Try It Out Tuesday: Laundry Day

In all my research on how to "green" my cleaning products... and in order to help combat my little Bug's super sensitive skin... I came across some DIY laundry soaps! I didn't even know that was possible! I was super curious at how it would work... and I was impressed at how simple it is. I tried it and I have fallen in love with my new laundry detergent! I also found some ways to finish out that load of laundry without using dryer sheets (which leave a residue on clothes).

There are recipes available for making both liquid and powder detergent, but the steps for making liquid detergent were much more involved. So I went with powder...

What you need:

-1 cup Borax Powder (remember, you just got a box last week for cleaner?)
-1 cup Super Washing Soda
-1 cup grated soap (about 1 bar)

*Borax and Super Washing Soda were both near the laundry detergent in my grocery store and each cost about $3. The soap cost $.10 for a 3 pack using some serious couponing... but I imagine I will be spending $3 on future 3 packs. Also, I used Dial Hypo-Allergenic soap, but you can use any soap you like. In my research both Dove and Ivory had high recommendations.

Tools:
-Measuring Cup
-Cheese Grater (fine)

1. Grate the soap.

2. Combine the soap, Borax and Super Washing Soda in an airtight container and shake up.
3. Use 3-4 Tablespoons per load of laundry. Enjoy clean clothes and inexpensive, safe laundry soap!

**I made a triple batch so I would have enough to last for a good while. I am LOVING this soap. I especially love the mild scent. If you love a stronger smell, choose a stronger soap!


I also have learned a few things about dryer sheets and I am choosing not to use them anymore... plus I hate spending money on them. I have taken to tossing 3 tennis balls into the dryer with my laundry. This keeps the static at bay (not gone from fleece) and it decreases drying time by fluffing the laundry. This has also cut down on wrinkles... which means less ironing! Yay!

Finally, I like my laundry to have a mild scent, so the laundry soap is just about right for me... but sometimes I toss a little cotton baggy of lavender into the dryer to add a gentle fragrance. You can also put a couple drops of lavender (or whatever scent you like) oil onto a hankie and toss that in the dryer with your load.

Enjoy your new greener laundry!