laundry

23 January 2018

Looking for Eco Friendly Laundry Products suitable for allergies and vegans
Ethical, cruelty and allergen free laundry products are the biggest headache in my daily life. I feel like the worst person ever for the products I currently use and I've beaten myself up about it but I'm stuck in this really difficult place. I desire a more natural formulation, I don't want it to be tested on animals, I'd like it to be Vegan, I want fragrance but need to avoid linalool, there is the dreaded MI (methylisothiazolinone) to avoid and accessibility is important.

I think the most eco-friendly laundry product available is soap nuts. I experimented with these some years ago but it just didn't suit me for the long term. I wasn't happy with the way my clothes were feeling and smelling over the long term so I ditched that plan.

When looking for ethical products available in supermarkets, most people think of Method and Ecover but both brands were acquired by S.C. Johnson & Son in 2017, a company not associated with ethical or cruelty free values. Seventh Generation has hit the shelves at Tesco, its a popular US brand but despite the claims of suitability for sensitive skin, I was shocked to see it contains methylisothiazolinone (MI). This can also be said for Tesco's own brand Eco Active. Astonish and own brands from Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co-Op and Marks & Spencer carry the Leaping Bunny logo which gives reassurance for cruelty free but you're not getting a "natural" formulation and on my last inspection I was struggling over MI and linalool (I do need to re-visit this to check labels as things can change).

I know of Greenscents, Bio-D and Mangle & Wringer which are greener brands so tick all my boxes. I do use various cleaning supplies from their ranges and have repurchased from time to time.  Since I can only buy online (no local stockists) this leaves me agonising over courier charges and delivery slots which I find expensive and stressful. It also requires me to be organised and when you're down to the last drop it's much easier to pop to the supermarket. 

There are several brands on my list which I need to do further research on including Faith In Nature, Ecozone and The Gentle Label. I'd be interested in getting feedback from readers who have tried any of their products.

I guess I'm writing this as a personal rant because sometimes I think living your best "green" lifestyle can get a little stressful. I wanted to demonstrate that I don't have the answer to everything, I do struggle with decisions. I've spent months going round in circles but I determined to find a solution. Anyone else in the same position?

Sarah x

4 June 2013




The Twitter grapevine was chirping and thanks to @RazzleDazzleIce I ended up being sent a Living Naturally Soapnut sample pack. I have read about soapnuts but I had not tried them before now. Only the other week I was talking about "Going Green" and swapping your laundry detergent for environmentally friendly alternatives. I think using soapnuts will definitely make you an Eco Warrior. 



Soapnuts are dried fruit shells from the soapberry tree and they contain saponin which produces a soaping effect. They are 100% natural so great for the environment and ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies to laundry detergent. I have to say they are probably one of the most unusual things I have come across but as intriguing as the Konjac sponge. The soapnuts came in a small muslin bag which you place into the washing machine with your laundry. Softener is not required but if you want fragrance you can add drops of essential oil to the bag. 

I put these to the test on a load with towels and bed linen at a 60 degree wash. I need to stock up on essential oils but I had some clove oil (I use it to clean mould) so I decided to scent the bag with it. I have to say my laundry came out looking normal and smelling fresh. I put the towels through the tumble dryer and I admit I was not expecting them to come out soft but I was pleasantly surprised. The towels were not as soft as when I use fabric conditioner but they were pretty good, not scratchy or stiff. 

The soapnuts can be used 3-4 times and then you can dispose/compost them. If you would prefer an alternative to the "nuts" then Living Naturally do offer Soapnut Liquid Laundry Detergent or tabs. The product range also includes soap, shampoo bars and herbal hair rinse so it’s worth having a browse of the website www.soapnuts.co.uk. Plus Soapnut sample bags are available to buy for £3.49. 

Do any of you already use soapnuts? For those that do not, what do you think of the idea?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - sample pack sent free of charge, 100% own opinions, I was not asked to feature on my blog, links are not affiliated

7 February 2013

Eco Egg Stain Remover
I completely forgot I had this product until the other day. I missed my mouth and ended up with curry sauce down my top. Panic ensued as trying to remove with warm soapy water did not do the trick. A quick rummage in the cupboard under the sink and hey presto I found Eco Egg stain remover. I completely forgot I had this product, I won it on Twitter last year.

It is very easy to use. You simply apply the paste to the stain, rub it in, leave for 10 minutes and wash the garment as normal. So did it work? Yes, to my surprise no more Tikka Masala sauce on my top. I did treat the stain immediately which may have helped. This stain remover is not tested on animals and formulated with non toxic, gentle, bio degradable ingredients. The company also works closely with Allergy UK and National Eczema Society.

I've been browsing the website looking at their other products. If you have allergies to washing detergents or want a more eco friendly way to do your laundry, take a look at the laundry egg. The egg goes into the washing machine and contains hypo-allergenic pellets. According to the website this lasts 720 washes and that works out to be 3p per wash. Check out the website if you want to learn more and I'm going to gloss over the fact that products are endorsed by Kim Woodburn :-)

Sarah x

Instagram

Sugarpuffish. Theme by STS.