There’s a movement happening to create a natural, toxin-free home. It’s something everyone should take seriously because once you start learning about the different chemicals that are in our every-day products, it’s ridiculous. But really… there are so many toxic chemicals found in household cleaners. We can make our own all-natural products that are safe AND effective.
Please take notice of the labels on your laundry detergent, cleaners, dish soap, shampoo & conditioner, body soap, shave cream, cosmetics, deodorant, lotion, cream, lip balm, candles, air fresheners… these can contain chemicals that can be carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors & neurotoxins.
I had been buying natural laundry soap when I decided, oh here’s another DIY project for myself! So I created our all-natural laundry bars. They are sold in our shop. You can use our bars as a stain remover or you can use them to make your own all-natural laundry powder.
OUR LAUNDRY SOAP POWDER CONTAINS:
Soap – Soap is an emulsifier and surfactant. An emulsifier is a substance that creates an environment in which water and oil can mix. Soap suspends oil and dirt so that it can be washed away during the rinse. Our laundry bars are made with 100% coconut oil and lye with a 0% superfat.
Borax (naturally occurring mineral made up of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water) It helps to whiten whites, remove soap residue, and inhibits fungi and bacteria.
Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) is a laundry booster which acts as a solvent to help remove stains and helps treat hard water by binding to the minerals. Washing soda is a naturally occurring substance derived from the ash of sodium-rich plants. It can help to soften water, fix dyes to fabrics and remove laundry stains. Keep it in a dry place though as it will absorb moisture and become very hard.
Ingredients:
1 cup grated laundry soap (1/2 bar=70g)
2 cups borax
2 cups washing soda
(optional) 10-15 drops essential oil blend
(My favorite essential oils to use include lavender, rosemary, tea tree, peppermint and lemon. You can create a blend or use individually) My favourite blend so far is lemon, tea tree & lavender essential oils.
Directions: Grate soap bar to fine shreds with a handheld cheese grator. (If you put straight into the processor, it'll get all gummed up!) Combine with borax and washing soda and pulse in processor until a fine powder. Add essential oils if desired. Place into glass jar and seal.
To use: Scoop 1 tablespoon of natural laundry soap directly into your clothes washer. Use vinegar fabric softener in the rinse cycle to help prevent soap scum or buildup.
Enjoy your all-natural laundry soap!
Fabric Softener
Vinegar is one of the most frugal fabric softeners around. It helps remove leftover detergent and softens your clothes as it does so. You can try infusing your vinegar with a variety of your favourite flowers, herbs or citrus zest to brighten up your laundry routine.
Ingredients:
4 cups vinegar
Handful of dried flowers, herbs or zest
Directions: Place herbs in your quart glass jar and fill vinegar to the top (about 4 cups). Place piece of wax paper between jar and the lid to prevent corrosion. Let steep for 1-2 weeks, out of direct sunlight.
To Use: Strain the finished vinegar. Add around ¼ cup to the fabric softener dispenser on your machine or use a dispenser ball. You may find you need up to ½ cup if you have hard water.
Here's some extra laundry DIY recipes if you're feeling extra ambitious.
Fabric Whitener Recipe (instead of bleach)
¾ cup Hydrogen Peroxide
¼ cup Lemon juice
¾ cup Baking Soda
7 cups Water
10-15 drops lemon essential oil
Mix together and store in glass jar. Use ½ cup per load.
How to Make Liquid Laundry Soap
1. Grate one bar of soap with cheese grater
2. Put grated soap in pan with 2 quarts water and gradually heat, stirring constantly until soap is completely dissolved.
3. Put 4.5 gallons of really hot tap water in a 5-gallon bucket and stir in 2 cups of borax and 2 cups of Washing Soda until completely dissolved.
4. Pour soap mixture from pan into 5-gallon bucket. Add essential oils as desired. Stir well.
5. Cover and leave overnight.
6. Shake or stir until smooth and pour into gallon jugs or other containers.
7. Use 1/2 to 1 cup per load.
I was excited to teach a class on how to do make the laundry soap and if you’re interested in attending or learning about other natural home methods then shoot me a message!
Let me know how you make out!
