That’s right, I said laundry day. There was a time in my life where I thought doing laundry every single day was the way to stay on top of things. Boy, was I wrong. Things only built up more and more than I thought! I needed to dedicate a whole day to this one task to do it well.
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Laundry Day Routine Step #1: Separate Clothes
Here’s something I never used to do before. I always thought it was inefficient and a waste of time. I’d rather throw my whole basket it in and call it a day. But as I started purchasing good quality dresses and skirts that cost a bit more, I started really caring about how I dealt with my clothes. I’m reading the tags now and ensuring I follow every step to have my clothes go further.
Separating your clothes is just one of those small things that can make a big difference. Your whites stay white, and those delicate clothes don’t go through a very rough cycle with your other clothes.
Laundry Day Routine Step #2: Laundry Detergent
This fact shook me to my core: About 900 million jugs of laundry detergent are thrown away in North America alone! That’s just one problem, the other problem is the goopy, over scented, unnaturally blue or green sticky liquid! The amount of toxins filled in those jugs is incredible, and absolutely not something I endorse.
Friend, for the sake of your kids, please don’t buy this detergent. It may seem like it’s just for clothes, it’s not like we’re ingesting it, but what we put on our skin matters.
These are my top three laundry detergents that have great sustainability promises and far better ingredients in their products than other companies.
Laundry Day Routine Step #3: Whiteners, Softeners, Scents
Most of the laundry detergents I buy are scent-free. I don’t like the synthetic smells I usually find in other detergents. However, I do like to have my clothes at least smelling clean! When it comes to how I scent my laundry, I use essential oils! I use Young Living Essentials oil, but I have been leaning more towards a Canadian brand that makes great oils but for a better price. I use essential oils with every wash and dry cycle.
When it comes to whiteners, most of the companies mentioned above have their own whitening solutions that I have used in the past. However, I usually opt for some baking soda to act as my whitener.
And in terms of fabric softener, I add white vinegar instead of using a product. This has worked great and I ensure to use my essential oils so my clothes don’t come out smelling like vinegar!
Laundry Day Routine Step #4: Stains
Stains are always the biggest issue when it comes do doing this sustainably. My go-to stain remover is this stain remover stick by Buncha Farms. I’ve taken out oil stains, wine stains, and even poop stains with this one! I like to work it into the fabric with some lemon juice to really get those stains out.
And the most natural way to ever remove stains is hanging your clothes out in the sun to dry! You’ll be amazing how much stain-removing power the sun has!
Laundry Day Routine Step #5: Drying
When it comes to drying my clothes, I don’t have the luxury (yet!) to hang my clothes on a clothesline outside. It’s my dream and when we move into our new home, it will be one of the first things we install! Until then, I stick my clothes in the dryer.
If you don’t live in a packed home like me, I’d suggest getting drying racks that can hang around the house or on a wall instead of using the dryer. The dyer can cause wear and tear on your clothes and break them down faster over time than if you hang dried.
IF, however, you are drying your clothes in an actual dryer, please opt out of dryer sheets! I LOVE to use my wool dryer balls which serve the same purpose as a sheet. You can even dab some essential oils on the balls and have your clothes come out smelling impeccable!
Laundry Day Routine Step #6: Folding & Hanging
Please fold or hang your clothes! It may seem daring, but nicely folding and hanging your clothes will also extend its life more than throwing your clothes into a pile. Plus, it will help your mental health so much when you keep your closet and your room clean and tidy.
Take this laundry day routine and embrace it, enjoy it, and find peace in it. Try and romanticize it! You can actually enjoy it.
