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 Soda3 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 water1 & 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.
- 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
