Question from Adica
Hi Debra,
I’m in somewhat of a dilemma. I am very much into using safe cleaning methods/products, including in the laundry. However, I am moving in with my boyfriend soon, and while he almost always supports me in my safe cleaning beliefs, the only problem we’ve had is with fabric softener. Even before knowing how unsafe it is, I disliked the stuff immensely for a variety of reasons (the way my clothes felt slimy, the strong artificial fragrances, etc). However, he loves the stuff. He likes the way they make his clothes feel. I normally use vinegar in the rinse cycle, and I mentioned this to him, but he cannot stand the smell of vinegar. Even the lingering smell of vinegar in the air that is leftover from pouring it into the washer is enough to make him feel like he’s going to throw up (I also know him well enough that I know he wouldn’t exaggerate on this). I do not want to have to do all the laundry (not that he would agree with that, anyway), but I also do not like the idea of the washer being coated in toxic chemicals. Thus, dilemma.
Do you know of any safe, non-vinegar liquid fabric softeners he could use instead? I know about the Seventh Generation brand, but I was wondering if you knew of any other ones that are available (and which you would recommend).
Thank you so much!
-Adica
Debra’s Answer
I personally don’t use fabric softener of any kind, but I can tell you that washing my clothes with Maggie’s Soap Nuts makes them very soft.
Fabric softener is only to reduce static cling in synthetic fabrics. It’s not needed for natural fibers.
But I didn’t answer your question. Readers? Any suggestions?
ECOS Laundry Detergent by Earth Friendly Products, uses soy
as a fabric softener in their detergent. It makes clothes soft. They
have a few scents – Magnolia and Lily smells really nice and light, and they also have
unscented – Free and Clear
This is an interesting story. The fact that he can’t tolerate vinegar smell without feeling sick may indicate he already has a chemical sensitivity. Thus, he should really not be using chemically laden scented laundry products. I have MCS and vinegar gives me brain fog, and makes me aggressive and unbalanced. Fabric softeners, like Debra said, are unnecessary.
I am a person who is made sick by the smell of vinegar also. I love the fact that it is non toxic but can not tolerate the smell during or after it is used. When this whole MCS thing started I switched ove rto it fast hoping to use it. I was dizzy for days and got a headache. I went back to Downey Clear/Free and just use a tiny bit. Without it I itch and get hives from the fabrics on my skin. I know it has some toxic things in it but I have to pick my battles. I tried the balls and all other things and they do not work for me.
Just saw a short video online about “Woolzies” – New Zealand wool balls you toss into the dryer – might want to check it out.
Just had a guest on Toxic Free Talk Radio talking about wool balls too: check out Skin and Laundry Products for Baby: Organic, Simple, Safe . You can buy her wool balls at Buckaroo Organics
I have made my own wool dryer balls. Very cheap: only requires a skein of 100 percent pure wool and some time. I made mine (and gave some away to a married daughter) by following directions from: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/wood-dryer-balls-4.jpg.
Homemade wool dryer balls do a great job; there’s a few things that still have static electricity (nylon undergarments, etc.), but I only shake them out and fold them. You can scent the dryer balls with pure essential oil of lavender, wild orange, or lemon if you like.
I just started using wool dryer balls that I got from Buckaroo Organics. The are handmade with 100% New Zealand Wool. No dyes or finishes on the wool. They are very substantial and last for 1000 loads.