Ideal Bite

I'm surprised that you only suggested a liquid laundry detergent, when most green tips suggest using powder over liquid.

A review of 6 green laundry detergents: http://www.grist.org/advice/products/2008/02/26/ I found it interesting, anyways.

Instead of using dryer sheets, we use these dryer balls: http://www.gaiam.com/product/eco-home-outdoor/household/laundry/dryer+ba... They help soften clothes, are reusable and supposedly shorten drying time. Tennis balls also work, so I have heard. Until I can line-dry my clothes, I will be dryer balling.

Soap Nuts come direct from mother nature. Although I have not yet tried them, they seem to have a "vitamin smell", so I'd probably add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Rumor has it they are uber gentle, non-toxic and fantastic stain removers. I haven't tried them yet, but my local nature store sells them in a small bag, so I think I'll give 'em a whirl. Check 'em out here: http://www.maggiespureland.com/

I am using Maggie's Soap Nuts and am delighted with the results. I have not noticed any fragrance, but that may be because instead of fabric softener I use white vinegar in a "downy ball". My clothes come out of the dryer soft and fresh.

I'm surprised there is no mention of making your own laundry detergent. It is WAY cheaper than store bought "green" laundry soap. Here is a link to 10 different recipes to choose from. It's fast, it's easy, go make some! http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

The product suggestions you offer all seem good; however, they are all in different places, require high shippng prices (the Method Omop is $30, plus $10 shipping) or high-priced gas to buy locally, if available. I use a line of green products that work for bath, body and home that I buy online or over the phone at wholesale prices with 5% shipping to my door. Everything is in one place!

Ecover Bleach in my varied experience does not work worth a darn! I have tried it in every way you can imagine. Soaking full strength,using the amounts suggested,spot cleaning,soaking for days,etc. Doesn't work. I know some like it,but I don't understand why. It works terrible on diapers,stains on other clothes that have just occured,blah blah... For diapers I have found that I just rinse them three times first. Then wash in hot water,sometimes I repeat the wash. I have a commitment not to use bleach,I loathe the toxic bleach!

This is great stuff - Thanks Biters!! I'm curious if anyone out there has checked out the Melaleuca brand laundry detergents? I realize that they aren't 'required' to list their ingredients but if anyone knows someone who sells the stuff they can buy a catalog of all their products with all of their ingredients. I haven't yet as I wouldn't know how to compare most of the ingredients I can't pronounce ... :-)

At my house we love a product we just discovered called Charlie's Soap. It's not really soap-based, that's just the name; it's this really great laundry detergent. The amazing thing about it is it rinses totally clean, and has no perfumes, so your clothes smell amazing because they smell like nothing but clothes and clean. The more you wash your clothes and towels and whatnot in it, the softer they get, without fabric softener of any kind. You only need fabric softener because your detergent leaves residue on your clothes that make them stiff--even so-called eco-friendly detergents. Charlie's Soap is eco-friendly, and you only use like a tbsp per load, and its great for baby clothes and diapers because it's so gentle and doesn't leave anything behind. They do have a liquid form available, but the powder works amazing and is cheaper. It's very reasonably priced, and the shipping is free. It's a great company, too. I really can't stop raving about it to people I know, especially sensitive skin types, like my husband. The smaller bag they sell is priced about the same as an Ecover or Seventh Generation type laundry detergent, but they sell huge buckets that, when you work out the per load price, is cheaper than ANY detergent, especially with free shipping! http://www.charliesoap.com/