REVEALED WINTER 2024 - Magazine - Page 42
Laundry Sheets
Are the Detergent
of the Future
BY JENÉ LUCIANI SENA
Delicate fabrics require fine
treatment.
Especially for lingerie and the sometimes
fragile fabrics we put next to our skin and
delicate parts. It’s a given that the jumbo jug
of commercial detergent you purchase at the
wholesale club may be too harsh for these
unmentionables.
What ’s worse is that these specially
formulated detergents can gum up the works
in laundry machines—especially the pods—
and can leave a residue on clothing. Then,
there are scienti昀椀c reasons to dial back the use of detergents.
There are several common toxins in laundry detergents,
including formaldehyde (especially the scented ones, which
studies show can release cancer-causing agents). They aren’t
super friendly to the environment either. Even worse, consider
that the single-use plastic used for detergent containers can
take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
What’s the non-toxic laundry solution? Laundry sheets.
They promise to be friendlier to our bodies, garments and the
environment. What looks like a thick piece of paper can take
the pouring and measuring of messy liquid out of the laundry
equation. You toss in a square and clothes are laundered clean.
And they take up much less space in a laundry room.
Here are some of our favorite new options and one that
deserves a mention for its innovative and gentle wash:
Sheets
This is the one that started it all. Sheets is a convenient, quickdissolving laundry detergent sheet with all the power of your
regular detergent with no mess. Available in fresh linen scent or
free-and-clear, the company o昀昀ers auto-delivery so you always
stay supplied.
Earth Breeze
Earth Breeze eco-sheets get you 60 loads in one box. Chemicalfree and hypoallergenic, the sheets dissolve in seconds.
They’re even safe for septic systems. They’re low-sudsing and
concentrated, but you can double up on sheets for the most
potent wash if you have tough stains.
R E V E A L E D - THE W INTE R IS SUE #10
Grove Co.
Just because scents in regular detergents
can harm our health doesn’t mean you
must forego fresh smells altogether. Grove
Co. has developed essential oil-based
scents that are natural in balsam 昀椀r, harvest
apple, lavender blossom and thyme. These sheets are 100%
natural, with no optical brighteners or dyes.
Cheat Sheets
Cheat Sheets are the newest to the market with pre-measured
laundry detergent sheets. And in a move that’s unique to Cheat
Sheets, this company o昀昀ers formulations for speci昀椀c wash
needs, such as gentle for lingerie, delicates, and wool, swim for
chlorine removal, and an all-purpose wash for lights and darks.
Soak Wash
Although not a sheet, we love this gentle, no-rinse laundry soak.
Soaking lingerie and bras is an age-old practice that helps keep
delicate garments intact. This cleanser is formulated for no
agitation. The ingredients are sensitive skin and fabric-friendly,
with no harsh chemicals or overwhelming fragrances. It can
even launder baby clothes and shampoo pets.
Washing 101
As we all know, proper care is vital to a garment’s longevity.
With consumers trying to stretch their dollars, it’s more
important now than ever. The dirt, sweat, and oils in our skin
can break down fabrics in lingerie and swimwear faster than
outer layers. For that reason, a gentle wash is recommended
after each wear. Using a washing machine is 昀椀ne if you utilize a
mesh garment bag and wash on a gentle cycle with cool water.
Never put your lingerie in the dryer! Heat is like kryptonite
for delicates. Finally, when laundering bras, if the foam cups
become crushed or the underwire starts to bend or protrude,
it’s time to toss and replace.
