Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Now that we have a newborn, I find myself doing laundry all the time. I’ve tried to use some eco-friendly detergents, but sometimes they don’t seem to work as well “regular” detergents. Any suggestions or tips?
My mom is the ultimate Ã?¼ber-snob of laundresses and a pediatric nurse, so when she gives a laundry detergent the thumbs up, you know it’s good. But before we get to brands, let me offer my condolences. With newborns, there just doesn’t seem to be any way to get around doing more laundry, and many days will leave you feeling buried in piles of it. I think it is another wonder of the world that such a cute little bundle can go through eight outfits in less than twelve hours. And you thought Auntie Fran had given you too many onesies. That said, let’s get down and dirty.
To start, make sure you rinse out “accidents” a.s.a.p. - these unpleasant but oh-so-present facts of newborn life can leave a nasty mark. For moms on the go,
Mimi the Sardine has cute little water resistant bags that you can stick in your diaper bag for storage after rinsing, but before returning home.
In choosing detergents and fabric softeners, do a little testing. Different products seem to work better than others depending on the mineral content of your water, so your first try may be less than perfect. Don’t give up! You don’t want your baby swaddled in a mess of toxins, lard, petrochemicals, and pesticides (yes, those have all been found in some traditional brands of detergents and fabric softeners). With natural and organic ingredients, your baby’s sensitive skin will be less vulnerable to reactions, you’ll keep these nasty ingredients out of our waterways, and you will see white again.
As for EcoMom reviews, my mom and I both love
Method, and founder Eric Ryan has a little one, so I know their products are well tested. If you must, they also carry dryer sheets.
Sun & Earth is another one we love, and
ECOS carries a Baby Laundry Soap that works wonders. EcoMom Liz Held is hooked on
Mrs. Meyers, and even though my baby is not so little anymore, I still love their baby formula. For fabric softeners, try
Gaiam’s dryer balls. They’re also fun to play with and feel great when massaged against tired feet. (Hey, necessity is the mother of invention.) Make sure bleach products are oxygen based and not chlorine based. Of note, SeventhGeneration’s Free and Clear bleach has made it past my mom.
Finally, with laundry having become such a large part of your life, here are a few more tips:
- For soft water, a cup of Borax or baking soda mixed in with whatever detergent you choose will help keep away the grays.
- Adding a cup of lemon juice to your rinse cycle acts as a gentle bleach.
- A little soap and a scrub brush can work wonders.
- Though some garments include directions to avoid direct sunlight, natural fibers love the sun, so hanging them to line dry can be another eco-friendly way to get clothes their brightest and save energy at the same time.
As for reducing your load… just hang tight. In about six-months, it starts to get better.
About The Author
Kimberly Danek Pinkson is the founder of the EcoMom Alliance and a popular media guest and keynote speaker on issues of green living and sustainability. A longtime social entrepreneur and freelance writer, she is a frequent contributor for parenting magazines and websites such as BabyCenter and iVillage. Kimberly works with her team of EcoMom Leaders to bring forth the organization’s positive and proactive messaging, including teaching Sustain Your Self workshops nationwide. She is the proud mommy to son Corbin, a doting auntie to two nephews, and very happy to be a part of The Cradle. To learn more about Kimberly and join the EcoMom Alliance, please visit ecomomalliance.org.
