Dirty Secrets: Meet The Aussie Brand Helping to Shift Stubborn Stains, Sustainably
Bloodstains and oil smears and socks (gross and sweaty)… What’s that on your sweater – last night’s spaghetti? Just a few of our least favourite things! Luckily, the folks at Aussie-made laundry and body soap experts Downunder Wash Co. know a thing or two about shifting stubborn stains, sustainably. Co-owners Marcus Steve and Tim Lee originally started out by creating a soap bar to clean period products, but quickly discovered their formula tackled all sorts of stains. We caught up with Marcus to get the lowdown on the business of all things smelly (including teenagers), and his best tips to #savethatsweater.
Marcus, one does not simply decide to develop effective stain removal products – so, what’s your story?
When I first started, I was running a distribution company focused on reusable menstrual cloth pads and period products. One of the biggest challenges was finding an effective solution for removing stains like vaginal discharge and blood – there just wasn’t anything specifically designed for that purpose. I wanted to create something that truly worked, and when I finally developed the right formula, it was a game-changer.
Not only does our Bloody Awesome range tackle blood and discharge effortlessly, but we quickly realised it was just as effective on a wide range of tough stains – vomit, fats, oils, faeces, berries – you name it. It turned out to be an incredibly versatile and powerful stain remover.
Why are period stains so hard to shift? And why don’t other products work on them?
Period blood, like all blood stains, is a bioprotein stain, which means it requires a specific type of product to break down its base elements effectively. Many conventional stain removers aren’t designed to target bioproteins, so they don’t work as well. The way you treat the stain is just as important – using hot water actually sets the stain, making it harder to remove, so it’s crucial to use cold water along with the right product for the best results.
The Bloody Awesome range’s high alkalinity helps break down the proteins in blood without setting the stain further into the fabric. Its unique formula works in cold water, lifting and dispersing stains while being gentle on fabrics. This makes it a superior solution for tackling period stains and other tough organic marks.
How difficult was it to create a winning formula?
When we first set out to create the Bloody Awesome laundry soap bar, we approached large soap manufacturers to see if they could produce a formula that effectively removed blood and other tough stains. The challenge was that their traditional manufacturing methods, especially milled soap processes, couldn’t integrate our stain-fighting powder properly. The result? Bars that were crumbly, unstable, and simply didn’t work.
After 12 months of trial and error, we discovered that the best method was a cold process technique, which allowed our formula to fully integrate into the soap. This approach created an ultra-hard, long-lasting bar that didn’t crumble and delivered exceptional stain removal. It was the breakthrough we needed, and thanks to our resident soap maker, we now have a product that’s as powerful as it is durable.
What are the benefits of using ingredients like Tasmanian lavender or other native picks?
As an Australian and Tasmanian-based company, we wanted to showcase local botanicals that highlight the uniqueness of our products. Using Australian essential oils was a deliberate choice – not just for their quality but to reinforce our commitment to supporting local growers and sustainable practices.
Many essential oils, like eucalyptus, are often sourced from overseas, with China being the world’s largest producer. However, we exclusively use lemon eucalyptus grown and processed in Australia to ensure both quality and authenticity. Rather than opting for standard peppermint, we chose Australian bush mint, a native plant found in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. It offers a fresh, uniquely Australian scent that sets our products apart.
Tasmanian lavender was an obvious choice for us – Tassie is renowned for producing some of the world’s best lavender, and incorporating it into our formulas not only enhances the product but also connects back to our Tasmanian roots.
Beyond these, we extend our commitment to Australian ingredients whenever possible. For instance, our Rummy soap contains Western Australian sandalwood powder, sourced from a sustainable forestry initiative rather than cheaper imports from India. By choosing Australian-grown botanicals, we’re not only ensuring premium quality but also supporting local industries and sustainability efforts.
Help! I’ve ruined my favourite sweater at the Bunnings sausage sizzle! Should I try to save it?
As a lover of the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle myself, I’ve also fallen victim to the dreaded sausage fat stain! But don’t worry – it’s an easy fix with our Bloody Awesome range. You have a couple of options: you can use the Bloody Awesome Laundry Powder or one of our Laundry Soaps – either Fragrance-Free or Sweet Orange – both are highly effective at breaking down sausage sizzle grease.
Here’s how to tackle the stain:
- First, scrape off any excess grease before treating the stain. This prevents it from spreading further into the fabric.
- If using the powder, wet the stain, sprinkle the powder over it, and massage it in. This helps pull the oil out of the fabric.
- If using the soap bar, start by lathering from behind the stain first – this prevents the oil from embedding further into the fabric. Then, lather from the front to fully break it down.
In both cases, let the product sit and do the work. No need to scrub aggressively – just give it time, then wash as usual. Your favourite t-shirt will be as good as new!
Thanks! We both know it’s an environmentally sound idea to do what we can to get stains out, instead of farewelling our fashion friends…
Yes! Fast fashion – and fashion in general – has a massive environmental impact. Every new T-shirt requires resources like water, chemicals, and energy to produce, especially if it’s not made from organic materials or dyes. When we toss out stained clothing instead of trying to save it, we contribute to unnecessary waste and pollution.
