Laundry Detergent ?

Peggy
by Peggy

What laundry detergent and softener do you use and why?

i have been using Gain Botanicals for a few months because of it essential oil smell but I have noticed that my towels and sheets don’t smell fresh and clean

i googled and read that all mainstream laundry detergents are not cruelty free and even though Gain Botanicals is 65% plant based it still not cruelty free

Also read a board where people were saying their laundry didn’t smell clean (musty) using natural plant based detergents

so..,, what do you use and are your towels and sheets fresh and clean smelling after they sit in linen closet

thanks


  18 answers
  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 01, 2020

    Hello. Generally I just use the generic store he brands. Are you sure the laundry is perfectly dry before folding and putting in the closet, some degree of moisture being tucked away overstuffed in a closet shelf might cause odor. Typically I can have a problem in my garage that seems to be very humid in there and fabric or leather can absorb moisture and collect mildew.

    I wonder if essential oils on a cotton ball in the closet might be helpful.

    I hope you find the perfect solution to your problem.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Oct 01, 2020

    Fragrances do fade from detergents. They have those strong smelling pellets you can put in with your wash, the smell will last longer than any detergent, I don't know if they are cruelty free, though.

    I use the Eco laundry detergent from Sam's Club, lavender scent and final rinse with about 1 cup of white vinegar.

    What I do for a nice smelling fragrance is put down drawer liners that contain fragrance, an alternative is to put magazine perfume sample inserts among your foldeds.

  • We use Sun laundry detergent with Oxi. It has little to no scent and doesn't irritate skin. I don't know what's in it, but I can't use Tide because it gives me a rash.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Oct 01, 2020

    fabric softener always smells great! I love Downy or snuggle. I have no idea if they are cruelty free though.

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 01, 2020

    I use Tide pods. If I want to soften something I use vinegar.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Oct 01, 2020

    I don't use a softener because of the chemicals it leaves behind. I use Tide.

  • Dee Dee on Oct 01, 2020

    I use Arm and Hammer with Oxiclean. It cleans the clothes really nice and the oxiclean works well in my front loader to eliminate any smell on the gasket. I use white vinegar as a fabric softener. I do not like the way my clothes feel when using softener, and it gunks up the washer and dryer.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 01, 2020

    I have allergies and skin sensitivities so I use a cup of Borax coupled with Tide. Fabric softener I use is Downy.

  • People and pets with allergies in my household. There is only one "free and clear" detergent we can use. Then use white vinegar in the fabric softener cup and add baking soda to the wash. How much depends on how dirty the clothes / linens are are and what size load. In the dryer, I used felted wool dryer balls, 4 to 6 depending on type of laundry, delicates, jeans or shirts, sheets and towels, etc. NO fabric softener or other chemical filled additives which are bad for us, children, pets, wildlife or the environment. After a period of time and a number of washes you will notice the sheets, towels, etc., are soft and supple and towels more absorbent since all the chemical softeners are now washed out. If you live in a humid environment, be sure to dry thoroughly before placing in the linen closet. Or if really humid, consider using a DampRid product or a dehumidifier, and I add fresh sprigs of lavender as well.


    You have a bunch of excellent suggestions here, just see what works best for you and your family. !

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Oct 01, 2020

    Hi! I use All Free and Clear detergent and Bounce unscented dryer sheets. My skin is irritated by fragrances that are added. I use Oxiclean for extra cleaning power. Adding vinegar to your rinse water can be helpful for getting buildup out of laundry. Odors? Baking soda can take even sour smells out (like baby spit up). I rarely add anything to my detergent, Oxiclean and dryer sheets as they work so well. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Cindy Cindy on Oct 02, 2020

    Hi Peggy. We also use Gain. But I use Downy sheets in the drier. We currently live in a house that has a water softener. Our last house did not have one. What a difference it makes.

  • Meloria makes cruelty-free detergents.

  • Hi Peggy - I love this laundry detergent that we use. It's an all-natural DIY and made with safe ingredients. You can use it on an HE machine too. Hope this helps! Hugs, Holly

    https://pinkfortitude.com/laundry-detergent/

    PS - We have a FREE eBook with recipes for all of my homemade and all-natural cleaners. You can download it here --> https://pinkfortitude.com/thank#GreenClean

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Oct 02, 2020

    I create my own laundry detergent and here's my tutorial - https://chascrazycreations.com/diy-laundry-cleaners/

  • Em Em on Oct 02, 2020

    Arm and Hammer free and clear and NO softener. I also keep a box of baking soda in the linen closet.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Oct 03, 2020

    I use free and clear because it's unscented and gentle on skin

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on May 26, 2023

    I make this:

    This recipe, made with simple ingredients, makes 1 gallon of homemade soap.

    • 1 cup borax (freshens, deodorizes, and lifts dirt and stains)
    • 1 cup washing soda (freshens and deodorizes)
    • 1 cup liquid castile soap or Sal Suds (the main cleaning agent, lifts dirt and cleans)
    • 50 drops essential oil (optional for a scent)
    • 15 cups water (distilled water, found in any grocery store, is best as it doesn’t contain containments found in tap or filtered water)