lol yes I went down this rabbit hole too on r/laundry and now laundry is actually fun (and more successful). I love the smell of sun-dried clothes too!
I’ve had a lot of success with Kids & Pets. It has lipase in it and works great for carpet stains and clothing stains. Right before starting a load I’ll spray it on a stain and throw in the item.
I like Miss Mouths messy strain remover but with a big caveat - it has a tendency to bleach clothes if left for too long so you need to make sure you spray the stain no more than an hour before you wash it. If the product sits it will bleach. But when used correctly it’s incredibly effective.
Wow! I love this almost as much as a new vacuum!! I have been using fabric softener for as long as I have been doing laundry,assuming it was making my sheets and towels softer, thank you for clarifying that misconception.
Do you have any thoughts or info on the eco friendly detergent sheets vs liquid or powder?
Thanks for reading! I don’t think detergent sheets are as effective as powder or liquid, mainly due to dosage concerns. Powder is best for whites/towels/sheets since it usually contains the addition of oxygen bleach which could potentially fade colors. That is why I use liquid for clothes and powder for the rest. Powder is also a cheaper and a more widely available way to get lipase, since most companies have removed it from their liquids. Interestingly, most liquid European formulations still contain lipase. Lucky for them!
This is a godsend--been on a laundry journey now that I am trying to take better care of my nicer clothes (along with dealing with insane stains from my 5 year old son). Can't wait to try these tips...but a Q on the warm water: Do you ever see or worry about shrinkage??
I’m so glad! I’ve never had an issue with shrinkage. The dryer is far more of an issue when it comes to shrinking clothes than warm water. If you were to use boiling water the yes it could be an issue, but a standard washing machine doesn’t even get that hot.
Fun fun fun! Thanks for summarizing your findings :) my personal „hack“ for keeping the detergent drawer clean(er) is to take it out after each wash and place it heads down into the drum, doors open of course. Dries quicker and doesn’t smell :)
i realllly try to hang dry a lot too! i notice the clothes fade (specifically my kids) so much faster with dryer use. but sometimes i just want it to be dry and put away asap!
Thank you for this post. We have had a huge problem with our washer leaving grease spots (that were not previously there!!!!!!). I am going to switch up some of my products and methods and see if this helps.
I would start with deep cleaning your machine. Do a tub clean cycle with dishwashing powder (if you use pods, just empty the powder out of 2-3 packets directly into the drum). The grease fighting power could help eliminate whatever is stuck in your machine causing it to leak grease onto your clothes. Let me know if that works!!
Ashley I didn’t mean to delete your other comment, my bad! But to answer your question, I don’t think scent beads are bad! They don’t coat your fabrics the way softener does. And I’m curious to try Laundry Sauce! I love a good scented detergent that has lipase.
Emily, omg. This is probably my favorite substack post EVER!?!? I recently went down the r/laundry rabbit hole, but left feeling more confused and overwhelmed because there was so much info (so much GREAT info, but still overwhelming!). You’ve basically taken that information and made it 1000x more digestible. So THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Btw I read it this morning and literally sprinted to Whole Foods to get sport deterg and then target after to get downy rinse (already had the tide gentle powder WOOHOO!). I am very excited to do laundry.
Two things. 1. You are blowing my mind about the 3x rinse cycle. Genius. I usually do the rinse 1 extra time, but you better believe I’m doing it more now.
2. Do you ever use the “air dry” setting on your dryer? I basically do that for every item I’m hang drying (aka most of my clothes) and it helps get rid of that crunchy feeling without actually drying anything. The garment has to be fine with a little tumbling though (I feel like most are and my clothes seem perfectly fine with it!).
Janelle, I may just print out your comment and frame it!!! Seriously, thank you for reading and I am really glad it’s helpful! Also, so glad you were able to find the 365 Sport! It’s been selling out a lot in my area to the point where my WF was limiting the quantity you could buy, haha. If that’s not a sign that the people want lipase back in their detergents, then idk what is!
I haven’t ever tried the air dry setting, but that’s so smart, especially because ironing is not my favorite activity so more often than not, I am wearing wrinkled clothes lol!
Why did I just get so excited to do laundry?? This guide is amazing.
Right?! Laundry can be fun! Thanks for reading.
Wow saving THANK YOU
Prepare to be amazed!!!
lol yes I went down this rabbit hole too on r/laundry and now laundry is actually fun (and more successful). I love the smell of sun-dried clothes too!
I wish I could sun dry my clothes, it does smell so good. But it’s like 90% humidity where I live so they would never dry!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who went down a r/laundry rabbit hole! Kismae is a godsend but it’s a lot to sift through - thank you for summarizing!!
Agreed!! It took several months to parse through and try everything.
Are you a cold only washer like me?
I need to send to my husband! He is the laundry man- I fold!
Love it!!!
What about stain remover… do you have a product that you swear by?
I’ve had a lot of success with Kids & Pets. It has lipase in it and works great for carpet stains and clothing stains. Right before starting a load I’ll spray it on a stain and throw in the item.
