A lot of times I make my own laundry detergent but I like to have something on hand in case I forget, or am swamped that week or whatever. Soapnuts are perfect to fill that need. Have you ever used them?

They are  all natural, and are actually the seed from a plant, the dried shells from the soapberry.  The shells contain a natural soaping agent which has literally been used for centuries.  More than any other kind of laundry soap these are completely eco friendly, sustainable, and non polluting.  They are unprocessed.

You use them by putting about 4 shells in a muslin bag and tossing it in your machine.  The muslin keeps pieces of shell from getting into your clothing should it splinter.  That’s it.

Depending on where you get it and how much it costs the cost per load is about 15 to 20 cents. And it really works.

If you need scent/deodorizing or whatever just use  a little lavender or eucalyptus essential oil in the rinse water.

Image:Amazon

Post from: Blisstree

Laundry Alternative…Soap Nuts

So, isn’t homemade laundry soap time consuming to make?

So, do you get tired of paying a huge amount for laundry detergent that gives you a headache and is rotten for the environment? Yeah. I thought so.

And no, homemade laundry detergent takes just a few minutes to make. It doesn’t go bad so you can get a big container from a restaurant supply (I get containers to hold flour there because I buy organic flour by the 50 lb bag…a container to hold ALL of that is about 10 bucks) and make a ton of it at once.

Most people have at least read about making your own laundry soap. It is really easy and it works! I think the biggest complaint I have had form people who use it is that there are not that many suds. I hate to tell you but that is a good thing! Suds mean soap residues that stay in your clothes and make them dingy. Eww.

Anyway. Remember. We live on a pseudo farm. With only a little over 2 acres I can’t really call it a farm, can I? But we have creeks, mud, livestock, and boys.This recipe is the laundry soap I like, which works well on everything.

Powdered Laundry Soap

• 2 c fels naptha soap (or zote, or castille but fels naptha is the best) grated
• 1 c borax
• 1 c washing soda
• 1/3 c oxy clean

Mix together and use one to two tablespoons per load. Add essential oils if you like. Lavender is good. Tangerine is good. Whatever you love the smell of. Just add about 15 drops of an essential oil or a combination of a couple of them. Store covered and stir before using.

Image: MorgueFile

Post from: Blisstree

Homemade Laundry Soap