Good in theory, Bad in practice

I apologize for the brief hiatus I've taken in June. Inspiration has been as difficult to come by as the time in which to take advantage of it, if it happens by. Luckily, I find myself with both inspiration and a modicum of time this morning, and so will take a moment to share my thoughts.

A friend recently introduced me to a new invention by Purex: Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets. These revolutionary laundry-assisting sheets release detergent during the wash cycle, then moving from the washer to the dryer with the clothes, releases a softener and static reducer during the dry cycle. While my friend has been wooed by their commercial advertisements and reputed convenience, I'm a bit more skeptical. For instance, the softener and static reducer are apparently heat-activated, and therefor able to be released only through the power of hot air in the dryer. But what if you wash a load in hot water? How does the miracle sheet know to not release it all at one time, but to save the softener/static reducer for the dry heat of the dryer rather than the wet heat of a soapy load?

I'm concerned that much like the invention of the 2-in-1 Shampoo/Conditioner of a few years ago, this new product will fall into the category of good in theory, doesn't work quite so well in practice. Perhaps it's because I have thick hair, but the shampoo/conditioner combo never seems to wash out all the way and I get left with dank, residue-coated hair (or maybe that's all in my head - no pun intended). What's to say something similar won't happen with the 3-in-1 laundry sheet? It's not just two things anymore, they've even added a third! Excuse me for not putting my complete trust in the ability of an inanimate object to act according to its designated purpose.

This is all a moot point in my own life anyway because I use Seventh Generation, environmentally friendly laundry detergent, and Bounce Free & Clear dryer sheets. I know, I know, I even go to a laundromat that has recently purchased all new environmentally friendly/more effecient washers and dryers (though that one wasn't my fault, I was perfectly happy going there when it was shady and the machines worked only half the time). Half the time I feel like a pretentious ass, but the other day I was forced to use some regular Tide on my clothes, and I swear my skin itched when I put them on after not having used chemicals in my clothes for so long, so I know it's worth it. Which really just begs the point, what sort of shit are they putting into a 3-in-1 laundry sheet to make it do what it does and how can any of that be good for you, your clothes, or the environment? Just saying. Purex, I'm onto you. You're gonna have to try a little harder to make me believe.