So in case any of you didn't know already, I have eczema. Not super terrible, but it does make wearing skirts and shorts a little uncomfortable--no one, including me, wants to see those dry and scaly spots that dot the bottom half of my legs.
Know what else no one--including me--likes to see? The price tag on laundry soap. (It's probably not as bad as it could be, but still, when you're trying desperately to pinch every penny, it's hard to justify spending more on laundry soap that supposedly works for "sensitive skin". Also, it's full of all kinds of chemicals which make me squirm a little bit. Fabric softener too.)
So I decided to try something--homemade laundry detergent.
Which I tried once before, and the results...well they weren't so good. But I decided to try again.
You guys, I am so glad I decided to try again.
My clothes have never smelled fresher, felt cleaner, or looked brighter than they have for the last month.
This new laundry detergent was put to the test when my cat bled all over a certain favorite blanket of mine. (Long story--perhaps another time.) The blanket is white with black swirling flowers all over it, and it was pretty obvious that it had been stained pretty badly. And I was a little heartbroken, but before just throwing it out, I decided to at least try to get the stains out.
One and a half tablespoons of this laundry detergent, guys.
Not a hint of a stain anywhere.
Not exaggerating. I even made Husband--who has an annoyingly good eye for things like that when he wants to--check it over. He couldn't see anything either.
So basically, I'm sold. I'm never buying store-bought detergent or fabric softener again. I love the idea that it's cheaper, works better, and is better for the environment. Win-win-win!!
So I figured I'd share with all y'all here.
HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
- 2 tubs oxy-clean (I got the unscented, chlorine-free kind)
- 1 box Borax*
- 1 box Arm&Hammer Washing Soda*
- 3 grated bars of soap* (I used Dr. Bronner's castile soap in lavender scent)
Seriously. That's it. Just throw it all together in a big bowl or bucket, shake it up or mix it really well, and store.
AND ALL YOU NEED IS ONE TABLESPOON FOR EACH LOAD (1.5 if it's really big or really nasty). This stuff will last you for-ev-er.
I've also noticed my eczema going away. I don't know if it's the laundry detergent, the homemade fabric softener, a combination of the two, or if my skin just decided to clear up now that fall is here and I'm wearing long pants all the time anyway, but I certainly attribute at least part of the healing to this homemade stuff.
Here's what I did for the softener.
FABRIC SOFTENER
- 1 quart distilled white vinegar
- 25 drops lavender essential oil (or whatever is your favorite)
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 c. to each load during the final rinse cycle.
I swear your clothes won't smell like vinegar. I PROMISE they wont. :) The vinegar cuts out all of the leftover soap that wasn't rinsed out with plain water. Seriously, my clothes and towels and sheets are so soft now! And not vinegar-y at all. Promise.
Yup. That's it. I'm in laundry heaven. Hopefully you will be too.
*If you're wondering what size of box to get, there should only be one size available. They will be available in the laundry aisle of your favorite grocery store. They even make some soap brands specifically for homemade laundry detergent (Zote, Fels-Naptha). I just haven't tried those. :) Good luck!!
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