Saturday, April 17, 2010

What have I been up to?

     Oh not to much. I did however make my own laundry soap yesterday. I was a little disappointed in the selection in this town for a laundry bar of soap. Granted I did not look at the Health food store or the Happy tree for the infamous "Zote" soap.
I did however scour both Grocery stores and Wal-Mart!
    I settled for sunlight bar of pure soap. Got the Borax and Washing Soda. The recipe I used was:
1 bar of soap grated
1 1/2 cups of Borax
1 1/2 cups of Washing Soda
   Be careful not to breathe in the powders while pouring (not that I did that). Mix with your hands. Blend in your blender or bullet (like me). It makes about a margarine tub amount.
Use 1 Tbsp for small loads and 2 Tbsp for large or soiled loads.
    I have heard some people add 1/4 cup of Oxyclean to their mix for added brightness.


















    I've only done one load of laundry and so far so good. The real test will be when the baby is wearing her newly washed clothes, we'll see how her eczema does.
    It was kinda fun making my own stuff.
I also read how to make my own yogurt, from starter yogurt. I might try it.
I want to start composting too!


    Have you got any frugal tips to help save money in your home? Or changing something to help the environment?

3 comments:

Annie said...

I make my own as well...I don't do the poweder I make liquid. All the same ingredients, I use the sunlight bar as well. I've loved it...but we don't have any sensitivities to soaps.

Anonymous said...

Great work! (what's gotten into you, anyway :)

There's a great store in Port Coquitlam called Cranberry Lane. You can shop online too. They have all sorts of interesting recipes and natural products.

Lucy H.

kozimom said...

I add baking soda to my homemade laundry soap, too. It seems to help make the whites brighter. Also, vinegar is a great fabric softener!
I really like the homemade stuff - my oldest son David, works on a dairy farm and his clothes get VERY stinky. The homemade laundry soap really washes his clothes well!
Also, I often get atopic dermatitis on my hands. Over the past year, it has really improved. Maybe from the homemade laundry soap? Maybe from vinegar instead of bounce sheets?
Anyway - have fun!