Looking for natural laundry tips that are both effective and eco-friendly? Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and synthetic products, and welcome nature’s power into your laundry routine!
Did you know that many conventional laundry products are loaded with artificial fragrance, phthalates, parabens and forever chemicals? Below, are my 10 best natural laundry hacks to help you get fresh, clean clothes without harming the environment—or your skin.
1. Use Baking Soda as a Natural Booster
Baking soda is a powerhouse for deodorizing and softening fabrics. Simply add half a cup to your laundry to neutralize odors and keep whites brighter. My favorite use for baking soda is with stinky bath towels and shower mats. It will eliminate the odors and leave your towels fluffy and smelling fresh.
2. Swap Fabric Softeners for Vinegar
Commercial fabric softeners are filled with synthetic fragrances and chemicals. Instead, use distilled white vinegar. Add half a cup to the rinse cycle to soften clothes and eliminate soap residue.
3. Try an Oxygen Booster Instead of Bleach
Using a completely natural, plant-based oxygen booster is a great way to make whites whiter without the chemical bleach smell. many oxygen boosters are a combination of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium percarbonate (baking soda and hydrogen peroxide). Make sure to find one that says "chorine free, and be sure never to mix these with chlorine bleach.
4. Line Dry to Reduce Energy Use
Drying clothes in a machine consumes a lot of energy. Opt for line drying when possible—it saves energy, reduces wear on clothes, and gives your garments a natural fresh-air scent.
5. Lavender dryer bags instead of dryer sheets
I use all natural lavender sachets in my dryer instead of dryer sheets. You can buy these pre-made from Trader Joes, or you can diy them for a refillable, renewable alternative.
6. Essential Oils for Fresh Scents
Avoid artificial fragrances by adding a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or tea tree, to your detergent or vinegar rinse. They add a pleasant scent without the toxins.
7. DIY Laundry Detergent
Make your own laundry detergent using natural ingredients like castile soap, washing soda, and borax. This not only saves money but also gives you full control over what goes into your detergent.
8. Cold Water Washing
Most laundry can be washed in cold water, reducing energy use. Cold water also prevents colors from fading and helps natural fabrics last longer.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap for Stain Removal
I like to make my own stain remover. Hydrogen peroxide is an all-natural bleaching agent, and dish soap is a natural degreaser. Dab it directly onto stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual. This is a great alternative to other more toxic stain removers.
10. Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets
Replace dryer sheets with wool dryer balls. These reusable, natural alternatives help reduce static, soften fabrics, and can even reduce drying time.
Incorporating these all-natural laundry tips into your routine will help you live a greener, more sustainable lifestyle while keeping your clothes and linens fresh and clean. Not only are these alternatives better for the environment, but they’re also safer for your family and often more cost-effective!
Start making the switch today, and enjoy cleaner clothes without the chemicals.
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