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Posted on January 8, 2021April 28, 2021 by Sarrah Isnain

Here Are the 10 Most Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here Are the 10 Most Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Laundry might seem like a simple enough task. But the first time you ruin a treasured piece of clothing, you’ll realize there’s a lot that can go wrong. Not to mention the fact that washers and dryers aren’t’ cheap, so you want them to perform their best and last as long as possible.

Are your clothes even getting clean? Are you missing a vital step or committing some grave error? Maybe you’re making a simple mistake with your washer/dryer that could damage your clothes or shorten the life of your machines.

Here are 10 of the most common laundry mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Using Too Much Detergent or Bleach

It might seem like using more laundry detergent or bleach will help you get cleaner clothes. But the opposite is true. Too much detergent will create too many suds that can’t get completely rinsed out. Pay close attention to your measurements.

You probably don’t even need bleach to get rid of stains or whiten your whites. Instead of using this harsh chemical on your clothes, choose something like baking soda, distilled white vinegar, or even lemon juice.

2. Overtreating Your Stains

When your clothes get covered with mud, red wine, blood, or other stubborn stains, it’s natural to want to scrub the area as vigorously as possible. But over scrubbing a stain can wear away at your fabric and even cause the stain to spread.

Instead, gently dab or blot the stain from the outside in. And, it’s best to treat it as quickly as possible to get the stain while it’s still fresh.

3. Ignoring the “Dry-Clean” Only Label

Designers and manufacturers don’t put those care labels on your clothing for entertainment purposes. If you want your clothing to last the longest and look its best, you should pay particular attention to anything that says, “dry-clean only.”

That said, you may be able to get away with hand washing a few dry-clean items, such as silks and linens, and air drying them. But, it’s still not a good idea to put them in a washing machine. And, avoid washing anything made of suede, leather, or items with sequins unless you’re done wearing them forever.

4. Leaving Zippers “Unzipped” or Buttons “Buttoned”

If your clothing ever comes out of the wash with snags, it might be from exposed zippers. You can avoid this by zipping up all items with zippers and clasping anything with a clasp, like a bra.

Likewise, buttons that pop off in the wash are often due to strain during the cycle. All items with buttons, including collars and shirt sleeves, should be unbuttoned when placed in the washer.

5. Not Sorting Your Laundry by Material

Many people sort their laundry by color, and you’ll find plenty who don’t even bother to do that. But a bigger mistake is not separating your items by material.

For example, bedding, towels, and other bulky items should be washed separately from clothing. You may also wish to separate heavier items, like sweaters and jeans, from lightweight ones, like dress shirts and blouses, to prevent damage to your more delicate apparel.

6. Forgetting to Clean Out the Dryer Lint

Most modern dryers have an indicator light reminding you to clean out the lint receptacle. This isn’t just some annoying prompt you can ignore. It’s important. Lint buildup in your dryer can be a significant fire hazard and it impacts the performance of your appliance.

Just make it a habit. When you unload the dryer or before you start a new load, pull out the lint screen and clean it. You should also regularly clean out the cavity that holds the screen because lint accumulating in there can make your machine run less efficiently.

7. Closing Your Front-Loader After a Cycle

If you have a front-loading wash machine, you might think that you’re being tidy by closing the door after you’re finished with it, but this is the wrong move. This style of machine is known for trapping moisture and bacteria around the door, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even mold.

A better method is to leave your door open, at least for a few hours, after you run a load of laundry. Once the rubber gasket around the door feels dry, you can close it.

8. Not Regularly Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Just because your washing machine is cleaning clothes, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily “clean.” Where does all that dirt, grime, and moisture go?

Some machines have a self-clean cycle you can use. You can also use a proven product like OdorCrush washing machine cleaning tablets to remove and dissolve the odor-causing residue that builds up over time in your washer. It’s an eco-friendly solution and simple to use.

9. Operating an Unlevel Washing Machine

If your washing machine isn’t level, it’s probably going to make an awful noise. Beyond the “thumping” going on in your laundry room, this activity is bad news for the life of your appliance.

Place a level on top of your machine and adjust the feet until the bubble is in the middle. You can also buy shock absorbers to place under your washer’s feet.

10. Overdrying Your Clothes

It’s a common misconception that more is better when it comes to time in the dryer. If your clothes are good and hot, they won’t have as many wrinkles, right? Actually, the opposite is the case. Overdrying causes the fibers in your clothing to break down faster.

If you want to avoid static and wrinkles, use the appropriate drying time and setting. You can also reduce wrinkles, soften fabric, and eliminate the cost of dryer sheets by using reusable DryerBoost wool dryer balls instead.

Summary

Nothing is worse than setting aside time for laundry and not getting the desired results. Now that you know how to avoid these common laundry mistakes, you’ll have cleaner clothes and appliances that work and perform as you’d expect.

At Odor Crush, we want to make your laundry day as care-free and simple as possible, naturally. Let us know if you have any comments or questions!

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Posted on January 7, 2021January 11, 2021 by Sarrah Isnain

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?

If doing laundry isn’t your favorite household chore, you’re not alone. Do you keep putting off this simplest of tasks until you have nothing to wear but an ill-fitting cocktail dress or a decades-old sports jersey? Just how many more times CAN you wear that pair of jeans or t-shirt, anyway?

While not every item of clothing needs to be washed after each wear, some things do. Here is when you should wash your clothes and other household items to make them last as long as possible and keep you from getting sideways glances from others.

When Should You Wash Your Clothes?

Maybe you use the sniff test to decide when you should wash your clothes. But, that may not be the most reliable indicator. How often you should launder something depends on a variety of factors such as your activity levels, the weather, how much you sweat, and the particular item of clothing.

Even though no one has set hard and fast rules relative to washing frequency, there are a few guidelines. Before you worry that you have to wash everything at once or after each wear, here are some general rules of thumb you can follow:

Wash After Every Wear

The common theme among these items is that most of them are close-fitting. You should absolutely wash undergarments after every wear because they absorb your body’s sweat, dead skin, and body oils.

You want your body and your clothing to smell fresh, so plan on dumping these items in the dirty clothes basket at the end of the day. Some items like swimsuits, silk, and hosiery, you can wash by hand and hang to dry.

The exception to what we just described is anything that is white. If you want to prevent your clothing from becoming discolored, white apparel needs frequent washing as well.

