Washers, Aren’t They Supposed To Clean?

At the end of a slow death, my old washing machine finally gave out. We had had a long intimate relationship, spending many quality hours together. After grieving the loss of my old friend, I realized I had no choice but to move on, as I was in desperate need of a washing machine.

Having Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, it is critical that I have clean cotton linens and clothing on a daily basis. I count on my washing machine to clean well, and certainly not to add anything harmful to my clothes. But here lies the problem.

I don’t remember the plastics inside my old machine ever being an issue. Although I had sensitivities to some materials back when I first acquired my washer, I guess plastics were somewhat tolerable for me then. They aren’t now. I feared purchasing a new machine would be a nightmare. So, I began the hunt for a used machine, hoping to find one with an agitator (the PLASTIC thing in the middle) that had already outgassed.

I was surprised and horrified to discover that every used washer I checked out was inundated with fabric softener. And not only that, if I removed the top piece on any agitator and looked inside, I would find mold at the bottom of the fabric softener dispenser. DISGUSTING! And certainly unhealthy.

Most people in this country must not realize how harmful fabric softeners are. If you (or your loved ones) use fabric softeners, please check out the following. Brace yourself, it’s scary.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Toxic-Danger-of-Fabric-Softener-and-Dryer-Sheets&id=16953.

Now convinced a used machine wouldn’t work, I searched for a new machine with little or no plastic. I chose to visit a reputable appliance dealer in my town. Although it was uncomfortable to be in the store, I managed to stay long enough to spend my money. The sales representative assisting me had a wife who was sensitive to plastics (skin reactions). He showed me a machine that he planned to buy for his wife, when their old one eventually died. He said it was rated one of the best by Consumer Reports (GOOD!). It had a stainless steel tub (GREAT!) and a very small plastic agitator (JACK POT!). At that moment, I thought maybe this nightmare was more like the “wearing your underwear to school” nightmare and not the “Freddie Kruger" kind. The agitator was small because this machine used a “wave action” that was supposedly better for water conservation. After doing a sniff test with the traditional models and then this one, I was convinced by its low odor that it would outgas quicker than the others.

Once home with the new (and more expensive than I could afford) model, and after running several loads (which included vinegar rinses), I discovered that the metal tub had a very disturbing chemical off-gas that was not present when I purchased the machine. UNBELIEVABLE! This chemical residue was actually accumulating in my clothes and linens, causing burning in my nose and throat, coughing, discomfort in my chest, nausea, and fatigue. I could not wear my clothes or sleep on my sheets. Upon this realization, despair flooded in. The nightmare was back.

It was at this point, I did what seemed to be the most logical thing to do. I exchanged the washer for one that was similar to my last machine. It was a top loader, with a porcelain-coated tub, traditional high water levels, and unfortunately, a plastic agitator and collar. And, yes, these plastics were emitting chemicals. I tried to have faith that in time the machine would completely outgas, as my old washer must have done at some point.

It is now two weeks later and either the plastics in the new washing machines of today are more toxic, my current sensitivities to plastics have become more extreme, or both. Whichever the case, I have given up on this new washer being healthy for me. My laundry is absorbing chemicals from the plastics and has become toxic. Once again, I am without a washer and the nightmare is back.

But wait, there’s new hope! My mother has come to the rescue. After properly pleading, she has agreed to trade her used washer for my new one. I will be visiting her in a month to seal the deal. In the mean time, I’m hand washing the necessities.

CONCLUSION: We all count on modern day conveniences to help us through our busy days. But for those of us with MCS, a common appliance, such as the washing machine, can be essential to having a healthy life. For us, a washer does more than remove dirt. It gives us clean, fragrance-free, and chemical free:
.....Clothes we can breathe while wearing them
.....Sheets that we can breathe so we can get sleep
.....Towels that don’t harm our skin or affect our breathing
.....Covers to shield our laundry
.....Covers to contain harmful items
.....Protective cotton masks or handkerchiefs to breathe through

Is it unrealistic to expect a washer to remove unwanted particles, without adding others? Aren’t washers supposed to clean?

SUGGESTIONS FOR FINDING A SAFE WASHING MACHINE:
Search for a USED machine with a porcelain coated tub (not plastic). You might want to try your luck on a used washer with a stainless steel tub, if you can find one. Regardless of porcelain or steel, make sure the machine has never had fabric softener used in it. Check this by pulling off the top of the agitator. One glance, not to mention sniff, and you will know. This might also expose mold.

Also, I wouldn’t rule out a machine just because fragranced detergents were used. It is fairly easy (usually) to remove the residue of detergents from the tub with vinegar washes.

Beware! The new water conservation models make it impossible to rinse out the entire tub, because it will not completely fill with water. Although water conservation is important to our environment, it might not be a healthy option for one with MCS.

By the way, there are numerous complaints recently about front loaders. They tend to have mold issues.

WHAT DETERGENT TO USE: As many of you have already discovered, the question of, “Which detergent cleans and is still safe?” has many different answers. The combination of all products we each can tolerate is unique. I use a fragrance-free detergent, then double rinse with a vinegar rinse (about 1/4 cup –no more-in a full tub of water). For some, baking soda is the only safe detergent.

WHAT WORKS FOR YOU?
What did you do the last time you needed a new washer?
What laundry products are you using with success?

NOTES:
Some might wonder why I even need to use a washer. There are two very important reasons.
1.) A good washer can completely remove the chemicals/fragrances that my clothes absorb throughout my daily adventures.
2.) I have difficulties washing and wringing out clothes. (Fibromyalgia, which commonly occurs with MCS, affects muscle function.)

TO COMMENT, CLICK ON "COMMENTS" LINK BELOW