About The Laundress Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd weren’t always international soap mavens, delighting fashionistas, value seekers, and environmentalists from New York to New Delhi. Many laundry cycles ago, they were young fashion enthusiasts, launching careers in one of the world’s best-dressed cities. As Gwen and Lindsey invested in building their wardrobes, they were confronted with the frustration of maintaining them: replacing prematurely worn items and paying painful dry cleaning bills. As graduates from Cornell University’s Fiber Science program, they saw an opportunity to advance the world of fabric care.
“We're an eco-friendly line of detergent, fabric care, and home-cleaning products that take excellent care of you, the things you love, and the environment.”
“THE LAUNDRESS HAS THE PRACTICE DOWN TO A SCIENCE” & “A DECADE OF FABRIC CARE WISDOM”
A Work of Art Built on Science MORE CLEAN FOR YOUR MONEY ELIMINATE DRY CLEANING Care for 90% of “dry clean” items with The Laundress, saving hundreds of dollars over time. Our products reduce fading and pilling, and preserve fit and elasticity while removing stains and odor. MORE VALUE PER WASH Compared to both natural and grocery brands, our highly concentrated products use fewer ounces per load and therefore require less packaging, energy, and water. PRESERVE YOUR CLOTHING INVESTMENTS By taking excellent care of your clothes and correcting issues such as stains, fading, or pilling, The Laundress products extend the life of your wardrobe. ELEVATED EXPERIENCE Take the chore out of doing laundry and enjoy the ultimate washing experience with our signature fine fragrances.
CLEAN & GREEN NONTOXIC & BIODEGRADABLE The Laundress ingredients are eco-friendly and plant-derived (no animal by-products), and all of our products are free of allergens, petroleum, phthalate, phosphates, parabens, and chlorine bleach. HIGHLY EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS Formulated with active ingredients—enzymes, color guard, and bleach alternative—that preserve fabrics and colors while targeting stains. NATURAL COLORS No artificial colors, dyes, or unnecessary additives.
EASY TO USE IDEAL FOR EVERY SYSTEM Suited to all machines, washing temperatures, and water systems (HE compatible). WASH WITH CONFIDENCE Our products are formulated for all fabrics and colors, so there’s never a need to second-guess. GET TIPS We’re passionate about helping our customers get the most out of our products with resources including our videos, How-Tos, Stain Guide, Fabrics A-Z, and Clean Talk Blog found on www.thelaundress.com.
Ingredients Alcohol (aka Ethanol) – An organic chemical solvent with exceptional cleaning and antibacterial properties. The Laundress Fabric Fresh sprays contain alcohol for the antibacterial properties at a level that is still safe to use on all fabrics and surfaces. Bleach Alternative (Oxygenated Bleach/Non-chlorine Bleach) – Sodium percarbonate is the chlorine-free oxygen bleaching system we use. Oxygen bleach releases active oxygen into the wash water to produce a gentler bleaching (oxidizing) action than chlorine bleach. This system is color-safe and whitens and brightens fabrics, and removes stubborn stains and deodorizes by converting soils into small particles. These are later removed by the detergent and carried away in the wash water. It works gently and safely on almost all surfaces and washable fabrics. Water temperature affects the bleaching rate of non-chlorine bleach, which is accelerated by hot water. As water temperature decreases, bleaching time must be increased. Cleaning Enhancer (aka Builder) – A material that enhances or maintains the cleaning efficacy of the surfactant, typically by the binding and deactivation of hardness minerals/ions in the water, which then allows soils and stains to be more easily removed. Builders also function to supply alkalinity and buffer pH in order to assist in cleaning. The Laundress uses several types of mineral-based cleaning enhancers: • Borax (aka Sodium Borate) – A natural mineral-based builder that also works to stabilize the cleaning enzymes. • Sodium Gluconate – A corn-derived builder that acts as a pH buffer while preventing the breakdown of the cleaning enzymes. • Calcium Chloride – A natural mineral-based builder that also works as an enzyme stabilizer. Color Guard – A blend of ingredients incorporated into a three-dimensional polymeric structure that effectively removes soils and micro fibrils throughout the washing process. The Laundress uses color-guard in our detergents to keep clothes bright and lasting longer. Enzymes – Large biological proteins that serve as highly selective catalysts to speed up the breakdown of soils and stains, which are later removed by detergents in the washing process. Enzymes are classified by the type of soil they break down. The Laundress products use high concentrations of stain-fighting and cleaning enzymes to maximize efficiency. • Amylase degrades starch-based stains by breaking them down into carbohydrates. • Cellulase reduces the deposits of particulate soils like soot and clay while reducing the fuzz, pilling, and graying of cotton fabrics for more effective fabric and color care with each wash. The Laundress Darks Detergent contains a high concentration of the cellulase enzyme. • Lipase degrades fat-containing stains and oils, such as salad dressing, body oils, grease, butter, sebum, etc. • Mannanase targets guar gum, which is a thickener present in everything, from food to cosmetics. This commonly used thickener poses as a secret stain magnet. Mannanase helps prevent graying most noticeable in white clothing and linen. The Laundress Whites Detergent contains the mannanase enzyme. • Protease breaks down protein-based stains, such as blood, milk, baby stains, formula, grass, eggs, etc. Ethanol (aka Alcohol) – An organic chemical solvent with exceptional cleaning and antibacterial properties. The Laundress uses ethanol in the home cleaning products for quick drying and for streak-free cleaning. Fabric Softener – A material that is added to laundry products to give fabrics a soft feel and smooth surface while reducing drying time, eliminating static electricity, and preventing wrinkles. Most grocery brands use tallow as the primary ingredient, otherwise known as animal fat. The Laundress uses a plant-derived, canola-based softener.
