Review and Giveaway: Smelly Towel Cleaner

I have a bit of an embarrassing situation in my house. There's no gentle way to say it. My towels and washcloths STINK. No matter how much detergent I use, I can't seem to fully get rid of the musty, mildewy stench. It may lighten up but it never goes away completely. I am hesitant to have overnight guests because I'm afraid they will think we never do the bathroom laundry! I was determined to chuck them all in the garbage and buy a brand new set before I came across Smelly Towel Cleaner.

From the makers of Smelly Washer, Smelly Towel Cleaner is an all-natural detergent derived from citrus ingredients, specifically formulated to remove musty, mildew smells from towels and clothing. Just a capful (approximately one tablespoon) added to a full load makes even the nastiest of the nasty smell like new again! You can also use a half teaspoon as a detergent booster to enhance colors and prolong the life of that garden fresh scent. Smell Towel Cleaner is safe for use in front and top-loading washing machines and is harmless to septic systems.

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first. I had tried so many detergents in the past that tried to cover up the stink but just couldn't do the trick. Just one capful of Smelly Towel Cleaner made me a believer! My towels and cloths smelled as if they had never been used. Fresh. Clean. Fluffy. I took several big whiffs and could not smell a hint of odor. Success!

I love that Smelly Towel Cleaner is safe and effective. It will certainly help eliminate some of our indoor allergens from mold and mildew. Next, I plan to use it on some of our winter clothes and quilts that have been stored in the attic and garage. I'm sure they will smell stale and will be in desperate need of refreshing. I'm definitely going to use it on our towels at least once a month so we can say farewell to the funk once and for all!

BUY IT: Visit www.smellywasher.com to purchase Smelly Washer or Smelly Towel Cleaner (ARV 16.99 / approx. 24 treatments).

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a bottle of Smelly Towel Cleaner for themselves!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Stop by the Smelly Washer site and tell me something you learned on the site. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me and Smelly Washer on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Say farewell to towel funk with @smellywasher! Win a bottle of Smelly Towel Cleaner @kris10chumley! Ends 9/18 http://bit.ly/9ZfcyW

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Smelly Washer on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on September 18, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Tomoson.com for this review opportunity. I received a bottle of Smelly Towel Cleaner at no charge to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. Your experience may differ.

This Product Was a Free Giveaway Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Review and Giveaway: all Free Clear Detergent CLOSED

Two years ago, I was in my last trimester, waiting impatiently for my first baby to come into the world. I was in full-blown nesting mama mode, washing and folding those tiny newborn onesies into perfect little piles. I received loads of advice (some helpful, some not so helpful, some welcome, some unwarranted) on everything from strollers to toys to laundry detergent. The overwhelming consensus on the latter was that Dreft was best. So, my husband and I stocked up on the pink-labeled jugs in anticipation of our new arrival. Little did I know that my bouncing baby boy would come complete with sensitive, eczema-prone skin. While the scent of Dreft was undoubtedly pleasant, I was worried the fragrances would irritate him. So, I switched to all Free Clear and I haven't looked back since.

all Free Clear is a pure, concentrated detergent without dyes or perfume. Like regular all detergent, all Free Clear contains powerful stainlifters, so it is tough on dirt but gentle enough to use on the entire family. It is the #1 recommended brand by dermatologists and allergists and is safe for both standard and HE machines.

I love that all Free Clear leaves our clothes feeling and smelling fresh and clean. I no longer have to buy or store two separate jugs of detergent. And best of all, it is only $.14/load, meaning it costs 50% less than Dreft! Can't beat that!

To help new moms weed through all the "shoulds" and "should nots" of parenthood, all Free Clear has teamed up with author Kerry Colburn to create a forum on the all Facebook page, where first-time moms can seek advice and share tips with been there, done that moms. Both first-timers and seasoned moms can help each other to save time and money on baby necessities, without sacrificing quality or performance.



I had the pleasure of reviewing Colburn's new book, How to Have Your Second Child First: 100 Things That Are Good To Know...the First Time Around, co-authored by Rob Sorensen. As a new parent, I'll admit that I was a bit neurotic about germs at first. I wanted to sanitize the entire house and quarantine my baby from bacteria-infested play pits. I envied the parents that could simply wipe a dropped pacifier with the underside of their shirts, while I was busy running to the nearest restroom in search of hot, soapy water. I've chilled out a bit as Nate has gotten older but I didn't know better back then. If only I had had this book!

As second-time parents, Colburn and Sorensen offer empathetic wisdom and smart advice - straight from the horse's mouth. Part how-to, part self-help guide, How to Have Your Second Child First serves up a helping of humorous - yet so true! - tips and tales to help you become a more efficient, more confident, more relaxed parent. With chapters like " Don't Forget to Feed the Grown-Ups", "Make Peace with the Pacifier" and "Discipline is Not a Four-Letter Word", you will be laughing out loud. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read, guilty as charged. This would have been a sanity saver during my maternity leave. If you know someone who is pregnant with their first child, this book would make a great baby shower gift.

