Two Chores Seriously Simplified for Savvy Shoppers

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Hello there, shoppers. Today it’s my pleasure to spread the word about one product and one service that could seriously simplify your life.

First, I don’t know about you, but my friends and I often remark (or complain) about how laundry just never goes away. You can clear out a hamper, and the next thing you know, it’s brimming again. No matter whether you’re doing laundry for one person or a whole family, it seems like dirty clothes and other linens breed or something. And,  really, I can’t be the only one who always wonders, “Am I using the right amount of detergent?”.

Enter Dropps. Similar to those detergent tabs that I’ve learned are a dream for the dishwasher (LOVE Finish Powerballs), Dropps are little eco-friendly laundry detergent tabs that easily dissolve in the washing machine — knocking out those big, heavy containers of liquid detergent and the tendency to second-guess your pouring skills as you clean up drips.

Turns out they’ve been around for a while online and at several independent retailers; however, on Nov. 1, Dropps will also be available at good ol’ Target! A 26-load pouch of Dropps laundry detergent packs (suitable for all temperatures and all machines), in Fresh Scent and Scent + Dye Free, will cost us $7.99.  I can’t wait to pick up a pack, though I’m picky about scents … we’ll see. I guess I could make some sacrifices to save time, a possible mess, overthinking and, heck, Mother Earth.

The second time- and sanity-saving winner I’m excited to tell you about is especially for cat owners. As much as you love your kitty, I know you don’t like dealing with his/her doo-doo. Enter DoodyCalls, which has been dealing with doggie #2 for 10 years and this week taking on cat #2, too!

For a small monthly fee, DoodyCalls will come to your home and empty the dirty litter, clean and disinfect the litter box and refill it with fresh litter. Customers also receive a small additional container of fresh litter in case there’s a need for “topping-off” a box between visits. Similar to DoodyCall’s residential service for dogs, there is no need for customers to wait at home or for the technicians to enter the home. Customers simply place their dirty litter box outside on designated service days and come home to clean, fresh boxes.

To prevent the possibility of litter box mix-ups and to ensure every cat’s environment stays as healthy and safe as possible, all cleaning is done on-site and boxes are never removed from the premises. The real clincher: The service costs on average less than $40 per month. Rates for the DoodyCalls Complete Litter Box Service are based on the type of cat litter chosen, frequency of cleanings and number of boxes being cleaned.

“By recent measures, there are now more than 93 million cats in the U.S.,” says local founder Jacob D’Aniello. “Nearly 62 percent of households own a pet — and none enjoy picking up after them. When nature calls, we answer.”

More time for shopping, right?

–Natalie Kaar

Tags: DoodyCalls, Dropps, laundry simplified, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, S.W.A.G., Specialicious.com, stress-free cat clean-up, Target