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Natural Laundry Solutions

Contests & Giveaways· Fab Finds

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.

Natural Laundry Solutions from Simple is Pretty Shop

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.

Natural Laundry Solutions - Wool Dryer Balls - Simple is Pretty Shop

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!

Essential Oils from Simple is Pretty Shop - Lavender and Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Place lavender sachets in your drawers to keep your clothes smelling fresh. They also detract insects like moths who like to munch on wool.

Lavender Drawer Sachets from Simple is Pretty Shop

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received complimentary products from Simple is Pretty Shop. As always, opinions are 100% my own. Contains affiliate links.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shauna Signature

About Shauna Oberg

I’m so glad you stopped by! I’m Shauna, design and decorating enthusiast, DIYer, vintage collector, gardener, and lover of fresh, healthy food. Most importantly, I’m a very proud mom to a 20-something year old “kid” and wife to my biggest supporter and best friend for over 25 years... Read More

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. 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!

    Reply

  11. 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

    Reply

  17. nicolthepickle says

    I would love to try the Indigo Wool Dryer Balls (set of 4) Dark Blue, Purple – Essential Oil Scented. in Grapefruit scent.

    Reply

  20. 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!

    Reply

  24. 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!!

    Reply

  30. 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.

    Reply

  32. Abbie from Lovin' Our Chaos says

    Ooh…I would love to be a little more natural with my laundry. Thanks for the great tips!

    Reply

  33. 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!

    Reply

  34. 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!

    Reply

  40. 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!

    Reply

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