Bottom line: Clean your clothes - and your conscience - with all Free Clear. And if you want to stop yourself from turning into the paranoid parent you always said you wouldn't be, check out How to Have Your Second Child First.

BUY IT: You can purchase all Free Clear in most grocery stores and major retailers nationwide. You can also purchase the book How to Have Your Second Child First online at Amazon.com (ARV $12.89).

DELECTABLE DEAL: Visit the all Facebook page for a $1.00 off downloadable coupon!

WIN IT: One lucky GGG reader is going to win two coupons for free all Free Clear detergent PLUS a copy of the book, How to Have Your Second Child First!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me which laundry detergent you currently use for your family. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

#Win an all Free Clear laundry detergent prize pack perfect for new parents @kris10chumley ENDS 7/1 http://bit.ly/c08tsP

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of all Laundry on Facebook. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on July 1, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: Thank you to MomSelect for this review and giveaway opportunity. I received a free 32-load jug of all Free Clear detergent and a copy of the above book to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed are purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review: Nellie's All-Natural

As I mentioned before, our family produces enough laundry to rival Octomom. It's easy to get sucked into the monotony and I often find myself dreading when the washer calls. Needless to say, I'm a sucker for anything that can make laundry fun.

And that's precisely why I love Nellie.

Nellie is the inspiration behind Nellie's All-Natural laundry and kitchen products. Her honesty, simplicity and tell-it-like-it-is attitude translates right over to her brand. All of Nellie's products are nontoxic, hypoallergenic and environmentally-friendly, designed to reduce consumption and waste. And with cool product names like laundry soda and dish nuggets, you'll actually be psyched to clean!

I knew I wanted to review Nellie's household line the moment I laid eyes on her quirky, interactive website. Very retro Barbie meets pop-art advertising. As I perused the homepage and clicked on Nellie and her wonderland of pets, I was greeted with call-outs that made me chuckle. I love a company that's creative and has a sense of humor. Right up my alley.

I was delighted to have the opportunity to review Nellie's DryerBalls.


Now my husband and I switched to the Free & Clear dryer sheets when Nate was born, mainly due to his sensitive skin. But I still felt guilty disposing of those used sheets after just one, maybe two uses. What a waste. I had heard of using tennis balls or dryer balls but wasn't fond of the idea of using plastic either. I was torn until I found out about Nellie's PVC-Free DryerBalls. They're reusable and completely recyclable (as is the packaging) so I could feel confident putting them to work.

Wondering what the deal is with DryerBalls? DryerBalls lift and separate clothes, moving air efficiently through the dryer. This reduces drying time by 15-25%! And because your clothes won't be all balled up, 10 minutes on medium heat will eliminate wrinkles (no more ironing!) and lint buildup. Unlike disposable dryer sheets, DryerBalls will last 3-5 years. Yes, that's right, I said YEARS. That works out to be just $5/year, not to mention your electricity savings and the fact that you won't have to purchase fabric softener. It practically pays for itself after one use. DryerBalls will help to prevent static but you'll want to be aware of your climate and be careful not to overdry, as those are the two most common causes of static cling.

Nellie's DryerBalls are innovative in that they also come with a fragrance option. You can insert a fragrance stick (sold seperately) into the center to add a subtle scent of essential oil fragrance to your freshly-dried clothes.

In addition to the PVC-Free DryerBalls, I was sent a jar of Citrus Fragrance Sticks. Each jar contains 10 sticks and each stick lasts up to 10 loads.

I have to say I was tickled by the comic strip on the back of the box.



To insert the fragrance stick, you use a coin to open the cartridge in the center of each DryerBall (if you're like me, there's no shortage of coins in your laundry room. Thanks, dear!). Insert a fragrance stick and use said coin to seal the lid back on. Toss both balls into your dryer along with your wet clothes, start her up and watch them go!



When I first opened the fragrance sticks, I thought the scent was a bit overpowering and I worried how my clothes would smell when they were dry. But my worries were for naught. The scent was very mellow and added just the right hint of freshness to my laundry. My large load of clothes was completely dry - no damp spots whatsoever. I try to take my clothes out of the dryer right away after the cycle ends to prevent wrinkles, so I can't speak to their effectiveness in that area. But my clothes didn't have static and felt warm and clean. That's all I need!

After a few uses, I did notice that the tips of my balls were changing color. I freaked out for a moment until I checked out the website's FAQ, which assured me that this was a normal instance with DryerBalls, as they absorb dye from your clothes during the drying process. However, they do NOT transfer color back onto your laundry. Whew, huge sigh of relief!

