Natural Laundry Solutions
Looking for natural laundry solutions? Improve well-being and save money, all while being kinder to the environment.
I received complimentary products from Simple is Essential Shop. As always, opinions are 100% my own. Contains affiliate links. See policies for more information.
Being sensitive to many chemicals, I’m always on the lookout for natural alternatives for cleaning and doing laundry. So, when Sandra from Simple is Essential asked if I’d like to try out a few products from her Etsy Shop, I definitely was on board.
Years ago, I switched from using regular laundry detergent and fabric softener to ones that are free from dyes and perfumes. Right away, I noticed my nose was running less and my skin wasn’t as itchy. It was a small change with big results. So I thought…
Then, I read about the toxic chemicals found in fabric softener and dryer sheets. Apparently, those chemicals are absorbed through your skin from your clothes, towels and sheets, causing all kinds of harmful health effects. Say what?
To add to the problem, fabric softeners reduce the absorbency of towels, can lead to stains, make fabrics more flammable, not to mention their negative impact on the environment.
After discovering all of this, the idea of ditching fabric softener was a no-brainer. But, dealing with static cling, especially in the winter, was a total pain. Is that my sock stuck to the back of your sweatshirt? Why, yes, it is! (True story.)
There had to be a better way.
After doing some research and a little trial and error, I eventually found a few natural solutions for reducing static cling and adding softness to our laundry. Do they work 100% all of the time? No. But, they’re definitely a better alternative to what I was using in the past.
Natural Laundry Solutions
1) Add ¼ cup baking soda to your washing machine before you load it. It will act as a water softener, making your clothes feel softer. (I usually do this with larger loads that have a mix of synthetic and natural fabrics where static is more likely.)
2) Add ¼ cup (or more for big loads) of pure white vinegar to your rinse cycle. Don’t worry, the smell will be gone once your clothes come out of the dryer. It also helps to prevent build-up in your washing machine.
3) Use wool dryer balls. The wool dryer balls work by wicking moisture away from your clothes and gently tumbling, circulating, and softening the clothes in your dryer. An added bonus is saving time and money on your electricity bill by shortening the drying time.
4) Don’t over-dry your clothes on a high heat. We have various settings on our dryer that allow for a certain amount of dampness. For most of our loads, I pull the clothes out of the dryer a bit damp and hang to dry or lay on our bed until they’re completely dry before folding. I dry our sheets on delicate to prevent heavy-set wrinkles and static build up.
Don’t think you can give up the scent your fabric softener adds to your clothes?
Add a few drops of pure essential oil to the vinegar in your rinse cycle or directly to your wool dryer balls (a couple drops every week or so). My personal favourite is lavender, especially on our sheets- so calming!
Place lavender sachets in your drawers to keep your clothes smelling fresh. They also detract insects like moths who like to munch on wool.
The sachets from Simple is Essential Shop smell divine. When I opened the box, I was in heaven! If you follow me on Instagram, then you know Sandra takes great care to wrap everything up so lovely.
The lavender sachets and essential oils make great stocking stuffers or small gifts. I know I’ll be picking some up for family and friends!
More Eco-Friendly Home Ideas
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Thanks for stopping by!
The lavender sachets are cute!
I’m definitely adding this shop to my faves! I’d love to try out those wool dryer balls. Thanks for the heads up (and the giveaway too!)
Like to try the wool dryer balls.
Would love to try out the scented dryer balls.
I love the dryer balls – I use them all the time and mine are actually falling apart so it’s time for new ones! Great tips for natural cleaning – this is something I could really get on board with…with a little planning I bet it’s worth it!
I love the lavender sachets and could definitely use them in my home.
I like the Twigs and Branches Lavender Sachets with Covers, very cute
Thanks, Shauna! I appreciate all your kind words!
Thank you for the lovely products. You’ve created a beautiful Etsy Shop!
I love the indigo dryer balls – I’m sure it really doesn’t matter what color dryer balls are but they are so pretty!
I like the organic aqua dryer balls
I love the dryer balls but when I perused the etsy shop I fell in love with the Organic Ring Bearer pillow! love it
I love this wedding garland on her site.
I like the Colorful Fresh Flower Garden Lavender Sachets (set of 3)
The essential oils on the dryer balls…genius! Sounds like a match made in heaven!
Thanks for the contest…xo
I would love to try the dryer balls!
The small organic napkins look lovely bummer there’s only one set left.
I would love to try the Indigo Wool Dryer Balls (set of 4) Dark Blue, Purple – Essential Oil Scented. in Grapefruit scent.
the dryer balls
I love those dryer balls!!
These would make great gifts for people like my mother in law, who sort of has everything. But I know she’d love something like this!
I am always looking for eco-friendly alternatives for our family. These products look amazing…great tips!
Fantastic alternative ideas… and I hate static cling, too! Thank you for sharing Shauna.
I love all those products!! Thanks for sharing
Well now, I already have some of her wool dryer balls (love ’em!!) and so I would love to try some scents – I love lavender!!
Love the summer pink dryer balls – what a great gift for a new mom!
I love all of these products and natural solutions!
Shabby Chic Napkins {set of 6} 17X18 would be wonderful to own!
These simple Cotton Fabric Lavender Sachets are lovely and I would put to good use!
I love the wool dryer balls!
I love Sandra’s shop! I think the dryer balls are great, but I would be super excited to check out the essential oils too.
I would love to try some of the oils – lavender, spearmint, lime!
Ooh…I would love to be a little more natural with my laundry. Thanks for the great tips!
I have recently become interested in Essential Oils, so those did catch my eye. I also really like the organic napkins. I love using cloth napkins and need some more!
I fell in love with the Organic Shabby Chic Table Runner {12 X 36 1/2} – Rustic, Beach, Cottage Chic, Delicate, Neutral Table Centerpiece for all occasions, Rosette! I wish there was a matching table cloth…. so many pretty items to choose from!
I like the lavender or lemon scented laundry balls
I use her dryer balls & they are awesome! I would really love to try the baby blanket :)
I love the Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
Oooh – this shop is awesome! I want to try dryer balls because I never have!
Summer Pink and Feather Grey Organic Wool Dryer Balls!
Thank you all so much for your support! I appreciate all your comments. If you see something in my shop or are interested in a sold item let me know. I also do custom listings so contact me and I would love to work with you. Remember the coupon code is in effect until December 1, I’d love to help you conquer some of your Christmas shopping :)
Thank you Shauna for hosting, I appreciate all your support over the years!