continuation from MamaSuds Oxygen Powder: Your Eco-Friendly Cleaning Powerhouse ...

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• Make laundry detergent from MamaSuds Castile Soap, with rubber / nitrile gloves, face mask, measuring cup, spoon and airtight container (Powdered Laundry Soap)
• For Powdered Laundry Soap: grate 1 cup of MamaSuds Castile Bar Soap, mix 2 cups of Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) and 1 cup of Borax (sodium borate), mix in soap flakes and store in airtight container
• Use 2-3 Tablespoons per load for regular washer; use 1 Tablespoon or less for HE Washer
• For Liquid Laundry Soap: dissolve 1/2 cup Borax and 1 cup of Soda Wash into warm water on a stove while stirring; add essential oils for scent if desired; add to 2 cups of MamaSuds Castile Soap; let cool completely
• Use 1/4 cup per load for regular washer; use 1-2 Tablespoons or less for HE Washer

Answer: Maybe you're thinking to yourself, it's on the product page isn't it?

Actually it's on there twice but that's not the point.

The point is that you are all feeling totally over the "duped again" feeling, am I right? You think you have found a clean laundry product then you get the product and it's not the same as what was listed on the website (or some variation of this).

So even though it's on our website a lot, we don't mind ingredient questions at all (we love them) and totally understand why it's asked so much.

Here is the entire ingredient list: water (distilled or RO), potassium olivate which is also called saponified olive oil (our very own castile soap), sodium carbonate, and sodium borate.

If you get the lemon or lavender scent then we use pure essential oils (nothing synthetic). 

 

That's it! 

Which Washing Machine is best?

I've been knee deep in laundry questions and troubleshooting for over a decade and the question I get asked the most is, "What Washing Machine is the best?" There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a washing machine, but don't worry, I'm here to guide you through it. By the end of this post, you'll know exactly which machine is right for your home. So let's get started!

Top-loading washing machines are less expensive than front-loading washing machines

The cost of a washing machine isn’t something that many people eagerly anticipate, yet it’s an unavoidable expense. But if you are looking for major savings, then you should consider investing in a top-loading washing machine. Not only are they less expensive than their front-loading counterparts, they will also save you a lot of backache; after all, bending down each time is not the greatest fun. Plus, changing the settings to suit your laundry needs can be done with minimal hiccups. A world full of stains stand no chance against a top-loading washing machine!

Top-loading washing machines clean better than front-loading machines

Top-loading washing machines might not be as energy-efficient as their front-loading counterparts, but they definitely clean better. Why did I make that bold statement? Because I've talked to thousands of people and the majority of people who have owned both types of machines state that the top-loading machines wash better. Why? That's because front-loading machines rely on tumbling clothes in order to clean them, and that simply doesn't work as well as the good old-fashioned method of using water and soap to scrub them clean. So if you're looking for a machine that will get your clothes really clean, you should go with a top-loader with an agitator. If you live in an area where you pay for water or your region has a water shortage, look for a top-loading high efficiency (HE) washer.

Top-loading washing machines break less than front-loading washing machines

If you're wonder which type of washing machine needs less maintenance here is your answer: top-loaders break less often. Studies have found that front-loaded machines experience more breakdowns due to their complex designs and electronics, whereas top-loaded models tend to be simpler in function and construction. So while front loaders may save energy with their lower water level requirements, they might put you at risk of a much bigger headache down the line if something goes awry! Ultimately, if reliability is your main concern when buying a washing machine, your best choice may still be a trusty top loader. What's even better than a top loading machine with an agitator? One that has mechanical settings instead of electronic; it's much easier and cheaper to fix. 

What are the top 3 top loading washing machines

When it comes to top loading washing machines, Speed Queen is unrivaled and takes the cake every time. Speed Queens are a powerhouse for spinning clothes clean and fast— plus, an extra spin cycle afterwards to minimize drying time. The GE 5.3 Cu. Ft. High-Efficiency Top Load Washer with Agitator is another great option, as its deep fill feature aids in tackling even the toughest loads. Last but not least the Whirlpool 4.8 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator. With Speed Queen, GE, and Whirlpool vying for third place — these are the top 3 brands that MamaSuds customer love.

 

Overall, it is clear that top-loading washing machines offer a number of advantages when compared to front-loading washing machines. Not only are they cheaper than their front-loading counterparts, but they use less energy and clean better as well. Plus, their ease-of-use and the fact that you don't have to strain yourself by bending down to load or unload them make them a great choice for those who suffer from mobility issues.

On top of all of this, they don't even require special detergents like front-loading washing machines do! So why not save some money while being kind to the environment AND your back at the same time? It would appear that one possible way of ticking all of these boxes would be with a top-loading washing machine. What type of washing machine do you have and would you recommend it? Let us know in the comments below!

