Ask Dr. Pete: How to Remove Common Pet Stains

Ask Dr. Pete: How to Remove Common Pet Stains

Getting a new puppy or kitten might be one of the most exciting moments of a fur parent’s life, but as many of us know (or will discover) extraordinary cuteness requires patience and some specialized cleaning tips. Dr. Pete breaks down the science of why these stains are so tough to remove and how to get rid of them. 

Let's Talk About Yellow Pit Stains—And How to Clean 'Em

Let's Talk About Yellow Pit Stains—And How to Clean 'Em

Most people sweat. Some more than others. During the summer especially, or in hotter climates, or while exercising, grocery shopping, and in stressful work meetings. Sometimes, you just sweat! Swea...
Ask Dr. Pete: How does hard water affect cleaning?

Ask Dr. Pete: How does hard water affect cleaning?

Dr. Pete is back with an in-depth explainer on how hard or soft water can affect the efficacy of your cleaning products. Read on to learn more.

How to Wash Red Wine Stains?

How to Wash Red Wine Stains?

What makes wine stains so pesky? Our Dirty Labs chemists break it down and give you solutions to removing wine stains from your clothes. Read on to learn more.
The Stubbornness of Grass Stains: Solved

The Stubbornness of Grass Stains: Solved

Grass stains seem to have a sentimental attachment to our psyches. But they can be frustrating. An abundance of grass* and the resulting prevalence of stains leads one to believe it is just part of life. Read on to learn how to remove these summer stains.
What Are Enzyme Detergents and How Do They Work?

What Are Enzyme Detergents and How Do They Work?

Enzymes are byproducts of all living organisms. They are not living organisms themselves; instead, they are proteins that act as catalysts and create many essential biochemical reactions. How do they work in laundry detergents? Read on to learn more. 

Ask Dr. Pete: On Cellulases and  Synthetics vs. Natural Ingredients

Ask Dr. Pete: On Cellulases and Synthetics vs. Natural Ingredients

A product inventor, innovator, and sustainability expert, he's the brains behind our Bio Laundry Detergent and was a founding member of The Sustainability Consortium. This month's he's back with more helpful knowledge about cellulases and the real difference between synthetics and natural ingredients.
What is Greenwashing?

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing — also known as “green sheen” — is a lie. You’ve seen it before. You might have fallen for it, maybe you’re a skeptic. It’s the marketing that occurs around green-ness, or sustainability, designed to persuade consumers into thinking a product is “good” for the environment. 

How To Remove Blood Stains From Clothes

How To Remove Blood Stains From Clothes

Bloodstains are notorious for their steadfastness in staying in fabric and other things after washing. Read on to learn why blood stains are so hard to remove and how to get rid of them.  

Why is Cat Pee So Tough to Clean?

Why is Cat Pee So Tough to Clean?

We know urine in general is stinky but what makes cat urine so much worse? We asked our chemists why. Read on to learn more about the science and how to get rid of it.
The Science Behind Mustard and How to Get Rid of It (or Cry Trying)

The Science Behind Mustard and How to Get Rid of It (or Cry Trying)

We asked Troy Graham, one of our Dirty Chemists (and inventor of more than a few well known cleaning products loved by moms and dads across America), to tackle mustard - a notoriously difficult sta...
How to Do a Load of Laundry: A Guide

How to Do a Load of Laundry: A Guide

Maybe you’ve been doing laundry for years. Maybe it’s your first time. Here’s how to do the job properly while keeping sustainability top of mind.
Why Do Moths Eat Wool? How to Keep your Sweaters Safe.

Why Do Moths Eat Wool? How to Keep your Sweaters Safe.

Keeping the clothes you already have safe and in good condition is one of the best ways to be sustainable with your wardrobe. With winter on its way out (if slowly), here’s a story about moths, why and how they destroy your clothes, and how to keep them safe all year.
Ask Dr. Pete: How to Remove Balsamic Vinegar Stains

Ask Dr. Pete: How to Remove Balsamic Vinegar Stains

Dr. Pete explains the science behind balsamic vinegar stains and how to remove them. 

Chocolate & Your Clothes: A Love Story

Chocolate & Your Clothes: A Love Story

Everybody loves chocolate. Sure, you probably know people who’d typically choose gummy bears or vanilla flavored candy to chocolate, but according to science, chocolate is “better than kissing” whe...
A butcher wearing a surgical mask slices cured meats.

5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Facemask

Ways to make wearing a non-medical face mask more practical, comfortable, and long-lasting for everyday life. 

How to Wash Activewear and Workout Clothes: A Guide

How to Wash Activewear and Workout Clothes: A Guide

What's the best way to wash activewear? Many of us make the mistake of washing and drying our athletic wear and technical apparel as we do everything else we wear. But activewear is different and requires some specialized cleaning techniques to make them last longer. Read on to learn more. 

How To Limit Screen Time for Yourself – Tip & Ideas

How To Limit Screen Time for Yourself – Tip & Ideas

Research on the effects of screen time is ongoing and ever changing. In fact, the term "screen time" itself is already passé. There is plenty we don’t know. But patterns are emerging across everything from personal anecdotes — “if I look at my phone past 11 PM I can’t fall asleep” — to actual studies like this 2019 one from Harvard that explains how our digital devices affect things like sleep and creativity by depriving our brains of boredom and suppressing melatonin secretion.
black and white image of large family

A Clean Ingredient Guide for Parents

How to choose safe cleaning products for babies, infants & while nursing (& more).
White dresses on wooden hangers in a sun-filled room.

Extending the Life of Garments, Fabrics (& Earth)

Easy, earth-friendly ways to make your clothes — and your paycheck — last longer

Colorful clothespins hang from a line.

How to Create Positive Vibes At Home: 5 Ways

5 simple ways to love the place you live even more Home is where the heart is. Home is also, depending whom you ask, where a lot of other things happen—where the cat rips up the sofa, where the lau...
A close up of a person with red nail polish holding cherry tomatoes in front of their white clothing.

How Your Stain Removal Tricks Really Work

Everybody Spills. Learn how to clean it up with science using dirty Lab's cleaning tips and tricks. Click to read more.