Why We Prefer Unscented, Fragrance-Free Detergents at Laundry on Keap

At Laundry on Keap, we believe clean clothes shouldn't come at the cost of your health or the health of the planet. That's why we've made a deliberate choice to use only unscented, fragrance-free detergents in our wash and fold service — and why we stock options like Dreft Baby Detergent and Seventh Generation Free & Clear for customers who want the same peace of mind at home.

What Does "Fragrance-Free" Really Mean?

There's an important distinction between "unscented" and "fragrance-free." Unscented products may still contain masking fragrances — chemicals added to cover up the smell of other ingredients. Truly fragrance-free detergents contain no fragrance compounds at all. For people with sensitive skin, allergies, eczema, asthma, or chemical sensitivities, this difference is significant. Fragrance is one of the most common triggers for skin irritation and allergic reactions, and the term "fragrance" on a label can represent a cocktail of dozens of undisclosed chemicals.

EWG Standards: Why They Matter

We look to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as a trusted guide when evaluating cleaning products. The EWG rates household and personal care products on their transparency, ingredient safety, and environmental impact. Products that earn an EWG "A" or "B" rating use ingredients that are well-researched, non-toxic, and clearly disclosed. When choosing detergents for our laundromat and our shelves, EWG ratings help us cut through marketing language and focus on what's actually in the bottle.

Our Stocked Detergents

Dreft Baby Detergent has been a pediatrician-recommended choice for generations. Formulated specifically for infants' delicate skin, it's hypoallergenic and free of harsh dyes and perfumes — making it ideal not just for baby clothes, but for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. We carry Dreft for customers who want a gentle, trusted option for their most delicate fabrics.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear is a plant-based, USDA Certified Biobased detergent that earns strong marks from the EWG. It contains no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or optical brighteners, and its formula is biodegradable and septic-safe. It's one of the most transparent products on the market — Seventh Generation discloses every ingredient, which is still rare in the detergent industry.

White Vinegar as a Natural Fabric Softener

Many commercial fabric softeners coat fibers with synthetic chemicals that can irritate skin and reduce the absorbency of towels and activewear. We recommend white distilled vinegar as a natural, effective alternative. Added to the rinse cycle, it neutralizes detergent residue, reduces static, and leaves fabrics feeling softer without any chemical buildup. It's also a natural deodorizer and is completely safe for septic systems and the environment. Use about half a cup in place of your regular softener — your towels will thank you.

OxiClean Instead of Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is one of the harshest chemicals used in laundry. It can break down fabric fibers over time, release toxic fumes, irritate skin and respiratory systems, and is harmful to aquatic ecosystems when it enters the water supply. As an alternative, we recommend OxiClean, an oxygen-based stain fighter that's significantly gentler on fabrics and on the environment. OxiClean uses the power of oxygen to lift stains and brighten whites without the damaging effects of chlorine. It's color-safe, biodegradable, and highly effective on everything from food stains to sweat.

Why This Matters for Our Community

Williamsburg is a neighborhood of families, creatives, athletes, and people who care about what they put on their bodies and into the world. At Laundry on Keap, we take that seriously. Whether you're doing your own laundry in our self-serve space or dropping off for wash and fold, you can trust that we're using products that are safe for your family — including the littlest members — and that meet a higher standard of ingredient transparency.

If you have specific sensitivities or preferences, just let us know. We're happy to accommodate fragrance-free, dye-free, or baby-safe detergent requests for every order. Clean laundry should feel good — not just smell like it does.