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LOVE YOUR LAUNDRY
Laundry seems to be a given in life. No matter how conscientious we may be, stains, frays and accidents regularly occur! So, to avoid adding laundry to your long list of ‘chores’ or ‘housework’, we’re pleased to have found the Clothes Doctor to put Love back into Laundry.
The Clothes Doctor offers a welcome alternative to feeling overwhelmed and overcome with the garment monster lurking in the basket. Find solace in the soak, the suds and the spin. It seems so much more constructive to embrace the process of caring for your clothes, revelling in the fresh scent of revitalised knits, polished lacy numbers and buttery smooth sportswear, rather than fighting what can be a pleasurable part of daily existence.
Clothes Doctor is your laundry saviour, elevating a once monotonous task to the realms of the glamorous and the chic. Their dedicated range of detergents and spray mists airlift your senses to the likes of Sicily, Provence, alpine hideaways or even a Silk Road setting. Further nifty products make caring for your clothes all the easier, banishing those tell-tale pills of wear and pro-longing the lifespan of your favourites. All this to keep you looking and feeling good so you don’t have to buy more to squeeze into your choc-a-bloc wardrobe!
Unlike conventional laundry detergents which blend polluting and dubious ingredients in plastic pods and jugs – ultimately damaging our waterways and seas – Clothes Doctor strives for sustainability. A small UK business integrating only eco-friendly ingredients, Clothes Doctor helps ensure that your wash is not a wash out for the planet.
So let’s get to it, bring on the scented suds and soaking saviours!
ORDER & DELIVERY
I first found Clothes Doctor when searching for a special detergent to wash my shimmering pillowcases and eye mask from The Silk Collection. Used everyday, these items require regular washing to keep them top notch, especially as they can become a little discoloured from oils and face creams applied at bedtime.
Impressed by the Clothes Doctor’s website and sustainable credentials, I spotted exactly what I was looking for, a PH neutral detergent to maintain the delicate lustre of silk without potential allergens or toxic additives, all packaged without excessive plastic.
There is a minimum spend of £45 for free delivery. This may sound like a lot but it’s quick to get your basket up to this threshold… yes, the products are rather on the pricey side compared to supermarket standards. But this is what it costs to develop and manufacture wonderful products with the power to transform ‘doing a wash’ to prescribing just what the Doctor ordered!
Since my first purchase, Clothes Doctor have introduced an Everyday range, working out at just 30p a wash! Although these detergents and fabric conditioners are not specialised for particular clothing requirements, they are highly concentrated and have a lower price on subscription. Refillable glass bottles with metal nozzles mean there’s less spill and wastage once you’ve added some water. Delivered to your door, the Basil and Mandarin scent sounds as though doing the laundry will be a form of aromatherapy from now on!
PACKAGING
The products arrived in a cardboard box surrounded by noodles or nuggets. These completely dissolve when wet. The noodles reduce the need for polluting polystyrene or plastic-based packaging whilst offering the same amount of protection from bumps and jumps as the products work their way to save my silks!
Upon opening the box, I realised that the bottles of detergent were also wrapped in tubes of textured cardboard. Hugging the products tightly, they protect the delicate folds of the aluminium bottles near the base and follow the curve of the slightly tapered top. One of the aluminium bottles had received a bit of a dent on its merry way, but thanks to this cardboard sleeve the magical liquid remained intact!
All of the products – the Silk & Delicate detergent; the Knitwear Mist and Eco Liquid Baby Detergent – are packaged in rather cool-looking aluminium bottles. Endlessly recyclable and far more valuable than recycled plastic, aluminium replaces those toxic pods which leach chemicals into your skin as you handle them – and your clothes. The use of aluminium also reduces the need for giant plastic jugs of laundry detergents which either end up in landfill, the UK’s waterways or are shipped and burned in Asia!
Only the cap is made of plastic. Whilst these are great for measuring out just the correct amount of detergent, it would be wonderful if an alternative could be sourced, such as cork or another plastic-free stopper. Let’s hope the Clothes Doctor can find a way forward so we can entirely pass on plastic.
SLEEK N' SEXY
Not just better for the environment, the sleek and modern-looking aluminium bottles are also an upgrade for your home! Far more visually sophisticated than the giant plastic jugs with built-in handles, or goofy looking plastic tubs of pods, these products make classy additions to any kitchen or laundry room shelf!
The label design is clean and eye-catching and they’ve used some rather trendy symbolism, almost like ancient runes which continue onto the pattern of the scented drawer liners! This is a good move and matches Clothes Doctor’s commitment to sustainability and the idea of caring for and repairing our clothes, which of course dates back to our earliest history.
In addition to detailed instructions, the labelling also offers little rhymes and reveries, linking your laundry to the destination which inspired its scent! This is sure to add a smile and a little charm to loading your machine or agitating that bowl (for the second – no wait – THIRD time today, what mucky pups!).
