Originally published January 2021 · Restored + updated 2026
Laundry was one of the first places I made changes in our home — and one of the places where I learned the most the hard way.
Not because it’s flashy, but because laundry is constant exposure.
Your clothes, towels, bedding, and kids’ pajamas sit against skin for hours every day. Whatever residue is left behind doesn’t just disappear — it stays in contact with the body.
That matters far more than most people realize.
The real issue with conventional detergents
Most conventional detergents are a chemical cocktail of:
- synthetic fragrance
- optical brighteners
- surfactants that don’t rinse clean
- preservatives and dyes
Even “natural” or “plant-based” options often rely on fragrance to mask buildup rather than actually removing it.
When my kids were little, I learned quickly that odor isn’t the problem — residue is.
If detergent doesn’t rinse clean, smells linger. So do irritants.
What actually works (without wrecking fabric or skin)
Over time, I stopped chasing miracle detergents and started paying attention to systems, not brands.
What matters most:
- fragrance-free or truly low-scent formulas
- minimal ingredients
- proper dosing (more is not better)
- good rinsing habits
Hot water, triple washes, and scent boosters don’t fix bad detergent. They just stress fabric and skin.
My current approach (simple + flexible)
I rotate a few gentle, vetted options depending on load type and fabric, rather than committing to one “perfect” product.
In general:
- Powders work well for everyday loads and odors
- Liquids are helpful for delicates and cooler washes
- Plain liquid Castile soap can be useful for certain loads when used sparingly
I avoid:
- scented detergents and dryer sheets
- “enzyme perfume cocktails”
- optical brighteners
- fabric softeners (liquid or sheet)
Delicates: Fabric care matters just as much as detergent
How you wash matters as much as what you use.
My baseline rules:
- cold or cool washes when possible
- gentle cycles for knits, underwear, and merino
- wash bags for bras, merino, and delicates
- hang dry or lay flat whenever possible
On rare occasions, I’ll use the dryer briefly on low heat (5 minutes max) just to soften fibers — not to fully dry.
A note on wool & merino
Merino doesn’t need aggressive washing. Overwashing actually shortens its life.
Best practices:
- wash cold
- gentle detergent
- minimal agitation
- air dry
If cared for properly, merino stays fresher longer and needs less washing overall — which is a win for skin, fabric, and time.
This is not an all-or-nothing project
You don’t need to throw everything out.
You don’t need a perfect setup.
You don’t need to buy the “cleanest” detergent on the internet.
You just need:
- fewer irritants
- cleaner rinsing
- less residue
- consistency over time
Laundry is a high-impact, low-drama place to reduce chemical load. Start there. Adjust as needed. Stop when life feels calmer, not harder.
Easy, vetted swaps (if you want a shortcut)
If you’d rather not research every option yourself, these are the places I send clients and readers:
- ShopMy — laundry, fabric care, and home swaps I’ve personally tested
- Fullscript — practitioner-grade supplements and tools I use with clients
Use what’s helpful. Ignore the rest.
Fabric Care Checklist (Low-Tox + Merino-Friendly)
Related Reading:
- Detox Your Home Checklist: Where to Start Without Overwhelm
→ Laundry = skin + air + daily exposure. - Clean Clothing Swaps: What’s Actually Worth Replacing (and What’s Not)
→ Why laundry matters more once clothing is addressed - Merino Base Layers for Kids & Families
→ Fabric care becomes critical when wool enters the picture