Over time we have been cutting out yucky chemicals from our life. It sounds like a lot of work at first, but if you chip away, one thing at a time, its manageable. Our first in 2010 was to cut out meat from our diet. Another way in 2012 was to switch from plastic tupperware to all glass containers. In this new year it's time we made our own laundry detergent. After researching it, I realized it saves a TON of money over the long run and makes our clothes feel better, smell better and last longer. I know, hippies, right? Try it. Slow change towards more eco friendly options, I find, is the most manageable way to do our part.
The main drive for us at first, was for Rowan. The smell of green apple Gain that we were using on Rowan's poopy and urine soaked diapers was a horrid combination. You could feel a film on our clothes and his diapers *especially after using the homemade stuff*. This recipe is not 100% perfect in solving this problem. Our clothes are great but the cloth diapers still smell a bit weird - so I added the essential oil drops to help.
Making the detergent is VERY easy. You should be able to find the borax and washing powder in your grocery store.
1 cup borax
1 cup Arm and Hammer washing powder
1 grated bar of soap - I chose veggie soap made by the Guelph Soap Company *I think*
a number of drops of essential oil
MIX it all up. Use as many drops of essential oils as you like until you get the desired smell. It might take a few washes for you to figure out whether you'd like more or less. I think I used 15 or so of lavender.
2 tbsp per load.
Love, Mama
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ouuu- keep me posted as to how it works!
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