Care instructions + Why fabric softeners are not our friend
BE KIND TO XO + YOUR FAMILY + THE PLANET | 2.22.23
Your XO blanket is made to last
We are often contacted to ask, “How do I care for my blanket?” We are happy to announce, “Very Easily!”
Machine wash cold. Tumble dry NO or LOW Heat. And absolutely, positively NO SOFTENERS in either liquid OR dryer sheet form.
If you follow these simple instructions, your coveted XO blanket should easily last a least a decade or typically much longer if properly cared for. For real.
Our early adopter clients will show me pictures of their ‘vintage’ damask XO blankets (easily 15+ years old) and I will burst into laughter. “Give that thing away! It has lived past its visual prime!” But the XO has become a member of the family, and family members just don’t get tossed to the wayside. Too many memories, too much unforgettable snuggle time and too many family road trips!
Kick your fabric softener to the curb
I grew up in the 80’s. Snuggle fabric softener was the end-all be-all in laundry-ology! I would shove my face in my freshly ‘Snuggle-d’ towels. The soft and the smell made me feel like our home was its own personal spa. So believe me, I GET IT! It was a tough habit to break.
What the heck is so bad about our favorite softeners?.. um, pretty much everything! For one, they break down your fabric! Really! They literally deposit a layer of electrically charged chemical compounds on fabric. The coating fluffs up fibers making fabric feel softer. But it all comes at a cost. These chemicals don’t just eventually end up harming the fabric fibers, but also your health, damage the environment and pollute both your homes internal as well as external air with vent output. (I also read that our homes’ air pollution is 5 x’s higher than that of outdoor pollution… what a sobering discovery that was!) Some of the worst ingredients include:
Quats - literally classified as a pesticide
Artificial Fragrance - phthalates and galaxolides
Preservatives and colors linked to other health problems.
A study at the University of Washington found certain chemicals are likely carcinogens in addition to contributing to allergies, eczema and asthma. Plus it also leads to aquatic pollution as many are petroleum based. The list just goes on and on. So what the heck are we to do??
Softener Alternatives You Can Get Excited About!
Softener Alternatives You Can Get Excited About!
Who loves a wool felt dryer ball? All natural, compostable and you can add a touch of essential oil to it if you like for that fresh smell you can feel good about! They decrease static cling and can help your clothes dry faster. A second alternative is adding a 1/2 cup of baking soda to your load. I say if it’s good and natural for the refridgerator, it’s good for my laundry!
I hope this helps and your pumped to do your part for a healthier, happy family and planet. Your blankets really are made to last and with simple, non-expensive proper care, they will! And now you can give love and non-toxicity to yourself, your family, your environment and your fabrics!
And now we will be offering wool balls with or without essential oils for purchase in our XO Store!
Stay Warm and happy snuggling for the entire family!
