6 Eco-Friendly Laundry Products to Switch to in 2023
Hello there moms! Let's talk about the not-so-friendly side of traditional laundry products and why it's time to make the switch to eco-friendly laundry products and alternatives. 🌍
You see, those conventional laundry products we've been using for ages aren't exactly Mother Nature's best friends. They're filled with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that can end up in our waterways, harming aquatic life. Not cool, right?
It doesn't stop there. The production, packaging, and transportation of these products also contribute to carbon emissions and landfill waste. It's like they're leaving a not-so-nice footprint on our planet.
That's where eco-friendly laundry products come to the rescue! 🌱
They're made with natural and biodegradable ingredients, which means no nasty chemicals polluting our water. Plus, they often come in eco-friendly packaging that's kinder to the environment.
Ditch the Toxins and Switch to Eco-Friendly Laundry Products
In this blog, we’ll explore the best eco-friendly laundry products you can switch to that will not break the bank or the environment.
Eco-friendly laundry products aren’t just detergent and fabric softeners, but it’s also the accessories, stain removers, and other products you use on your clothing.
Say goodbye to potential allergens and irritants lurking in your clothes and hello to a fresher, greener laundry routine!🌿💚
Product #1: Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Time to switch commercial laundry detergents and switch to eco-friendly, biodegradable laundry soap options!
Plant-based and biodegradable laundry soap and detergents offer a range of benefits for both our clothes and the environment.
They are gentle on fabrics, environment-friendly, hypoallergenic, and skin-friendly, and have sustainable packaging, reducing waste and contributing to a more circular economy.
If you’re looking for the best eco-friendly laundry detergent options available in the market, here are my top suggestions:
dōTERRA offers an eco-friendly laundry detergent that harnesses the power of natural ingredients, including the protective blend of
dōTERRA On Guard essential oil. This detergent is free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals, providing a safe and effective cleaning experience.
If you want to opt for some fun laundry DIY soap, here’s one for you!
DIY Natural Laundry Detergent with Essential Oils
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of borax
- 1 bar of natural soap (such as Castile soap), grated
- 20 drops of your favorite dōTERRA essential oil (e.g., lavender, lemon, or tea tree)
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the washing soda, borax, and grated natural soap. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add 20 drops of your chosen dōTERRA essential oil to the mixture. Adjust the number of drops based on your preference for fragrance intensity.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a storage container with a lid.
To use the detergent, add 1-2 tablespoons to your laundry load, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load.
Wash your laundry as usual, following the garment care instructions.
By the way, perform a patch test on a small area of fabric first before using it on your entire laundry load, especially for delicate or special care items.
Product #2: Wool Dryer Balls
Say goodbye to dryer sheets and fabric conditioners, and say hello to a sustainable alternative that's all the rage:
wool dryer balls!
These little wonders are here to revolutionize your laundry routine while being kind to the environment.
First off, they naturally soften your laundry without the need for synthetic chemicals found in traditional dryer sheets and fabric conditioners.
So you can bid farewell to those pesky single-use sheets and hello to a more sustainable option.
Did you know that they also help reduce drying time? These little heroes work by increasing airflow and separating your laundry in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently.
As a result, you can save time, energy, and money on your drying cycle. It's a win-win!
Wait, there's more!
With wool dryer balls, you can add a touch of natural fragrance to your laundry. How, you ask?
Simple! Just add a few drops of your favorite
dōTERRA essential oils to the dryer balls before tossing them in with your clothes.
As they bounce around in the dryer, the heat gently releases the delightful aroma of the essential oils, leaving your laundry smelling fresh and lovely.
Scented Wool Dryer Balls
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Place your wool dryer balls in a sealable bag or container.
- Add 10-15 drops of dōTERRA essential oil of your choice to the dryer balls.
- Seal the bag or container and gently roll or shake it to distribute the essential oil evenly among the dryer balls.
- Let the dryer balls sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the essential oil to absorb.
- Once ready, simply toss a few scented dryer balls into your dryer with each load of laundry.
