Homesteading: A Woman's Journey

Trying Something New

Today, I am doing something new.  I am using some homemade laundry soap.  When I was at the store recently, I saw the price of laundry soap and just couldn't bring myself to buy it.  I just can't bring myself to pay nearly $12 for a large bottle of liquid laundry detergent.

So, I thought about the recipe that I saw on Quiverfull's, a fellow blogger here, website (http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com).  The recipe is extremely easy to make.  I am thrilled with the results also.  I really doubt that you can make a mistake in making it.  Her directions are very detailed and eaasy to follow.

Today, I am using the laundry soap.  I didn't have any essential oil on hand, so I haven't scented the soap.  I happen to have some dryer sheets, so that is the only scent they will have.  As for the soap getting the laundry clean, it works great.  It takes getting used to not having alot of suds in the washer, but that is a blessing too as you don't have to worry about getting all the soap suds rinsed out of the clothing.

I will be using this recipe from now on.  The recipe's ingredients for one batch (2 gallons) cost less than a dollar.  I have enough Washing Soda & Borax powder left over to make nearly a year's supply of this soap!  I also am thrilled to know exactly what is in the soap.  Seeing the ingredients used, I will be able to use it on baby clothing without concern of the soap being too harsh on the baby's skin.

Check out her website.  She has alot of great ideas and recipes for homemade cleaners.

By the way, once I get some essential oil, I will be making my own dryer sachets.  Using a large round cookie cutter or wide mouth canning ring for a template, cut out 2-3 cicles of fabric.  To prevent fraying, you can either stitch the edge or cut them out with pinking shears.  Next, using a good, heavy thread or DMC floss stitch a basting stitch about 1/2 inch from the edge.  Place a couple of cotton balls into the center and draw the thread to gather up the fabric around the cotton balls.  Secure the thread.  I usually take a couple of stitches, then tightly wrap the thread around the gather a couple of time, then take another stitch to secure, then tie the knot off.  Place a couple of drops of essential oil onto the sachet and let dry.  If you place of these into the dryer with your laundry, the scent of the essential oil will be left on your clothing.

Enjoy!

Untitled Comment

12:13, Monday, July 23, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

Hi Paula,
Many thanks for sharing this. I really like the dryer 'ball' too. I'm going to make my own laundry soap too when the powder I have runs out. Will email soon - promise. I can't log in as I've forgotten my password etc.... Regards Jade (Jan)