A couple of years ago, I shared a post on ten household products under a tenner that make my domestic life easier. At the time I promised to write more posts like that but, true to form, I never got round to it. The dulcet tones of towels bashing about in the tumble dryer this morning reminded me of my poorly kept promise though so here I am now, blogging about laundry. (Like that silk dress at the bottom of the washing basket, I do get around to everything…..eventually!).
My fave laundry detergent from that old blog post is no longer sold any more (thanks for nothing, Bold 2 in 1) but four products have stepped in to fill the void and I am now very happy with my laundry “system”.
So here is what I use!
For general “mixed loads”, colours, sports gear, whites, cottons, synthetics and so on…
I love Method cleaning products, so when they launched detergents earlier this year I was VERY excited. They currently come in three huge sizes (approx 39 washes a bottle) in Wild Lavender, Peony Blush and Orchard Fruit. I’ve used all three and adore all the scents but I do have a particular soft spot for Orchard Fruit because it smells like squash. And as I think I mention about 40 times a day, I LOVE SQUASH.
They’re dermatologically tested and use plant-based natural enzymes to shift dirt and stains which is all good and lovely, but it’s the staying power of the scent which I can’t quite get over. I sometimes reach for a clean t-shirt from the back of a drawer and it will still smell like yummy Orchard Fruit even if I washed it yonks ago. Plus the bottles look fab on your kitchen counter, which shouldn’t be important but for me it kinda is?!
I do pre-treat some items by rubbing a bit of neat detergent directly onto any irksome stains (think sweat marks on white collars – sexy – and that sort of thing) and it will lift this type of grubbiness no problems, but for tougher stains (blood, wine, ink, curry etc) I use a special spray – more on that later.
All in all, a great general purpose daily detergent which has never irritated my skin and smells like heaven.
For wool, knickers and SOME silks…
My washing machine has a really good hand-wash setting and a really good wool setting which comes with Woolmark approval, so I always separate any jumpers and cardigans and wash these in Ecover’s Delicate Laundry Liquid using the appropriate settings. I am also quite paranoid about what I wash my knickers in (TMI?!) so I use this for my underwear too as it’s particularly good for sensitive skin.
I have used it successfully on silk items too (on hand-wash setting) but as most of my silk pieces are £££ I don’t like to risk doing them in the washing machine too often. I’ll happily wash cheaper silk shirts or mixed fabric shirts in this detergent though.
For bedding and “a treat”…
One of the fanciest things I own, hands down, is the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris detergent in my fave scent – Aqua Universalis. I was extremely lucky to be sent this after I blogged about their hair perfume and I like to use this to wash “big things” which you really snuggle into – like pillow cases and favourite hoodies. I don’t do general washing with it as I feel like it would be a waste (ST’s running gear really doesn’t need to smell this good!) but I love washing our bedding in it. It’s such a fresh scent and feels so luxurious.
I think a product like this would be a really nice housewarming present, something instead of flowers/wine ya know? Tbh I’ll probably ask for extra bottles for Christmas too.
For tricky stains…
I really don’t think you can beat Vanish Oxi Action spray. God knows what’s in it, but it REALLY works. Yes, it helps if you treat the stain asap, but I’ve used it on old stains with success too. You just spray it on, rub gently (I rub the fabric against itself, if that makes sense), leave for five minutes and then bung in the washing machine with your normal load. Obviously there are the usual warnings about testing it on an inconspicuous part of the garment first but I’ve never personally found it has lifted colours or caused a problem.
With the exception of the super fancy MFK detergent, I buy all the above in my supermarket. They’re all widely stocked. For the MFK your best bet is to order online but you may find it in Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Liberty.
Oooooh I really want to put a wash on now!
I’m tempted to also blog about my new tumble dryer because I love it very much so maybe a post will come on that soon, hold on to your hats! I don’t want anyone to get TOO EXCITED.
Peace, love and stain removal.
x
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