Earthwise Laundry

Laundry is a big part of our weekly household chores. It is great to not have to buy laundry soap and dryer sheets anymore because I make my own, and I'm going to share my ways with you!

Many conventional laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets contain volatile organic compounds (especially the scented ones), several of which are considered as hazardous air pollutants. These can be even worse if they become trapped inside your home. Read more about that here. That is part of the reason I started making mine, and because I think it is satisfying to know what goes into it.

Here are my recipes for laundry soap and fabric softener/dryer sheet soak:

Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe

3 Tbsp. Washing Soda
3 Tbsp. Baking Soda
3 Tbsp. Castile Soap
Hot Water
Laundry Soap Container

Mix all the ingredients into the laundry soap container, then fill the rest of the way with hot water. Gently shake to mix. Gently shake before each use, but avoid splashing it into the lid section before opening.

This laundry soap is thinner than the store bought stuff, so you might want to use more for each load, but that's okay because it is so cheap and easy to make!

Fabric Softener Recipe

3 cups water
1 & 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 cup hair conditioner (any scent you want, the stronger smelling the better!)

Mix all these ingredients together into a container of your choosing. Gently stir, do not shake.

To use in the rinse cycle just use the same amount you would with the store bought stuff.

**I like to soak a small towel or wash cloth in the jar, then wring it back out into the jar. Let it air dry, then toss it in the dryer like a dryer sheet! I use it 4-6 times between soakings.

*Note* - In the future, I would like to avoid buying a small plastic bottle of conditioner for making this recipe, I will probably buy conditioner in bulk in my own container, or find a substitute for it altogether. I will keep you updated! First, I have to use up this huge bulk bottle I found under the sink at our house when we moved in. :)

Some tips for conserving water:

• Set the washer load size accordingly for each use, and use a shorter cycle unless otherwise necessary.
• Wait until you have a full load to do your laundry.
• Look into saving your grey water to water plants outdoors.
• Make sure there are no leaks.
• When it is time to get a new washer, try to find an Energy Star-approved machine. According to Energy Star, they use 50% less water than less efficient models.

Tips for conserving energy:

• Wash with cold water, about 90% of the energy consumed during laundry is used just to heat up the water.
• Use a clothesline to dry your clothes, or you can even hang them indoors.
• Make sure to clean your lint trap well, this also helps avoid fire hazard.
• Make sure your ventilation tube is clear.
• Throw a clean, dry towel and a tennis ball into the dryer. The towel helps absorb moisture and dry faster, while the tennis ball helps the air move between clothes easier.
• Buy an Energy Star-approved washer, which uses 30% less energy.
• Energy Star does not approve dryers because they all use about the same amount of energy, but they do suggest buying a dryer with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when the load is dry.

Please feel free to share any more handy hints for the laundry room that you may have!

love & light,
Claire

Natural Antibacterial Body Wash Recipe

I developed this body wash by combining aspects of other recipes that I liked. This is more liquidy than the body wash you would buy at the store, so I use a spray bottle to be less wasteful. It's kind of fun because it is so different than any other way you would use soap in the shower. My boyfriend says he really likes using the spray bottle!

The castile soap is a great natural soap base, and aloe vera and coconut oil are awesome moisturizers. Eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender are all antibacterial oils. I use the glycerin is to help preserve the concoction, but also acts as a moisturizer!

Ok, here you go!

Earthwise Natural Antibacterial Body Wash Recipe

1 cup castile soap (your choice of scent) (I used Dr. Bronner's Lavender)
1/4 cup aloe vera juice
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
10 drops eucalyptus oil
10 drops tea tree oil
5 drops lavender (I just like to add more lavender ;) )
1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
Spray Bottle
Funnel

Mix together everything except the coconut oil. Melt the coconut oil to a liquid, whichever method you like, it doesn't take much to melt it. Then mix it in quickly, so it doesn't re-solidify. Then use a funnel to put it in your spray bottle!

If you want to make more at a time, just double the batch!

I hope you will try it out and let me know what you think!

love & light,
Claire

Homemade Whole Wheat Bread with Agave

Here it is, my homemade bread recipe! This is one of my all time keepers. It makes 2 loaves at a time and I keep one to eat and freeze the other. I love the fact that it is 100% Whole Wheat.

If you have never made bread before, don't get discouraged. It takes a few times before you get the hang of the correct consistencies and amount of flour to add. Just remember, don't over-flour, don't overcook, and HAVE FUN! Also, making bread is a fairly long process, you have to let it rise for almost an hour, twice, before you even bake it. You can get other household chores done, do some reading, or watch your favorite TV show while you wait.

I adapted this recipe from the one that I found here.

Homemade Whole Wheat Bread with Agave

1 Tbsp. yeast
1/4 cup warm water
2 & 1/2 cups hot tap water
6-7 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup apple sauce
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/2 tbsp. sea salt

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. Let sit about 10 minutes.

2. When the yeast is ready, pour the hot tap water in a separate large bowl. Then mix in 3 cups of whole wheat flour, oil, applesauce, agave nectar, sea salt, and the yeast mixture.


3. Mix in 2 more cups of whole wheat flour.

4. Slowly add the remaining 1-2 cups of flour (1/2 cup at a time). Be very careful to not over-flour the dough. Remember, the end product will begin to form into a ball and should still be slightly sticky. Flour a large surface such as your countertop, pour the dough out of the bowl and knead it for 8-10min.

5. Coat a large bowl with oil, form the dough into a ball, then place the dough in the bowl.

6. Place a clean dish towel over the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.


7. IT HAS RISEN!! Spray a large area on your countertop with cooking spray. Dump the dough ball onto the counter and divide into 2 sections. Punch down and re-knead the dough sections into bread shapes and place into greased bread pans.

8. Cover the bread pans with the towel, let rise for about 45 minutes or until they have doubled in size again.
9. Bake the bread loaves at 350 degrees for 25-35 min. the tops of the loaves should be nice and golden brown. When the bread is finished cooking, I like to coat the tops with a little Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread and a light sprinkle of sea salt.

10. Let the bread cool a few minutes before removing them from the pans. Then place them on a cooling rack until they are no longer warm on the outside. I usually eat a slice at this point! It's just too tempting. ;)

Mmmmmmhmmmm!!!

What is your favorite bread recipe?

love & light,
Claire