Sustainable Living: DIY LAUNDRY DETERGENT

So, I just purchased another small bottle of laundry detergent at our local grocery store.  We use ECOS FREE & CLEAR, an all natural laundry detergent that costs $13.50 for 100 fluid ounces or 100 loads of laundry.  Yes, I said that right.  $13.50!!!  Expensive, right?!

I've been contemplating making my own ECO-FRIENDLY LAUNDRY DETERGENT for some time, and after some research and another expensive consumer transaction, I feel NOW IS THE TIME to MAKE MY OWN.

There are so many recipes & tutorials out there on making your own laundry detergents, fabric softeners and stain removers.  It can be a bit overwhelming.  However, here is an all natural washing powder I'd like to try. 

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups Borax
1 1/2 cups Washing Soda (aka soda ash or sodium carbonate found at most supermarkets or online)
1/2 cup Baking Soda
1 bar unscented soap like Fels Naptha soap or Castile soap

CREATE:
* Grate bar of soap.
* Mix Borax, washing soda, baking soda and grated soap together with a wooden spoon.
* Pour into a mason jar or other glass jar.

USE:
 ~3 Tablespoons of powder per load of laundry.

COST:  ~$3 bucks!

photos and recipe found on Pinterest from the SimpleMittons blog

We don't use FABRIC SOFTENER because of the phosphates, dyes and chemical fragrances as well as the residue it leaves behind (which break down the thread strength of fabrics not to mention the hormone disruptors, synthetic dyes and allergens they cause- for more info on this, read HERE).  However, I am tempted to MAKE and TRY THIS.

photo and recipe from Pinterest on the CampWander blog

INGREDIENTS:
1 Quart white vinegar (we buy organic)
25 drops essential oil (I  will use Young Living essential oil of Lemongrass or Lavender)
1 tsp rubbing alcohol (for emulsion)

CREATE:
* Mix all ingredients into a glass jar.

USE:
1/2 cup into rinse cycle
OR into fabric softener receptacle before starting wash cycle




I'll be making these products soon and will definitely let you know how it turns out.  I may also be featuring my own DIY TUTORIAL on this process via video.  Check back or inquire within.  :)