Wash Every 1-3 Wears

You will probably need to start using your judgment with many of these items. This is also where the sniff test is going to be helpful.

If you generally wear a camisole under your dress top, dress, or sweater and spend most of the day inside a temperature-controlled building, you can get multiple wears from those items. The same goes for your khakis and shorts.

When you only wear tights or yoga pants to run a few errands or lounge around the house in the afternoon, you don’t have to wash them right away. If you decide to jump on the Stairmaster for a vigorous workout, they need to be washed.

Wash Every 3-4 Wears

If you love your jeans, don’t wash them after every wear. Denim fades and deteriorates with washing, and it’s durable enough to stand up to multiple wears. The is also true with your bras. Unless you had a sweaty day, you can probably launder your bras every 3 or so wears.

And pajamas will last a few nights simply because you are pretty inactive while asleep. Finally, suits and blazers might need dry cleaning, but they can also take multiple wears.

Wash Every 5-7 Wears

If you’re wearing a sweatshirt or cardigan over another shirt, it can be worn multiple times before it needs washing. You also don’t need to worry about frequent laundering of dress pants or skirts worn for work as long as it’s in a comfortable environment. The same holds true for jackets since they are worn over your other clothing.

Wash Seasonally

You don’t need to wash these items very often unless you’ve been out rolling around in the mud. Winter accessories are meant to keep you warm, so you probably aren’t sweating in them. You can probably get away with washing outwear once or twice per season and the other items up to three times, as needed.

Wash Household Items

Now that you know how often to wash your clothes, what about household items? It’s a good rule of thumb to wash your bed sheets and bath mats about once a week. Even though you don’t wear your bath towels and dish towels, they do absorb a lot of water, so plan on washing those after about every three uses.

Other household items that you need to wash at least monthly include your mattress pad, bathrobe, and pillow liners. Every three months, plan to wash your throw rugs, throw blankets, and shower curtains. Finally, wash your pillows and comforter at least twice per year.

Take the Fabric Into Consideration

How often you wash your clothes also depends on the fabric in question. Some fabrics don’t breathe as well as others, so will trap sweat, bacteria, and body soils close to the body.

Synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, and elastane tend to be odor and dirt magnets. These will get smellier faster than other materials, so you should wash them more frequently.

Some alternative fabrics are made to go a long time without washing. For example, wool and merino wool can go a significant number of wears without a wash. Other fabrics may need trial and error and come down to your best judgment.

Tips for Washing Items Efficiently

Few people enjoy doing laundry. That’s why it’s generally on a “to do” or “chores” list. Since we can’t all afford to hire someone to do this task, here are a few ways to get your laundry done as efficiently as possible:

Separate your items wisely. Divide clothing by lights and darks as well as delicates and heavy fabrics and even heavily-soiled items and barely dirty ones.
Avoid overloading your machines. Your laundry needs room to spin, so don’t overload your machines.
Select the right water temperature. Cold water works best with delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and lace. Hot water is a better option if you are dealing with heavily-soiled or stinky items.
Fold your items immediately. If you let your laundry site for hours or days on end, it’s going to be more wrinkled. Pull it out of the dryer while it’s still warm and fold it or hang it up.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Machines

The less you wash your clothes, the fewer times you have to run your washer/dryer. This can increase the lifespan of your machine and also save energy.

But, don’t forget that your clothes will only get clean if your appliances are clean and working the way they were designed. The simplest and most affordable way to clean your washing machine regularly is with a simple cleaning tablet like OdorCrush. And DryerBoost is a revolutionary way to get your clothes dry faster, reduce wrinkles, and save money by eliminating dryer sheets.

Doing laundry might be more complicated than you imagined. Now that you know when you should wash your clothes, it should be easy enough to set up a schedule that works for you. At OdorCrush, we have practical and natural solutions to all your laundry problems.

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Dealing with the Hygiene Issues of New Washing Machines

Washing machines have entered the third generation. While the old ringer washers enabled our grandparents to escape the drudgery of the washboard, they were still extremely labor-intensive. In the middle of the 20th century, the second generation of washing machines was simpler to use but not economical when it came to electricity or water. Now, the third generation of new washing machine designs is much more efficient, yet they have created some new problems. Fortunately, there is a solution to the novel problems of the newest machines.

The Latest Washing Machine Designs

The grand old washing machines that were in common usage throughout the second half of the 20th century worked pretty well, so long as one ignored the massive amounts of water and electric utilities it took to use them. To make using washing machines more economical, beginning in 1999, the US Department of Energy decreed new standards for the amount of water and electricity washing machines could use. The amount of the two utilities were interconnected all along since about 85 to 90% of the electricity used to wash clothes comes from heating the water. To address these problems, washer manufacturers had to design machines that used less water and also used cooler water.

Today’s machines have achieved these two goals. Some modern washers have built-in sensors that examine the laundry loaded into them and thus sense exactly how much water to use. There is a variety of innovative front and top-loading designs that use baffles to dip clothes through washing water rather than continually immersing them, which significantly diminishes water usage.

The other big change has been the shift to cool or cold water. Detergent makers have focused on soap formulae that work well at colder temperatures. Traditionally, consumers have perceived that hot water cleans more thoroughly. Researchers studying the issue have determined that, apart from heavy stain removal, cold water does a credible job of cleaning, preserving the shape of clothes, and avoiding shrinkage. Using cold water is also much more environmentally friendly, not to mention it can save the average consumer more $200 a year in utility bills.

The New Problem with the New Washing Machines

As is so often the case, however, brand new technology results in new problems that must be addressed. As the new generations of washers began to come into wide use, reports began to surface of foul odors coming from certain machines accompanied by reports of dark slime, especially with front loaders. Some reports indicate that as many as 17% of front-loading machines and 3% of new top-loading machines develop mold. Manufacturers have continued to work on their designs in order to eliminate points in the washer where water could accumulate and develop mold. As far as knowing whether any mold is present, the telltale sign is a stale or foul odor, akin to dirty gym socks.

Then there is the problem of persistent pathogens. With previous generations of washing machines, any microbe that found its way into a washing machine was a goner. Between the high water temperature, the duration of agitation, the likelihood of chlorine bleach, and detergent, microbes were either effectively washed away or killed. As reported in a study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), however, the new lower temperatures being used in today’s washing machines are good at cleaning clothes but not as effective at getting rid of the germs they may harbor. Indeed, other reports confirm that washing machines not only might not kill germs on clothing but our washers themselves may become vortexes for pathogens.