This article focuses on 1,4 Dioxane, an environmental contaminant which has been classified as a likely human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This chemical is often found in skincare and beauty products, such as those containing ingredients like PEG-100 stearate and polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds. It can also be released during the manufacture of other products such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Cocomide MEA and DEA. In order to avoid exposure to 1,4 Dioxane, it is important to read labels carefully in order to identify potential sources. Additionally, natural alternatives like MamaSuds Laundry Soap are available that are completely free of this chemical so those with sensitive skin can feel confident about using them. By being aware of this hazard and taking steps to avoid it, we can help protect ourselves and our loved ones from its potentially dangerous effects.

Toxic chemicals may be hiding in your laundry detergent. Find out what you need to know to stay safe and healthy and get your laundry clean. 

Doing the Laundry is the Worst. Okay, so maybe a few people like one aspect of laundry. But most hate it. I like putting my laundry into the washer and starting it. But then that's when I wish the Laundry Fairy would finish the job for me! Who can relate? 

Unless you live in a nudist colony, your skin is touching fabric 24/7, so what you use to wash your laundry is important to your health. Conventional laundry detergent (and many greenwashed "natural" ones too!) contains many unhealthy ingredients that can severely impact your health. In fact, your laundry room products are some of the most toxic cleaning chemicals in your house! 

With so much to sort through on product labels (if your detergent lists the ingredients on the label at all), it can be hard to sort through the good, the bad and the greenwashed. We have some ingredients to steer clear of when you are looking at a safe and healthy detergent.

1. Fragrance

Fragrances in laundry products can lead to skin irritation (which can be the cause of rashes, eczema, and itching). A big problem with fragrance is that companies can list them as one ingredient without listing all the components. Why does this matter? Most fragrance is synthetic and contains both phthalates  and petrochemicals (which is bad for the environment) which do not have to be disclosed. These components can cause headaches, asthma attacks, and skin irritations that don't always show up right away. They build up in our system and cause a gradual overload.

“Fragrance is considered to be a trade secret, so brand formulas are proprietary and the individual ingredients are not required to be listed on the label,” explains Tonya Harris, an award-winning environmental toxin expert and the creator of the Slightly Greener Method. “Fragrances in detergent can be made up of dozens of ingredients, of which some may be allergenic [and] toxic to the brain and nervous or respiratory system.”

Bottom line: stick with essential oils (real ones!) or go unscented, and stay clear of the word FRAGRANCE and PARFUM. 

2. Ingredients that end in "-ETH"

Ethoxylated ingredients are treated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) when it's processed. A by-product of this process is 1,4-dioxane (another carcinogen) which is absorbable through the skin. 1,4-dioxane won't be listed as an ingredient on your products so it's important to stay away from ingredients that when processed create 1,4-dioxane as a by-product. Companies use ethoxylated ingredients to stabilize their formula so the ingredients won't separate. 

Bottom line: steer clear of ingredients that end in "-eth", polysorbates, phenoxyethanol, and PEGs. 

3. Sulfates

We have been conditioned in the last 100 years to believe that soap/detergent must foam or lather in order to clean. Sulfates are found in so many everyday products; everything from shampoo to toothpaste, and laundry detergent. They are a skin irritant that doesn't always show up as an immediate reaction.

Bottom line: avoid sodium laurETH sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

• Residue can accumulate in laundry due to too much detergent, hard water and fabric softener.
• Workout clothes, bedding and towels are likely to be the biggest accumulators of residue.
• To deep clean clothes, a stripping recipe consisting of Borax, Washing Soda, Oxygen Powder and Soap should be used.
• To strip laundry, separate colors from whites; submerge items in hot water with the cleaning ingredients; soak for several hours; drain and transfer to washing machine and wash on hot with extra rinse cycle.

• High-efficiency (HE) washers use less water than traditional washers, but require specially formulated soaps.
• Products used in HE washers should have the HE logo to certify use in these washing machines.
• Quality all-natural laundry detergents do not ruin HE washers, however it is important to be aware of ingredients such as excess fatty acids which can cause build up and residue.
• All-natural laundry detergents will save you from being exposed to chemicals, but making your own supplies careful measuring and ratio considerations.
• It is suggested to opt for a professionally made all-natural laundry detergent that has been tested for compatibility with HE washers or use one that has a clean soap that's not superfatted.

• Wool dryer balls help to dry clothes faster, softer, and static-free.
• As few as 3 balls are sufficient for small to medium loads; 5-7 may be appropriate for larger loads; 8-12 for extra-large.
• Wool dryer balls are better for the environment due to being reusable and reducing energy usage.
• They can last up to 5 years (over 1,000 loads), depending on frequency of use.
• Recharging wool dryer balls is easy: put them in washing machine on gentle cycle with hot water, then place in dryer on high heat.