One of the most popular questions I get asked by people is what kind of laundry detergent to use...especially from people who have sensitive skin and are trying to find alternatives for themselves and their families.

I think there is a perception that if the label says "fragrance-free" or all clear that it is safe to use without skin irritation. What I have found is that mfgs are making more concentrated formulas (which means even more surfactants, SLS and other nasty stuff--but they aren't telling you) Have you ever tried to figure out what's in it--few of the liquid soap makers will tell you--you have to call and ask---and the list of chemicals is astounding! Making it worse, most people are using too much laundry solution every time they wash--double trouble.

I use a combination of baking soda, borax and grated soap flakes. I use white vinegar (keep a big jug of it in the laundry area) and add some to wash as a natural bleach. Adding vinegar to the wash also helps reduce static cling in the dryer. All of these things are easy to find, except the soap flakes. If you can find natural soap flakes in bulk--buy them. If not use a microplane or kitchen microplane grater and bars of castile soap or plain white ivory soap bars and grate it finely.

Here's an easy recipe from Karyn Siegel-Maier's book "The Naturally Clean Home-Over 100 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Nontoxic Cleansers"

Basic Laundry Soap Powder
(this recipe will wash six average loads, and you can easily double it)

1 cup washing soda (like Mule Team borax)
1 cup baking soda (you can scent it with your favorite essential oil if you like)
1 cup soap flakes or finely grated pure bar soap

Blend all ingredients and store in a heavy plastic container. Use 1/2 cup for an average load.

If you like you can add 10 drops of essential oil of your choice to 2 cups of vinegar--keep it in a seperate container and use 1/2 cup of this during your rinse cycle.

Karyn Siegel-Maier's book is one of my favorites for making safe, easy and inexpensive cleaning products

What's your favorite resource or cleaning recipe?

Hi Wendy! :-) I have the same book as well and it is my favorite! Its really the only non toxic cleaning book I use because it covers all the aspects including automotive cleaning! I was a little skeptical at first about using vingar in the rinse cycle, but it DOES help with static cling and there is no vinegar smell left over! Actually I think it helps neutralize odors! Everyone always looks at me funny when I tell them I wash my clothes in vinegar! But really, even though some of the recipes seem a little strange, they really do work! I don't run out of the room holding my breath while I am cleaning so I don't breathe in fumes anymore, and I have no problem with my 18 month old being around when I am cleaning as well!

Wendy,

This is wonderful news! I've been searching for a recipe that works. I also have found that Arm n Hammer Washing Soda, a little hard to find - but stores will order for you, works great!

Biggest time saver though for 'grating' the Ivory bar soap... The Salad Shooter!! When I ordered the shooter, there was a fine grater option. I used that and had 12 bars done in less than 5 minutes! Talk about fast.

I'm ordering the book today.

I also use the vinegar and love it. My towels are SO soft and fluffy. It's wonderful on cleaning my daughters clothes too.

Another, safe - clean bleach alternative is Hydrogen Peroxide. It works great.

Thanks for this forum and Happy Clean Green to you all!
Jen

Jen-thanks for sharing the fantastic tip on how to grate the soap bars--I have a salad shooter and look forward to using it-real time saver. Also hydrogen peroxide is a great idea--you can buy in big sizes at big box stores. I totally agree on the white vinegar, clothes, sheets, towels are soft and smell so fresh--without perfumes and irritants! (side note: People are always amazed when I guess what laundry detergent they are using-truth is I can usually smell it in their clothes!)
Since you are GoinGreen I know that you will love The Naturally Clean Home book. Please keep us posted on your progress & learnings!