmere 500 ml £10.95
Mrs White's Gossamer Wash – Handwash for Delicates & Intimates 500 ml £10.95
Mrs White's Linen Spray – Conditioning Ironing Spray 500 ml £9.95

Pop along to our East Dulwich store, we'd love to see you,
Roullier White
125 Lordship Lane
London SE22 8HU
or click here to buy online