The only *minor* disadvantage I noticed was the loud thumping at times from the balls hitting the inside walls of the dryer. If you tend to do the laundry when your little one sleeps, you may want to make sure (s)he won't be disturbed by the noise. But this would be the case with any DryerBall so it is not a deficit to this product.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend Nellie's PVC-Free DryerBalls. Not only are they environmentally-friendly but they are friendly to my budget. I'm not sure I'll ever go back to dryer sheets again! I like that the fragrance sticks are optional so I can use the DryerBalls with or without them.

BUY IT: You can purchase Nellie's PVC-Free DryerBalls (ARV $24.99), Fragrance Sticks (ARV $10), and other all-natural products online at www.nelliesallnatural.com or use their handy dandy store locator to find the retailer nearest you!

Disclaimer: I received a pack of PVC-Free DryerBalls and Fragrance Sticks from Jackie at Batten Industries to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for my post.

Review and Giveaway: Dropps CLOSED

We may only be a family of three but we sure do go through some laundry. Nate typically has two outfit changes a day after smearing food, dirt and who-knows-what all over himself (he's a big boy now and refuses to wear a bib at mealtime). My husband also goes through two wardrobe changes per day, as he opts for more casual gear after work. And if I get messy while cleaning or running errands, I too will change. Before you know it, there's a mountain of laundry to do and my whole weekend is spent washing, drying, folding and putting away.

My husband and I are guilty of buying the huge wholesale jugs of detergent. Cost-effective they may be but green, they are not. In our search to find a detergent that leaves less of a footprint, I came upon Dropps.

Dropps are convenient, pre-measured laundry pacs that are 6x concentrated so they are tough on dirt but gentle on your garments. They can be used on all colors (whites, lights and darks), all types of fabrics (silk, wool, cotton, etc.), with all washers (HE compatible) and at all temperatures (cold, warm or hot). They dissolve instantly in water, just like a breath strip does in your mouth. No mess. No waste. Just Dropp in and go!



Not only are Dropps good for the environment because they use less packaging, but the formula is phosphate-free, enzyme-free and biodegradable. Plus, they're safe for septic tanks and gray water systems. Need more convincing? All Dropps products are approved by the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) program. How's that for eco-conscious?

Dropps was kind enough to send me samples of all 3 of their products: Fresh Scent, Scent & Dye Free and Dropps Baby.



It's so funny because when I first went to test out my Dropps, I found this in the laundry room, courtesy of my husband:



GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

Bless him for doing his own laundry but I hate the spills and stains from his messy measuring and neglect. I couldn't open the Dropps package fast enough. It was hard to believe a pac so small could get my whole load of clothes clean.



But it did! Nate's shirts covered with stiff drool stains and dried-on milk and cheese came out sparkling clean. And there was no evidence to wipe up afterward. Ah! All three products were great but I think my favorite was the scent and dye free version. Nate has eczema so I often have to wash his clothes seperately with a less harsh detergent. Now I can wash our clothes all together with no worries about redness or irritation.

I think Dropps would be an awesome solution for those who live in apartments without an in-unit washer and dryer. From personal experience, I know that lugging a container of detergent along with a basket full of clothes is a royal pain in the rear. They'd be a great practical gift to include in a care package to a college student, or to take along on your family vacations or business travels.

The only disadvantage is the price. If you're like me and you run larger loads of laundry, you'll need 2 Dropps per load. And with a 20-pack running $7, it would equate to $.70 per load. That's much more of a splurge than I'm used to. So, while they are ultra-convenient and clean well, I won't be able to completely replace my old detergent with Dropps.

Bottom line: Dropps are big power in a small package. They are pricey but they are compact, extremely easy to use and no-fuss. They reduce waste and do their part for the environment but are also kind to sensitive skin.

BUY IT: Dropps are available at Target, Walmart, Babies R Us, CVS, Sam's Club and online at Diapers.com, Drugstore.com, Amazon.com and at www.dropps.com (ARV $7/ 20-load pouch). Use their handy dandy store locator to find the retailer nearest you!

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: Gotta get some Dropps? Get 15% off your order by using the coupon code GOODIE15 at checkout. But hurry, this offer ends on March 20, 2010!

WIN IT: Dropps is generously donating a 3-month supply of detergent to one lucky reader!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Dropps and tell me what you like most about them compared to the detergent you're using now. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Dropps on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the tweet below or come up with one of your own:

RT @kris10chumley: Simplify and "green" your laundry routine with @droppslaundry! Win a 3-month supply http://bit.ly/dCsPJZ

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry max per day)

3.) Become a fan of Dropps on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 20, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received 3 2-packs of Dropps from Remy at Dropps to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and feelings expressed in this review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.