We've long used Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent on all of our diapers and clothes. However, even through Frontier co-op, it is not exactly cost effective. And I wasn't thrilled with the performance on my diapers. So, I began looking for other options. When I bought some new diapers, they came with a sample of laundry soap and it worked VERY well! I knew that the soap was homemade, and that meant that I could make it myself. So off I went to research a recipe! I found that the basic recipe is:
1 Part Borax
1 Part Washing Soda (This is not baking soda)
2 Parts Grated Bar Soap
Several drops essential oil (optional)
Borax and Washing Soda are found in the laundry aisle at many grocery stores. Some stores carry one or the other but not both, so you may have to check around. For the soap, you can use whatever you like. Many use Fels Naptha or Zote soaps, but I don't like that they don't list their ingredients. Many use Ivory, but we don't use anything with "Fragrance", "Perfume" or "Parfume" on the label unless we can find somewhere that the fragrance is from essential oils. I used Kiss My Face brand olive oil and honey soap. I also add several drops of patchouli and sweet orange essential oils, because I like the light fragrance it gives our clothing and diapers.
Mix all of this up, store it in a container with a lid, and use 2-4 Tablespoons per load of laundry! We've been thoroughly pleased with the results.Labels: Mindful Home, Mindful Products