Then there are the dust mites. These microscopic creatures and the detritus they produce are not lethal, but they are troublemakers. They are among the most common allergens experienced within households. Researchers have found that mites cannot only survive regular trips through a washing machine but also spread from the original fabric they were on to other items in the washing machine.

How Do You Clean the Cleaner?

For most of us, it’s a total surprise to think the washing machine itself isn’t clean. If there is one point in the home that we associate with total cleanliness, it’s the washing machine. We place our dirtiest items of clothing inside and assume, after the washing cycle is completed, they come out clean as a whistle and totally sanitized. The washing machine manufacturers, however, seem to have had the understanding all along that their machines themselves would need to be cleaned periodically. Else, why would the preponderance of new machines have a cycle specially called “Clean Washer”?

So, by what means can we clean the machines that are supposed to clean our clothes, making certain to remove mold, pathogens, and dust mites, as well as the grime and residue that sometimes accumulate in the hidden corners of our washers? There are a couple of methods most frequently attempted that show mixed results.

The first method is simply to run the cleaning cycle of the machine, using the hottest water setting available. The problem with this is that the typical new washing machine at its hottest setting generally gets up to about 130º. In order to be an effective germ killer, water needs to be about 140º. Remember also that the modern washer is designed to water-economical, which implies that the inner surfaces of the machine will have less exposure to water at its hottest.

A second method sometimes used is cleaning the interior of the machine, especially when mold is present, with chlorine bleach, either by hand-wiping the inner tub, baffles, and screens or by adding bleach to the self-cleaning cycle. Hand-wiping with bleach is probably not the safest or most effective way to clean the inner parts of the machine. If you’ve ever tried to clean the mold from a small dish with many facets, you realize it’s virtually impossible to get to every crevice and crease that might conceal microbes and fungus. Running bleach through the cleaning cycle often produces mixed results. The true test is to wait until the bleach smell has gone and determine whether or not the stale mold smell remains.

The Top Solution: The Best Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets

I cannot recommend strongly enough the OdorCrush Limescale Prevention Tablets. This product is designed specifically for use in top-loading or front-loading washers. It is simple to use and has a proprietary formula that is environmentally friendly and deadly effective against pathogens and mold. Because it is intended to cleanse the entire inner surface of the washing machine, it eliminates not only residue and grime but also any microscopic particles that might have remained in the machine after previous cycles.

Far and away the best product for cleaning washing machines on the market, OdorCrush cleansing tablets are simple to use. When the machine is empty of clothing, insert one tablet—or two if there is the presence of an odor. Run a normal cycle using hot water. When the cycle is complete, towel dry the interior surface of the washing machine. Repeat this cleaning regime once a month with OdorCrush Washing Machine Cleansing Tablets, and you will have conquered the new problems created by the new generation of economical, cold water washing machines.

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Posted on November 20, 2020December 7, 2020 by Sarrah Isnain

How to Save Money on Laundry

How to Save Money on Laundry

Cleaning Clothes Is an Expensive Proposition

How much does it cost you to do your laundry? It’s difficult to come up with an exact figure, isn’t it? Chances are, the first question that came to your mind was, how much do I spend on laundry detergent and how many loads does it last? Then, too, how can you figure the amount of electricity your washer and dryer use or how much the water costs? What about fabric softener, bleach, and dryer sheets? Consider as well that one of the main sources of wear and tear on your clothes comes from the agitation they receive in the washing machine and the tumbling they get in the dryer. Thus, clothes replacement is one of the hidden costs of cleaning clothes. How can anyone really tell what it costs to clean our clothes?

While the intangibles differ for all of us, we can get a good idea of the major costs of doing the laundry. If you know what your average monthly electric bill is, your washer and dryer account for about 10% of that. To say this another way, your washer uses about the same amount of energy as your refrigerator, which runs constantly. Your dryer uses about 25% more energy than your washer. What about water? On average, about 22% of your water usage goes toward washing your clothes.

Eleven Ways for You to Cut Laundry Costs and Lengthen the Lives of Your Equipment and Clothing

Right away you can see that cleaning our clothes is an expensive proposition. The good news is, we can positively impact the cost of doing laundry in several ways. Here are eleven ways to save money on laundry. The first six deal with washing and the last ten with drying.

1. Wash full loads of laundry. In times past, much was made of separating colored items from white ones. Unless one is using chlorine bleach, however, the new detergent formulae are meant for all types of clothing and separation is not an issue. New washers may sense the amount of water needed but two loads are always going to use more energy than one. Even advanced sensors can’t make up the difference between multiple loads.

2. Wash in cold water. This is actually a double energy saving because it doesn’t pull energy from your water heater. Today’s washers also have internal heaters, which aren’t necessary if you use cold water. Current detergent formulations commence from the notion that most consumers will use cold water. You’ll also save a little wear and tear on your clothing since hot water can shrink and degrade the fabric. So, you’ll also be helping your wardrobe last a little bit longer.

3. Select “HE” (high efficiency) detergents whenever possible. These are just now coming into common availability and they are particularly useful for front-loading washers and high-efficiency top-loaders. Such detergent formulae tend to be low-sudsing, which doesn’t mean they aren’t quite effective when it comes to cleaning and removing stains. If you have a washer with rinse-sensing capabilities and use a higher-suds detergent, the machine will add rinse cycles to get the soap residue out of the clothes.

4. Use the high-spin speed. One of the newer options on today’s washers is an adjustable spin speed. Using the highest possible spin speed gets the greatest amount of water possible out of the clothes before they hit the dryer (which is more expensive to run than the washer).

5. Avoid the sanitary cycle unless you have reason to think your clothes are full of microbes or mites. The sanitary cycle may give us a feeling that our clothes are really clean and virtually sterile. That comforting thought is costly, however, in that it engages both your water heater and the washer’s internal heating mechanism, and is rarely necessary.

6. Regularly use washing machine cleaner tablets. These remove grime and condensation as well as improving the flow of water and preventing mold. Washing machine cleaner tablets can improve the efficiency of the washer in addition to removing any microbes or parasites that might be lurking. Most machines today have a “machine clean” cycle specifically designed for this. Just drop a washing machine cleaner tablet into the tub, close the lid, choose the cleaning cycle, and you’re on your way.

