Modern chemical science has given us laundry products that easily produce baskets of fluffy, bright, perfumed and improbably soft household fabrics. But as conveniently cleansing as these products seem to be, a price is often paid with our overall wellness and the environment.
Try creating your own safe and satisfying laundry products by using essential oils and a few inexpensive, natural ingredients. Start by making these easy and economical practices a regular part of your laundry routine:
 Boost the cleansing and brightening power of detergent by adding ¼ cup baking soda to the wash cycle.- Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fabrics and neutralize odors.
- Use a wool dryer ball or roll an un-dyed wool sock into a tight doughnut shape and add to the dryer to decrease drying time, wrinkles and static build-up.
- Add fresh scent by placing several drops of lavender essential oil on a clean cloth and tossing into the dryer during the cool-down phase.
- Attach a mesh bag filled with sustainable coconut shell-derived charcoal to the inside of the lid of your clothes hamper to absorb odors.
- Run an empty wash cycle once a month with hot water and 1 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to purify and eliminate odors from machine.
- Clean and vacuum vents and ductwork of dryer at least twice a year.
- Add ½ teaspoon of lavender oil to the rinse cycle if you are line drying clothes.
- Use an indoor drying rack (especially during dry winter months).
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Natural Washing Detergent
 2 teaspoons lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon lemon essential oil
1 teaspoon grapefruit essential oil
8 cups baking soda
6 cups soda ash (sodium carbonate or washing soda)
4 cups of grated Castile soap (about 3 to 4 bars)
Directions: Use a wire whisk to fully blend essential oils and baking soda, then whisk in the other ingredients until well combined. Use 1/8 cup for a regular-sized load.
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Stain-fighting Spray
1 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
1 teaspoon lemon essential oil
16 ounces unscented liquid Castile (olive oil) soap
16 ounces filtered water
Directions: Blend oils into soap, then stir in water. Fill a 32-ounce spray bottle with mixture. Apply to stains and scrub with a soft brush before washing.
Follow these tips and recipes to create naturally clean laundry. You’ll soon appreciate the simple, clean, soft and subtly aromatic results that a natural laundry routine provides. |
