Ecofy Your Laundry
How to make your laundry as eco-friendly and health-safe as possible at every step
Laundry detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets can contain and release carcinogens and other toxic chemicals into the air you breathe in your home, and you are exposed to them when you wear your clothes (Source) & (Source). Here's how you can detoxify every step of the process:​​
LAUNDRY DETERGENT
One of the main eco/health culprits in laundry is the detergent you use. Switching over to a safe soap is the first step.
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After extensive research, Zum Laundry Soap is the most SAFE, non-toxic laundry detergent (that actually works!). If you are sensitive to fragrances, these are gentle because they are scented with essential oils.
​This laundry soap is the only one out there I've found that is free from all toxins, and doesn't use any artificial fragrance.​​
LAUNDRY DRYER BALLS
Next, swap your dryer sheets for dryer balls, made ethically with hemp, to reduce static and dry your clothes faster. They actually reduce drying time, as opposed to dryer sheets, which do not.
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Our favourite tested hemp dryer balls are from Poppy Lane Organics. They are quite affordable compared to other options, and have NO cruelty because they are not made with wool.
Zum Clean Laundry Soap
Poppy Lane Hemp Dryer Balls
LAUNDRY FABRIC SOFTENER & BRIGHTENER
Baking soda is a must have for laundry. Its strengths:
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Deodorizer
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Breaks down & loosens acidic stains
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Brightens fabric (and whites)
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​Fabric softener
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Increases effectiveness of detergent
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​After using baking soda in laundry for about a year, the results are clear: it made clothes softer and brightened whites. The best part of all: it's the most affordable option :)
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Use 1/3 to 1/2 cup in laundry depending on load size (just add it in the drum with your clothes).
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
LAUNDRY: SCENTED DRYER SACHETS
If you want your laundry to have a stronger scent, try lavender dryer sachets instead of dryer sheets for a nontoxic alternative.
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We found a plastic-free option made with a 100% cotton sachet. There are also lots of options available on Etsy.
Lavender Dryer Sachets
LAUNDRY MESH BAG
No more plastic in laundry - switch to an organic cotton delicates bag instead. We've been using these for over 7 years and they are wonderful for washing bras, underwear or other delicates.
We've found ones made with 100% organic cotton, handmade in Ontario, from Cheeks Ahoy. They come in different sizes depending on your needs.
*The bag will shrink after the first wash.
Cheeks Ahoy Mesh Laundry Bag
LAUNDRY CYCLES
WASH CYCLE
How to make your wash cycle the most eco-friendly:
Wash in Cold or Cool Water
Use "Eco" setting if you have one
Do full loads
Add an extra spin cycle
Why It Helps:
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Extends life of clothes
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Uses less electricity
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Keeps clothes brighter
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​Heating water causes 90% of a washing machine's energy usage. Using cold water settings (20-30 C) is just as effective.
DRY CYCLE
How to make your dry cycle the most eco-friendly:
Hang to Dry instead of using the dryer (whenever possible)
Use Dryer Balls
Use "Eco" or Sensor Dry Mode
Use low heat
Organize loads by heavy or lightweight (load similar weight items together to reduce drying time)
Why It Helps:
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Shortens drying time
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Uses less electricity
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Keeps clothes brighter and prolongs their lifespan
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​Dryer balls separate clothes to improve air circulation, reducing drying time by up to 28% and softening fabrics naturally. Using lower temperatures is more efficient and gentler on clothing, decreasing energy consumption by up to 50–60% compared to high heat in some cases.