7.When it comes to the dryer, clean the lint screen after every load. This isn’t just to prevent a fire, which is pretty important in itself, but to improve the airflow through the dryer. It makes the dryer more efficient and prolongs its life, which is another money-saving factor. Monthly, take an old toothbrush to the filter to shake loose the smaller particles hiding in the screen. If necessary, run the screen under water to make sure all the lint is washed away. Pro Tip: If there’s still lint, water won’t run through the screen. It will pool, instead, warning you to go back with the brush and clean a little deeper.

8. Wash and dry loads in succession. That way, when one load has dried, the next load is ready to go right into the warm dryer, which then requires less energy to achieve the heat needed to dry the next load. Another virtue of running successive loads is it makes it less likely that a load is forgotten in the washer, which could lead to mildew and rewashing, or in the dryer, which could lead to wrinkles and re-drying.

9. Use dryer balls. The best choice is wool dryer balls as opposed to plastic or rubber balls or dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls work to separate clothes as they are tumbling, which decreases drying time and helps to eliminate static as well. Dryer sheets do not hasten drying and they contain chemicals that can coat the inside of the dryer tub and to which some people have sensitivities.

10.Use your dryer’s moisture sensor if it has one. Many of today’s dryers have a sensor that detects moisture in the clothes while they are tumbling and shuts off the dryer when no moisture is detected. If your machine doesn’t have a sensor, you’ll save more energy by setting shorter drying times and checking the loads when the dryer shuts off. Remember that the high-spin cycle has made your clothes dryer to begin with.

11. Use the low heat setting and the cooldown setting on the dryer. While the dryer may run longer with the low heat setting, it’s actually using less energy. The cooldown setting is energy efficient because it uses the heat it has already built up to finish drying the load.

Clean and Energy Efficient

The past two decades have been a time of technological progress for appliance makers of washers and dryers and also for the makers of detergents and additives. The one aspect of doing laundry that hasn’t kept up with the times is our awareness of how to use the new tech. By becoming aware of these new technological developments and utilizing all the new options on our appliances, as well as using the right washing machine tablet to keep your machine in pristine condition, we will be keeping up with the times and cutting the cost of doing our laundry.

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Posted on June 30, 2020July 2, 2020 by Sarrah Isnain

Wool dryer balls or traditional dryer sheets? A comparison.

A Comparison.
Wool Dryer Balls or Traditional Dryer Sheets?

Traditionally, when it comes to doing laundry and drying clothes, you’re probably used to reaching for the box of dryer sheets, grabbing a couple and tossing them in the dryer. You hear the buzzer sound and go to unload your freshly dried clothes only to find them bundled up in clumps and sometimes full of wrinkles… but they smell springtime fresh! Unfortunately, that springtime fresh scent can come at a cost.

A 2009 study by Caress and Steinmann1 found that roughly 11% of study participants who reported having asthma and chemical sensitivities also reported experiencing irritation associated with the use of scented laundry products. Another study conducted in 2020 by Bai, Tam, et al.2, identified the best-selling laundry products in the United States; they then investigated which common allergens were found in each product by reviewing ingredients based on information from the product manufacturers. The study concluded that fragrances and essential oils were the top allergens in dryer sheets specifically.

Enter wool dryer balls. If you aren’t familiar with this relatively new entrant into the laundry room arsenal, they are balls made of 100% genuine wool that is felted. Felting is the process of separating, fraying, and then re-locking and fusing natural wool fibers to themselves. This is done by applying friction or warm water to the wool, and the end result is that the wool takes on a more solid, bulkier form. The felted wool is further molded into solid balls to create wool dryer balls.

The first iteration of dryer balls in laundry use were made from plastic. Wool dryer balls were an improvement on that concept with the added benefit of being eco-friendly with sustainable sources.

Wool dryer balls not only absorb excessive heat from the dryer, their bouncy rolling motion during a drying cycle helps to prevent clothes from clumping together. Their ability to absorb heat in the dryer in combination with their motion helps to distribute the heat more evenly around the laundry load. This in turn results in more even drying, faster drying times, and ultimately a lower cost per load of laundry.

Another notable advantage of wool dryer balls over traditional dryer sheets is that they are reusable. For the eco-conscious consumer, having a product that is sustainable and from natural sources (and without potentially toxic chemicals like scents and dyes) is an added bonus. While dryer sheets are typically used for just one load of laundry, wool dryer balls are designed to be used for up to, and in some cases over, 1,000 loads of laundry. Depending on how much laundry one does - a single person, small family, large family - they can last for anywhere from two to five years.

Wool dryer balls aren’t just an alternative to dryer sheets, they are also a potential replacement for liquid fabric softeners. By hitting up against the fabrics continuously during the cycle, these dryer balls act as mechanical softening agents, thus replacing the need for chemical-laden fabric softeners.

Dryer sheets boast of their ability to reduce static cling. Again, this is accomplished through the use of chemical additives to the products. The same results can also be accomplished using wool dryer balls by spraying a little bit of water on the balls prior to starting a drying cycle. This helps to introduce some moisture, call it “manufactured humidity”, into the load and this in turn helps to get rid of the buildup of static electricity in the clothes. Again, all natural.

A common complaint among users of dryer sheets is what feels like a layer of chemical residue on clothes. This may be from the scents that are added to the sheets. Regardless of the source, this is not an issue with wool dryer balls . With no added scents or other chemicals, there is less chance of residue formation, making wool dryer balls a great alternative for those with allergies and skin sensitivities.

Of course, there are some things to be aware of when using wool dryer balls that you may not be accustomed to if you are switching from using dryer sheets.

Let’s start with the noise factor. Wool dryer balls have some weight to them and when they bounce around in the dryer, they may hit against the drum of the unit from time to time. Although the sound can be somewhat disturbing initially, this is completely harmless and will not adversely affect either the drying machine or the clothes. Newer dryers should not have any problems, but with older dryers, a little more caution may need to be exercised. This is because some older models of dryers have a layer of paint inside the drums which may rub off if the dryer balls hit up against them repeatedly. This is not a concern with regard to using dryer sheets.

