There’s a great scene in the new biopic of Stephen Hawking in which he woos his soon-to-be wife with an analysis of why the men’s white shirts luminesce in the ultraviolet lights of a cocktail party. “Optical whiteners,” he says—and she swoons. I didn’t know that that meant, so I did a little research. Optical whiteners are synthetic chemicals that make laundry look brighter; they absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as blue light. (It’s basically the same reason why white-haired ladies use blue shampoo.) So since optical brighteners have nothing to do with getting your laundry actually clean, I wondered if there was a downside to these chemicals—and if you could find a laundry detergent that didn’t include them. Yes and yes, in the form of the all-natural, totally excellent Meliora K natural laundry product.
Optical whiteners may cause developmental and reproductive problems, and they don’t make clothes cleaner. So why are you still using them? Try this natural laundry solution at 15% off or win it, free!
But can you get clothes clean, bright and white without optical whiteners? Absolutely, as I just discovered by using the Right Hand Laundry Powder from Meliora K. This is a potent combination of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and coconut-oil based soap. That’s it! And yet this vegan, organic, biodegradable powder really works! With no fragrance, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates, 1,4-dioxane, dyes or—of course—optical brighteners in the mix, it’s especially beneficial for those who suffer from skin irritations and allergies.
Meliora K is so confident in their formulas, they provide the recipe right on their site! They encourage you to DIY your own laundry recipes by using their Really Grate Soap Flakes or, if you prefer to grate your own, their No Frills Soap Bar. And they include natural laundry tips on packaging, such as replacing fabric softener with white vinegar and pre-treating stains with a wet toothbrush and powder.
It’s this kind of empowerment-based marketing philosophy that won the Illinois-based Meliora K first place in the 2013 Quinlan Social Enterprise Competition. They’re putting human health—and innovation—over the traditional profit model, and earning a loyal following in the process.
Count me in.
Now through 12.31.14 get 15% off on all Meliora K products with “MOMMYAPPROVED15” at check out, or enter to win one of FOUR $30 gift baskets full of their signature products!
This post was sponsored by Meliora K and meets the standards I’ve established to endorse a brand as “Mommy Greenest Approved.” Click here for more about Editorial Standards.
I don’t have a favorite, but mostly use Seventh Generation.
I usually try any thing that is fragrance free and sensitive since my boys have really sensitive skin. Would love to try this product.
Another brand new to me I’d love to try!
I love their soap!
dryer balls!
I use and love Eco Nuts’ soap nuts. They last forever and leave no scent behind.
homemade laundry soap and wool dryer balls no sheets
Love those dryer balls!
Charlie’s Laundry Soap Powder!
Ooh have to try that one!
I have yet to find that magical detergent that has non toxic ingredients, nothing I’m allergic to, is good for the environment & works great. Part of the problem is my super hard water & maybe my old machine too. When I was cloth diapering I used Rockin Green’s Rock hard & the hard water booster, I liked Molly’s suds & some various ones I’ve gotten at my local natural foods stores. I place an order & am going to give this one a try. I really like that they have a refill for their container. I was a little disappointed that they didn’t have fee shipping over a specific dollar amount. I have my fingers crossed.
Great! Let me know how it works for you. Thanks for sharing!
Seventh Generation
my fave natural laundry product is boric acid
my favorite laundry products are Peppermint EO in the wash cycle and Lavender EO in the dry cycle.
I love EO products! Great soaps, too!
I make my own but haven’t found the “right” mix yet. Don’t feel my clothes are getting clean. Hoping to try this instead!!!!
have only tried rockin’ green, which is good. meliora k looks great too!
Right now I am using Honest soaps
Love Honest!
Honest Company Laundry Detergent
Love their products!
Dryer balls are a must have!!!
Sorry got in a rush, I don’t have a favorite natural soap, but if this works as I stated before this will be it.
If I win this I surely hopes it works well in hard water and it will help get sweat stains out better than what I have been using.
I haven’t tried .Hope will work for hard water.
gotta love the Right Hand Laundry Powder – 20 Loads
I know, right? So cost effective!
I don’t have a favorite brand really, I get whichever brand is on sale at the health food store usually.
I love my natural wool dryer balls!
Me, too! Loo Hoo? Love them!
great laundry products and great for my grandson who has exzema.
Yes, definitely! Especially for skin problems, stay away from perfumes!
I like the packaging!
So cute, right?
My favourite laundry product is a classic one- just plain ol dr. bronner’s soap
Really? I find that it leaves kind of a film. Which one do you use?
this is awesome! i would love to try this out
I like the 7th Generation products a lot.
Me too! Great brand, and I love that they’re sold so many places.
I don’t have a favourite yet….
Unfortunately, I’m still stuck using the cheap, unnatural, commercial detergents, but would love a chance to truly “come clean” with a basket of Meliora K products.
Good luck! And if you don’t win, their products are SO affordable, too 🙂
Very faithful to Charlie’s Soap Powder!
Have yet to try that one, will check it out!
Great brand – love their new packaging!
I use soap berries. But I am looking for a natural product that will brighten and remove stains from my whites.
Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover–great for pet odors.
Good to know, thanks Mel!
I quite enjoy Meyers laundry detergent! Thank you for this great giveaway 🙂
Thanks for sharing Kayla!
would love to try this out!
I would love to try!
I haven’t tried any yet but would like to try the Biokleen All-Temperature Citrus Laundry Liquid. Seems like it would be my favorite.
I’ve never tried that! I know you can add essential oils to your own formulations with Meliora K, though!
I haven’t managed to tackle this area yet but it makes sense to do so. Would love to try the Meloria K — hint, hint! 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity!
Good luck!
I love Method Lavender and Cedar Laundry Detergent. I love the smell!
I’ve never tried an all natural laundry detergent, but I’d like to. 🙂
This is so good to know! Love it that Rachel picked up on a line out of a movie and wanted to know more about it…I do that all the time.
It just struck me–and I never even saw the movie, just the trailer! 🙂
Baking soda
Do you use it as detergent, or for stains?
I use Thieves Young Living essential oil in my laundry now
I’ve heard of that! Does it smell amazing?
I haven’t tried any yet but I like simple green, seventh generation, and method brands so I would probably try one of theirs
Thanks for sharing! I would avoid Simple Green, however 🙁
I have tried Meloria K and love it!
Yay, me too!! Thanks for commenting Judi 🙂
the only one I’ve tried to date is Biokleen All-Temperature Citrus Laundry Liquid
I’ve never tried that–will have to take a look. Thanks Jan!