Dear Readers,

The bottom of each BuyBetter newsletter includes a picture of me and the following note: “Want to get in touch? I’d love to hear from you. Tell me about your favorite sustainable products, topics you’d like to see covered, or anything else that’s on your mind — email marketplace@bluedotliving.com.” Guess what? I mean it. Earlier this year, I received an email from Jan, a BuyBetter reader, who told me that because of her “favorite sustainable product … I haven't bought bottled detergent in four years.” Even so, her “very dirty clothes come out clean.” Are you on the edge of your seat yet? I know I was.

Marketed as the “Laundry Revolution from Japan,” the mysterious item in question is the Terra Wash+Mg, and it’s a sponge-sized, magnesium-filled satchel that you just toss in the machine with your laundry ($38 on Amazon). I purchased one two months ago, and it’s knocked (cleaned?) my socks off. I do still supplement particularly filthy loads with my favorite detergent, but I’ve got to say, this thing is amazing. It couldn’t be easier to use, and it dramatically reduces the cost of doing laundry. 

Amazingly, I have another laundry innovation to share: the Wad-Free ($19 on Amazon). This magical device prevents my biggest personal laundry pet peeve: when the sheets tangle around one another and form a tight ball that never dries, forcing me to separate my sheets like they’re unruly school children and ultimately run the dryer multiple times. More on that below. First, I’d like to share some general suggestions for greening your laundry routine.

Tips for Washing 

• Is the item really dirty or stinky? If not, wear it again.

• Ditch heavy liquid detergent and plastic bottles. Instead, try a concentrate or a magnesium sachet.

• Don’t use too much detergent. It can actually cause yellowing.

• To whiten clothes, use natural ingredients you probably already have around the house. (Scroll down for specifics from Dear Dot.)

• Use cold water. You’ll have clean clothes and a lower energy bill.

• Reduce your microplastic pollution (created when you wash synthetic fibers) with a laundry ball, laundry bag, or laundry filter.

Tips for Drying 

• Save energy by using a drying rack or line-drying your clothes. 

• Sub charming wool dryer balls for dryer sheets.

• Dry your clothes on the low-heat setting. 

• Turn on your dryer’s sensor so that it stops running once your items dry.

• Clean the lint trap after every load to boost your dryer’s efficiency. 

• If your load contained only natural fabrics, compost your lint. 

• Use your dryer during off-peak hours. 

• Deep-clean your dryer vent at least once a year.

And of course, if the machines themselves are at the end of their lives (and repairs won’t work), upgrade to EnergyStar appliances. Get more details on our favorite items below, and happy shopping! 

–Elizabeth Weinstein, Marketplace Editor 

P.S. A big congratulations to the winners of our first-ever Sustainable Living Giveaway! Ann Q. won our grand prize, worth over $2500, while Gregory C. and Ann M. each won prize packages worth over $1000. Special thanks to our giveaway prize partners: Airnex, Bean and Bear Studio, Blueland Cleaning, Brrrn, Brows by Kunti, Burlap & Barrel Spices, Calming Connect Well, Chewy, Dirty Labs, Epic Water Filters, Figure Ate Foods, Foxfire Artisan Glass Co., Nocs Provisions, Of an Origin, Scribner’s Lodge, Shop Without Plastic, ThermoWorks, Unwilted Paper Flowers, and Zero Waste Store.

If you missed out on this giveaway, stay tuned — we have more sustainable product giveaways coming soon!