Piling is also an issue to be aware of. Though quite uncommon, wool dryer balls do have the potential to cause piling with certain fabric types, whereas this is not an issue with standard dryer sheets. These fabrics are easy to identify and mainly are those that are used in active wear clothing. Simply avoid using the wool dryer balls when drying this type of clothing.

Another potential downside is finding wool dryer balls from reputable sources. When it comes to dryer sheets, they’ve been on the market for a long time and the main players are already well-known. It is easy enough to shop around for a brand you like and stick with it without a second thought about quality or availability. In comparison, wool dryer balls are a relatively newer addition to the marketplace and finding a reputable source that is also reliable for the long haul can be a bit less straightforward. Look for companies whose wool sources are traceable and verifiable, and be sure you select a company that stands behind their product by offering guarantees on them.

Overall, for the consumer who is concerned with protecting the environment, or one who has issues with skin and other sensitivities and allergies, wool dryer balls are a viable alternative to standard dryer sheets, with the added benefit of providing cost savings over time.

Stanley M Caress, Anne C Steinemann. Prevalence of Fragrance Sensitivity in the American Population. J Environ Health 2009 Mar;71(7):46-50 Bai H, Tam I, Yu J. Contact Allergens in Top-Selling Textile-care Products. Dermatitis 2020 Jan 3

Recent Blog Posts:

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Posted on June 19, 2020July 2, 2020 by Sarrah Isnain

A Fascinating Glimpse into the History – and Future – of Laundry

A Fascinating Glimpse into the History - and Future - of Laundry

It may come as a shock to some of us to realize that washing machines and dryers haven't always been around. If we're honest about it, we probably take most of our modern appliances for granted. Yet in the overall span of history, the washer and dryer we depend on today are very recent developments.

Sometimes it's good to take a look back in time to appreciate what we have now.

Let's start at the beginning.

WHAT IS LAUNDRY?

Medieval times were a period in history from around 500 to 1450, depending on which expert you ask. We tend to romanticize that time period, but it was, in fact, harsh with many challenges. Doing laundry back then had its own challenges.

For those who find etymology interesting, the medieval word lavandry comes from the old French word lave. Lave in French means to wash, which is why we also call the bathroom the lavatory.

Lavandry sounds like the flower lavender, and for a good reason. The lavender scent was used for washing, bathing, and to mask unpleasant odors, all the way into the 19th century.

The word laundry first came into the English language in 1530 and usually referred to the act and place of washing itself, versus what got washed, as we use the term today.

Through the Ages

Prior to 1800

If you have an image in your mind of women hitting clothes in a river with a rock, you're not wrong. In fact, that's still a common method in some undeveloped parts of the world today. This was called, logically enough, riverside washing.

There were also wash houses and tubs in use in some places. Along with rocks, women used special tools known by various names, such as:

Laundry bats were long and thin, much like sticks. They could be used for moving cloth around, as well as for beating out dirt. This act was called passing.

Washing bats were also squarish and could double as a scrub board. These simple wooden boards were precursors to the scrub boards you may have seen in antique stores that our great-grandmothers used.

In ancient Rome and up until the beginning of the Middle Ages, the job of laundering was a man's job, due to the strenuous nature of the work. These men were called fullones, and they were responsible for most of the city's laundry. This was the beginning of the communal nature of laundry.

When the Middle Ages arrived, washing became woman's work; hence the more familiar term "washerwoman." Washerwomen were at the bottom of the social strata, and they worked hard.

After washing and wringing out, clothing was laid outside, on a clothesline, or by the fire to dry.

Soap

For most laundry, the women would soak their clothes in lye, an interesting mixture of ashes and urine, delicately termed chamber lye. The water could be hot or cold, and the process was known as bucking. Bucking was a lengthy process of soaking the clothes during the laundry "season," which came at intervals of several weeks or months. These washing events were called the Grand or Great Wash, a concept similar to our spring cleaning.

Soap could also be made from ash lye and animal fat but was rarely used in Medieval times. By the 19th century, however, soap was fairly widespread, if still parsimoniously utilized.

1800 and Forward

Once we move into the 19th century, things get a little better, comparatively speaking. The classic washboard and tub were still in use, but there were now also plungers to stir and beat the clothes in the tub. Bars of soap had begun to be cheaply made by then but make no mistake - doing laundry still took tremendous effort.

Things didn't change much until the late 1800s. Soap was still being used sparsely in 1880; it might be used for spot treatment but was primarily mixed into hot water for the main wash. Laundry soap was usually soft and dark, now made mostly from ash lye and fat.

Soon packaged bars of soap became commercially available. To make the lather from bars of soap, the women would grate flakes from the bar and add to the wash water. Soap powder also became widely available during this time, making laundry day a little easier still.

The Washing Machine

Developments in science, commerce, and industry impacted many areas of life, including household chores such as laundry.

The first version of the modern washing machine made its appearance in the 19th century as a simple, handheld mechanism consisting of a tub base, paddles, and a handle to turn the paddles. It's not known for certain who should get the credit for it, but the names of William Blackstone, James King, and Hamilton Smith have all been put forward.

These machines came with a mangle to aid in the drying process. The mangle was another hand-operated mechanism that squeezed the water out of the cloth, eliminating the need to wring the water out by hand. This must have been a much-welcomed time, hand, and arm saver for those women!

No one knows for sure when the precursor to our modern washing machine was invented, or by whom, but it began to be advertised as early as 1904. Alva J. Fisher was credited with inventing the "Mighty Thor" electric washing machine in 1907.

These early electric washing machines had some of the same features we enjoy today, although water heaters were to be added later.

Dryers

For the most part, up until 1800 clothing was still being laid outside on the ground, on a clothesline, or by the fire to dry.

That's when M. Pochon created the first hand-cranked clothes dryer in France. He designed a ventilator which consisted of a metal drum pierced with holes into which clothes were placed and rolled over an open fire. George Sampson developed a similar device in 1892. However, everything naturally smelled like smoke.

The big leap forward in technology came in 1930 when J. Ross Moore developed the first electric clothes dryer, adding a gas version in 1936.

Popularity began to grow in the 1950s; more machines were produced and additional features added, but not much has really changed since then.

The Future of Laundry

Technology doesn't stand still. There are detergent-free washing machines and even jeans that eliminate the need for washing on the horizon. And today, you can outsource all your laundry needs, which curiously brings us back to the ancient Romans.

