Let’s Talk Dirty

I want to talk dirty… all about your TOXIC laundry habits!

Did you know that most common laundry detergents and softener contain dozens of harsh chemicals that are not only harmful to the environment, but also seriously hazardous to your health and large appliances? When you wash and dry your clothes in these chemicals, these toxins can even form and remain in the air as volatile organic compounds. What’s a VOC? These toxins can cause respiratory issues, headaches and are linked to many other health complications. Some of these include dyes, fragrance, brighteners and others - these linger in the air and on your clothes irritating the skin and lungs. So what now?

Fortunately, we have some cheap and easy swaps for conventional laundry routines. Although products can be marketed as “clean” or a safer alternative, the harsh reality is that we find most of these big brands still contain hazardous ingredients. So, lets make our own clean laundry products. We will start with stain removal, where any normal person (or anyone with kids) would start..

Making stain remover can be easy and cost effective. With using just 3 ingredients, this DIY stain remover will be about 90% less expensive than a store bought brand and work just as well - or better. You will need:

1. Baking Soda

2. Thieves Dish Soap

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Once you have all of your ingredients, measure 1 Tbsp. baking soda, 4 Tbsp. Thieves dish soap and 8 Tbsp. hydrogen peroxide and stir until combined. Your mixture should be rather thick, so we suggest doing this in a bowl or glass container vs. a spray bottle. Don’t forget to store it in a cabinet or dark place so the peroxide doesnt loose effectiveness. When it comes time to use your goop, apply a small amount directly to the stain. Gently rub into the fabric either with a finger or old toothbrush. Allow the stain to sit for at least 10 minutes and up to an hour, before adding to your wash like normal.

Let’s get to the washing! Learning how to make non-toxic laundry detergent is a great way to save your pipes/ appliances, the water supply, your wallet and your body. You will need a large container, like a gallon jug for this one as well as the following ingredients:

1. Baking Soda

2. Sea Salt

3. Warm Water

4. Castile soap

To start, combine 1 Cup baking soda, 1/3 Cup sea salt and 2 1/2 Cups of warm water to the gallon jug. This will allow the baking soda and salt to dissolve, you may have to shake the jug. Once your initial ingredients are dissolved, add 1 Cup Castile soap and fill any remaining space in the jug with warm water. Gently swirl the jug to mix now. If you have a traditional washing machine use about a half cup of laundry detergent depending on the size of the load of laundry.

Let’s talk softener! It sounds crazy, but trust me, vinegar. No, your clothes will not smell. I promise. For this simple, safe and effective fabric softener you will need:

1. White Vinegar

2. Warm Water

3. Essentail Oils

You do not need a specific container for this, we’re combining 2 Cups of vinegar, 2 Cups warm water and about 20 drops of your favorite essential oils. You can combine multiple essential oils for a custom scent or choose a single oil for its benefits. You may choose Thieves for its immune boosting properties or maybe Lavender for bed sheets to help unwind at night. The combinations are nearly endless.

In summary, if you’re looking for high quality, cost effective and environmentally conscious laundry products- the best option is to make your own!

The filthy toxins in your laundry routine don’t stop at detergent, read my blog “Downright Filthy“ where I talk about the dirty truth behind your dryer sheets. I also talk about safe and long lasting alternatives. See you there!