Was sick of washing my bed clothes and then having a rubbish sleep because the washing detergent was so strong (even tho I use non-bio!) so decided to make my own:
1 bar Waitrose sensitive soap, finely grated (approx 600 ml in a measuring jug)
600 ml soda crystals
600 ml bicarbonate of soda
Mix well. Store in an airtight jar. Use 1–2 tablespoons per load (approx 30ml) (2 for 60°C or 95°C bedding, 1 for lightly soiled daily wear).
Rinse aid / softener:
¼ cup white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment.
Optional: add 5 or 6 drops of essential oil to the vinegar (shake before pouring).
That’s it. Clean, non-toxic, and your clothes will smell of nothing - or the essential oil you add.
No more sleepless nights from synthetic fragrances!!
This is the one I used about 15 years ago except I would not bother with the 8 litres of cold water but kept the mixture more as a gel because it was easier to store.
WASHING SOAP (LAUNDRY/KITCHEN), HAND CLEANER, GENERAL PURPOSE CLEANER RECIPE:
20 litre recipe
What you need:
• 100 grams pure soap = 1 cake purest soap (Coles or Wollies own brand pure soap are fine)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 3 teaspoons eucalypt or tea tree oil
• A few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil for perfume
• 10 litres of cold water
• 9 litres of hot water.
What to do:
Grate the soap or slice strips off with a vegie peeler and place into a large saucepan and cover with two litres of cold water.
Bring to boil & add washing soda crystals, and stir until melted.
Stir in eucalyptus oil, vinegar and essential oil.
Pour into a bucket and add 9 litres of hot water and then stir in 8 litres of cold water.
Leave to cool and when cool transfer to smaller containers and label.
Good when used for:
• Laundry detergent for front and top loading machines and hand washing. 2-3 cups depending on load size
• Pre-soaker for heavily soiled items
• Washing-up liquid 10-20 ml/10 litres of water.
Store it in 1 and 2 litre plastic fruit juice containers.
