Natural laundry solutions for improving well-being, saving money and being kinder to the environment.
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 Pretty 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 I sniffled a lot less and my skin wasn’t as itchy. 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 1/4 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 1/4 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. Sandra suggests adding a couple drops every two weeks 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 Pretty 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.
Giveaway Time!
Want to add some natural solutions to your laundry routine? Sandra from Simple is Pretty is giving away a $100 (CAN) credit to her Etsy Shop to put towards any of her products! Open to Canadian and US residents (void where prohibited).
*A special offer for Satori readers! Use the code “SATORI2014” to receive a 15% discount off purchases valued at $20 or more until December 1, 2014.
The lavender sachets and essential oils make great stocking stuffers, and Sandra just added some new lavender Christmas ornaments to her shop this month too!
To enter, wait for the rafflecopter box to load below (if it takes too long, try another browser) and log in using the Facebook tab or your email (spam safe). Follow the instructions.
* I received complimentary products from Simple is Pretty Shop. As always, opinions are 100% my own. Contains affiliate links.
Thanks for stopping by!
brenda a says
The lavender sachets are cute!
[email protected] says
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!)
Chris Stockford says
Like to try the wool dryer balls.
Sharon says
Would love to try out the scented dryer balls.
Jo-Anna says
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!
Michelle @ Eamonn & Jack says
I love the lavender sachets and could definitely use them in my home.
Jana L. says
I like the Twigs and Branches Lavender Sachets with Covers, very cute
Sandra {simpleispretty.com} says
Thanks, Shauna! I appreciate all your kind words!
Shauna Oberg says
Thank you for the lovely products. You’ve created a beautiful Etsy Shop!
Carrie says
I love the indigo dryer balls – I’m sure it really doesn’t matter what color dryer balls are but they are so pretty!
Jenness M says
I like the organic aqua dryer balls
SUMMER PLEWES says
I love the dryer balls but when I perused the etsy shop I fell in love with the Organic Ring Bearer pillow! love it
Isabella M. says
I would get this wedding garland:
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/209728477/rustic-wedding-fabric-garland-shabby
Mark V. says
I like the Colorful Fresh Flower Garden Lavender Sachets (set of 3)
[email protected] says
The essential oils on the dryer balls…genius! Sounds like a match made in heaven!
Thanks for the contest…xo
[email protected] says
I would love to try the dryer balls!
Tava says
The small organic napkins look lovely bummer there’s only one set left.
nicolthepickle says
I would love to try the Indigo Wool Dryer Balls (set of 4) Dark Blue, Purple – Essential Oil Scented. in Grapefruit scent.
lori b says
the dryer balls
Heather @ new house new home says
I love those dryer balls!!
Katie Edwards says
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!
Jen says
I am always looking for eco-friendly alternatives for our family. These products look amazing…great tips!
Sheila Zeller says
Fantastic alternative ideas… and I hate static cling, too! Thank you for sharing Shauna.
Terri says
I love all those products!! Thanks for sharing
heather meads says
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!!
Kim Hewitt says
Love the summer pink dryer balls – what a great gift for a new mom!
Heather says
I love all of these products and natural solutions!
Lori Bazan says
Shabby Chic Napkins {set of 6} 17X18 would be wonderful to own!
Rhonda W G. says
These simple Cotton Fabric Lavender Sachets are lovely and I would put to good use!
[email protected] says
I love the wool dryer balls!
Nicole @ scrap me baby says
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.
Heather W says
I would love to try some of the oils – lavender, spearmint, lime!
Abbie from Lovin' Our Chaos says
Ooh…I would love to be a little more natural with my laundry. Thanks for the great tips!
Rachel says
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!
Bailey Dexter says
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!
marybeth i says
I like the lavender or lemon scented laundry balls
Casey O from PrettyOrganized.com says
I use her dryer balls & they are awesome! I would really love to try the baby blanket :)
sarah w says
I love the Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
Amy Anderson says
Oooh – this shop is awesome! I want to try dryer balls because I never have!
Shannon says
Summer Pink and Feather Grey Organic Wool Dryer Balls!
Sandra {simpleispretty.com} says
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!