CRAFTED IN CORNWALL
Upon closer inspection of these products I was amazed to realise that although Clothes Doctor is a London-based company, their products are manufactured in Cornwall! The land of our namesake and raison d’être, you’ll also find that the Clothes Doctor will make a special appearance on our Crafted In Cornwall post, coming soon!
IRRESISTIBLE INGREDIENTS
Clothes Doctor prides itself on using essential oils in their detergents and clothing mists. These are carefully selected to enhance the natural beauty and properties of fabrics such as cotton, wool and cashmere whilst reducing creases and offering protection from months. Natural oils such as lavender, cherry, bergamot and sandalwood are combined with slightly more surprising ones like cardamom and clove leaf oil. Blissfully combined, these crafted scents blend into a fragrant bouquet of pure intoxication!
Whilst industrially produced detergents often contain skin-irritating chemicals, the Clothes Doctor offers an opportunity to treat your skin, nose and clothes to the thrill of Nature’s pure aromas.
Years of testing, refinement and research has resulted in a range of products which care for what we already own. Over washing our clothes can lead to premature ageing of the fabric and the need to replace them too soon. The Clothes Doctor’s process of careful and considered development has resulted in a range of highly concentrated and super effective detergents and mists. A little goes a long way! Instead of harsh surfactants and sulphides, which damage both our clothes and waterways every time we load our machines, Clothes Doctor’s selected essential oils ensure a more natural approach.
Every formula offered by The Clothes Doctor is ingenuously mixed to gently clean without damaging fibres. This promotes that ‘nearly new’ feeling, maintaining the shape and colour of your cosy jumpers, poolside dresses and business shirts. The spritz and scented drawer liners also keep your clothes fresh between wearing so there is less need to wash certain items so regularly! A revolutionary idea: products that are designed to care for clothes, and not just clean them!
Each product is 100% vegan and cruelty free and the full list of ingredients can be found on the specification for each product.
A FIGHT AGAINST FAST FASHION
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of all carbon emissions, more than that of aviation and maritime shipping combined! And to top this off, one truckload of clothes is discarded every second…. What an inefficient system!
Extending the life of our garments by nine months can reduce their footprint by a surprising 30%. This is where Clothes Doctor helps ensure that products are cared for and looked after, maximising the times you can wear that gorgeous blouse and one-of a kind jacket you picked out on your last travel adventure!
Have a special something requiring a repair? In need of new zips, buttons, patches and more? The Clothes Doctor have developed a network of clothes-caring seamstresses looking forward to putting some TLC back into your well-worn looks. Simply request a quote online and pop your clothing in the post and Clothes Doctor will take care of the rest! Repairs are expected to take 7-10 working days depending on the nature of what is required.
SEASONAL SCENT & PROTECT
Clothes Doctor have recently introduced a quarterly subscription service. Every three months their subscribers – or patients! – receive a limited edition box of detergents, moth repellents and other accessories carefully curated to suit the season! Tuck away your chunky knits and warmers in the Spring with a spritz of Cedarwood and Vanilla Knitwear mist to protect against over zealous moths until the Autumn. Squirt some crease release over your chinos or favourite linen trousers as part of their Summer Edition collection. Await your Winter box, featuring another scentalicious range of goodies to preserve and protect your favourite looks. Alter and adjust to suit your style!
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
Clothes Doctor also offers a range of exclusive offers :
NHS Discount
Senior Discount
Teacher Discount
Maternity Discount
So that those uniforms and ‘off-duty’ outfits can work as hard as you do!
Simply register on their website to secure your well deserved discount, just as the Doctor ordered!
(Of course we’re looking out for The Cultural Worker’s Discount to relieve our paint-splattered, mud covered, dust coated, loose fitting creative dress code! 😀 )
RETURN & REUSE
Clothes Doctor offer a 20% discount for returning their empty aluminium bottles. These can be mailed free of charge. For every 1 – 4 parts returned to the Clothes Doctor’s ‘surgery’ you can receive 15% off your next order, or 20% off for returning five or more empties. There is no limit to the number you can send back in one go, but to help improve efficiency, the Clothes Doctor encourages customers to collect at least five parts before sending back.
Although this information is relatively easy to find on the website, it would be helpful for customers to have these instructions on their order confirmation email, or a little message included with their Clothes Doctor products. Afterall, who doesn’t like to be rewarded for helping to reduce waste and embracing more sustainable practices!
A SOAPY SUCCESS?
So how well do the products I purchased from The Clothes Doctor scrub up?
Overall, the two detergents and Knitwear mist seem to cleanse and freshen effectively. I’ve also noticed a newfound super-smooth texture when retrieving my clothing from the washing machine, as though the fabrics have been magically purified and conditioned! This must be thanks to the essential oils which push back the clock on your style to that ‘nearly new’ phase!
