Have you ever heard of optical brighteners? I had never heard of them until I received a Seventh Generation Brightener Discovery Kit from Seventh Generation & My Blog Spark, and boy am I shocked! Optical brighteners are chemicals added to laundry detergent to trick our eyes into thinking our clothing is cleaner and brighter than it really is!
According to scientific research, these optical brighteners can cause allergic reactions, are toxic to some aquatic life, and can pollute our waterways. Seventh Generation laundry detergents are not only free of optical brighteners, but they’re also non-toxic, hypo-allergenic and biodegradable.
So I took part in a little experiment. I took two identical beige organic cotton t-shirts and washed one in a conventional laundry detergent that contains optical brighteners and the other in Seventh Generation laundry detergent which does not. This picture was taken in the dark, using only a black light to show the optical brighteners coating the clothing. Take a look at my picture below…you can really see the difference!
You can learn more about optical brighteners and Seventh Generation products HERE. They have a lot of great information, for example I learned the U.S. military considers laundry detergent with optical brighteners a security risk because it makes our armed forces easier to see! In addition to learning more you can also print a coupon for $1/1 Seventh Generation Laundry Product HERE.
THE GIVEAWAY
Thanks to the generous people at Seventh Generation and My Blog Spark (1) Lucky reader will win a Seventh Generation Brightener Discovery Kit with Seventh Generation Laundry Products!
WAYS TO ENTER
1) Leave a comment letting me know how you keep your laundry clean while keeping your family healthy.
2) Become a Fan of Wild for Wags on Facebook HERE.
3) Follow me on Twitter HERE
I’ll pick a winner on Saturday, 11/13. using Random.org. Remember to post by clicking on the word “comments” just under the title of this post. 
{ 261 comments… read them below or add one }
I try to use non-scented detergents and would love to try Seventh Generation.
Its very hard to keep white clothes clean, mine tend to look dull all the time. I’ve heard great thing about Seventh Generation and would love to see the difference!
Wow – I had no idea. I already try to use the detergents with no dyes or scents, but that’s definitely something else to watch for. I use and love several other Seventh Generation products. It would be nice to try their laundry detergent, too.
Im a facebook fan!
I follow on Twitter!
I make a homemade laundry detergent out of Borax, Fels-Naptha soap, and laundry powder – the ingredients are all natural and clean our clothes really well (it even works great on my son’s cloth diapers!)
I use a lot of shout with 4 kids. We have a lot of stains:) I would love to try something healthier for our family.
I am a Facebook fan.
I love Seventh Generation dish detergent and would love to try their laundry detergent as well. My laundry always looks dull-I thought it was the water.
I use All free and clear.
I had never heard of these optical brighteners!
I usually use All or Purex because I get it so cheap, but this is a real “eye opener!”
facebook fan
i am a fan on fb
i currently use purex 3 n 1 sheets unscented or spring
I try to use natural products bur they r so expensive, I would
Love to try this
I am a FB fan
Hey!! — I would love to try Seventh Generation! — I’ve tried making my own laundry detergent and I read that washing you clothes on Cold waster is the same as washing in Hot water/warm water so were helping by eliminating wasteful electricity heating water!!
i normally use tide but would be willing to try something new.
i like you on facebook.
I used Tide or Gain but this is amazing (thank you)
I am a facebook fan
I am a Facebook fan!
I am a twitter follower
I would love to try the seventh gen.. thx
I don’t know how i keep my laundry clean AND keep my family healthy… haven’t noticed any issues there…
became a facebook fan of WILD FOR WAGS
I have never tried Seventh Generation, but would love to!
I have been using ONLY fragrance free products for a couple of years now…for some reason all fragrances really bother me…and is a challenge to clean anything…including the house.
Would love to try these…have wanted to but a bit pricey. Thanks Christie.
I am a fan on FB
I spot clothes as soon as possible and do laundry daily
My husband has all sorts of crazy allergies, so I would love to try 7th generation. They are a bit to much for me to buy and then find out that they wouldn’t work for washing his laundry. (I think that they would, but I’ve always been to hesitant to try)
I buy laundry detergents that are free of perfumes and dyes. My two year old has sensitive skin so we don’t do any fabric softeners or sheets either.
i have never tried this..
facebook fan..
