UPDATE: I am now making my own crystals with EOs and will post the recipe soon. Also, my little food processor bit the dust so I found an old school blender at Goodwill that is AWESOME! So find one :)
I have been wanting to post a video on how I make Powder Laundry Detergent. For me, it began as a budget saving step in our home - that quickly turned into a passion as I became acutely aware of the chemicals that all the products we use have in them. If making these products myself, which is entirely rewarding, saves money and makes a difference in my families health, then there really isn't another choice for me. This laundry detergent recipe costs about $6 for everything and each load is approximately $0.04. Big savings! I like powder detergent because you can make it in minutes, it lasts for many months (6 - 8), uses very little per load, is natural and I have had no issues except for black clothes, which is all I wear and "until they come up with a darker color I will stick with black". You need to add the scoop of detergent with the water, let it agitate, then add your clothes, otherwise you might find spots from the borax on your Slayer T-shirt that you paid $40 for! Other than that small imposition, I wouldn't go back to store bought .. Ever! I have been making this detergent for about 3 years now. I started with cloth diaper detergent and then began to make our own for the whole family.
This video is several months, or more, old and has already changed. I no longer use laundry crystals but instead I use Essential Oils. Another difference in recipes out there is I do not add Oxyclean to my detergent as some do. If I did need to bleach whites I would just use regular, good old bleach separately.
NOTE: When adding a few full droppers (or 30 - 40 drops) of Essential Oils, mix that in well. It may clump so use a fork if necessary. Lavender, Orange, Lemon, Tea Tree Oil - all great! You could also add the EO to the baking soda by measuring the baking soda out in a mixing container and add the EO and mix well removing clumps with a fork.
Other products I make that I will share in the future:
- Mouthwash (amazing!)
- Surface cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Dishwasher detergent
- Dishwasher Glass cleaner = White Vinegar in compartment
- Hand soap
- Sugar Ant Eliminator
- Swiffer bottle replacement cleaner
- Hair conditioner
- Mildew remover for the tub and/or shower
Lastly, I make my own dryer balls from wool which I felt. The wool dryer balls absorb a LOT of water and keeps your dryer time down significantly. I will make a post on that soon too! A little tip: You can use a wad of aluminum foil to remove static from your clothes in the dryer and eliminate dryer sheets. Fabric softener is another post coming soon!
Here's the shopping list:
- 1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (I always keep an extra on hand for other small quick needs)
- 1 box 20 Mule Team Borax (this I, as well, keep an extra on hand)
- 3 - 4 bars Fels Naptha or Zote*
- 2 - 3 cups Baking Soda (giant bag from Costco)
- Essential Oils (30 - 40 drops)
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