Rather than outsourcing your laundry or waiting on future technology, why not get the best right now?

Use OdorCrush Laundry Balls in your wash load to get your clothes clean and fresh while you save time and money every laundry day. No waste, no messy detergent, simple, and safe to use. We've come a long way, indeed.

The future is now!

Visit us today and see all the reasons you need OdorCrush Laundry Balls in your wash load!

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Posted on June 12, 2020December 7, 2020 by Sarrah Isnain — 4 Comments

3 Ways You Can Help the Environment on Laundry Day

3 Ways You Can Help the Environment on Laundry Day

Eco-friendly.

We've heard the term so often that we take it for granted. Merriam-Webster defines eco-friendly as "not environmentally harmful." That's a pretty broad definition, but it works.

We all want to help preserve and protect our planet for future generations, so today, let's focus on some things you can do now to do help specifically on laundry day. You'll make a difference, feel good about it, and save money in the process!

THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTICS

The typical four-person household runs about five loads of laundry each week, amounting to approximately 260 loads every year, per family. Since most people are still using plastic containers of detergent and fabric softener, it isn’t surprising that it all adds up quickly.

In fact, over 30 billion (that’s with a “b”) loads of laundry are done each year in North America, leading to about 900 million laundry jugs thrown out in the United States alone. After that, only an estimated 25% of the high-density polyethylene (HPDE) jugs get recycled. The remaining 75% ends up in landfills or as litter.

GLOBALLY

A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute, with that number expected to increase another 20% by 2021. Packaging is the predominant use of plastics globally, accounting for 42% , or 146 million tons, in 2016. Enough plastic gets thrown away each year to circle the Earth four times.

IN THE UNITED STATES

Americans throw away 35 billion plastic bottles every year. Only about 25% of the plastic produced in the U.S. is recycled. Plastic takes up to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill. To be clear, these are not all laundry detergent or softener bottles, but just laying out the magnitude of the problem we face helps us understand it better.

WHAT ABOUT RECYCLING?

Here are some ways that recycling helps:

One ton of recycled plastic saves:

98 million Btu’s of energy — 685 gallons of oil

POSTPONING, NOT PREVENTING

However, while recycling is an essential step in the right direction, plastics typically degrade in quality during the recycling process, so most are only suitable for recycling one time.

As a result, most plastic eventually reaches the landfill.

And while North America accounts for only 1% of the problem, the numbers are staggering nonetheless.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Before you get too discouraged, here are three simple things you can do to help protect the environment, save money, and even enjoy a happier and easier laundry day!

1. Eliminate Plastic Jugs of Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener

It’s truly amazing when you stop and look at the numbers, so anything we can do to reduce the overall waste, including recycling, is helpful. But what about eliminating the need for plastic containers altogether, beginning with laundry detergent?

Impossible, you say? Not at all.

The future is here!

Thanks to bioceramic technology, safely removing dirt from your laundry is easier than ever. OdorCrush Laundry Balls last over 1,000 wash loads, a conservative estimate. For a one-time purchase, you get a genuinely eco-friendly and effective way to wash and soften your entire wash load.

This is all done in the washing machine with our washer balls, so if you like to hang your delicates or other items up to dry, you don’t need to worry about how you’re going to soften them.

Looking at our earlier estimate of approximately 260 loads every year for a family of four, you can see that each washer ball will last a minimum of four years. For a family of two, you’re looking at a minimum of eight years, and so on.

They also eliminate the need for liquid fabric softener, which we’ll get to shortly.

Just think of the savings on plastic alone, then on how you’ll save on:

2. Eliminate Harmful Laundry Detergent Ingredients

We designed the OdorCrush Washing Machine Ballwith the latest advances in bioceramic technology to clean your laundry without any harmful ingredients.

How do our washer balls work?

Each ball contains a soft, smooth, non-toxic outer ceramic shell that is gentle on your clothing and your washing machine. Sealed inside are several types of little ceramic balls with specific properties that work together to break down and lift the dirt, stains, mold, and more, ensuring your laundry comes out fresh and clean.

But can the OdorCrush Washing Machine Ball remove stains? The answer is Yes, and more!

It will remove:

3. Eliminate Fabric Softener Containers and Ingredients

Eliminating liquid fabric softener will prevent harmful ingredients from entering and polluting the environment.

We’ve already discussed plastic fabric softener jugs. Now, what about those little boxes of fabric softener sheets?

While boxes of dryer sheets (and the sheets themselves) take up less room and biodegrade faster than jugs of liquid softener in your laundry room and the landfill, they still contain harmful chemicals that reach both.

There are better, safer, and less expensive ways to soften your laundry.

As mentioned earlier, for delicate wash items that you want to hang dry, our OdorCrush Washing Machine Balls for the washer will take care of that. They work in front- and top-loading machines.

DryerBoost Wool Dryer Balls are a great alternative for softening clothes in your dryer. They soften your laundry with all-natural, 100% New Zealand wool that lasts up to 1000 dryer cycles. Our Dryer Balls separate laundry items during the tumbling process. This helps to aerate better and shortens the drying time, saving you time and money.

CONCLUSION

Plastic packaging accounts for nearly half of the plastics in use globally. Approximately 900 million jugs of laundry products are thrown out every year in the United States, but only 25% are recycled. So, while it’s not news that plastic is harmful to our environment, anything we can do to reduce or eliminate their use will make a difference.

The best and most effective way to solve this problem in the laundry room is to completely eliminate the plastic jugs of detergent and fabric softener, substituting with natural and effective products and packaging.

The OdorCrush line of laundry products has been proud to offer you natural and eco-friendly products that clean your washing machine, eliminate odors, mold, and mildew from your home, and soften your load in the dryer.

The OdorCrush Washing Machine Ball is the newest addition to our product line and is the result of our passion for giving you safe, natural, and effective laundry solutions.

Visit us today to get started saving time, money, and the environment!

How to Do During the Corona Virus Pandemic

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Posted on June 1, 2020July 2, 2020 by Sarrah Isnain

Best Natural Alternative to Laundry Detergents with Additives

Best Natural Alternative to Laundry Detergents with Additives

Most laundry detergent products still contain questionable - or downright harmful - chemical additives. Fortunately, there are several more natural detergents on the market. Unfortunately, they are not only more expensive but also vary in their effectiveness.

