Laundry Care
Laundry day. UGH. If you want clothes that are actually clean without harmful chemicals or breaking the bank, we have a go-to guide for you right here! If you want to find your lost socks…well, you’re on your own for that.
When it comes to pretreating laundry, avoid the chemicals and check your kitchen instead! A thorough list of common items that remove stains can be found here.
Most of the overwhelming choices in laundry are in the washing part though. Environmentally conscious folks agree that big brands should be avoided due to common chemicals and plastic packaging. However, there is currently a debate on whether sheets or pods leave trace amounts of plastic in the environment, from their dissolvable coatings made with PVA/PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol). PVA is generally considered safe and IS water soluble, with the potential to be broken down 100% by microorganisms in water-treatment plants, but to what degree that is actually happening before returning to the environment is unknown. Makers that use PVA argue the low weight and zero waste of the products reduce their carbon footprint overall compared to heavy plastic jugs of liquid detergent that require more gas to transport and likely aren’t recycled.
To combat that issue, brands that sell liquid detergent may also come in compostable packaging or be purchased in bulk. Many powder brands also exist as refillable bulk options sold in tins or cardboard, plus there is always the option to mix your own. Since the debate rages on, our shop currently carries a variety of eco-friendly detergent options so that you can choose what works best for you based on their pros and cons, including our own powder detergent we put in upcycled glass jars.
Finally, it’s time to dry. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t really need dryer sheets (or the chemicals on them), so don’t waste your money! Reusable wool balls in the dryer can help capture lint and soften clothes (as does a little vinegar during washing), and line-drying items in a light breeze and good sunlight adds freshness and an antimicrobial effect!
Laundry day can seem like a burden, but we hope this guide can help you carry that load (and get it squeaky clean)!