Some of you know that Miss E started having some skin irritation about a year and a half ago. We have it pretty well under control now and one of the things that has helped is making our own detergents. During the summer we had a Relief Society activity where we received recipes for several cleaners. I haven't tried all of them, but the sister teaching us said she found the dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent made the biggest difference for her family's skin issues. We have used and like both laundry detergents and the dishwasher detergent. I just use plain white vinegar in place of fabric softener, but if you want something to add a nice scent to the clothes you can try the recipe below. For our spray cleaners we are still using Melaleuca products and Thieves.
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| We go through a lot of vinegar and baking soda these days! |
Laundry Detergent:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1 cup washing soda
1/4 cup coarse sea salt
1 bar castille soap, shredded (We use the Bosch shredder.)
Blend and use 1/4 cup per load.
Since this recipe doesn't use OxiClean, depending on the load I add 1/2-1 scoop of OxiClean.
Bulk Laundry Detergent:
3 bars Fels-Naptha, shredded (We use the Bosch shredder.)
1 - 4 lb. box baking soda
4 lb. OxiClean
1 box washing soda
1 large or 2 small laundry softener crystals (I omit this!)
Mix well and use the OxiClean scoop.
Fabric Softener:
6 cups hot water
3 cups white vinegar
2 cups conditioner
Mix and use 2 Tablespoons per load.
I haven't used this recipe. I just use 1/3 cup white vinegar per load.
Bleach (Seventh Generation recipe):
3 Quarts water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
Use 1/2 cup per load.
Dishwasher Detergent:
1 cup Borax
1/2 cup citric acid
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup salt
Mix well. Fill detergent area to fill line.
Use white vinegar for rinse aid (instead of Finish Jet Dry).
Bathroom Cleaner:
Almost boil 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 1/2 cups Dawn Dish Soap
Let sit 10-20 minutes, then wipe clean.
All Purpose Cleaner:
6 drops of lemon essential oil (or other citrus)
3 cups water
Mix in spray bottle.
Hardwood Floors:
2 cups water
2 cups white vinegar
2 cups rubbing alcohol
6 drops of Dawn dish soap
5 drops essential oil