I’d love to try Seventh Generation. I haven’t really heard of them until now. I already buy detergent with no scent or dyes. I use vinegar instead of fabric softener.
I’m a FB fan!
I’d like to give it a try!
I have three kids all under the age of 5 so keeping clothes clean is very hard!! I hang clothes out on the line all the time!!
This is the first I have heard of this and all I can say is WOW! It’s unbelievable!
I follow you on fb! And would love to try anything new!!! Love your site! I am now a Walgreens junkie!! 🙂
I have never used Seventh Generation, but would love to try it. It can be hard to keep whites, looking white.
I use all organic products for everything in our house. This would be an awesome win!
I’m a facebook fan. 🙂
I would love to win this. Am always looking for better detergent, especially for the whites- hubby and son think nothing of going outside in just their socks. Hard to get the kid not to when dad is also doing it.
I’m a facebook fan 🙂
Would love to try this.
I love using healthier alternatives and looking forward to trying these new products!
I am a facebook fan. I have never thought that carefully about my detergent so this was very interesting to me!
We avoid detergents with colors and fragrance to avoid skin reactions (we all have sensitive skin)!
I am a facebook fan.
I follow on FB
I struggle with white laundry. My hubby wears a white shirt every single day and he has VERY sensitive skin, so finding something to whiten and not irritate is challenging. I would love to give Seventh Generationa try…
Im a W4W’s facebook fan! 🙂
Very interesting…makes me wonder what is hanging in my closet. I like”d” using a booster in my laundry, that may change with Seventh generation.
I follow W4W’s on twitter 🙂
I use the environmentally friendly laundry detergent (kirkland brand) from Costco. Warehouse prices aren’t the best for everything, but for green cleaners, it is the only place I can get consistently good prices (especially b/c I wait for a coupon to buy it!)
I try to use only environmentally safe laundry products. We switch brands around a lot to whatever is on sale when I run out. I wish there was a “safe brand” that was reasonably priced all the time, I really like some and like others less, but what is cheap is what we get.
I am a facebook fan
facebook fan 🙂
I am a facebook fan.
Follow on Fb.
I have a toddler and only use SG detergent and fabric softener. Great giveaway!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I follow you on FB 🙂
I’m a FB fan.
Have heard of this recently, would love to try it.
I’m a follower on Twitter. Thanks for the giveaway and deals!
I love using seventh generation for our family laundry
I just started using SG cleaners and I absolutely fell in love!! Love Love Love it!!!
I use fragrance/dye free & I use baking soda, vinegar & oxy clean to help clean/whiten our clothes. I’d love to give these ones a try though!
I am a Facebook follower!
I try to use dye free detergent.
I make my own Softner(in the rinse) with Vinegar and Baking Soda and a few drops of essential oil..(1 gallon) It works!! no static, clothes are soft and they smell good.
I just recently bought the Seventh Gen.laundry detergent and I noticed I only need 1/2 cap for it to clean my clothes Yea!! every little bit helps…
My daughter requires Aveeno everything and the detergent has to be free as well. She has very sensitive skin and we haven’t taken a chance with our newborn son.
Seventh Generation looks interesting. I did not know about optical brighteners
I am a Facebook fan
Facebook fan here! As a couponer, we used Purex and Tide…generally what i can get a good deal on. We do have hard water out here in the country and I’m sure 7th Generation can handle that! Pick me!
I use detergent without perfumes or dyes. I also make my own detergent sometimes.
I follow you on twitter
I am a fan. :o)
First I have heard of this, but I have used and continue to add Baking Soda to my laundry to help whiten and brighten–it works and is all natural!
I use only free and clear versions of laundry detergent to protect my childrens skin but would love to try this.
That was the coolest experiment ever! I need to share that with my family who, like myself, suffers with sensitive skin and has allergic reactions to many detergents. Would love to give Seventh Generation a try!
I am also a FB FAN!
I am a facebook fan
Im a facebook fan!
I am a facebook fan!
Hmm guess im probably not keeping my family very healthy with our laundry. I do try to use natural additives like baking soda and vinegar especially in my diaper laundry
I try to use non scented laundry detergents, but I would love to try the Seventh Generation products!
I love Seventh Generation. It is such a great product!
I use natural laundry detergents, but have not tried Seventh Generation’s yet. I do use many of their other products though.
