If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re busy! It’s as simple as that.
And you know that at some time during the week, or even each day, you’ll have to tackle the ever-growing laundry pile.
We’ve gone through trial-and-error with several different brands of pre-treaters, “oxy” treatments, powder and liquid detergents, and fabric softeners over the years. One brand has made it easy – and more economical – to combine the power of a detergent and oxygen-powered stain remover. Adding a fabric softener is a must. We paired all® free clear laundry detergent with their fabric softener to launder the clothing, bedding, sheets, and washcloths for the entire family.
all® free clear is tough on stains yet gentle enough for our clothes and skin. It rinses clean and has a gentle, hypoallergenic formula. Here is an interesting fact: all® free clear detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets have received the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance™. This means they avoid certain chemicals, dyes, perfumes and residues that are known to be unsuitable for use by those with eczema or a sensitive skin condition.
Unlike products we’ve tried in the past, the products from all® did what they claimed to do.
Why is this so important to our family?
We’re busy. I just counted no less than seven laundry-related formulas in the shelf above my washer. Seven! And that is what I have in stock now. It doesn’t include the dozens of products over the years that usually took extra time to use or didn’t work at all. Who has time for that? I’m ready to toss the pens, powders, and sprays. I just want something that is quick and works.
We’re frugal. When we learned that the average cost per load washed with all® free clear laundry detergent was only eleven cents, we put it to the test. Combined with our high efficiency washer (all® free clear laundry detergent can be used in both standard and HE washers), we’re now reducing our water usage and saving money on our home laundry bill as well.
We’re sensitive. A few of us have dry skin and skin sensitivity that creates an itchy, red rash when wearing clothes washed in some laundry products. This allergist recommended detergent line offered by all® free clear doesn’t cause or exacerbate these skin issues. This means we can wash everyone’s clothes together and not in small, time- and money-wasting batches.
We expect results. A product should do what it claims to do. The folks at all® apparently take the words “free” and “clear” seriously. The lack of dye or irritants is great for our skin, but makes it safe to use on clothes as well. I can remember several white and light-colored sweaters and pants ruined by “mystery spots” caused by blue dye or other chemicals. No worries with all® free clear. When the clothes come out of the wash they’re cleaner than they went in. And that’s how it’s supposed to be!
all® free clear will be hosting a giveaway in mid-May with the hashtag #withmyblanket. Visit their Facebook page to follow and be first to learn about the sweepstakes!
To help combat parent burnout when it comes to the laundry basket, I’ll share with you my favorite folding tip. Here, we’ll use my family’s huge towel and washcloth collection. It’s grown along with the addition of each child. Now we go through an exponentially larger number of washcloths each week. This folding technique works with a huge pile of sheets, t-shirts, or pants as well. But we’ll get our bath laundry out of the way.
Tip: Some say not to use a fabric softener with towels because they may not be as absorbent. I do use it, but only the liquid version. I agree that the dryer sheets might be a no-no!
If you’ve ever had a pile of laundry like this staring back at you, you probably know the feeling I have just looking at it now. And you know that the usual fold, fold, fold, and fold again routine – especially for large towels and sheets when you want the edges to line up – can be a drag. Sigh.
Shake it off, grab that basket, and let’s get to work!
First, we’ll get the big stuff out of the way. Grab a towel and fold it lengthwise. The folded edge will be the “facing edge” or front of our towel pile. Fold one end inward.
Now roll the towel up to the end.
That’s it!
If your washcloths are all different sizes like mine, you can use the same technique. It’s easy enough to fold a washcloth twice, but the rolls are just as quick and I personally think they look more presentable. Here’s the before:
And here’s the final result. Ta da!
You might even say it looks relaxing and spa-like. That’s a serious one-eighty from where we started. Now it’s time to cross the laundry off your To Do list and relax (until the next load)!
Sponsored Post: This post is sponsored by all free clear but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
