In this series I share tips on what toxin free & low waste alternatives I use in my household, that not only protect your health and the planet but helps you to stay on your budget as well!

Laundry

For washing our clothes I use either paper packaged or bulk biodegradable washing powder (coloured clothes) or baking soda (whites). Sometimes I make some washing liquid by cooking up wash nuts, but you can also toss the nuts directly into your washing machine in a protective bag.
You can find out more about wash nuts here: Wash nuts

dōTERRA also offers a laundry detergent which is great, I just use other things at the moment to avoid the plastic packaging: dōTERRA On Guard Laundry Detergent

I stopped using commercial fabric conditioners or softeners altogether a few years ago. Not only because of their plastic packaging and environmental damage, but also due to their effect on endocrine health. To read more about how synthetic fragrance affects your health, click here: Endocrine Disruptors

Instead, I use a cup of vinegar and essential oils to rinse our clothes. For added fragrance and moth protection I have pouches of dried lavender flowers on every shelf and in every drawer of my wardrobe. I refresh them with a drop of dōTERRA Lavender essential oil every month.

I try to air dry our clothes whenever it is possible, which is quite rare unfortunately in this part of Germany, especially in the cold months. In case I cannot avoid using the dryer, I use hand crocheted wool free (vegan) dryer balls to reduce the drying time. I add 2 drops of dōTERRA Lavender essential oil to each ball for the last 10-20 minutes of the drying cycle. The clothes smell amazing coming out of the dryer :)