I try to use detergent with no dye.
I’m a fb fan
I follow u on twitter
I have 2 or 3 favorite brands that I stockpile when they are on sale. Honestly, I’ve never thought about the “keeping my family healthy” aspect of laundry. I’d love to try this product. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love all natural products, and i would absolutely LOVE to win seventh generation, they are one of the most advertised brands for all natural products, and they work pretty good!
Wow! I’ve never heard of these optical brighteners either! Thanks for the info!!
I use a detergent that is free from dyes and perfumes, and I think that keeps our skin healthier. Would love to try this!
I use Seventh Generation when I can. I always try to buy non perfumed/dyed detergent. I never use softeners or dryer sheets. I hang out my laundry 10 mths out of the year.
We use unscented detergents to help with irritation. Some of that stuff is more smell than clean.
I follow on twitter
I use detergent that is good with delicate skin, I live in very dry weather so we suffer from dry skin year round. Nice giveaway, Thank you!
We currently use a regular stain remover. But I have tried other Seventh Generation products and love them! Would love to try this laundry detergent.
I haven’t been using good products. I did just find a recipe to make homemade laundry soap, so I have all the ingredients and will be trying it soon. My daughter and I both have eczema, so natural ingredients are always best.
I am a fb fan.
I use baking soda.
I love using scented products, but I also like using natural ingredients to do it!
I want to try this
I am a fan on FB!
I would love to see the difference first hand…I use “free” detergent as in our family we all have allergies…including skin allergies.
i would love to try 7th gen…i already follow you on twitter & fb!
I wash cloth diapers with seveneth generation! I did alot of research because the diaper is up against the babies delicate skin. I have had no problems. I love it! Thanks for the giveaway.
I just started using detergents that are more “natural”…it’s hard though to find those on sale and use a coupon! I’d love to see how my favorite “natural” detergent stacks up!
I would love to try this product because my soon has sensitive skin and I dont have many options to choose from when I buy detergents
Very interesting info. Wow. I didn’t have a clue.
I am becoming more aware of the additives we “wear” in the form of soaps and softeners. I will definitely give 7th Generation a try.
The only thing I do now, non-chemically, to keep clothes bright and fresh — I add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Just makes clothes “feel” like the yucky stuff has been removed. And they smell great.
Gwynie Pie
I would love to try this product! I am a facebook fan!
We use a variety of detergents – generally free & clear – and we double rinse.
Wow! I did not know this. Never thought too much about laundry. Spot treat stains, wash, add bleach to whites and dryer sheets in the dryer. Seventh Generation will be great to try. Thanks
I use Tide Free & Gentle both my husband ^ our son have very sensitive skin so I like to use a detergent that won’t cause them any breakouts, even if we do have dark clothes to wash during the flu months I tend to start my washer add a tsp of bleach to the water then the detergent & once the machine has filled up & started to spin for a minute then I put their clothes in..Thant small amount of bleach still kills germs yet doesn’t discolor theit clothes.
I currently use Country Save a good for cloth diapers detergent. I would love to try Seventh Generation!
What an amazing difference! I love Seventh Generation products, but I didn’t know about this!
Use a variety of detergents to get everything squeaky clean.
facebook fan too. and i LOVE 7th gen detergent. love it!
I had no idea–now I will watch out for these optical brighteners!
Thanks for the info–I had no idea!
I follow you on twitter.
I use Tide, but would love to try this.
I follow you on face book.
Geez! Maybe I’m not getting my laundry and clean and I would think using Tide – I need to win this kit and try Seventh Generation!!!!
I use Seventh Generation and really like it. I put Vinegar in the rinse water which leaves the clothes even cleaner and is great if you have a front load washer. The vinegar helps keep the gasket clean!!
Love Seventh Generation!
I was just considering switching to organic/chemical free cleaning products!
I Love Seventh Generation!
I use Gain, but would love to try this.
To keep laundry clean and the family healthy, I wash very often.
We wash our clothes often!
I’m a Facebook fan.
I also follow you on Twitter.
I use all environmentally friendly products and I LOVE Seventh Generation!!
I use bleach for my whites and would love to try Seventh Generation.
I currently use 7th generation dish soap and LOVE it! I have not had the opportunity to use their laundry detergent since it’s on the expensive side; after your picture I may be willing to pay a little more for my family’s health.
