These are recipes for making your own laundry cleaners and detergent. These were shared by some friends who were looking for healthier solutions for cleaning. Since we are all so different and may be affected by something that someone else may not, always be sure to test small amounts of a product until you are sure of your own reactions.
I also know a number of people who have MCS and like to buy at thrift stores . They don’t want to invest a huge amount of money, for something that may not work for them and they have found some amazing treasures. The problem with most thrift stores is the traditional practice of steaming clothes and then spraying them with Febreze before they get hung up for sale. My friend swears by the Odor Remover recipe below.
I would suggest making small amounts of these products, to determine if they meet your laundry needs.
Simple Laundry Washing Powder
16 cups baking soda
12 cups borax
8 cups grated Castile or glycerin soap flakes (you can buy Castile soap and grate for this).
Combine all ingredients. Put in a sealed container and label.
Use 1/8 cup per load.
This makes enough powder to last a family of four one year.
Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe
1-1/2 quarts of hot water
15-20 organic soap nuts
Directions:
1. Place soap nuts in a large saucepan. Pour hot water over the Soap Nuts and let steep for 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Place pan on stovetop and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Be sure that soap nuts are completely covered with water.
3. Strain into a bowl and reserve the water. You’ll have a generous quart of liquid remaining.
Allow to cool before transferring to your air tight container.
Use 4 Tablespoon Soap Nut liquid plus 2 tablespoons of Borax powder per load (with hard city water).
Note: I have used the liquid without borax.
Pre Wash Stain Spray
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
3 cups water
Stir together and fill a labeled spray bottle. Spray on soiled spots just before washing.
Bleach Brightener Substitute
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup lemon or grapefruit juice
12 cups water
Store in labeled sealed jug.
Add 2 cups per load along with detergent.
Odor Remover
This recipe is for clothes that have a strong odor, such as brand new clothes or clothes from second hand stores which are usually sprayed with Febreze and then hung up for sale. My friend, who buys amazing clothes at thrift shops, says this recipe works gets odors out of store clothes 90% of the time.
Soak clothes one or two pieces at a time in a bucket with distilled white vinegar. (Leave in your garage, laundry room or patio).
Add 1 cup of baking soda and a ¼ capful of your regular detergent. Let soak for 24-48 hours.
Rinse and wash as usual.
If needed, hang outside for one week to a month
Rewash.
Stain Hints
Remove coffee, tea and wine – Put stained tablecloth over the sink and pour boiling water over the stain until it disappears
Remove grease- Make a paste of granulated sugar and water. Rub it into the stain and let it set before washing. Dry in the sun.
Scorch marks- if not too brown, it will disappear if dipped in borax and water and then dried in the sun.
Spilled wax- Harden edges with ice cubes. Scrape off excess with a dull knife. For washable fabric, stretch a bowl and pour boiling water through the stain. For non washables, place between several layers of clean white cotton or muslin and press with a warm iron.
What commercial detergents work for people with MCS?
Again it depends on the individual; some will react to a product when others won’t. But here is a list of products that have worked for numerous people I know. I have also found that many people rotate their laundry detergent to avoid any problems.
ECOS Free and Clear Laundry Detergent
Borax Free Laundry Detergent and Borax Free Dishwashing Detergent
April 1, 2014
I recently came across a blog called My Healthy Green Family, it has a great DIY section that includes recipes for Borax Free Laundry Detergent and Dishwasher Soap. I am happy to say that Leona allowed me to share a link for her recipes below.
I also appreciate her time and effort in testing different detergents and sharing her results, as well as cost comparisons.
The ingredients used in the laundry detergent are citric acid, baking soda, coarse salt, washing soda and glycerin bar soap.
The ingredients used in the dishwashing detergent are citric acid, coarse salt and washing soda
These items are commonly found at your grocer.
Just remember to omit the essential oils if you have MCS, or other Environmental Illness.
Click on the links below to see her recipes:
Thanks Leona!
May 2, 2014
Here are two new laundry recipes from readers:
Chemical Free Laundry Soap
5 c. liquid castile soap
2 Tbsp. vegetable glycerin
1-1/2 C. Water
Homemade Liquid OxyClean
2 cups water
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1 cup baking soda
Combine all ingredients and pour into a clean sprayer bottle. Many stores sell empty sprayer bottles
Use as a pre-treat spray on stains or add 1 cup of the mixture above to a load of laundry, add water and let soak for 30 minutes before washing.