Thankfully, you now have another option.
But first, let's look at some of those additives.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVES

Like fabric softeners, most big brand laundry detergent products contain fragrance, preservatives, and dyes that contain:

Some are even cancer-causing, and all are known to be harmful to you and the environment. Reactions to contact with these chemicals range from mild to severe.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

You may think that the rinse cycle removes all the detergent, but it doesn't. Some amount remains even after pulling your clothes from the dryer. The residue then transfers to your skin and into your body. This chemical transfer is called dermal absorption and may result in allergic contact dermatitis.

Symptoms can include:

Laundry care manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients on the label, so there could be even more harmful chemicals lurking inside. Additionally, it is possible to develop a sensitivity to these chemicals at any time.

NATURAL ALTERNATIVES

Thankfully, there are natural alternatives that have been formulated without these additives.

A significant drawback of natural laundry detergents is the cost. They are usually more expensive than the more widely available but chemical-laden detergents. There is, however, another, less costly natural alternative that could just be the solution you've been waiting for!

THE SOLUTION

The OdorCrush Laundry Ball is an all-in-one solution to your laundry needs. This washing machine ball uses advanced bioceramic technology to clean your laundry - and soften it as well!
Sound too good to be true?

Not according to emerging science. A recent study examined the effects of Ceramic Far-Infrared Ray (cFIR) on water that resulted in decreasing water surface tension. cFIR breaks the intermolecular hydrogen bonds and reduces the size of water clusters so that that dirt can be lifted and removed from clothes in the wash.

CFIR irradiation (a natural and harmless form of radiation) was also observed to decrease the pH level in the water, assisting in the removal of dirt and oil particles from fabrics.

BENEFITS OF THE ODORCRUSH LAUNDRY BALL INCLUDE:

Conclusion

Most major brands of laundry detergents contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and more, harming us and the environment. There are safer and more natural laundry detergents available, but these usually come with a significantly higher price tag and may not be as effective.

The best alternative to any detergent is the advanced technology that the OdorCrush Laundry Ball uses to clean your laundry. Simply toss one or more washer balls into the machine and let it go to work. No more hassling with messy bottles of detergents, either!

Posted on May 29, 2020October 15, 2020 by Sarrah Isnain

9 Reasons to Never Use Fabric Softener Again – and What to Do Instead

9 Reasons to Never Use Fabric Softener Again - and What to Do Instead

While fabric softener is the usual go-to for getting laundry soft, static- and wrinkle-free, it comes with a high price tag, in many ways. Fabric softener works by leaving a thin, waxy coating behind that softens and prevents static by reducing the friction between fabrics. This coating also causes all the problems.

You need a safe and effective fabric softener solution for the washing machine. Read on to learn why you should ditch the fabric softener, and what to use instead.

9 Reasons to Eliminate Fabric Softener

1. Irritates sensitive skin. Fabric softeners contain artificial fragrance and other harmful chemicals. However, since ingredients don't have to be listed on the product label, you have no way of knowing what's inside.

2. Reduces flame-retardant properties of children's clothing. Studies have found that liquid fabric softeners can make fabrics more flammable.

3. Weakens swimwear, lingerie, and skinny jeans. Basically, it affects anything made of lycra, spandex, nylon, polyester, or blended synthetic fibers. These fabrics are designed to absorb very little water so they'll dry quickly, but the lingering residue from fabric softener attracts moisture and prevents drying. This can lead to a musty odor or even mold growth.

4. Stains clothing. Fabric softener instructions include a caution to never pour directly onto clothing. This is because fabric softener can stain some fabrics. Also, over time, the waxy build-up may cause yellowing on your whites.

5. Locks in bacteria and odor. Rather than releasing bacteria and odors, fabric softener locks them in. This is why workout clothes can come out of the wash still smelling bad.

6. Reduces the absorbency of towels and microfibers. Once these fabrics absorb the waxy residue, they lose their ability to attract and trap moisture, dust, and dirt.

7. Reduces wicking properties in sportswear. Wicking technology is designed to absorb sweat from your skin and keep you dry when you work out. However, the residual coating eliminates that ability.

8. Harms the environment. Fabric softeners often rely on harmful chemicals like QACs to achieve results. QACs don't biodegrade easily, especially in water, and can be toxic to the aquatic environment.

9. Leaves a residue in the machine. Not only does this mean you should clean the inside of your washing machine regularly, but some will get transferred to the next load, whether you want it to or not.

Solution

A fabric softener balls for the washing machine is the perfect solution. Containing several kinds of little ceramic balls that work together to get your laundry clean without detergent, the OdorCrush? Washing Machine Ball will also soften your laundry.

With a lifetime use of over 1,000 loads per washer ball, think of the money you will save! And then there's the convenience of not having to lug those big plastic containers home from the store.

Conclusion

Fabric softener is not necessary to soften clothes and can instead cause many problems. To soften your entire laundry load, toss one or more OdorCrush Washing Machine Balls into the wash . Our washer balls are safe for sensitive skin, eliminate bacteria-causing odor, and are safe on your clothes and the environment.

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Posted on May 22, 2020December 7, 2020 by Sarrah Isnain

Learn How to Fold Clothes and Other Laundry like A Pro

Learn How to Fold Clothes and Other Laundry Like a Pro

Unless you don't mind wearing wrinkled clothing and sleeping in wrinkled sheets, you'll need to know how to fold your clothes.

While it isn’t a task most of us enjoy (although it can be a bit Zen-like if you’re in the right frame of mind), it’s a skill anyone can learn. The key is finding a method that works for you and your situation, and then sticking with it.

We’ll look at how to fold various clothing and other laundry items, maybe even more than one way. In this post, we’ll be laying down the foundation.

Why Do I Need to Fold My Laundry?

If you’re thinking that folding laundry seems a bit like dusting, as in what’s the point since you’re only going to need to do it again, we get it. However, there are enough benefits from folding your laundry that make it worth your time.

Your appearance is enhanced. If you want to impress someone, or just want a boost to your self-esteem, fold. Your clothes will look a whole lot better when you need them.
It’s easier to find what you need. Instead of having to hunt through a pile of clean but rumpled clothes, you know just where to look because you’ve taken the time to fold and put them away properly.
Your clothes will last longer. It’s true, taking care of things makes them last longer.
You’ll have more space. There’s a physics principle here somewhere.
External order brings internal peace. You may not realize it, but when things are wrinkled and unkempt, it’s a bit distracting to the mind, like clutter.