With wool dryer balls and a few drops of dōTERRA essential oils, you can enjoy soft, fresh-smelling laundry while reducing your environmental footprint.
So, it's time to make the switch, embrace sustainability, and experience the wonders of wool dryer balls. Your clothes and the planet will thank you!
Product #3: Stain Remover
Conventional stain removers may seem like handy solutions for tackling stubborn stains, but they often come with environmental concerns that we shouldn't overlook.
These products typically contain harsh chemicals that can pollute our water systems when rinsed away, potentially harming aquatic life and ecosystems, including its packaging.
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives you can make at home, and essential oils can play a part in them too. Here are a few homemade stain removers that are kinder to the environment:
All-Purpose Citrus Stain Remover
Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
Lemon essential oil can also be used as a substitute. Apply the solution directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently blot or rinse with cold water.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste
Create a paste by mixing baking soda and white vinegar. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a while, then gently scrub and rinse. For added scent, you can incorporate a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as
lavender or
tea tree oil.
Oxygen Bleach Solution
Combine oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) with warm water as directed on the package. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Soak the stained garment in the solution for a few hours or overnight, then wash as usual. I love this one!
For the more fun part, here are some eco-friendly tips when using common stains in your laundry:
- For oil-based stains, sprinkle some cornstarch or talcum powder on the area to absorb the oil. Let it sit for a while, then brush or shake off the powder before laundering.
- For coffee or tea stains, dab the area with cold water and a mild detergent. Blot gently, then rinse with cold water. Lemon essential oil can be added to the rinse for a fresh scent.
- Grass stains can be treated by applying a mixture of vinegar and water directly to the stain, followed by gentle scrubbing and rinsing. Tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil can be added for extra stain-fighting power.
- To tackle ink stains, soak the stained fabric in milk or a mixture of milk and lemon juice for a few hours. Rinse, then wash as usual.
- Try hanging stained items in the sun, especially cloth diapers. This is almost like magic!
These homemade stain removers and eco-friendly methods are tried and tested to effectively remove stains while minimizing the environmental impact.
So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the power of natural ingredients, and bid farewell to conventional stain removers that come with a heavy ecological price tag!
Product #4: Natural Fabric Softener
Traditional fabric softeners often contain a cocktail of chemicals that may have detrimental effects on both our health and the environment.
These chemicals, such as synthetic fragrances,
phthalates, and
quaternary ammonium compounds, can linger on our clothes even after washing, and when rinsed away, they enter our water systems and contribute to water pollution.
Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can provide the same softness and fresh scent without the harmful environmental impact.
One popular option is vinegar, a versatile household ingredient. When used as a fabric softener, vinegar helps to remove soap residue, soften fabrics, and reduce static cling. Simply add a small amount of vinegar to your laundry's rinse cycle, and voila! Soft and fresh-smelling clothes await.
Or you can infuse it with the citrusy powers of essential oils!
DIY Citrus Fabric Softener
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add citrus peels into a 16-ounce glass bottle.
- Fill the bottle halfway with vinegar.
- Add in essential oils and shake the bottle well.
- Fill the remainder with vinegar.
- Let sit for at least one week before use.
Usage options:
- For top loading washers, manually put 2 tbsp - ¼ cup of the mixture, depending on the size of your load.
- For those that have fabric softener cup washers, just put it in the cup and it will add the mixture to the washing load at the right time.
- If your washer doesn’t have a fabric softener cup, add the mixture into a fabric softener ball and put it in with your clothes at the beginning.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: Your laundry should NOT smell like vinegar when done. If it does, you’ve used too much.
Essential oils not only provide a pleasing aroma but can also contribute to the softness of your laundry. Certain essential oils, like
lavender or
ylang-ylang, possess natural properties that can help relax fibers, making them feel softer to the touch.
The gentle scent and softness of essential oils can elevate your laundry experience while avoiding the use of harsh chemicals.
So, whether you choose plain vinegar or trying out the DIY recipe with essential oils, you can enjoy the benefits of a natural fabric softener while minimizing the environmental impact.
