We're featured on Sarah Jio's blog...

I’m working on a story for Real Simple’s November issue and got a chance to check out some products from The Laundress in New York–an all-natural, non-toxic line of home care and cleaning products–and I went crazy for their “Home Spray.” Simply titled, this formula is the loveliest smelling thing my nose has come across in a long time (and that’s saying a lot for a pregnant woman who is scent-averse right now!). It’s a genius blend of bergamot, thyme, lavender, musk and ylang ylang, and I’ve been spraying it in my office and loving it.

To the original post, click here.

This week's Ask the Experts

Question:
Hello,

My daughter has a couple of silk dresses from Bonpoint that have stains on them. Is it safe to use the "Stain Solution" product on the stain and then wash the entire dress in the "Delicate Wash"? Thank you.

Best,
Amy

Answer:
Hi Amy-

Yes, the Stain Solution is what you need. Below is the recipe to follow.

http://www.thelaundress.com/LaundryTips/washingDelicates.asp

Happy laundering!
-Gwen

Follow-up:
Hi Gwen,

I just wanted to thank you again for your message several months ago. I wasn't able to get the stain out of my daughter's silk dress because it sat for too long, but have been using many of your products for machine & hand washing and find them all very gentle and great smelling. Your videos inspired me to hand wash my cashmere sweaters and silk scarves -- I think it is fantastic that you have laundry tips that encourage people to wash their own things naturally.

Also took the plunge and washed my Hermes and Lacroix silks -- came out very soft.

Wishing you and your company continued success!

Best regards,
Amy

Donna Hay

We love Donna Hay's store and of course look forward to her new issues of Donna Hay magazine.

Visit her site www.donnahay.com.au for more!

The Laundress Bleach Alternative - all-purpose cleaner

Available in our Classic scent or No247 scent.


SOAP SCUM REMOVER
All-Purpose Bleach Alternative + All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate

Sprinkle the All-Purpose Bleach Alternative on the soap scum and clean/wipe with your All-Purpose Cleaning Concentrate solution with a sponge. We recommend using our Scrub Brush with the solution.

NATURAL DRAIN CLEANER
All-Purpose Bleach Alternative + Vinegar

Clean, deodorize and unclog drains with 1/4 cup The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative and 1 cup boiling vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the drain.
(this is also great in half proportion for the garbage disposal)

MILDEW REMOVER ON SURFACES
All-Purpose Bleach Alternative + Scrub Brush

Sprinkle All-Purpose Bleach Alternative on area and apply hot water - let sit and soak. Minimum 5 minutes - no maximum. Wipe with Scrub Brush and repeat as necessary.

MILDEW REMOVER ON TEXTILES
All-Purpose Bleach Alternative + Stain Brush

Prepare a bath of hot water and 1/8 All-Purpose Bleach Alternative. Add textiles and let sit - soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. Scrub areas with the Stain Brush. Repeat as necessary. Launder as usual.

NATURAL AND SUPER EFFECTIVE "BLEACHING" WHITENER
All-Purpose Bleach Alternative + Whites Detergent

Add All-Purpose Bleach Alternative to the washing cycle with Whites Detergent for whitening. Best results with hot water. Most effective when used as a pre-soak. This is color safe!

PIT STAIN REMOVER
All-Purpose Bleach Alternative + Stain Solution

Apply The Laundress Stain Solution and sprinkle All-Purpose Bleach Alternative to make a paste on the stained area…follow this blog entry for more.

VINTAGE HEIRLOOM WHITENER
All-Purpose Bleach Alternative + Stain Solution

Pre-treat stains with The Laundress Stain Solution. Prepare a bath of hot water and 1/8 All-Purpose Bleach Alternative. Add textiles and let sit - soak for a minimum of 30 minutes...follow with this blog entry for more.

The Laundress in Mitsukoshi in Japan

August People StyleWatch

Did you know it's best to hang dry your jeans versus using the dryer?

Heat from the dryer will cause the color to fade faster!

Check out our other helpful denim care tips in the latest People StyleWatch...




(Click on image for a larger view)

This week's Ask the Experts:

Question:
I recently gave up on dryer sheets because I learned that they contain animal by-products. I can't find an ingredients list on your site - can you tell which products don't use animal by-products and if your products are cruelty free? Many thanks. I will share this with my friends.
-Mary

Answer:
Yes, you are correct - grocery brands use animal fat also noted as "tallow" in fabric softeners. Tallow is actually used in a lot of grocery soaps/products.

We use a canola oil derivative for our fabric softener and dryer sheets and all of our products are animal-cruelty free.

Happy Laundering!
-Gwen

Ask the Experts

Question:
What is the best way to remove lily pollen stains from cotton clothing?
-April

Answer:
Hi April,
That is the worst part about lilies! I stopped buying them because they were too much of a mess.
I always got it out with pre-treating and soaking with Stain Solution. Happy Laundering!
-Gwen

Follow-up Question:
Thank you I will try that. I usually cut the pollen stems off as soon as they bloom, but my kids got to them first this time. Does the Stain Solution work for rust in the same way?

Answer:
Hi April-
You can try it on rust. I usually use the stain mixed with the Bleach Alternative for really tough stains. http://thelaundressny.blogspot.com/2010/01/conquering-pit-stain.html

The Machine Cleaner is designed to remove rust from appliances, but it works on textiles - make sure you only apply with a q-tip and soak well.
Happy Laundering!
-Gwen

Follow-up response:
Thank you so much! This is very helpful and has worked great.
-April

Cleaning with our Bleach Alternative...

Lindsey's friends, and of course Laundress Fans, Eddie and Jaithan sent these shots of their vintage linens soaking in The Laundress Bleach Alternative.

Check out the before and after...

Lindsey’s Yoga Mat Washing Recipe

Place your mat into the machine on a delicate cycle, preferably warm temperature.



Use The Laundress Sports Detergent to target bacteria that has built up on the mat.

Don’t worry your mat will not be slippery after washing. The Laundress Sport Detergent is a plant based formula that will not coat your mat or affect the performance.

Lay flat to dry, you will see some creases in your mat from being washed in the machine, these disappear once the mat is dry.




This is my mat after drying for a day.



The creases are gone and I am ready for my next class.

Tip: In between washing your mat spray with The Laundress Sport Spray to freshen up, remove odors and kill bacteria.