How gentle is the laundry detergent? At an Airbnb, sheets and beddings are washed frequently and it’s usually for hygienic reasons. With that in mind, you don’t necessarily need a high-powered detergent. In fact, a gentler detergent would help maintain the sheets’ newness and prevent them from taking on any damage or uncomfortable textures. It may sound counter-intuitive when so many people are staying in your beds, but trust us––a gentle detergent is the number one thing you should look for.

Is it hypoallergenic or specifically for sensitive skin? You never know when someone could have a reaction to the type of detergent you use. Instead of risking someone getting sick or breaking out in hives from the laundry service you use, opt for one that’s gentle on skin. The easiest ones usually contain natural ingredients. Allergic reactions to laundry detergents are becoming more and more common. According to Healthline, it’s not uncommon for people to experience adverse skin reactions to the ingredients in standard detergents. Fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and other chemicals in laundry detergent can cause rashes in both children and adults. Laundry detergents can trigger a condition called contact dermatitis, which presents as a red, itchy rash that may be widespread or confined to specific areas like the armpits and groin. Allergies or sensitivities to laundry detergent can develop the first time you’re exposed or after repeated exposures. Most people can prevent laundry detergent rashes by using fragrance- and dye-free detergents.

What does it smell like? Fragrance can have a huge impact on people so it’s important to choose a detergent that has no scent, a very light scent, or a fragrance that aids in relaxation, like lavender.

Does it have any toxic side effects? When you’re laundering things every day or every few days, the chemical build up from products can have an effect on the environment. In this day and age, it’s more important than ever to be aware of your products’ environmental impact. It’s best to select a natural detergent with biodegradable ingredients.

Eco-friendly laundry products can be just as effective as traditional laundry detergents—and as an added benefit, they’re often better for your budget. At The Folde, we use eco-friendly options with options for scented or unscented. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an eco-friendly laundry detergent revolution happening. While the mere concept of environmentally friendly laundry detergent isn’t new, the diversity, effectiveness, and affordability of greener cleaning options has improved in recent years.

Does it thoroughly clean your sheets? At the end of the day, you still need your sheets to come out clean. Balancing the above elements of gentle and environmentally friendly cleaners can be tough–but a detergent needs to be reliable enough to clean. It you are struggling to get the sheets & towels as clean as you would like, consider a stain booster or bleach.