We Put Detergent-Free Laundry Magnets To The Test—Here’s How They Stacked Up

Washing
Flickr | chatirygirl

When I found out there was a way to make just one purchase for a lifetime of laundry cycles, I had to test it out.

Life Miracle’s magnetic laundry system is one of the latest trends in green cleaning: chemical-free laundry. Although more research is needed, some studies and activists have raised concerns about ingredients in laundry detergents. I wasn’t down for the Pinterest route of making my own detergent, but I thought this option might be worth a try.

Haley Otman

The magnetic laundry system, or MLS, consists of two small blue magnets. You toss the magnets into the washer with your clothes, and when you open the washer after the cycle, you’ll find the magnets stuck to the drum of the washer. Life Miracle says these magnets work, last for a long time and have several other benefits.

In addition to relief from chemical sensitivities, the company touts the convenience of using two small magnets compared to your typical huge, heavy jug of detergent, feeling good about reducing the chemicals you’re putting into the environment and keeping chemicals out of your home to keep your pets and kids safe.

Haley Otman

Here’s what I thought about using magnets to clean my clothes:

The Investment

Yes, the initial purchase stings. I purchased the MLS from Water Liberty. It cost $69.99 for the starter pack of two magnets, plus $5.99 for shipping. However, MLS offers a limited lifetime warranty, and claims your family might save $500 per year if you stop buying detergent from the store. A total of $75 for laundry for the rest of my life, or even just the next five years? SOLD.

The Process

It was really easy to use the magnetic system, and the box has a brochure inside with directions and information. The company recommends you use hot water and run a normal-sized load of laundry. I usually wash my clothes in cold water, so I was a little nervous about this step. I decided to go warm, and luckily, no colors bled!

Haley Otman

The Reduced Efficiency

For those of us who live in apartment buildings with community laundry or who trek to the laundromat each week, this process has very few perks. The one thing I count on is being able to do all the loads of laundry I need at one time. Because I only purchased one set of magnets, I was glad I still had regular detergent on hand for the two other loads of laundry I started at the same time. It would get very pricey to purchase multiple sets!

The Verdict

The most important part about a new laundry detergent, in my mind, is its effectiveness. After all, who cares how much money you saved if your gym clothes come out of the wash still smelling funky? According to the company, the MLS “is proven in authoritative independent laboratory testing to clean garments as well as chemical-based laundry detergent.” But how do you really know, unless a stain wasn’t removed from a piece of clothing?

The clothes and sheets I tested all seemed to be clean after the wash cycle, including a white pillowcase that had some leftover mascara smudged on it (ladies, you know the struggle). It was a bummer that the laundry didn’t smell fresh, but then I reminded myself the fresh smell I’m used to isn’t exactly right out of nature. So unless I start seeing a problem, or my friends stage an intervention, I’m going to assume my clothes are clean enough. Especially since I already have $75 into this new laundry system.

Would you try it?

Haley Otman

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About the Author
Haley Otman
Haley Otman is a news and features writer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she roots for the University of Michigan Wolverines. A former broadcast news producer, Haley has 10 years of writing experience and has worked in both journalism and public relations.

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