Simple Life Challenge :: Homemade Laundry Detergent

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Dirt Girl says it's the little things- change starts in the little things we can do everyday.  As I have said here before, I would like to find ways of doing the everyday things a little cheaper, kinder to self and environment and educational for my boys.  The other day I found this awesome post that totally sums up how I feel on the matter (thanks Rhonda Jean). I share all these same views and I am endeavouring, at a pace that won't kill me, to roll out some changes for good.

So, I have started with learning to knit, crochet and sew.  I cook most of my meals from scratch and buy in bulk where possible.  I have only a small herb garden but in time I hope to expand it to vegies and fruit.  I have stopped using shampoo! 

Now, what can I do about cleaning?  A few years back I purchased Spotless by Shannon Lush.  It is an excellent resource book but seeing as I have lent it out, I am now turning to the internet for advice.  I also went to Aldi yesterday and purchased some microfibre cleaning cloths.  Look, I have no idea if this means the end of cleaning chemicals or not; I have no idea if these cloths were manufactured in a enviro friendly, person friendly way- but it is a start!

I asked Tammi what she does for her laundry needs and she posted this excellent dry powder recipe.  And then I popped over to Down To Earth and found this lovely liquid recipe.  The powder recipe seemed a little less fussy to produce so that is the one I have tried first.

Totally happy with the results.  I add a capful of Napisan to whites and Rick's work clothes and also add vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser to prevent soap build up.  Even with these additives it is working out to be heaps cheaper.  I have done this now for only a month and so far so good.  I will let you know if anything changes.

Anyone else using homemade laundry powder?  What's your recipe?

 x's
Fi