Wow some bizarre stuff that I didn’t know. We use Tide with bleach alternative which is safer on clothes than bleach but gets out my boys baseball stains
Already a facebook fan.
I am a FB fan
I actually make homemade laundry soap for $3.00 for 10 GALLONS! But would love to try Seventh Generation!
I use whatever detergent I can get the best deal on
I use whatever detergent I can get on sale and with a coupon. I use spray prewash on noticeable spots. Otherwise if I can’t see or smell the dirt, I’m good to go!
I follow you on Facebook. Thanks for the giveaway!
I use 7th generation, shaklee or just make my own. These are the only kind that my kids don’t have a reaction to, and now I know why! Thanks for the info.
Facebook fan
I add borax to my wash with less laundry soap than called for. It gets stains out and the wash has a fresh smell to it.My grandson has sensitive skin and this works well for him.
I’m a fan of you on Facebook!
I just use whatever is on sale.
I love detergents that are good for my clothes, along with my family!
We use scent and perfume free detergent.
Facebook follower!
I normally use tide but very eager to try Seventh generation.
FB follower.
I had NO idea about optical brighteners before tonight. Interesting UV light experiment!
I try to use natural products.
That picture was a bit scary…I would love to try the Seventh Generation laundry soap. Their dish soap and paper products are great.
I try to use free and clear detergents!
I would love to try this product! I also try to use free and clear detergents.
I have a child with autism and this would be beneficial as I try to use everything as natural as possible with him. I wasn’t even aware this maybe something else harmful, as he is extremely sensitive to chemicals.
I keep our laundry clean using gentle baby detergent, but am currently giving 7th Gen a try and am very pleased.
I follow you on twitter.
I’m a fan on facebook
I honestly use whatever detergent is on sale, I used to be brand loyal with laundry but changed after couponing.
I use “free” detergents however I have never heard of optical brighteners.
I am a fan on facebook!
I follow you on Twitter!
I learned something new today thanks for the info, I am a facebook fan.
I would love to try Seventh Generation Products.
Wow, it shocked me how we think our clothes our clean with all them chemicals in it..I have used tide all my life but I am thinking about switching now:) thanks!
No wonder we have more cancer than the good old days, we have chemicals and preservatives on or in everything we eat and wear, I use bleach to keep my families clothes cleaner.
I follow you on twitter as vbeetle.
When I can, I always try to get the “pure” or the “scent-free/clear” version of a detergent brand.
I also follow you on Facebook.
I am currently using Purex, thanks to you! 😉 I love Seventh Generation cleaning products, especially the all-purpose cleaner to mop my floors with (smells so good!) and the dish liquid. I would love to try their laundry detergent! Thanks for the opportunity!
Of course, I’m a fan of yours on FB!
I never tried this but would love too!
This is the first time I have seen something like this so I would really be interested in seeing the difference for myself. Love all these product promotions.
def a fan and try to keep all clothes clean but experiment is eye opening
Wow! Who knew! Would love to try!
I wash damp clothes right away instead of leaving them a week in a hamper.
Facebook fan
[email protected]
In the summer I line dry most of my clothes and in the winter I have clothing lines in my basement where I hang my clothes to dry.
[email protected]
I’m a facebook stalker…um…FAN. =)
I’ve been using a different brand of organic laundry detergent for a while, but now i’m going to have to check on whether they use brighteners or not.
freaky pics. there seems to be no end to the toxic products. i sometimes make homemade with borax, fels-naptha soap & laundry powder but mostly i use what i get free from “deals”.
Great Give away. Would love to try. Your Website rocks.
I would love to try seventh generation products, right now I am using ECOS laundry detergent I buy at costco!
I make my own detergent
Im a fan on facebook
I’m a fan on FB 🙂 and would love to have brighter clothes!! I can’t imagine! A Security Risk? Wow!!
I have just started couponing and it has saved me ALOT of money with food, now with the money I have saved I have decided to start buying more expensive, but “good for you” cleaning products like Seventh Generation. I have always bought what is on sale or the cheapest but seeing all the dyes and chemicals in those products makes me feel ick! I hope I win!
I am a fan on Facebook! Twitter is the devil.
Looks like a really great product, would like to try it. Specially with 2 boys they seam to find dirt easy.
