Make your own.............

Laundry soap, dish washer detergent, and all sorts of goodies. This is another easy way to become more self-sufficient, help the environment, and save money. Below is the recipe I first used to make my own laundry detergent:

1 bar of soap (ivory or Fels Naptha are best but I have used just about everything)
1 cup washing soda (I've used regular baking soda to no ill effect)
1 cup borax (found on any store's laundry isle. Look for the name "20 Mule team)

grate the soap, add the soda and borax. Super easy! It only takes 2-3 tablespoons of this to clean a load of laundry.
*Some folks, like my husband, get skin irritation from borax. If this occurs, stop using and try a different recipe without borax like this one from tipnut.com

Recipe #8

2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)

• Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
• In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
• Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
• Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

How about dishwasher detergent that is safer and less "chemical-y" than what your using now?

Basic dishwasher detergent recipe:

What You Need:

• 1 Tablespoon Borax
• 1 Tablespoon baking soda

This is a 'per load' recipe so feel free to make more ahead of time and put it into a container.

*Note: Dishes get cleaner when citric acid is used. You can buy citric acid, or to save time and money , simply empty one packet of lemon kool-aid into the dishwasher with the other ingredients. Only lemon, and only the packet without sugar in them. (use vinegar in your rinse dispenser. It's effective , cheaper, and safer)

Another cool thing about making your own cleaners- you run out of stuff less often. Since I keep a lot of borax, baking soda , and soap around the house, running out doesn't always mean a trip to the store. Just make another batch!

So that is the basic make-your-own rundown. Again a web search will bring you so many options you'll be amazed. Liquid laundry detergent , home made stain remover, and more.

JUST DO IT!! And when you do, for Heaven's sakes would you please tell me about?

love and peace,
-EJ