Healthier Alternatives Article 8

Laundry. We all loathe that word don't we? But it's one of life's necessary evils and one place, in our busy lifestyles, we forget we can save money at. Making your own laundry detergents can save you tons of money in the end than you would buying it at the stores. Here's a few simple methods for making your own at home. Remember, always use gloves when mixing chemicals like Borax. And remember, you can save money with the electric or gas bill too if you hang your clothes on a line to dry instead of using the dryer.





Method One

1 quart Water (boiling)
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda

• Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
• Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
• Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
• Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).

Method Two - Powdered Detergent

2 cups finely grated soap
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax

• Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
• Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

You can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to your homemade laundry detergent. Add once the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover.

Essential oil ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil, ylang-ylang, clove, pure cotton