SAVE YOUR SILKS
The Silk and delicates detergent boats a blossoming scent of sandalwood and bergamot. This eco-friendly detergent has a neutral pH to preserve the delicate fibres of silk fabric.
I went for the larger bottle, as I have rather a lot of silk – some from the bazaars in Pushkar – needing some TLC! This larger size has apparently been discontinued due to the plastic cap of the bottle cracking during transit, but the smaller quantities are ideal for travelling, whether in Tulum or Italy, especially if you don’t go anywhere without some goodies from The Silk Collection!
I found that the Silk & Delicates detergent successfully lifted oil and grime from my eye mask and mulberry silk pillowcase. I sometimes do a ‘double soak’ to remove discolouration. It’s an extra bonus to drift off to sleep breathing in the delicate scent of sandalwood and bergamot!
This product also freshened up some silk from my time in India, which was certainly in need of a good cleanse. The Clothes’ Doctor Silk & Delicate Detergent really works to enliven the lustre of silk and prolong its luxe appeal!
Note : Since first trying out this detergent, the formula has been updated and renamed as Liquid Detergent for Knitwear and Delicates though the fabulous scent still stands true!
PENDOUR PRO-TIP
If you are handwashing your silks and delicates, or treating a stain by soaking, you can keep the water (if it’s not too dirty!). Grab a reusable cloth and wipe down your surfaces or even hard floors. Although not designed for cleaning or sanitisation, the scent of this Sandalwood & Bergamot detergent is too good for the drain – you’ll have your home smelling like a bouquet of nature’s most prized for full on olfactory bliss. You’ll also save on artificial fragrances in the forms of scented candles and air fresheners!
your KNITWEAR KNIGHT
In the video above you can watch as I spray the Lavender & Thyme Knitwear mist on one of my favourite jumpers, a cashmere high-neck from Sezane!
Beautiful weather prompted me to pack away my winter wardrobe a little earlier than usual – though a longer time in storage of course mans more potential damage from moths!
So is this spray mist a knight in shining armour for your favourite knits?!
Yes, it’s been a hit!
Upon application the mist smells absolutely divine; the lavender and thyme transport you to the Mediterranean. See the fields of luminous blue lavender basking in the sun in your mind’s eye, as the fragrance of earthy thyme offsets the sweetness. The mist lands subtly on the fabric. . . . I must admit, I was a tiny bit concerned about discolouration, but if anything, the mist actually enhanced the mustard yellow shade of the top! The spray is pure and not too diluted by water – the cashmere did not get too damp and instead felt soft and fresh to the touch.
When taking my cashmere out of Summer storage I was both relieved and impressed to see that the lavender and thyme worked really well as a moth repellent! No holes at all, despite living next to quite a large forest where moths are a familiar sight. Spraying the mist regularly in the clothing cupboards has been highly effective.
However, it seems that the spray mechanism was not quite up to the job and I did have to transfer the beautifully scented solution to an alternative spray bottle. Perhaps this detail can be improved?
Not only a knight in scented splendour – armour strong against those pesky moths – the Knitwear Mist is a soak and scrub saviour, helping to reduce the need for regular washing. The essential oils seem to refresh the fabric, conditioning and rejuvenating the cashmere filaments. I think this jumper will last many years now thanks to the Clothes Doctor!
BEYOND BABY
The Eco Liquid Baby Detergent is specially formulated for sensitive skin. As this product was a free gift from the Clothes Doctor, I gave it to one of my best friends who recently had a baby. Apparently it cleans like a dream!! The cherry scent is nice and sensory, just right to leave all of Baby’s belongings sweetly scented and softened, ready to be put through their paces once again.
This detergent also turns out to be another one for scenting more than just what is says on the bottle! My friend loved the essence so much that she admitted to using it for her own bedding (sorry Baby!), sheets drying on the clothes horse as cherry tones waft throughout her home. The cherry scent is evocative of Springtime in Japan – you can just picture the delicate pink cherry blossoms! A moment and a place, captured in a bottle. This detergent is a perfect touch of luxury for any baby – and beyond!
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
In conclusion, we are pleased to support The Clothes Doctor in their commitment to the environment by caring for the clothes we already have! Beautifully scented products in streamlined aluminium bottles not only cleanse but protect your treasured favourites. Although a little more expensive than the usual supermarket detergent brands, which strip fibres and can damage clothing over time, the Clothes Doctor offers far superior products helping to prolong the life of your styled attire, meaning you spend less in the long run.
Generous discounts and a closed loop system show that Clothes Doctor really are opting for progress rather than profits!
And those pesky moths? So far the deterrent mists have been the only products that truly work!
The option to send in your beloved items to be repaired and revitalised is also a refreshing approach to reducing waste.
Overall, we’re so pleased to have discovered Clothes Doctor and if you’ve already purchased from them we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
We can’t wait to see how the Clothes Doctor will enable you to Love your Laundry like never before!
LET'S GET SOCIAL!
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