Hexawash, a Chemical-Free Laundry Detergent Alternative
There is a greater understanding these days that chemical-free laundry products are the way to go. Why use commercial detergents to clean our clothes when they clog up our waterways, irritate our skin and expose us to phosphates, and potential carcinogens that can seriously damage our health? There’s a growing range of eco-friendly and non-toxic laundry detergent alternatives on the market, such as Soap Nuts EcoEggs and laundry strips, but none are as long-lasting or as zero-waste as the beautiful Hexawash pouch.
Hexawash, our popular all-natural laundry detergent alternative was developed during lockdown 2020 – proof that some good things have emerged from these very testing times! It uses magnesium, not harsh chemicals to clean clothes and totally gets rid of the need for laundry detergent. It lasts for an incredible 300 washes, making it hugely economical, with each load of washing costing just 16 cents.
But this miraculous, little organic pouch has many people puzzled. We are frequently asked, ‘So, does it really work?’. Swiftly followed by, ‘But, how does it work?” This blog is intended to address some of those questions and share some customer feedback on its effectiveness. So, here goes…
How does magnesium clean clothes?
Step 1
When magnesium pellets are mixed with water they create hydrogen gas and magnesium hydroxide.
Step 2
This reaction results in an alkaline solution of around pH 10.5 in your washing machine. This is the optimal pH for washing clothes, which most traditional detergents also aim to achieve.
Step 3
During the process, negative hydroxide ions are produced, reducing the surface tension of the water and making it easier for dirt and oil to break down and be washed away.
Step 4
Voila…clean, fresh laundry, as clean and as fresh as any detergent will produce.
How many washes can Hexawash do?
After extensive testing, we estimate that you can easily do around 300 loads of washing using one Hexawash. For the average family of 4, putting on a load of washing every other day (or sometimes every day) means your Hexawash will last approximately a year. No more carrying home heavy detergent bottles from the shops, or dashing out to urgently buy more, for a whole, entire year!
How do you know when Hexawash has reached the end of its life?
We have been asked whether you need to keep a count of the number of times you have used the Hexawash. No, we wouldn’t do that to you! Each time you use your Hexawash, the magnesium pellets inside break down a little more. Eventually, there will be too little magnesium to clean your clothes effectively. The easiest way to check whether your Hexawash needs to be sent into retirement, is to place it on some weighing scales and see how heavy it is. If it weighs under 80 grams, you know it is time to give it a good send off!
What to do with Hexawash when it’s finished?
Here comes the cool bit. Hexawash is 100% organic, meaning that at the end of its life, you can dig it into your garden and fertilise your favorite plants. Both the magnesium pellets and the organic GOTS cotton will break down within a matter of months and your garden will flourish.
Does Hexawash work on any wash?
Yes, you can use Hexawash on a hot or a cold wash, in a top loader, or a front loader washing machine.
Does Hexawash get rid of stains? Can you soak clothes using it?
Hexawash won’t get rid of stubborn stains, particularly not that beetroot stain that was inflicted on your 5-year-old son’s T-shirt 2 months ago. For really stubborn stains, we suggest tackling it with your favourite bar of eco-friendly stain remover, before washing it with Hexawash. But for less stubborn stains you can pre-soak with Hexawash too.
Does Hexawash need to dry in the sun?
No, Hexawash doesn’t need to be hung out in the sun to dry. If you live in a flat or somewhere with no outdoor hanging space, Hexawash can be hung to dry indoors – it won’t impact its ability to clean clothes.
Hexawash Reviews
“So far, great results! I was very tentative about buying this and didn’t even share with my husband my “laundry change.” “In the past 3 weeks, however, I’ve used Hexawash with all temps, cold to sanitize, and each load smells fresh, seems softer, and the washer also smells very clean. I am pleased.” Carole, USA
“I was sceptical about the ability of the Hexawash to handle heavier loads but it has so far been great and really cleaned my clothes, bedding and towels. I am saving with the water and time used on my washing machine, as well as not having to shop for detergents and softeners which is not only money-saving but just good economical sense. “ Victoria, Portugal
“Happy with using this so far in my normal washes, everything coming out clean and smelling nice. I trialled it once on towels and found it made them a bit too stiff (but I do usually use a wool wash for towels so will continue using that). Very happy overall, love not having to think about buying washing powder.” Rebecca, UK
It might take a while to get used to putting the Hexawash in your washing machine, rather than laundry detergent. It can feel at the beginning like something is missing, how can this possibly work? Once you realise just how effective magnesium is it is at getting rid of odours and dirt, these thoughts will disappear.
Perhaps even more importantly, in the current climate, we nominate Hexawash, ‘the perfect lockdown-laundry solution’. After all, it is cost-effective, extremely long-lasting and helps you avoid shopping in public places with a mask!
For more information on Hexawash click here.
