Richardson, who runs a clothing store in the Mall of America in Minnesota, gently urges us to change our ways when it comes to the washing of our clothes. Stop using laundry detergent containing petroleum, phosphates, phthalates and parabens. 'This stuff is bad for your clothes, bad for your skin, and bad for the environment.' Start using soaps or detergents made with plant- and mineral-based ingredients ... Always wash clothes in warm water and always on the express cycle, not merely to save time but wear and tear on fabrics. He would like us to wash our clothes less and air-clean them more. He believes line drying in the sun and fresh air does wonders ... Written with Karin B. Miller, Laundry Love is not a book to read for its prose ... But on occasion Richardson has the power to give pause ... The past year has been a steady stream of pain and negativity. To find this slim volume, its breezy pages of tips and anecdotes, stories and, in the back, recipes, is a lovely salve. One would be very fortunate, I think, to be Richardson’s friend or neighbor, share his optimism and joy in life’s seemingly small things.
Who would have dreamed a book on laundry could be so entertaining—and educational? Trust Richardson and Miller, two fashion-industry veterans who know their alpaca from vicuña ... A few of the directions would be more indelible if illustrated, like the 'how to iron' section. It’s truth in print that laundry just might become your new best hobby.
Richardson, a self-described laundry evangelist, debuts with a cheery and thorough guide to all things laundry ... In addition to advice, Richardson throws in tales of laundry drama, including a highly entertaining story concerning permanent marker and a wedding dress on the bride’s wedding day. Richardson’s love for doing laundry is so infectious that readers just might find themselves dreading this mundane chore a bit less.
