Between the Sheets: Frankie Layton of The Dirt Company

We think it's safe to say that for most of us, a trip to the supermarket laundry aisle is a chore we'd rather avoid. A sea of bright, plastic packaging and the overwhelming smell of chemicals just doesn't sound like someplace we'd want to linger any more than absolutely necessary. Luckily, there is another, far better alternative and it's a total treat for the senses. Enter, The Dirt Company. The brainchild of founder, Frankie Layton, it's an all-natural and organic liquid detergent which smells divine and unlike any detergent you've seen before, it comes in a beautiful, minimalist aluminium bottle you won't want to hide away in a cupboard. And because it's refillable, it minimises plastic waste which is an issue close to heart for Frankie. She spent two years perfecting Dirt to create a natural, sustainable product and most importantly - it works. We got Between the Sheets with Frankie to talk sleep and Dirt.

What was your inspiration behind Dirt?

The idea for The Dirt Company was born when I noticed my housemate suffering severe rashes from the low quality, harsh chemicals used in most supermarket detergents. Determined to find an all-natural alternative that cleaned clothes just as well as the commercial brands, while importantly - reducing plastic packaging waste, I quit my job to focus on this inkling of an idea. After years of refining the formula and packaging, I launched Dirt to the market in late 2017.

Dirt is a liquid laundry concentrate jam-packed with natural and organic goodies that are safe for your septic tank, but deliver a powerful punch. Dirt’s most impressive feature is the sustainable, user-friendly, beautiful packaging. The detergent bottle is Aluminium. It has a dispenser pump, rather than a lid, so it’s possible to measure out your exact dosage with one hand, and zero spills.

When you run out of detergent we will send you a refill pack rather than a new bottle to further eliminate excess waste. The refill packs are reusable too, so customers can send them back. This not only cuts plastic from your wash cycle, it effectively makes your wash cycle completely waste free.

The mission I share with this company is to make sustainable products, the better choice for everyone.

Where's the most memorable place you've woken up?

Recently I went to the Philippines with my partner. We slept in the most amazing little beach huts, a different one each night. On the last night, we had to swim across to our little hut. It was nestled in against a rock on the tiniest bit of sand overlooking a lagoon. It was amazing.

Describe the best sleep you've ever had.

I love sleep any night, but if I’m to be specific, I’d say every time I go to bed after a physical day of work, I sleep like the happiest baby you can imagine.

What's the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning?

Check my phone. I’ve been meaning to create a more healthy habit.

What's the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

Read. I try and limit it to 30 mins, but I’m not very disciplined.

If you could choose anywhere in the world to sleep, where would it be?

I’ve always wanted to give sleeping in a sleep pod a go. So Japan I guess. A tree house in Sweden or the ice hotel in Switzerland are also right up there on the to do list.

What would we find on your bedside table?

A kindle and about three books (go figure), a lamp, probably a hair tie and a bottle of water.

What's one thing that makes you Sleep Good?

Cold nights, and freshly washed sheets! Is there anything better in this world? [edit: Nope! Nothing better!]

What's one thing that makes you Feel Good?

Cuddles with my very cute, very lazy Australian Shepherd, Basil.

What's one thing that makes you Live Good?

The people I have around me. I think I’d be happy anywhere they are.