Confession: I’m a serial spiller. I live in a house full of pets. I love getting my hands and clothes dirty. And I love wearing white.
What I don’t love? Harsh chemicals, plastic waste, and products that take up space without pulling their weight. So here are my go-to, no-BS laundry hacks that are kinder on your clothes and the planet—and actually work!
1. Chill Out
Let’s start with an easy eco upgrade you can make right now: start washing everything in eco-warm or cold water to help conserve energy.
2. Dump Your Jug for Detergent Sheets
Bulky plastic jugs are out—compact, powerful sheets are in. Here’s why I made the switch: They’re plastic-free and way more sustainable. They save precious shelf space in the laundry room. And because they’re not watered down, detergent sheets clean surprisingly well. Two brands I trust:
3. Baking Soda + Vinegar = The OG Power Combo
This duo is cheap, effective, and safe on fabrics. Add the following to your laundry load:
- Baking soda (1–2 cups) is gentle while helping lift stains, brightening, and neutralizing odors.
- White vinegar (1–3 cups) is my go-to for pet stuff, gym clothes, and anything extra gross.
It’s minimal effort with major results.
4. Keep Your Whites Bright—Without Bleach
If you love white tees, towels, and bedding as much as I do, skip the bleach and go with this mix:
- White vinegar + an oxygen brightener like this one from Meliora.
It keeps things looking fresh without the damage.
5. Sustainable Stain Removal
For everyday stains (wine, mud, mystery), I mix:
- Vinegar, water, and a little natural dish soap
- Add baking soda for extra grit as needed
If I’m in a rush or dealing with pet messes, these are my favorite products:
- Biokleen Bac-Out
- Attitude Living Stain Remover (smells like lemon and lavender mmm)
6. Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves
As a tall woman, I’ve learned the hard way: shrinkage is not an option. That’s why I dry most of my clothes on the delicate cycle. It’s gentle but slow—unless you bring in a little fluffy magic. Enter: our cult-favorite Fluff Ewes. These dryer balls help get my loads dry in under 30 minutes!
7. Ditch Your Dryer Sheets
If you haven’t yet switched from dryer sheets to all-natural dryer balls, let me convince you:
- Made from 100% organic wool
- Reduce dry time by up to 40%
- Soften fabrics without chemical softeners
- Help reduce static naturally
Static is especially tricky in dryer climates, so here’s a pro tip:
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of vinegar directly to the dryer balls before use (don’t worry—your laundry won’t smell like vinegar).
- Toss a few ice cubes into the dryer to create steam, which cuts down on static.
8. Naturally Fresh Fragrance? Yes, Please.
A lot of my friends can’t let go of their toxic dryer sheets because they love the smell. Well, I have some good news: there’s a nontoxic alternative. For a light, clean scent, just add a few drops of essential oil to your wool dryer balls. One of my personal favorites is our Lavender Rain by Ewe Dew—it’s refreshing and never overpowering. And it’s specially formulated to withstand the high heat of your dryer. A little goes a long way, and your laundry comes out smelling like you put serious effort in.
With a few thoughtful swaps and low-tox staples, your laundry routine can be gentler on the planet and still get the job done. Clean clothes, clear conscience, and a laundry room that feels a little more aligned with your values? You can have it all.
