By Katie G.
You ready for this? Aluminum Foil. Yes, exactly what you use to store leftovers in your fridge. It's a pretty amazing trick and it does a powerful job keeping your laundry static-free.
Obviously, making balls out of Aluminum Foil isn't difficult (it's kind of fun actually). There are some things to keep in mind as you embark on this new laundry expedition.
Now that's clean living for you.
Laundry is probably one of my least favorite chores. I get it, some people love it – the peaceful monotony of folding coupled with the smell of fresh clothes – but not me. For as long as I can remember, I have gladly left laundry in the very capable hands of my laundromat and never thought twice about it. Well, that was before I ended up at the dermatologist's office a few weeks ago, with a full-body allergic reaction. As she looked at me, she said, without hesitation, "this is an allergy to fabric softener. I just know it." Now, I am allergic to a lot of things, but fabric softener was never one of them. But, as I scanned my body, I knew that I had to change something. And luckily, through trial and research, I found a pretty incredible alternative to fabric softener that is safe, non-toxic, and most likely in abundance in your home.
You ready for this? Aluminum Foil. Yes, exactly what you use to store leftovers in your fridge. It's a pretty amazing trick and it does a powerful job keeping your laundry static-free.
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| Dryer Magic Balls |
Obviously, making balls out of Aluminum Foil isn't difficult (it's kind of fun actually). There are some things to keep in mind as you embark on this new laundry expedition.
QUANTITY
Depending on the size of the load you're drying, you'll want to make 2-3 Aluminum Foil balls. Make sure they're roughly 3" in diameter. Also, make sure to pack them down tightly since you don't want your clothes to snag on any sharp edges. Then, toss them into the dryer with your wet clothes and wait for the magic to happen.
HOW IT WORKS
Is it too simple to say...science? When fabrics tumble around and rub together in the heat, they build up an electric charge. The job of any fabric softener, whether it's dryer sheets of foil balls, is to dis-charge the static buildup and keep the clothes separated. The only difference between the two is that you won't have the fluffy "laundry" smell that comes with using a dryer sheet.
USAGE
The nice thing about the Aluminum Foil Balls is that you can use them multiple times (for months even) until they start to fall apart. You'll notice that pretty quickly. And, all you have to do is make some more.
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| Clean Laundry...Happy Skin! |
We, at project: CLEAN FOOD think a lot about what we put
in our bodies, but it's equally as important to be conscious about what
we put ON our bodies as well. Clean Laundry doesn't have to stop with Aluminum Foil dryer sheets. I also use an unscented, chemical and dye-free detergent from Seventh Generation, which is 96% plant-based (versus petroleum based). I also highly recommend that you give any one of the "free and clear" detergents on the market a try as well.
So, in short, allergies have forced me to "adult." I'm zealously doing my own laundry using all of the methods above and I have noticed a HUGE improvement over the past few weeks. It may glean strange looks from other people in the laundromat, but my clothes, skin, and mood have never been brighter.
Now that's clean living for you.