Oooh I'll have to try that.
I like Miss Mouths messy strain remover but with a big caveat - it has a tendency to bleach clothes if left for too long so you need to make sure you spray the stain no more than an hour before you wash it. If the product sits it will bleach. But when used correctly it’s incredibly effective.
I recently bought a bottle of Lestoil for some old greasy stains on a favorite tshirt, and I was shocked to find they were removed!
Honestly if you were in the UK, I'd be petitioning you for a Knighthood.
Hahahaha thank you
Wow! I love this almost as much as a new vacuum!! I have been using fabric softener for as long as I have been doing laundry,assuming it was making my sheets and towels softer, thank you for clarifying that misconception.
Do you have any thoughts or info on the eco friendly detergent sheets vs liquid or powder?
Thanks for reading! I don’t think detergent sheets are as effective as powder or liquid, mainly due to dosage concerns. Powder is best for whites/towels/sheets since it usually contains the addition of oxygen bleach which could potentially fade colors. That is why I use liquid for clothes and powder for the rest. Powder is also a cheaper and a more widely available way to get lipase, since most companies have removed it from their liquids. Interestingly, most liquid European formulations still contain lipase. Lucky for them!
This is a godsend--been on a laundry journey now that I am trying to take better care of my nicer clothes (along with dealing with insane stains from my 5 year old son). Can't wait to try these tips...but a Q on the warm water: Do you ever see or worry about shrinkage??
I’m so glad! I’ve never had an issue with shrinkage. The dryer is far more of an issue when it comes to shrinking clothes than warm water. If you were to use boiling water the yes it could be an issue, but a standard washing machine doesn’t even get that hot.
Thank you so much 🙏🙏
Fun fun fun! Thanks for summarizing your findings :) my personal „hack“ for keeping the detergent drawer clean(er) is to take it out after each wash and place it heads down into the drum, doors open of course. Dries quicker and doesn’t smell :)
Ohh that’s a good one! Never thought of putting it directly into the drum but that makes total sense
Saving this. Thank you!!
i realllly try to hang dry a lot too! i notice the clothes fade (specifically my kids) so much faster with dryer use. but sometimes i just want it to be dry and put away asap!
sameee! I wish I had the space and time to line dry everything!
Thank you for this post. We have had a huge problem with our washer leaving grease spots (that were not previously there!!!!!!). I am going to switch up some of my products and methods and see if this helps.
I would start with deep cleaning your machine. Do a tub clean cycle with dishwashing powder (if you use pods, just empty the powder out of 2-3 packets directly into the drum). The grease fighting power could help eliminate whatever is stuck in your machine causing it to leak grease onto your clothes. Let me know if that works!!
I’ve been using affresh tablets to clean my washer—thoughts? Is straight citric acid better?
Ashley I didn’t mean to delete your other comment, my bad! But to answer your question, I don’t think scent beads are bad! They don’t coat your fabrics the way softener does. And I’m curious to try Laundry Sauce! I love a good scented detergent that has lipase.
Here is where they mention lipase being in their formula https://laundrysauce.com/blogs/news/why-you-should-ditch-your-generic-laundry-detergent-for-a-higher-quality-formula?srsltid=AfmBOopj83nEe9B1BW_WkIiNBTwQXOHgMvh0tl8RgGELR6kETyVGYkaL
Thank you! For some reason I couldn't find it when I first searched, I only saw "enzyme blend". Glad to see the transparency.
I’ve used those tablets too. I think they’re good! Citric acid is just cheaper and unscented.
This is so smart!!!
Emily, omg. This is probably my favorite substack post EVER!?!? I recently went down the r/laundry rabbit hole, but left feeling more confused and overwhelmed because there was so much info (so much GREAT info, but still overwhelming!). You’ve basically taken that information and made it 1000x more digestible. So THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Btw I read it this morning and literally sprinted to Whole Foods to get sport deterg and then target after to get downy rinse (already had the tide gentle powder WOOHOO!). I am very excited to do laundry.
Two things. 1. You are blowing my mind about the 3x rinse cycle. Genius. I usually do the rinse 1 extra time, but you better believe I’m doing it more now.
2. Do you ever use the “air dry” setting on your dryer? I basically do that for every item I’m hang drying (aka most of my clothes) and it helps get rid of that crunchy feeling without actually drying anything. The garment has to be fine with a little tumbling though (I feel like most are and my clothes seem perfectly fine with it!).
Seriously: THANK YOU!!
Janelle, I may just print out your comment and frame it!!! Seriously, thank you for reading and I am really glad it’s helpful! Also, so glad you were able to find the 365 Sport! It’s been selling out a lot in my area to the point where my WF was limiting the quantity you could buy, haha. If that’s not a sign that the people want lipase back in their detergents, then idk what is!
I haven’t ever tried the air dry setting, but that’s so smart, especially because ironing is not my favorite activity so more often than not, I am wearing wrinkled clothes lol!
I was so worried about 365 sport being out of stock! When I searched online, it seemed like stock was really dicey lol. But sooo happy my WF had it!