Three Simple Swaps for Less Toxic Laundry
We’re quite fond of fabric in our everyday lives. Our faces caress pillow case, we swab with towels and we sweat in gym clothes. Yes, we are constantly surrounded cottons and nylons and wools—but more specifically, we are also constantly exposed to the cleaners we use on those fabrics.
The residue from cleaners and softener can easily transfer from fabrics to our face and skin. This is one of the reasons why many dermatologists suggest washing pillow cases with using SLS-free and fragrance-free detergents for acne-ridden faces.
Needless to say, detoxifying our laundry rooms is a major leap in the hunt for a green-and-clean life. So, here are three ways to help you take a grande jete into a truly cleaner clean.
Wooley's Fabric Softener Balls
Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners are common chemical culprits. Luckily these Auzzie-born Woolzies soften your laundry and shorten your dry time.
The EWG commonly flags fabric softeners because the chemicals in them can trigger asthma. Plus, the ingredients in softeners may be making our world’s antibiotic-resistance dilemma even worse. So, instead of using liquid fabric softeners or plastic dryer balls, opt for Wooleys. Wooley’s are 100% natural and PVC free. You can also feel energy-savvy since wool balls usually cuts down drying time by about 25% per load. Wolley’s sources their wool sustainably and uses environmentally-friendly production methods.
Mrs. Meyers Dryer Sheets
If you don’t care for dryer balls, then opt for Mrs. Meyer’s dryer sheets. The scent is not-so-subtle when you open the box, but don't worry, it's very mild on laundered clothing. Each sheet is perforated so you can tear them in half before placing them in the dryer to help the box last a bit longer—you can also mix and match scents. My personal favorite is 1/2 sheet of Basil and 1/2 sheet of Lemon Verbena. I also appreciate that these sheets don’t add a lingering residue to my clothes/sheets.
The ingredients in Mrs. Meyers’ sheets are 99% natural and the softening agent is vegetable-derived. The sheets are compostable, so rather than throwing them away, just toss the used ones into your compost pile for some feel-good gardening later on.
doTERRA'S laundry soap
The jug’s petite size is deceiving, but trust me, this essential oil based detergent is potent and does actually last for all 64 loads. Only apply 1 tablespoon per regular load and you are set.
If you’re catering for sensitive skin needs, the 100% pure essential oils and naturally sourced enzymes are still gentle enough that you don’t need to worry about eczema. And for those with sensitive sniffers, this detergent is free of artificial-fragrance. Plus you can feel good using it on any germ-ridden kitchen towels since it uses the onGuard blend (mother nature’s bacteria-fighting EO).
Hope this helps.
PS If you are looking for a good (and all-natural) way to get rid of strains—check out our review of Puracy’s Stain Remover.
Cheers,
Hazel
