What's up with laundry and scents
Updated: Apr 25, 2022
Please note that the blog post you are about to read was written by a dyslexic dog mama with ADHD. Here’s what’s going on inside my brain…
Finally, Willow is down for a nap!
Now I have a chance to write.
It's a beautiful day here in Kingston and I must admit I couldn't wait to get a load in the wash so could hang it out on the line. Last week I installed a 90-foot clothesline. The act of using a clothesline reminds me of my Grandmother Y, as even in her later years she still used one. It was funny as she had a dryer and all that it did was hold the grocery bags. As I sit here writing I also remember going to my sister's home. She lives on the water in the country which meant giving the clothes coming off the line a good shake. Focus, back to why I'm writing about laundry. The other day it was national laundry day. Who would have thought a national day for laundry? So, what does laundry mean to a dog? Clean toys, blankets and beds right? I wish! It was just that simple. Many people love the scents used in cleaning products. I can admit in my past I did too. It just smells clean, right? Or is that what we have been made to feel? Oh, that‘s a great question. Sometimes I surprise myself. (yes, I'm giggling now) Way back when my grandmother was young there were no scents in laundry soap. Heck, what did she use? Things were simple to a degree. hand wash clothes(not simple) and hang out on the line. In today's world, we are bombarded with many choices of laundry detergent. How did you feel the last time you walked down the cleaning section? For me, I avoid it like the plague, as my body can‘t handle the overwhelming scents. Now imagine what it is like for a dog. As their olfactory receptors are amazing. More information here
The other day I read a post regarding fabric softener and possibly causing health issues for dogs and heck us.
There was a study done by Anne Steinemann, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs at the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze VOCs given off by the products. They tested 25 air fresheners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, disinfectants, dish detergents, all-purpose cleaners, soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorants, and shampoos. Many of the products tested are top sellers in their category. read more on the study here
So now what!
What can I do? The good news it’s never too late to make a change. I did, twenty-one years ago. Start simple, the next time you purchase laundry soap buy unscented. Switch to dryer balls or hang on a clothesline. I was in love with an eco-friendly laundry detergent. The cleaning power is perfect and the no scent is amazing. In trying to do better with buying products with less packaging I decided to try out some other companies. I will give a review in a month or so as I like to try out a product for a while before recommending it.
While writing this post, Mackay, Piper and Willow woke up. Snacks, fresh water and outside trips occurred. Piper has been laying at my feet on the sofa as it had the perfect sunny spot. Willow played the in and out game. I got a tad quiet so I went to check on Willow. She decided to help with the laundry. As in, she took down some of the clean hanging laundry.
Thanks for stopping in, Paula