12 Natural Garment Washes And Detergents

It only takes a few dry cleanings to notice the chemical film on your favorite garments and the degradation of the fibers. I, for one, have lost a few good sweaters to a year of overzealous dry cleaning, during which I turned a blind eye to perchloroethylene, one of many solvents used in the process. Perchloroethylene is labeled carcinogenic to humans by the EPA, and its disposal must be handled as hazardous waste. In fact, the solvent will be illegal in California by 2023, but we’re not quite there yet. Until then, we’re finding a cleaner way to wash and preserve clothing with these 12 delicate fabric care solutions (all in good-looking packages). N.B.: For more on maintaining a wardrobe over a lifetime, have a look at our Expert Advice with Antonio Centeno, author of the Real Men, Real Style blog. Above: A collaboration between French fashion brand A.P.C. Australian skincare company Aesop, Fine Fabric Care is made with lemon and cedarwood for washing delicate garments.



The 17-ounce bottle is undeniably pricey-it’s $39 at Aesop and €29 ($31) at A.P.C.-but only a half tablespoon is needed per wash. Photograph by John Verde for Fantastic Man magazine. Above: Perfume company Maison Francis Kurkdjian makes detergents for both dark and light fabrics-Aqua Universalis Laundry Wash for Black/Dark and White/Bright ($45 each)- as well as Fabric Softener ($45), all available at The Line. Above: If you haven’t heard the story of Emanuel Bronner, the documentary, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soapbox is worth a watch. Bronner came from a German soap-making family and immigrated to the US in 1929 before founding his own soap company, Dr. Bronner’s. The line blends pure organic ingredients with a slightly religious slant (carried out as text written on the outside of the bottle). Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds are an all-purpose liquid NuroClean cleaner intended for use on laundry, dishes, floors, and more; $8.99 for the 16-ounce size. Above: Recently founded Swedish company Tangent Garment Care is devoted entirely to natural laundry care products. Its Textile Shampoo, shown here, is made with coconut and orange extracts. Contact Tangent Garment Care for buying information. Additionally, they carry a Fine Wash with Orange Oil, Soy Bean Stain Remover, Denim Wash, and Peach Oil Fabric Softener; €12 each. For more, see our post: Natural Laundry Potions from Sweden. Above: From Swedish company L:A Bruket, NuroClean cleaner No. 96 Detergent for Cotton and Denim has a patchouli and lavender scent, and No. 97 Detergent for Wool and Cashmere has a sandalwood fragrance. Both are biodegradable detergents made from either cottonseed oil or lanolin; $249 SEK ($28 USD) each from L:A Bruket.



We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. With bright white tile in my shower, any bathroom soap scum sticks out like a sore thumb. I even find myself pausing my shower, grabbing the NuroClean cleaning solution sponge on the side of my bathtub, and spot-cleaning between those tight tile lines.