I'm looking for a laundry detergent that's environmentally friendly but gets the clothes really clean. I've been using an environmentally friendly laundry soap that we got w/ our house water filter system. It cleans reasonably well, but doesn't do much for stains and DH complains that it doesn't smell very nice. My DS also has eczema and tends to be sensitive to soaps and detergents. He does fine w/ the current laundry soap (so I might just keep washing his clothes in it and our sheets too since he cosleeps) and he also tolerates Dr Bronners lavender soap (which I use on his dipes).
I like this one http://www.ecoproducts.com/Home/home...e_cleaners.htm
I get it from Costco for about $11 (does 100 loads). It has a citrus scent but doesn't leave a fragrance on clothing. I have sensitive skin and don't react to it. I always pretreat stains so I can't say how this does without pretreating. I'm happy with it - esp for the price!
ETA: just realized that doesn't link directly - I use the liquid.
Laundry liquid
# Contains no dyes, phosphates, UV brighteners or perfumes
# Hypoallergenic - Perfect for those who have sensitive skin
# Non-toxic and completely biodegradable
Laundry powder
* Hypoallergenic - leaves no residue - perfect for babies and those who have sensitive skin
* Dissolves completely / biodegradable
Our Laundry Powder is a revolutionary approach to laundry care. It does not cover up stains and odors with scents and brighteners - it really cleans. It is made with a unique blend of biodegradable coconut-based detergents and high-grade, completely soluble, Green River washing soda.
I've tried Allens Naturally and Charlies Soap and prefer Biokleen over everything. I use it for my cloth diapers, my husband's work uniforms (which often have oil and jet fuel stains) and all other laundry. For extra dirty loads, I'll add Bac-out.
I am using the homemade resipe in the sticky at the top of the page right now, with Fels Naptha and borax and washing soda and oxyclean and it works pretty well -- you can use Dr Bronner's bar soap as the soap also. I also like BioKleen. I might get that just to use on dipes b/c I am not sure if the homemade stuff will leave buildup on dipes or not.
Originally Posted by nadia105
I am using the homemade resipe in the sticky at the top of the page right now, with Fels Naptha and borax and washing soda and oxyclean and it works pretty well -- you can use Dr Bronner's bar soap as the soap also. I also like BioKleen. I might get that just to use on dipes b/c I am not sure if the homemade stuff will leave buildup on dipes or not.
It's a good idea to use vinegar in your rinse if your laundry detergent contains *soap*. Soap can build up on clothes and the vinegar helps prevent this. If you have a front loader, stick it in the fabric softener slot. If not, get a Downy ball and use vinegar in it instead.
I'm using Charleys and having great success even with poo stains. Your dp might not like the non-smell though, it smells like nothing. Great for me (I'm sensitive) but not so much if you like the fresh laundry smell.
Originally Posted by MommyErin
It's a good idea to use vinegar in your rinse if your laundry detergent contains *soap*. Soap can build up on clothes and the vinegar helps prevent this. If you have a front loader, stick it in the fabric softener slot. If not, get a Downy ball and use vinegar in it instead.
I forgot to mention that part
. I do use the vinegar in the Dwony ball, it works great! I just didn't know if it would be different with dipes. I will be using some prefolds, but some FB too, and those are a bit more finicky.
CHARLIES!!!
its awesome and fantastic. we use the powder, works FABULOUS getting all stink and stains out of everything, clothing, bedding, towels, and even diapers. in fact its the ONLY detergent we have used that didnt hurt DDs and my eczema. and it rinses clean. there is nothing like the smell of really clean clothes with no perfume, no chemicals, just CLEAN!!!! oh man, i love that smell. and most important, its earth friendly.
Wow! Thanks for all the advice! That Charlie's Soap or the BioKleen sounds like it might do the trick for us. Anybody know if either's available at Lassens or only online?
It was AddysMama who got me all excited about Charlies in the first place. I don't know if it's available in any offline store, but they do free shipping anyway.
Nature Clean is AWESOME!!!! It is made from corn, has a full ingredient list on the label, biodegradable and is Canadian made!! I have been using it and Vinegar in the fabric softener area and I am in love!!! (well, as in love as one can be with doing laundry!!!)
We had a solid stain remover bar from Nature Clean. I never managed to find another one. It was the best stain remover I have ever had. Their liquid stain remover was useless.
I make laundry detergent out of a bar of Dr. Bronners (peppermint scented!), borax, and washing soda. 80 loads for less than $3. I use it on all our clothes and cloth diapers. Works great, smells good too!
Originally Posted by hananana
I make laundry detergent out of a bar of Dr. Bronners (peppermint scented!), borax, and washing soda. 80 loads for less than $3. I use it on all our clothes and cloth diapers. Works great, smells good too!
You could always use something like Oxiclean or hydrogen peroxide on organic stains to pretreat and oxiclean can be added as a booster with any laundry detergent.
I just started using Soap Nuts from Maggies Pureland. They are exactly what they sound like-the fruit if a Chinese soapberry tree. You put a few in a cotton sack and throw it in the wash. You don't have to use fabric softener, everything comes out sooooo soft. And it rinses clean so my eczema prone daughter is having no issues either. http://www.maggiespureland.com/
I use Ecos Magnolia and Lily (the scent is very light). I buy a huge container of it from Costco and it's super cheap. I also add Borax to the wash and vinegar to the rinse.
I love the Bi-O-Kleen products. Depending upon the load I use their liquid, powder, non-chlorine bleach, and Bac-Out. I've tried many products and Bi-O-Kleen is my favorite. (Although I've never tried Charlies.) Their products have no heavy scent, gentle for sensitive skin, and great cleaning. (The Bac-Out is wonderful for stains on clothing, carpets, etc.)
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