Laundry made easy

By Jennifer Nelson 

Laundry is a task that continually demands attention, but heaping mounds of clothing and linens don’t need to haunt you — or drain your bank account.

Leslie Reichert, “The Green Cleaning Coach” and author of The Joy of Green Cleaning, says the right products are lifesavers that can lead to an enjoyable, or at least simplified, process.

Time- and money-saving items

Ease your laundry woes with a few items that Leslie recommends:

• The Tripod Air Dryer
• Wash bags reduce the need for hand washing.
• Steam cleaners and the Laura Star Ironing System replace expensive dry cleaning.
• Folding boards and Tub Trugs allow children to help.
• Apothecary jars painted with chalkboard paint to hold detergent.

Simplicity through going green

Products made with chemicals are not only bad for your health but they also leave residue in clothes, which makes them stiff and in need of expensive fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Try these chemical-free alternatives instead:

• Charlie’s Laundry Powder
• Nellie’s dryer balls or even a clean tennis ball eliminates dryer static and improves softness.
• Homemade or store-bought scented dryer bags tossed in the dryer or a couple drops of an organic or food-grade essential oil in the washing machine add subtle fragrance.
• Use a nailbrush and nice bar of French milled soap to scrub out stubborn spots.

Extra tip: Spritz a bit of vodka onto clothing to eliminate smells without washing, a trick Leslie learned from the Boston Ballet.