Laundry
Never use vinegar on your laundry if you are using bleach also, it will produce a harmful vapour.
For extra eco-friendliness only use the washing machine when you have a full load, and where possible wash at 40 degrees and this will use a third less electricity – savig you money and saving the planet!
Also dry outside when you can to save electricity.
Detergent is good, it has been specially adapted to clean all fabrics and to never leave dirt behind, even in hard water areas. However, they are generally derived from petrochemicals and many people are sensitive to these compounds, and the fragrances that are also used. They also contain phosphates, which builds up in steams and river, depleting the oxygen the fish and plants need slowly killing them.
An effective alternative to harsh detergents is soap. Soap is an effective cleaner for all fabrics and can leave items softer than a detergent alone can.
For cotton and linens ,use soap to soften the water. A cup of vinegar added to the wash will help keep colours bright. 30-85p (1/2 to 3.4 cup) of baking soda will leave clothes soft and fresh smelling. Silks and woollens are best hand washes with a mild soap or a protein shampoo.
Synthetic fabrics or blends (including no-iron fabrics), there are biodegradable detergents on the market that do not contain phosphates, fragrances or harsh chemicals.
For whites, use 30g (1/4 cup) of washing soda (sodium carbonate) in place of bleach. Bleach is one of the most toxic substances to the environment. Washing soda is better for the planet and costs pennies per load – so typically less expensive than bleach.
For dark clothes, use 55g (1/4 cup) of white vinegar and 30g (1/4 cup) of salt. The salt helps to restore faded colours and removes dirt and grime.
Instead of fabric conditioners, which are expensive and full of synthetic fragrances, try adding 110-225ml (1/2 to 1 cup) of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your machine. This will help to rinse out all the detergent completely and leave your clothes feeling soft. This is especially valuable when washing nappies as it removes all the residue that can cause nappy rash and you are putting only natural products next to your babies skin.
Vinegar also balances out the pH which will extend the life of your clothes. The smell from vinegar dissipates when dried and actually leave laundry smelling fresh. If you wish to add a fragrance, just apply a few drops of essential oil to a damp cloth and place it in the dryer along with the wet laundry. Lavender is a great choice because it disinfects too.
