Laundry

In my endeavors to live more simply along with doing my part to "save the earth" not to mention save some money I decided to try my hand at making my own laundry detergent and liquid fabric softener.

The detergent...

I found lots of liquid detergent recipes but I figured that by adding water I was just adding balk and since the ingredients were the same and I am putting it in a washer with water did I really need to add water? Not to mention I really don't have room for a 2 and a half gallon bucket beside my washer or anywhere else for that matter. Sooo, here's what I did...

1 bar Colgate's Octagon Bar Soap, grated or other laundry bar soap (found in the laundry aisle
1 bar Ivory Soap, grated
2 c. Borax
2 c. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda!! also in the laundry isle)

Mix all together in a container (I used an ice cream bucket) use about 1/8 cup per load. You could also add a few drops of essential oil if you want a scent. But I chose to make scented fabric softener instead.


The softener...

The fabric softener recipe was a different story, not so easy to find, dryer sheets, yes but not liquid. I wanted liquid, after all I don't really use the dryer much, so sheets wouldn't work for me. I wanted something to softened and smelled nice. I finally came across this recipe. I found it on onoldcentennialfarmhouse.blogspot.com which got it from fromathomewiththefarmerswife.blogspot.com but I'm not sure where it originated.

2 c. hair conditioner
2 c. white vinegar
6 c. water

Mix all together, shake well. Shake before each use.

I used Suave Ocean Breeze because I wanted a fresh scent and it was on sale. You could use any scent you want or use unscented if you like and add a few drops of essential oil to match your detergent. This is a great way to use those bottles of conditioner you bought and didn't like too. Also, don't worry about the vinegar leaving a vinegary smell, it won't. Vinegar not only helps to soften your clothes but will also rinse residue from your washing machine.