DIY Tips: A fresh load – how to create an eco-friendly laundry

* Recent research has shown that dust mites loathe the scent of eucalyptus oil and it will kill adults present in bedding, their favourite haunt.

Every few weeks add up to 25 drops of pure essential eucalyptus oil to a wash load of sheets. Wash other soft fabrics using the same mixture.

* Phosphate-free laundry detergents are the greenest around and in a concentrated form will demand less mileage and packaging lightening their carbon footprint. Start with Ecover, available at most large supermarkets and comparable to any quality brand of detergent at €9.95 for 1.5L. A powder cleaner, Bio-D works well across most temperatures. Best price €4.99 per Kg. Earth Mother at www.myshops.ie.

* Dryer sheets are loaded with chemicals, including styrene and tourene, to both reduce static cling and to impart a synthetic fragrance. Drying on the line is the ideal way to reduce static and save money. For a wonderful whiff finish your load for a few minutes in the dryer with a clean damp teacloth with a few drops of lavender, lemon, melaleuca, or bergamot essential oils.

* A cup of white vinegar (2-300ml) is perfect as a fabric conditioner in the final rinse and will clean your machine on its way through too. A cup of vinegar or lemon juice run through an empty machine will leave it sparkling, protecting the fragile biological balance in your septic tank. You could also try Attitude’s Fabric Softener with ylang-ylang and tangerine, a CO2 neutral product. €5.89 per litre at www.evergreen.ie.