Product #5: Eco-Friendly Laundry Bags and Hangers
When it comes to making our laundry routine more eco-friendly, it's not just about the detergents and softeners we use.
The choices we make in terms of laundry accessories can also have a positive impact on the environment.
Let's explore two eco-friendly alternatives: reusable laundry bags and sustainable hangers.
Reusable Laundry Bags
Reusable laundry bags are a fantastic option for reducing waste. Instead of relying on single-use plastic bags, these bags are designed to be used over and over again. They come in various sizes and materials, such as cotton or mesh, and are perfect for separating different types of laundry or for protecting delicate items during washing. Plus, they can be tossed directly into the washing machine along with your clothes, making laundry day more convenient and eco-friendly.
Hangers
Now, let's talk about hangers. Traditional plastic or wire hangers contribute to landfill waste and can take a long time to decompose. Sustainable hangers, on the other hand, are made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, or even reclaimed wood. These hangers are sturdy, durable, and a more sustainable choice for organizing your wardrobe. By switching to sustainable hangers, you're reducing the demand for new plastic production and minimizing environmental impact.
When it comes to reusable laundry bags and sustainable hangers, here are a few brands to consider:
ZeroWasteStore: The ZeroWasteStore offers beautiful and sustainable hangers made from recycled materials from all over the world.
Honey-Can-Do (Sustainable Hangers): Honey-Can-Do offers a variety of sustainable hangers made from bamboo, recyclable plastic, and other eco-friendly materials.
Enviro Hangers (Sustainable Hangers): Enviro Hangers are sustainable hangers made of recycled paper and are 100% recyclable.
By incorporating reusable laundry bags and sustainable hangers you can make your laundry routine more eco-friendly and enjoyable.
Product #6: Natural Wrinkle Release Spray
Wrinkle-release sprays may seem like a convenient solution for smoothing out wrinkles in our clothes, but they come with environmental concerns that we should be mindful of.
These sprays typically contain propellants and chemicals that contribute to air pollution and can harm the ozone layer.
Fortunately, there are natural alternatives and homemade wrinkle-release sprays that can help us achieve wrinkle-free clothing without the negative environmental impact. Here are a couple of options:
Natural Wrinkle-Release Spray
- Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or lemon, to provide a pleasant scent.
- Shake well before use, then lightly mist your wrinkled garments.
- Smooth out the wrinkles by hand or gently tug on the fabric, and hang the item to air dry.
The combination of water, vinegar, and essential oils will help relax the fibers and release wrinkles naturally.
Homemade Linen Spray
- Create a wrinkle-release spray using a mixture of distilled water, witch hazel or vodka, and essential oils.
- Combine 1 cup of distilled water, 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka, and 10-15 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before use, then spritz lightly onto wrinkled clothing.
- Tug and smooth the fabric, and allow it to air dry.
The refreshing scent of the essential oils will add a delightful touch to your clothes!
To effectively use these natural wrinkle-release spray recipes, here are a few tips:
Hang Clothes Properly: After washing, shake out your clothes and hang them up immediately to minimize wrinkles. Smooth the fabric with your hands before hanging to help release any creases.
Spritz and Smooth: Lightly mist your clothing with the natural wrinkle-release spray, focusing on the wrinkled areas. Gently tug and smooth the fabric to help relax the wrinkles. Let the garment air dry, and the wrinkles should gradually diminish.
Steam It Out: Another method is to use a handheld garment steamer or hang your clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help loosen the wrinkles, making them easier to smooth out by hand.
These easy and natural wrinkle-release hacks can help reduce the need for ironing, save energy, and minimize your environmental footprint! Love them so much!
Make A Positive Change, One Load Of Laundry At A Time
So there you have it, moms!
Your choices matter, and by transitioning to eco-friendly laundry products, you're contributing to a healthier planet for all.
Let's take care of our clothes, our environment, and ourselves, knowing that each load we wash is a step towards a greener and cleaner world.
If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, please feel free to reach out to me here.
I’d love to hear from you!
Happy laundering and cheers to a greener lifestyle, moms! 🌿