I love fragrances...In fact, I used to buy the most fragrant laundry detergent--with it's matching sidekick, the laundry softener and would top it off with it's kin, the dryer sheet...it made for a very fragrant bouquet of towels.
Then I became a label reader and learned of the dangerous carcinogens and toxins that permeated our laundry room, and my fragrant bouquet of towels quickly became not-so-fragrant anymore.
It's been a disappointing switch for me as I really do love a "fresh" smelling pillowcase.
I originally started using a splash of Dr. Bronner's soap in my laundry to give it some extra fragrance, but it can get fairly expensive.
Now, to get a lovely smelling load of laundry (healing too!), I use our standby, Trader Joe's non-toxic laundry detergent and a few drops of one of my essential oils of choice... Essential oils host a variety of purposes in healing and are a fascinating avenue to travel on.
Eucalyptus oil is wonderful for clearing passages when you or your little one is suffering from a cold... you can put a few drops in a humidifier or simply keep a rag next to the pillow... you can also wash your child's sheets with a few drops and the healing properties are working as you breathe it in!
I usually use lavender oil for sheets as it is proven to relax the mind and body... for other loads, I use the essential oil of jasmine, which is so very fresh and "summery".
When shopping for essential oils, make sure they are pure, essential oils... sometimes they can have additives. They do run a bit costly (about $10 a jar), but you use them so sparingly (a drop or two) and their scent and use can go very far.
If you dare, read this article about what is in your laundry detergent, what "cleaning agents", "brightening agents", and "fragrance" actually entail. When you make the switch, you will be surprised at how overly-fragrant normal detergents smell and can even cause you to get nauseous or a headache (you know that can't be good)!
So, there you have our solution to dirty laundry. Eventually I'll be attempting to make my own laundry detergent...yes, yes, in due time (this homesteading thing can be kind of intimidating)...what's your solution? Any suggestions on recipes to start up my own?
Now go do some laundry (surely my least favorite household duty).