Tips to Reduce Wrinkles Before Folding

Use cool or cold water in the wash and rinse cycles.
Don’t overdry clothes in the dryer.
Use all-natural Dryer Boost Dryer Balls to soften clothes and help reduce wrinkles.
Remove laundry from the dryer while still warm.
If you can’t fold items immediately, lay them out flat until you can get to them.

How to Fold Your Laundry

There are many ways to fold the same item, from the fabulous Marie Kondo method to packing for travel. From the way your mother showed you to the restrictions of your closet or drawers. None of these are wrong, but it does help to pick one method and stick with it.

In Part 2, we'll get into the exact process for folding shirts, pants, towels, sheets, and yes, even underwear and socks.

Summary

There are many benefits that come with taking just a little extra time to properly fold your laundry. There is also more than one “right” way of folding.

Following a method makes the process quick and easy once you get the hang of it. You will enjoy being organized and able to find whatever you need easily and quickly. You’ll also be able to fit more in less space, and you’ll look really sharp!

Here Are the 10 Most Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using Too Much Detergent or Bleach

2. Overtreating Your Stains

3. Ignoring the “Dry-Clean” Only Label

4. Leaving Zippers “Unzipped” or Buttons “Buttoned”

5. Not Sorting Your Laundry by Material

6. Forgetting to Clean Out the Dryer Lint

7. Closing Your Front-Loader After a Cycle

8. Not Regularly Cleaning Your Washing Machine

9. Operating an Unlevel Washing Machine

10. Overdrying Your Clothes

Summary

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Wash After Every Wear

Wash Every 1-3 Wears

Wash Every 3-4 Wears

Wash Every 5-7 Wears

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A Comparison. Wool Dryer Balls or Traditional Dryer Sheets?

Overall, for the consumer who is concerned with protecting the environment, or one who has issues with skin and other sensitivities and allergies, wool dryer balls are a viable alternative to standard dryer sheets, with the added benefit of providing cost savings over time.

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A Fascinating Glimpse into the History - and Future - of Laundry

Sometimes it's good to take a look back in time to appreciate what we have now.​

Let's start at the beginning.

WHAT IS LAUNDRY?

Medieval times were a period in history from around 500 to 1450, depending on which expert you ask. We tend to romanticize that time period, but it was, in fact, harsh with many challenges. Doing laundry back then had its own challenges.

For those who find etymology interesting, the medieval word lavandry comes from the old French word lave. Lave in French means to wash, which is why we also call the bathroom the lavatory.

Lavandry sounds like the flower lavender, and for a good reason. The lavender scent was used for washing, bathing, and to mask unpleasant odors, all the way into the 19th century.

The word laundry first came into the English language in 1530 and usually referred to the act and place of washing itself, versus what got washed, as we use the term today.

Through the Ages

Prior to 1800

If you have an image in your mind of women hitting clothes in a river with a rock, you're not wrong. In fact, that's still a common method in some undeveloped parts of the world today. This was called, logically enough, riverside washing.

There were also wash houses and tubs in use in some places. Along with rocks, women used special tools known by various names, such as:

Laundry bats were long and thin, much like sticks. They could be used for moving cloth around, as well as for beating out dirt. This act was called passing.

Washing bats were also squarish and could double as a scrub board. These simple wooden boards were precursors to the scrub boards you may have seen in antique stores that our great-grandmothers used.

In ancient Rome and up until the beginning of the Middle Ages, the job of laundering was a man's job, due to the strenuous nature of the work. These men were called fullones, and they were responsible for most of the city's laundry. This was the beginning of the communal nature of laundry.

When the Middle Ages arrived, washing became woman's work; hence the more familiar term "washerwoman." Washerwomen were at the bottom of the social strata, and they worked hard.

After washing and wringing out, clothing was laid outside, on a clothesline, or by the fire to dry.

Soap

Soap could also be made from ash lye and animal fat but was rarely used in Medieval times. By the 19th century, however, soap was fairly widespread, if still parsimoniously utilized.

1800 and Forward

Things didn't change much until the late 1800s. Soap was still being used sparsely in 1880; it might be used for spot treatment but was primarily mixed into hot water for the main wash. Laundry soap was usually soft and dark, now made mostly from ash lye and fat.

Soon packaged bars of soap became commercially available. To make the lather from bars of soap, the women would grate flakes from the bar and add to the wash water. Soap powder also became widely available during this time, making laundry day a little easier still.

The Washing Machine

Developments in science, commerce, and industry impacted many areas of life, including household chores such as laundry.

These machines came with a mangle to aid in the drying process. The mangle was another hand-operated mechanism that squeezed the water out of the cloth, eliminating the need to wring the water out by hand. This must have been a much-welcomed time, hand, and arm saver for those women!

No one knows for sure when the precursor to our modern washing machine was invented, or by whom, but it began to be advertised as early as 1904. Alva J. Fisher was credited with inventing the "Mighty Thor" electric washing machine in 1907.

These early electric washing machines had some of the same features we enjoy today, although water heaters were to be added later.

Dryers

For the most part, up until 1800 clothing was still being laid outside on the ground, on a clothesline, or by the fire to dry.

The big leap forward in technology came in 1930 when J. Ross Moore developed the first electric clothes dryer, adding a gas version in 1936.

Popularity began to grow in the 1950s; more machines were produced and additional features added, but not much has really changed since then.

The Future of Laundry

Technology doesn't stand still. There are detergent-free washing machines and even jeans that eliminate the need for washing on the horizon. And today, you can outsource all your laundry needs, which curiously brings us back to the ancient Romans.

Rather than outsourcing your laundry or waiting on future technology, why not get the best right now?

Use OdorCrush Laundry Balls in your wash load to get your clothes clean and fresh while you save time and money every laundry day. No waste, no messy detergent, simple, and safe to use. We've come a long way, indeed.

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A Comparison.
Wool Dryer Balls or Traditional Dryer Sheets?

Recent Blog Posts:

Sometimes it's good to take a look back in time to appreciate what we have now.

Recent Blog Posts:

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Thankfully, you now have another option.
But first, let's look at some of those additives.