Homemade Laundry Soap

By mold recovery 8/15/2011 , , , , 8 comments
When making the switch to natural products, laundry detergent and fabric softeners play a key role. From the clothes we wear to our pillows and sheets, chemicals used in laundering come in contact with our skin 24 hours a day.

To get an idea of the types of chemicals found in products like detergents, see this article listing the most common chemicals found in 31 fragrance products.

Thankfully, there are many non-toxic options.

Soap nuts grow on the Chinese Soapberry Tree and are sometimes call Soap Berries. Soap nuts contain naturally occurring saponins which foam when combined with water. Click here to find out more.

Another alternative is to make your own laundry soap. Note that laundry soap will be more natural than detergent, as detergent is made from synthetics while soap is derived from natural elements. Here is a simple homemade powdered laundry soap.
  • 1 bar Castile soap (Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap originating in Spain. Kirk's Castile offers a version with minimal added fragrance.)
  • 1 c. Borax
  • 1 c. washing soda
Finely grate the soap bar and mix with Borax and washing soda. To do this quickly and efficiently, purchase an inexpensive food processor for the sole purpose of making laundry soap. Process soap, add remaining ingredients, and mix. Store in an airtight container.

Use 2 tablespoons per full washer load.

For added potency, add 1/2 c. baking soda to each load and 1/2 c. white vinegar during the rinse cycle.

8 comments :

  1. guineapigmeAugust 16, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Hi there,

    I came across this years ago when in the worst of the mold hell. I think it is worth taking into consideration when choosing "natural" detergents as opposed to soaps or other products, depending on your particular sensitivities.

    From Jeffry May's post:

    Seventh Generation contains enzyme.

    I have posted this before but will repeat. The supposed "natural" enzyme is subtilisin, a protease made from genetically-modified Bacillus subtilis.

    Most manufacturers now include this protease in their formulations (to facilitate digesting blood and food stains).

    No one with mold allergy should use any detergent containing this enzyme.

    Subtilisin is similar in structure to mold-protein enzymes which are major allergens. When Procter and Gamble first started incorporating subtilisin in detergents, the company ended up with an alomst 50% rate of occupational asthma, ultimately proven to have been caused by exposure to aerosolized subtilisin dust.

    Inhalation of subtilisin is DANGEROUS for sensitized individuals. If you have detergent residues left on clothing or sheets, you are exposed to the enzyme on aerosolized lint 24/7.

    If your dryer hose leaks, you are blowing the equivalent of mold into your home every time you use a dryer.

    ALL-Free has no enzymes or fragrance. Always read the label!!!

    Jeffrey May

    http://www.myhouseiskillingme.com/

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  2. TonyaAugust 16, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    I love my homemade laundry soap!!! But I have a liquid form.

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  3. Online RouletteAugust 17, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    this is very useful post for all house wives... they can follow this article.. Thanks so much...I like it...

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  4. AnonymousAugust 20, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    Thank you Andrea and guineapigme. Wikipedia: Subtilisins are widely used in laundry and dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, food processing, skin care ointments, contact lens cleaners. Maybe why contact lens are painful to wear and possibly the cause of our keratitis? Checking for subtilisin we found fragrance is in Boston Cleaner.

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  5. CarolAugust 27, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    What is washing soda and where can i get it? I know what baking soda is . . . Love love LOVE your very informative radio program. God Bless. Carol Easton

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  6. mold recoveryAugust 27, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Carol,
    washing soda is sodium carbonate...a higher PH than baking soda...so a bit more effective in cleaning. Arm and Hammer makes a washing soda that is readily available in the laundry section of stores like Wal Mart.
    Thanks for the encouragement!

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  7. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Will this mixture dissolve in cold water?

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  8. mold recoverySeptember 17, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Great question. I've had no trouble with it in cold water...in our high efficiency machine.
    Thanks for the question.

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