Fragrance and Essential Oils – A physical mixture of essential oils, resins (materials pulled from plants, flowers, stems, roots, and seeds), absolutes (essences extracted with solvents), and naturally identical molecules. The Laundress uses a combination of essential oils and naturally identical molecules to provide a light, fresh scent to our products while maintaining the safest, most stable scent structure. The essential oils that we use also have cleaning and antibacterial properties to enhance products. Grease Cutter – A material that helps to remove grease and stuck-on debris from most washable surfaces and utensils around the home by binding to oily, nonpolar grease molecules and allowing them to be washed away during the cleaning and scrubbing process. The Laundress products use a plant-derived grease-cutting agent in their home cleaning products for more efficient cleaning. Starch – Spray starch is generally used for cotton and linen, while fabric finish or sizing is made for synthetic fabrics. Aerosol starch sprays are made with propane and other unsafe ingredients and can be toxic and unsafe. Our nonaerosol product is made with a natural cornstarch and is designed to be used on cotton, linen, and synthetics. Producing a light to medium finish, our Stiffen Up also imparts body to fabrics, increases resistance to soils, and reduces ironing. Surfactants (aka Surface Active Agents) – Materials that change the properties of water by lowering the surface tension, thus enabling the cleaning solution to disperse more quickly and suspend soils while preventing them from settling back on the surface. The surfactants help to dissolve and remove dirt, soils, and stains. Most grocery brands use surfactants derived from petroleum which are harsh on people and the environment. The Laundress uses concentrated blends of biodegradable, plant-based surfactants that are derived from coconut and sugar in order to achieve superior cleaning performance. • Anionic Surfactants – Surfactants in which the hydrophilic (water-loving) portion contains a negatively charged group. Anionic surfactants are excellent foamers and cleaners. • Nonionic Surfactants – Surfactants in which the hydrophilic portion holds no charge. Nonionic surfactants are excellent grease and soil removers and have good tolerance to electrolytes, which permits improved performance in water by resisting water hardness. Vinegar – An acidic liquid processed from the fermentation of ethanol. White vinegar is often used as a household cleaning agent. because it is acidic and can dissolve deposits from smooth surfaces. For most uses, dilution with water is recommended for safety and to avoid damaging the surface being cleaned. Our Scented Vinegar is 100% pure vinegar that is boiled (distilled) to remove the “mother.” We love home cleaning with vinegar, as it is safe and effective for so many uses. We also use it often as an odor remover for fabrics, as it is safe for silk and wool (when we cannot use the All-Purpose Bleach Alternative).
Free Of Allergens – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes eight major allergenic foods and food groups as defined by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 that may result in allergic reactions or cause adverse food reactions in individuals who display sensitivities to the items or their derivatives. These allergen groups account for 90 percent of all food allergies and include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, crustacean shellfish, fish, wheat and its derivatives, and soy and its derivatives. The Laundress products do not intentionally contain or contact any of these known allergens, neither as a raw material nor during the manufacturing process of the product. Ammonia – Ammonia is an alkaline chemical compound used as a household cleaning ingredient. When dissolved in water, the toxicity of ammonia does not usually cause problems. However, ammonia is an irritant and it can negatively affect the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and digestive tract. Exposure to ammonia can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as lung pain, headaches, nausea, coughing, and rapid breathing. Ammonia should never be mixed with bleach as the consequences can be lethal. Animal Ingredients – The Laundress products do not contain any ingredients produced by an animal or animal by-products (from slaughtered animals). Therefore our products do not contain tallow, an ingredient derived from animal fat which is widely used in making soap. Tallow is most commonly used in bar soaps and fabric softeners; we use plant-derived ingredients instead. Animal Testing – All Laundress products are tested on Gwen and Lindsey, not on animals. Carcinogens – Carcinogenic materials refer to any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer. Carcinogens may increase the risk of cancer by altering cellular metabolism or damaging DNA in cells, which then interferes with biological processes and stimulates the uncontrolled, malignant division of cells resulting in the formation of tumors. The Laundress products do not intentionally contain any carcinogenic materials at a concentration high enough to be considered harmful. Chlorine Bleach – Bleach is a chemical that functions to remove color, whiten, and/or disinfect via the process of oxidation. Liquid chlorine bleach is commonly sold as an approximately 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite. As a laundry additive, liquid chlorine bleach removes stains, aids in soil removal, whitens, disinfects, and deodorizes. It cannot be used on certain stains such as rust, nor can it be used on certain fabrics such as silks, woolens, or dyed fabrics—it is not color-safe. It can weaken fibers and cause fabrics to deteriorate over time and can cause yellowing. It can also deactivate enzymes found in laundry detergents or laundry aids and may produce harmful acids or poisonous gases when mixed with cleaning products. The Laundress uses sodium percarbonate as a gentle, color-safe, chlorine-free oxygen bleaching system in its products to whiten and brighten throughout the home. Dyes and Colorants – Dyes and artificial colorants