I have to admit, I don’t give much thought to the laundry detergent that I buy. As with most consumables that I use on a daily basis, I generally try to buy a different flavor/scent/pattern/color/texture every time I purchase them. I’m not a creature of habit, so I enjoy the variety that this simple exercise brings.
When I do have to make that purchase decision, however, there are three main factors that I consider: cost, scent, and environmental impact, not necessarily in that order. I have been known to spend several minutes on the detergent aisle comparing the cost per ounce of several different brands, while taking into account how many ounces are needed to clean each of my loads of laundry. Once that determination is made, I carefully test the scent of the remaining products and giggle at their respective names; mountain fresh, spring breeze, summer rain, etc. Being that they all smell the same to me, really, I generally try to buy the brand that is the most environmentally friendly, based on the marketing that they provide. But how do we really know?
The fact is, though, that I really only think about my laundry detergent when I am climbing into a bed with freshly laundered sheets. That’s a simple pleasure that carries the most weight with regard to laundry detergent scent. And all things being equal, and throwing all other factors out of the window, I can honestly say that there is nothing more satisfying than climbing into a freshly made bed with sheets lingering in the scent of good ol’ Tide. It takes me back to my childhood because thats what Mom used. And still does. I hope she has clean sheets in the guest room this weekend…
