You can help your laundry "go green" along with the rest of your household by creating simple laundry products in your own kitchen. A simple laundry softener can be made from 1 part Borax and 2 parts Baking Soda, and can be scented with natural Essential Oils, or left unscented. Toss one or two tablespoons of this simple powder into your wash to help soften and fragrance your clothing and linens.
Certain Hydrosols make great Linen Waters too. Neroli Hydrosol, Lavandula Hydrsosol, or Rose Hydrosol can be used while ironing to add a touch of gentle, all natural fragrance to your clothing. Ironing with Hydrosol is best reserved for dark fabrics, but all fabrics should be tested with a little Hydrosol prior to use as Hydrosols can stain certain fabrics. Since Hydrosols can vary from batch to batch it is important to patch test your fabric every time to avoid accidental staining, even if you have used a particular type of Hydrosol for this purpose in the past.
Another easy way to scent your laundry with natural Essential Oils is with your dryer. Add just one drop of Essential Oil (Lavender is a great choice) to a cotton ball, and seal it inside a Muslin Bag. Toss the Muslin Bag into the dryer along with your wet laundry. The scent of the Essential Oil will quickly fill the Dryer with aroma, leaving just the right amount of scent on the laundry. Be careful to choose an Essential Oil that is safe for the entire family, and to never use more than one or two drops per load.
These are simply great tips for greening up laundry day. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Carol | May 05, 2009 at 09:32 PM
I'm glad you enjoyed our Laundry Tips Article. If you have your own green cleaning tips please let us know!
Posted by: Emmy Gabriel | May 06, 2009 at 09:47 AM
I make my own powdered laundry detergent out of a 1:1:1 ratio mixture of borax, washing soda (NOT baking soda, washing soda is different) and powdered soap- I buy the cheapie unscented hypoallergenic soap that comes in a 3 pack and grate it by hand into a fine powder. Then I scent it to my liking with essential or fragrance oils. You only need to use 1 Tbsp of the mix per load!! Works like a charm and the cost works out to 1 or 2 CENTS per load. Try and match that kind of cost efficiency with Tide ;) The waste water produced is also much gentler on the environment, and my septic system, so everybody wins.
Posted by: Becca | May 08, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Thank you for sharing your laundry recipe! Making your own laundry soap is a great way to take your green laundry to the next level.
Posted by: Emmy Gabriel | May 11, 2009 at 10:22 AM