By effectively removing stains, we can extend the life of our clothing, reducing the need to replace items and keeping textiles out of landfills. It’s a win-win – you save money by keeping your clothes in rotation longer, and the planet benefits from less waste and fewer resources being used to produce new garments.
This also applies to thrift shopping. Sometimes second-hand items have unwanted smells or stains, which can deter people from purchasing them. But with the right stain-removing and odour-eliminating products these clothes can be refreshed and given a second life. Whether it’s keeping your own wardrobe intact or helping thrifted finds stay in circulation, choosing to clean rather than discard is one of the easiest ways to reduce fashion waste.
Ultimately, every T-shirt that stays in use longer means less water wasted, fewer chemicals used, and a lower environmental footprint. Making small, sustainable choices like this can have a big impact over time.
By effectively removing stains, we can extend the life of our clothing, reducing the need to replace items and keeping textiles out of landfills.
We know you’re tough on stains: what about the environment?
Sustainability is woven into every decision we make because we believe tough stain removal shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet.
Our Bloody Awesome Powder and soaps are made with naturally derived ingredients and contain no harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. The powder itself is a mineral, not a synthetic compound, and all of our ingredients are sourced from nature, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Our products are also greywater and septic-safe – actually, septic-positive! Septic tanks often become highly acidic and develop strong odours, but thanks to our powder’s pH-balancing properties, it can neutralise acidity and reduce odours naturally.
Another key environmental benefit is that our Bloody Awesome Powder acts as a natural water softener, helping to break down mineral build-up in hard water. This means it can enhance the effectiveness of regular laundry detergent, allowing you to use less detergent overall while still achieving a deep clean. By reducing the amount of product needed per wash, we’re also reducing the volume of chemicals and surfactants entering the environment.
Sustainability extends beyond our formulas – it’s reflected in every part of our business, from packaging to production:
- Our Tuffy Tags are recyclable and printed with soy-based inks.
- We use GECA-certified natural rubber bands sourced from sustainable plantations.
- Our boxes and other packaging materials are fully recyclable.
- Our 150g pouches are 100% home compostable, certified under both European and Australian standards – so instead of throwing them in the bin, you can toss them in your compost and let the worms do the work!
Most importantly, all of our products are Orangutan Alliance certified, as we do not use palm oil. This means that when you choose our products, you’re also making a conscious decision to protect rainforests and wildlife, particularly the critically endangered orangutans impacted by deforestation caused by palm oil production.
What are your five go-to tips for getting stains out?
- Act fast – The quicker you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove. Letting it sit allows it to set deeper into the fabric.
- Use the correct water temperature – Certain stains, like blood, require cold water to prevent setting, while others may respond better to warm or hot water.
- Apply the right technique – Different stains need different approaches. For example, with oil stains, lathering from the back of the fabric first prevents the stain from embedding further.
- Let time do the work – Soaking can be incredibly effective. When you lather up a stain remover, give it time to sit so the product can properly break down the stain before rinsing.
- Use the right product – Not all stain removers are created equal. Our Bloody Awesome range is specifically designed to tackle tough stains like blood, discharge, oil, and more, ensuring the best results every time.
I’m done with my laundry (finally!) – what else can I clean?
You might not think of a laundry product as a kitchen essential, but our Bloody Awesome Powder is so versatile that it’s going to be your new best friend beyond the laundry room! One of the best uses? Cleaning your range hood vents.
Over time, vents get coated in layers of fat and oil, making them grimy and difficult to clean. Our Bloody Awesome Powder makes it effortless. Simply remove the vents, sprinkle the powder over them, and pour boiling hot water on top. Let them sit for 10-20 minutes, then rinse with more boiling water. That’s it! No scrubbing needed – just beautifully clean, grease-free vents.
Unlike harsh, caustic cleaners, our formula is gentle on metals, including aluminium, so it won’t cause damage. Plus, using this method prevents grease from clogging up your dishwasher, making it a much better solution for maintaining a clean kitchen.
But if you’ve already put the vents in your dishwasher and now have grease and oil buildup inside, no worries! Our Bloody Awesome Powder can also be used as a dishwasher cleaner. Just run your dishwasher on the hottest cycle with the powder, and it will break down all the fats and oils, leaving your dishwasher sparkling clean and fresh for its next use.
We have to ask: what’s the weirdest stain a customer’s ever asked you about?
It might not be the most unusual stain, but it’s definitely the funniest! A customer once asked us if our stain remover could get rid of the ‘stench’ of her teenage son from his clothing – sweat, odour, and just the general smell of a teenage boy. She was half-joking, but she was desperate for a solution! We had a good laugh about it and assured her that our products could freshen up his clothes… though we couldn’t promise to clean him as well!
And finally: what’s your Down Under deserted island pick? You can only take one!
If I were stuck on a deserted island – let’s say a beautiful Caribbean one – my absolute must-have would be our Rummy Body & Shave Bar. It’s my favourite soap bar, hands down. The sandalwood powder, cocoa butter, Tasmanian rum, bay oil, sweet orange, and bergamot give it a luxurious, nourishing feel. And yes, while it does contain real Tasmanian rum, unfortunately, you can’t lick it – it’s still soap!
