The Sustainable Spin: Everything You Need to Know About Natural Laundry Products

Doing your laundry might just seem like another tedious task on your to-do list, but it has a much bigger impact than you might realise. Every step that goes into doing the laundry, from the washing machine cycle you choose to the detergent you use and how you dry your clothes, can have a significant impact on your home and the environment.

The waste humans produce on a daily basis is extremely harmful to the nature around us, so it’s necessary to try our best to minimise the harmful substances we let out into the environment. Natural laundry products are the perfect way to remove stains and keep your clothes fresh, all without using harsh chemicals.

Join us as we explore what these products are, how to incorporate them into your routine, and how eco-friendly laundry products help reduce harmful chemicals in your daily life.

What Are Natural Laundry Products?

Have you ever cleaned your clothes and found the bright neon colours of your detergent somewhat intimidating? With the bright blues and neon greens, the amount of synthetic compounds in these cleaning solutions is astronomical.

In recent years, many households have seen an increase in allergies and skin irritations, which are sadly most likely caused by some of the ingredients in laundry detergent. If you’re sick of itchy skin, redness and harsh smells, you should definitely try a detergent made from natural materials.

Natural laundry detergents are cleaning solutions for your clothes made primarily from plant-based ingredients. In this innovative formula, the ingredients come from natural sources and are fully biodegradable. This way, not only are you reducing your exposure to harsh chemicals, but you’re also taking a step towards a greener future.

In the past, buying natural laundry products wasn’t as common as it is today, largely because misinformation was spreading online. Some people were sceptical about the cleaning power of these all-natural products; however, news of their excellent cleaning abilities and eco-friendly nature quickly helped dispel the misinformation spread online.

Why You Should Make the Switch

Doing laundry is a daily must you sadly can’t skip. Not many people enjoy doing the laundry, so when it comes to choosing detergents, they go with whichever product is easiest to reach on the shelf. However, the way you do your laundry and the products you use to clean your clothes can significantly impact your home, lifestyle, and even the environment. So, if you’d like to live a greener life and protect your skin in the process, here are a few reasons to consider switching from regular laundry detergents to all-natural products.​

• Reduced Chemicals: Regular laundry detergents contain ingredients that are harmful to you and the environment. When the back of the bottle has ingredients you only see in chemistry books, you know it’s time to switch to eco-friendly laundry detergents. These products are entirely plant-based, making them good for the environment and gentle on your skin.

• Water Safety: When the water drains from your machine, it and the remainder of your laundry products go through your plumbing system and the city’s water system. Because typical laundry products are made with synthetic ingredients, they take ages to break down, which harms our planet. Because natural laundry products are free of synthetic dyes and harsh chemicals, they break down over time, reducing harm to the environment.

• Gentle on Skin: The many synthetic ingredients in regular, store-bought detergents are known to cause allergies and skin irritations, and because one bottle of detergent contains dozens of these chemicals, you never know which one is the issue. All-natural detergents contain fewer ingredients and are all plant-based. These products keep your clothes clean while maintaining your skin silky smooth and free of irritation.

Building an Environmentally Friendly Laundry Routine at Home

The products you use to clean laundry can significantly impact the environment around you. However, they are just a small piece of the puzzle. There are many aspects of your laundry routine that negatively impact the environment, and you might be doing some of them without even knowing.

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Plan Your Loads Carefully

It’s tempting to run a load of laundry at the end of the day. However, sometimes the laundry basket is nearly empty, save for two shirts and a pair of pants. It’s common to just wash these and follow with whatever you dirty tomorrow. However, running a load for just a few pieces is unnecessary and quite wasteful. Instead, wait till you have enough clothing to run a full batch. Even if you manage to fill the basket daily, wait a few days between loads, as frequent use of the washing machine can rapidly increase your energy and water bills.

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Use Natural Detergents

As we’ve mentioned before, regular laundry detergents contain synthetic ingredients that are very harmful to the environment. Once the water from your machine drains, some of the harmful ingredients go with it. Because synthetic materials take years to break down, they pollute the water system and harm the natural life in the area. Making the switch from synthetic products to eco-friendly detergents can minimise the harmful chemicals in our environment, while keeping your clothes fresh for longer.

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Skip The Fabric Softener

Using a fabric softener has become an unconscious habit. No matter what clothes we wash, we always end up pouring some softener in with the detergent. However, fabric softeners contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment and can also reduce the lifespan of your clothing. You should try to skip the softener when you can, or use a natural alternative.

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Air Dry Your Clothes

Using the dryer to dry your clothes can be a convenient habit, and using it from time to time is even necessary to save time and lighten the load of after-work chores. However, when the sun is bright and the sky is clear, you should try taking your laundry outside to dry. Drying your laundry this way saves energy and even brings a refreshing, natural scent to your clothes.