DIY

Lately in my quest to become greener, I have been making my own cleaners and laundry detergent. I have to say they are super economical also. Here are the recipies, I have had a few family and friends ask...

Laundry detergent
If you can make pasta you can make this.
1/2c. washing soda ( made by arm&hammer, in laundry isle >3.00 a box)
1/2c. borax ( in green box, laundry isle >3.00 a box)
1/2 bar Fels Naptha soap grated ( in laundry isle 1.00-1.99)

Heat 1 gal of water on stove, add ingredients and melt together. After all melted dump into a 5 gal bucket, allow to cool. It will turn into a gel. This takes a few hours or overnight. Mix with 2 gal. hot water. Mix well. Store in 3 gal container. Shake before using in washer, it'll seperate a little. This lasts my family about 6 wks. (6-8 loads a week) It ends up being about .01 per load. Has no smell, and I use vinegar as a fabric softner in a downy ball.
* We have SUPER sensitive skin and we react less to this than to ANY other detergent I have tried.

All Purpose cleaner
Fill a large container(1 gal) with water add 2c. white vinegar. Add 2 T. of peppermint castile soap and 5-10 drops of Tea Tree Oil. I use this on everything. Windows, floors, bathroom, etc. I love it. It smells a little vinegary but it is not bad and cleans great. It is also good for detailing your car. (At least that is what Ed says) If you use on window make sure your cloth is very dry.

My visiting teacher Alice will be teaching me to make soap soon too. I'll let you know how that goes. They will be Christmas presents!