Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Non Toxic Laundry Detergent

Laundry Detergent. Whew, just the word and it makes me crinkle my nose. Not only because it makes me think about the money people spend on it (including us a couple of years ago) but also the smell.
money laundering
 photo credit: Karen Barefoot

I used to love the smell; getting the clothes out of the dryer and smelling that clean and fresh smell or when I passed by a vent outside and I'd smell that smell coming out, I loved it.

Now, now it is a different story!The smell gives me a headache when I pass by the aisle at the grocery store. Do you know that certain laundry detergents' ingredients are toxic for you???? The chemicals can be absorbed into your skin as you wear your clothes. Toxic Chemicals such as Phosphates, Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite), Phenols, Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates (LAS) and others can be found in detergents.

We understood that a few years ago and then we started buying a natural brand from SamsClub but it began to add up. I decided to do some research and look for recipes t make our own and I was pleasantly surprised!

What you need:

  • 1 1/2 Cup Borax (found in the laundry detergent aisle)
  • 1 1/2 Cup of Washing Soda (same brand as Arm & Hammer Baking soda but it's a lil different, found in laundry aisle)
  • 1 bar of soap
  • 5 gallon jug (we hand one already but you can purchase them at Lowe's or I believe Firehouse Subs sells the old jugs the pickles come in, they are fire engine red for $2)
*remember many bars of soap contain "toxic" ingredients, but you can use anything. I wanted ours to be all natural so I got a Mrs. Meyer's bar of soap at a natural grocery store. (I use half the bar when I use Mrs. Meyer's) There are other places you can find natural brands nowadays, even at Walmart, I saw Tom's brand there.  An alternative to the bar of soap is 1/3 cup of Dr. Bronner's magic liquid soap, they also have bar soap.

What to do:

Grade the bar of soap then put in a big pan with 1-2 quarts of water. Don't boil but place on medium heat until soap dissolves, mixing continuously. Once dissolved, mix in the 1 1/2 Cup Borax and 1 1/2 Cup of Washing Soda together and stir until dissolved. Then have your 5 gallon jug pre-filled with 4 gallons of water and pour in the mixture, add water until there is about 2-4 inches from the rim. Wait 12-24 hours b4 using. The consistency is like pudding usually. It costs about $2-4 per 4+ gallon mixture which is a tremendous savings!

 this is a good how to video, my recipe is a little different but may try this one soon


There are many different recipes out there, but I know our stuff gets dirty so I did the one with more borax. Use about 1/2-1 cup per load or what you feel most comfortable with. You are welcome to try it out and save money and save your family from harmful toxins! Let me know how yours turns out!

I am hoping to be hosting a link up devoted to being healthy soon! Healthy 2day Wednesdays will encourage us to share ideas (such as this laundry detergent post), tips, recipes, things to avoid, something new to try, green living, health/alternative health posts, etc. that will help us! If you are interested or have any questions let me know! Hope you'll participate in Healthy 2day Wednesdays! Or maybe Friday- which is better?


Tip Junkie handmade projects

5 comments:

  1. I love this post. I am bookmarking it so I can try it. I have been buying Ecos from Costco. But it is pricey. I'd love to make my own.

    That new meme sounds great. I am now your newest GFC follower :)

    Visiting from WFMW. Glad to find you!
    Blessings,
    Long Wait For Isabella

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  2. Looks like a simple solution. I have issues with smells also.

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  3. laVonne- You should try this! It works great!
    Julie-It is so simple! For added aroma you can add essential oils and it won't give you headaches!

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  4. have a mineral ball in my washing machine now - but it's not working for all the spring stains. thanks for this tip!Blessings!
    LIB
    http://bit.ly/9ZjoY1

    ReplyDelete
  5. I make my own detergent as well. Except, I use oxiclean instead of soap.

    ReplyDelete

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