She’ll typically do laundry once a week, on a Sunday, batching it with other chores that she enjoys more, like watering her plants. “I have set this nice routine for myself that feels good. I’m like taking care of housework but also checking in on my plants and making sure they’re doing well.” (This approach is clearly working out for the greenery-loving instructor; her orchids have just rebloomed for the first time in her life, her vegetable garden is growing, and she’s got a garden compost system in the works.)
On Sundays, Lovewell will wash all her workout clothes (usually not bothering to separate whites and darks) in warm water with a splash of her go-to laundry detergent from 9 Elements—a simple solution of time-tested vinegar that’s been amped up with other powerful cleaning agents like citric acid.
While Lovewell notes that she’s had to throw out leggings and sports bras in the past because of odors, she hasn’t had to toss anything since switching over. “The vinegar laundry detergent actually combats that smell so my fitness clothes last a lot longer… It’s just a stronger product, but it’s still simple,” she says. She also appreciates that the addition of essential oils makes the detergent smell great, and it’s made with a short list of no more than nine ingredients (hence the name!).
Another bonus of vinegar-based cleaners is their ability to combat hard-water stains. As up to 85% of U.S. homeowners with hard water will know, the excess metals in hard water can build up on fabrics, leading to color fading, yellow underarm stains, and dingy whites. The acidity in the vinegar will help break down these mineral deposits and promote more vibrant, even coloring. It’s also effective at tackling soap scum in other parts of the home, like glassware, so Lovewell will use 9 Elements’ new foaming dish spray to hand-wash delicate items like wine glasses, too.
Beyond keeping her camera ready, using simple ingredients that don’t harm the planet, like vinegar, also helps Lovewell prioritize sustainability at home. “My motto is progress, not perfection,” she says. “So I’m always just trying to do the next thing that will help the planet.”
