I think there is some validity to it. I believe as long as you use a detergent that doesn't have u.v. brighteners you should be fine. I also seen something a few years ago that said certain types of fungus that grows on the ground and tree bark gives off a u.v. glow, so it might not be that big of an issue. Wether it's true or not I still use Sport Wash. It's cheap, cleans good, is oderless, and a bottle seems to last forever.