are any substances added to a product to change or alter the natural coloring. Pigments and other color additives are widely used in soaps and detergents for aesthetic effect, or in the case of blue colorant, to produce a bluing action on fabrics. The Laundress products do not contain artificial ingredients. Therefore, the appearance may vary slightly from batch to batch. Formaldehyde – Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that can be useful as a disinfectant and antibacterial agent. Exposure to formaldehyde can pose a significant risk to human health, and it is known to be a human carcinogen. Children are more sensitive to formaldehyde toxicity than adults, and overexposure to this chemical can result in negative respiratory and nasal symptoms. Formaldehyde is not typically added as a raw material in laundry and household products but can be generated as a by-product from the chemical breakdown of certain preservatives used in the product. The Laundress products do not intentionally contain formaldehyde or any ingredients that release formaldehyde through a chemical reaction. Some grocery brand cleaners (especially glass cleaners) contain formaldehyde.
Gluten – Gluten is a protein in grains found in everyday foods such as bread and pasta. Though harmless to most individuals, gluten causes intestinal damage to people with celiac disease. The only treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet and the use of gluten-free products. The FDA-proposed regulation defining the term “gluten-free” for labeling purposes is currently before the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for final approval. Under the agency’s proposed regulation, a food may be labeled “gluten-free” if it contains less than 20 parts per million. The Laundress products do not intentionally contain or contact this known allergen – neither as a raw material nor during the manufacturing process of the product. Parabens – Parabens are a group of chemicals that are often used as preservatives in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries due to their low cost and highly efficacious antibacterial and fungicidal properties. Parabens have a long history of safe use. However, some recent research has fueled a belief that parabens may be carcinogens. While no effective direct link has been established between parabens and cancer, there is a growing trend to utilize other preservative systems to avoid this controversy. The Laundress products do not contain parabens. Phosphates – Phosphates are salts that form alkaline solutions in water, assisting in the performance of detergents and soaps to soften hard water, remove scum, and clean more effectively. While phosphate detergents clean very well, they have been linked to environmental concerns which have resulted in the restriction of their use. The use of phosphates in laundry products has been prohibited in the United States since 1993; this ban has now extended to Europe. In addition, several states have restricted the use of phosphates in dishwashing detergents. The Laundress products do not contain phosphates. Phthalates – Most phthalates are additives to plastics which function to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. Some phthalates used in personal care products, particularly as fragrance components, are easily released into the environment because there is no covalent bond between them and the plastics they are mixed in. Phthalates that leach into food or evaporate into the atmosphere can cause adverse health effects, including developmental issues in children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Consumer Federation of America (CFA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that average (total) human exposures to phthalates used in personal care products is well below the safe levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and declared “safe as used.” There are no phthalates in The Laundress products or ingredients. Perchloroethylene – Also known as "perc," perchloroethylene is the dominant chemical solvent used by most professional dry cleaners because it removes stains and dirt from all common types of fabrics. Perc usually does not cause clothes to shrink, or dyes to bleed—it is not flammable, unlike solvents commonly used to clean clothes in the 1930s and ’40s. Since perc can be reused, it is cost-effective. Perc is a toxic chemical with both human health and environmental concerns. The extent of any health effects depends on both the amount and length of exposure. People exposed to high levels of perc, even for brief periods, may experience serious symptoms including fatigue, confusion, nausea, and skin, lung, eye, and mucous membrane irritation. Repeated exposure at high levels can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and mouth, and can cause liver damage and respiratory failure. The Laundress was created to reduce the need for dry cleaning (and reduce our exposure to perc). The other “green” dry cleaning alternatives have other toxicity issues. Petroleum – A petrochemical is defined as any synthetic compound composed in some part of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Conventional cleaning product manufacturers use petroleum to make the solvents and other cleaning agents. Petroleum is much less expensive than the natural plant-derived alternative, and has been known to cause both skin and scalp irritation. Natural cleaning surfactants are made with oils derived from plants; the most commonly used plant oil is coconut oil. The Laundress products do not contain petroleum-derived ingredients. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – VOCs include a variety of carbon-based chemicals that can form vapors at room temperature and may cause short-term and/or long-term adverse health effects. A wide variety of household, cosmetic, and cleaning products contain chemicals that can release organic compounds into the air during use and while in storage. The Laundress products do not intentionally contain organic compounds that may release VOCs into the air at a level that is harmful to human health.
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