I would love to try Seventh Generation. Thank youfor the insight. I follow you on facebook.
I try to use unscented laundry detergent and only the recommended amount of the detergent. It helps the clothes last longer and the enviroment.
I try to use the amount of detergent recommended – sometimes doesnt seem enough but the clothes come out better that
I have never tried this product. I’d like to see how it cleans clothes.
I like you on FB.
I follow you on twitter.
I don’t use Fabric Softner sheets. I dilute fabric softner 1 to 3 parts water in a spray bottle and I spray a old rag with the solution and throw it in with the laundry. The Fabric softening sheets tend to melt and cause a sticky-ness to the dryer vent preventing the flow of air and causing a fire hazzard to the house!
I love eco friendly products and 11/13 is my birthday, so winning this would make a fabulous present for me & the earth. 🙂
I like wildforwags on Facebook.
We already use this brand and Love it!!! I have eczema 🙁
i use only the recommended amount of detergent it calls for.
follow on facebook
follow on twitter.
Wow I had never heard about optical brightners before! I would love to try Seventh Generation products I have heard great great things!!
I try to use unscented detergent.
I am a fan of yours on Facebook.
I follow you on Twitter.
Fan on facebook!
I love the dishwashing soap. Would love to try the laundry soap.
my husband is sensitive/allergic to a lot of detergents and softeners. I’ve not tried 7th Generation, maybe I should.
Baking soda, and I am a fan on FB
We use fragrance-free and dye-free detergents. I like wildforwags on Facebook.
I use dye-free because my kids are very sensitive.
FB fan.
Thought free and clear products were healthier but maybe not.
Facebook fan.
This isnt healthy for them, but for the enviroment. I wash in cold water (except for underwear). Sorry, this was a weird question.
I try to spot treat stains as soon as I can. I would love to try this product to see if it made any difference in the laundry.
I wash in cold water to save energy and then choose detergents that do not have brighteners by looking on the package. They tell you there.
I follow you on facebook “Spring River”
I always use detergent without any dyes or perfumes. It is hard to find sometimes but it is worth it!
I would love to try this for my clothes! We already use dye free and scent free when ever possible.
I am a FB fan
Thank you for all your hard work. I love your site and thank you for giving us a chance at winning this great Seventh Generation prize Pack
Liked you on Facebook
Would like to try the detergent-use their dish soap and like it.
i pre-stained my clothes prior to washing
Use baking soda in your laundry to get them cleaner!
I am a fan on facebook!
I use free and clear laundry detergent, and most of my household cleaning supplies are either free and clear or homemade using natural products!
Liked you on Facebook!
I am a fan on FB!
I am an email subscriber!
I would love to try Seventh Generation- use an environmentally friendly soap now.
I use the perfume and dye free version of whatever detergent I buy. I also try to pretreat as soon as I realize I’ve got a spot on something – my fave being Dawn dishwashing soap for anything greasy.
I actually have been making my own laundry detergent out of borax and washing soda and glycerin soap. Just because I don’t like what’s in current products available. I’d love to try Seventh Generation!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I like you on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I follow you on Twitter @coriwestphal
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I use products free of dye and scents but I would love to try Seventh Generation.
I keep my laundry clean by trying to use greener products which include dryer balls 🙂
liked you on facebook user andrea h
following you on twitter user meadowsgrove
i use borax
tattgiff at centurytel dot net
follow u on twitter
tattgiff at centurytel dot net
I’ve never heard of this optical whitener detergent either, but if it works better then Gain, I just might try it!…but ooohhh does Gai smell good!!!
I use ALL Free and Clear and it has always worked for me. When I had my baby my husband started using it too, just to make sure the baby didn’t have a reaction! I would love to try Seventh Generation!
I am a fan on facebook!
My family does not have allergies so laundry soap has not been an issue in the past, but I would love to compare how well this detergent works versus traditional detergents. If it works just as good, I would be willing to use something that is better for everyone.
FB fan
I use bleach and the sanitary cycle on my washer when ever I can.
I follow you on twitter as kmayans
I thought I was keeping my family clean with Tide. Looks like I should try 7th Generation! Hope I win.
I have always stuck with Tide, but this optical brighteners really makes me angry so i would love to try 7th Generation.