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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In the pursuit of a greener, cleaner lifestyle, every aspect of our daily routines deserves a second look – including laundry. With the unveiling of new rules for laundry practices, we're not just aiming for spotless clothes, but also aiming to reduce our environmental footprint. From DIY ingredients for laundry soap, softener, and stain remover to eye-opening statistics on plastic usage, let's dive into the future of laundry.
It's time to rethink our approach to laundry products. Instead of opting for single-use plastic bottles of detergent and fabric softener, consider eco-friendly alternatives or DIY solutions.
Mindful Ingredients
Take a closer look at the ingredients list. Opt for products that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, and consider making your laundry soap and softener using simple natural ingredients.
Water-Wise Washing
Conserve water by washing full loads whenever possible and using cold water settings. This not only saves energy but also helps preserve the lifespan of your clothes.
Air Dry Whenever Possible
Reduce energy consumption by air-drying your clothes instead of relying solely on the dryer. Not only does this save electricity, but it also helps extend the life of your garments.
DIY Laundry Soap
Ingredients:
1 cup of grated castile soap
1 cup of washing soda
1 cup of baking soda
Optional: essential oils for fragrance
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
DIY Fabric Softener
Ingredients:
2 cups of distilled white vinegar
1 cup of water
Optional: a few drops of essential oils
Instructions:
Mix vinegar, water, and essential oils (if using) in a container.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this mixture to the rinse cycle.
Natural Stain Remover
Ingredients:
1 part hydrogen peroxide
1 part dish soap
Instructions:
Mix hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
Apply directly to stains, let sit for 10-15 minutes, then launder as usual.
The new rules for laundry are all about sustainability, mindfulness, and DIY ingenuity. By making a few minor changes to the way we do our laundry, we can avoid hormone-disrupting ingredients and make choices that are kinder to the planet.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR OUR READERS
Front-load washers can sometimes develop unpleasant odors due to humidity and the accumulation of detergent residue, dirt, and moisture. Here are some natural methods to combat these odors:
White Vinegar: Run a cycle with hot water and add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Vinegar helps break down buildup and eliminate odors.
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside the drum and around the rubber gasket. Baking soda absorbs odors and helps to freshen the machine. You can also mix baking soda with water to form a paste and scrub the rubber gasket.
Citrus Peels: Save citrus peels from oranges, lemons, or limes. Place them in the drum and run a hot water cycle. The natural oils in the peels help to deodorize and freshen the washer.
Sunlight: If possible, leave the washer door open after each use to allow it to air dry. Sunlight can also help kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils such as tea tree oil, lemon oil, or lavender oil to a damp cloth and wipe down the rubber gasket and door seal. This not only helps to combat odors but also leaves a pleasant scent.
Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean the detergent dispenser, rubber gasket, and drum of the washer to remove any buildup. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning guidance.
Use Less Detergent: Using too much detergent can lead to excess residue buildup in the washer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate amount of detergent to use.
Replace Old Hoses: Sometimes odors can be caused by mold or mildew growth in the washer hoses. If your hoses are old or show signs of wear, consider replacing them.
By incorporating these natural methods into your cleaning routine, you can help combat odors and keep your front-load washer smelling fresh.
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