Let’s face it—laundry can be a hassle. You’re juggling detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers, all of which might be loaded with harmful chemicals that are bad for your skin, clothes, and the environment. What if I told you there’s a better way? A way to turn laundry day into a non-toxic, eco-friendly process that leaves your clothes cleaner, fresher, and chemical-free?
In this two-part series, we’ll dive deep into 10 of the best non-toxic laundry hacks that will simplify your laundry routine. Not only will these hacks make your laundry safer for your family and the environment, but they’ll also leave your clothes looking and smelling amazing.
Ready to start? Let’s break it down!
Why Non-Toxic Laundry Hacks?
Most conventional laundry products contain chemicals like artificial fragrances, sulfates, and parabens that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even harm the planet. By making a few simple swaps, you can ditch these harmful ingredients and still enjoy soft, fresh-smelling, and stain-free clothes.
These 10 non-toxic laundry hacks can be easily integrated into your existing laundry routine, and best of all, you likely have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry right now!
1. Ditch the Dryer Sheets, Choose Grow Fragrance
Traditional dryer sheets may seem like a quick fix to reduce static and make clothes smell fresh, but they often leave behind a trail of harmful chemicals. These chemicals can cling to your clothes and irritate sensitive skin, not to mention pollute the environment.
The solution? Grow Fragrance. This water-based, non-toxic, and 100% plant-based spray works just as effectively as dryer sheets—without any of the chemicals. Simply spray your clothes when they come out of the dryer for a fresh, long-lasting scent and static-free laundry.
Some of the best-selling scents include Blondewood (a warm, vanilla scent) and Bamboo (a light, fresh fragrance). Plus, this option allows you to skip single-use dryer sheets altogether, reducing your waste output and helping the environment.
2. Use Vinegar as a Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners are another common laundry product that often contains harsh chemicals. These chemicals cling to your clothes, building up over time and potentially causing skin irritation. But there’s a simple, non-toxic swap: white vinegar.
White vinegar softens fabrics, reduces static, and helps break down detergent residue left on your clothes. Just add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine, and it will leave your laundry feeling soft and clean—without any lingering chemical smells.
The best part? Vinegar is hypoallergenic, making it an ideal alternative for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
3. Banish Stains with Lemon Juice
Need to tackle tough stains naturally? Try lemon juice! This citrus powerhouse acts as a natural bleaching agent, helping to lift stains like coffee, wine, and grease.
To use, apply lemon juice directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash the garment as usual. Not only does this hack work wonders for stubborn stains, but it can also brighten whites without the need for harsh chemical bleach.
4. Baking Soda to Boost Cleaning Power
Looking to get your clothes extra clean without reaching for harsh detergents? Add baking soda to your laundry routine. This household staple is a natural deodorizer, stain remover, and fabric brightener.
Just add ½ cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent, and it will help neutralize odors, lift stains, and leave your whites looking brighter than ever. Baking soda also softens water, making your detergent work more effectively without the need for added chemicals.
5. Dry Clothes Faster with Wool Dryer Balls
If you’re tired of waiting for your clothes to dry and want to eliminate the need for dryer sheets altogether, invest in wool dryer balls. These reusable, eco-friendly dryer balls work by separating your clothes in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently. As a result, your clothes dry faster, and you save energy!
For a natural, non-toxic scent, pair wool dryer balls with a few sprays of Grow Fragrance. This way, you get the best of both worlds—fast drying times and fresh-smelling laundry without any harmful chemicals.
6. Switch to Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Traditional liquid detergents often come in plastic packaging and are filled with synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harmful chemicals. Instead, consider switching to eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets like those from Viva Wash’s Best-Selling Laundry Detergent Sheets.
These sheets are a non-toxic, biodegradable, and plastic-free alternative that dissolves easily in water. They clean just as effectively as liquid detergent while being gentler on your skin and the environment. Plus, they come in pre-measured doses, so there’s no waste, mess, or guesswork involved.
7. Salt to Prevent Color Bleeding
Have you ever noticed your brightly colored clothes fading after a few washes? Prevent color bleeding by adding salt to your laundry. Just 1 tablespoon of salt in the wash helps lock in the dye and keeps your clothes looking vibrant longer.
This simple hack can also help you avoid the need for toxic color-protecting products, giving you bright clothes without any added chemicals.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide as a Whitening Agent
For a non-toxic alternative to bleach, try hydrogen peroxide. It’s an effective stain remover and fabric whitener that won’t damage your clothes or harm your skin.
To whiten clothes, add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine’s bleach compartment. This hack is especially great for keeping whites bright without resorting to harsh bleach products.
9. Cornstarch for Grease Stains
If you have a greasy stain that just won’t budge, cornstarch can come to the rescue. Sprinkle a little cornstarch on the stain, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then brush it off before washing the garment.
Cornstarch absorbs the grease, making it easier to remove during washing. No need for chemical-based stain removers!
10. Add Essential Oils for a Natural Scent
Skip artificial fragrances by adding a few drops of essential oils to your laundry. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil are popular choices that naturally freshen your clothes. Simply mix a few drops into your detergent or spray it on your wool dryer balls for a lasting scent.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these non-toxic laundry hacks into your routine, you can make laundry day safer for your skin, better for your clothes, and friendlier to the environment. Whether you choose to switch to Viva Wash’s eco-friendly products or implement some DIY alternatives, these small changes will have a big impact on your home and the planet.
Laundry doesn’t have to be toxic or harmful to get the results you want. With these simple tips, you can enjoy clean, fresh-smelling clothes while taking care of the environment and your health at the same time.
