If there is any activity I am guaranteed to do over the weekend, it is laundry. As clothes pile up with summer stains and sweat, I catch myself tidying up more often this season. Laundry is the ritual I practice with precision, and one I enjoy a lot. So when I learned about Dirty Labs’ detergent, it was a no-brainer that I give it a try. This biobased (and biodegradable) solution avoids harsh chemicals commonly found in traditional cleaners. So far, I am loving the results. But…let’s let the science do the talking 😉
Disclosure: This post makes use of affiliate links, which may result in a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Use code ‘STYLEDBYSCIENCE‘ for 10% off your Dirty Labs purchase!
The Dirty Truth Behind Most Laundry Detergents
The formulation of laundry detergents has changed little over the years. As such, most household brands carry chemicals which we now know are irritants, toxins, and carcinogens. These ingredients carry many purposes: brighteners, preservatives, foaming agents, and more. However, they can disrupt both human health and our ecosystems. Additionally, many of these ingredients are still made from petroleum-based chemicals.
Dirty Labs takes the extra care to avoid these ingredients. In fact, it eliminates all chemicals deemed concerning by Cal Prop 65 as well as Fragrance Allergens outlined by the EU. For more information on their plant and biobased ingredients, you can check out the Dirty Labs website.
What makes Dirty Labs Detergent so Effective?
Formulated by a team of scientists, Dirty Labs detergent is safe for the environment and gentle enough on sensitive skin. Rather than relying on synthetic formulas, the cleaner uses enzyme-driven technology known as Phytolase®.
Enzyme: A biological catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions.
These enzymes target different stain types, breaking them down into smaller, dissolvable components. Because enzymes are not changed by the reactions they catalyze, they can be used over and over. As a result, you can expect Dirty Labs detergent to actively process stains throughout the full wash cycle.
Another reason that makes Dirty Labs special is it contains enzymes to break down dirt and microfibrils (small fibers that shed from textiles). Microfibrils are the common culprit for fabric dullness, so Dirty Labs ensures your clothes come out as bright as possible.
Dirty Labs Product Review
Minimal Plastic Packaging
When I first received my package, I noticed that Dirty Labs uses very minimal plastic. Everything ships in a cardboard box, and the detergent bottles come in recyclable aluminum. Although the cap and spout are plastic, they can be recycled as well and are BPA-free.
I love that the spout is v-shaped. It allows for easy pour and avoids a sticky mess when you try to screw the cap back on. Finally, the cap is marked so you know how much detergent to add depending on soil level and load size.
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The Detergent Scent
- Signature (Magnolia, Bergamot, Cedar): When I first caught a whiff of it, I fell in love with this scent. It is not overpowering, leaving hints of florals on my sheets and clothes. I made sure to throw in some workout clothes, and they came out smelling amazing.
- Free & Clear (Fragrance Free): This simple detergent has no added fragrance, but is just as effective as the Signature scent. I pretty much use this one on anything else that is not my sheets and clothes (e.g. dish towels). This option is also well-suited for those with sensitive skin, recently awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
As a biodegradable detergent, Dirty Labs avoids any fragrances that are known allergens or toxins.
How My Laundry Turned Out with Dirty Labs Detergent
Summer is well upon on us. After a recent trip to the beach, I was excited to wash clothes that were laden with sweat, sunscreen, and body oils. Nothing like a dirty combination of oil and odor to put your detergent to the ultimate test.
The load consisted of clothes, and various linens. I was impressed that my clothes looked and smelled fresh in the end. No more greasiness, or yellow stains from residual sunscreen and sweat. I also noticed that the magnolia scent still lingers two to three days post-wash.
To test the detergent further, I added in a bath towel. Terry cloth is a type of fabric with many loops on the surface to help absorb moisture. However, that also makes it a lint magnet. Impressively, the towel preserved its color and did not attract fibers from other pieces I washed it with. (An indication that the enzymes are at work!)
Using Dirty Labs to Clean my White Sneakers
Update: 2/12/22. I normally clean my white sneakers using water, white vinegar, and baking soda. (See REEL here for exact process) However, my shoes had some stubborn yellow stains that were tough to get out. I decided to scrub them with Dirty Labs detergent, and let them sit for 5 minutes. After padding my shoes clean and waiting for them to dry, I was super surprised that the stains actually lifted!
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The Eco-Friendly Detergent to Try
Unlike most other detergents I have tried, I love that Dirty Labs is 97% USDA Biobased certified. It is certainly not a brand that throws around ‘sustainability’ buzzwords loosely. All ingredients are clearly labeled, and responsibly sourced.
Laundry has so many downstream effects we can’t see. However, it has a huge impact on waterways and marine ecosystems. It is important to pay attention to the cleaning products we use, not only for the care of our clothes but for the wellbeing of our environment.
I hope you consider giving Dirty Labs a try, and leave me a comment below on how you like it! You can also read some of my prior posts on fabric care here.
Thank you Dirty Labs for sponsoring this post. Use code ‘STYLEDBYSCIENCE’ for 10% off today.
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