Basic Homemade Laundry Detergent
We all know how many harsh chemicals are added to commercial laundry soaps, even the so-called natural and organic laundry detergents have ingredients that are known to be toxic. Not to mention the harm that some of these chemicals are doing to our waterways and environment. Just a few of these toxic substances are known as: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), 1,4-dioxane, NPE (nonylphenol ethoxylate) and Phosphates. The health effects of some of the toxic ingredients in commerical laundry detergent and cleaning supplies can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, Cancer and disruption of the endocrine system. So not only are you coming into contact with these chemicals via your clothing that was been washed in them, but you are breathing the toxic elements in the process of doing your laundry.
If we step back and think about it, what are we doing? Why do we need such harsh toxic materials to wash our clothing and even our bedding?
I have been making our own laundry soap for quite some time and find that that this very simple recipe is my favorite. Clothes come out clean and smelling fresh every time.
Ingredients:
Baking Soda = Sodium Bicarbonate (a component of the mineral natron and is found in many mineral springs and know to be used in baking and other food preparations).
Washing Soda = Sodium Carbonate (similar to sodium bicarbonate, it is recognized for it's water softening ability and lathering ability) Not for internal consumption.
Borax- The Mineral Boron (Boron is a vital trace mineral that is required for the normal growth and health of the body and has been used as a laundry detergent/helper, under the term "Borax", for decades)
Dr. Bronner's Magic Bar Soap- Ingredients: Saponified Organic Coconut, Organic Palm, Organic Palm & Organic Olive Oils, Water, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Mentha Arvensis, Salt, Citric Acid and Vitamin E. All natural and safe to use ingredients. These soaps are great for body washing, too!
Instructions:
Mix equal amounts (1 cup) of Baking Soda, Washing Soda and Borax with 1/2 bar of grated Dr. Bronner's Soap. Mix together well and store. You can certainly double or triple the batch.
I use 2 scoops (each scoop is about 1 tablespoon) per load and 3 scoops for heavier/dirtier loads.
Enjoy!