Using eco-laundry products involves cleaning with a mixture of soap and alkaline substances (such as baking soda and washing soda), then removing soap residues and neutralizing the alkaline with vinegar. Herbs and oils are added for aroma and antimicrobial or soothing properties.
You can buy in solid and liquid soap to use in these recipes, or make your own. Soap making is fun and rewarding, but must be approached with care because it can be dangerous if not properly done. See here for general instructions on soap making and molds, paying special attention to the safety measures.
Travelers’ Antibug Laundry Soap
Courtesy of Tanya Smart
This variation gives travelers extra protection from bugs and insects.
INGREDIENTS
Lye:
5 oz. sodium hydroxide
14 oz. water
Oil blend:
43/4 oz. olive oil
61/3 oz. sunflower oil
22 oz. coconut oil
Essential oils:
21/2 tsp. lavender
100 drops/1 tsp. Virginian cedarwood
100 drops/1 tsp. juniper
50 drops/1/2 tsp. basil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 12–14 small bars (about 4 oz). Keeps years if well made, although the odor of the essential oils wears off.
METHOD
Follow the instructions as for Lavender Laundry Soap (here), taking note of the safety measures in the general soap-making instructions (see here). First prepare the lye, then heat and cool the oils before adding the lye to them. Add the essential oils only after you have achieved “trace.”
Lavender Laundry Soap
Courtesy of Tanya Smart
Handy for hand washing, stain removal, and a traveling laundry solution, this soap is used grated in laundry liquid and powder recipes.
INGREDIENTS
Lye:
5 oz. sodium hydroxide
14 oz. water
Oil blend:
43/4 oz. olive oil
61/3 oz. sunflower oil
22 oz. coconut oil
Extras:
5 tsp. lavender essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 12–14 small bars (about 4 oz.).
Keeps several years.
METHOD
Take note of the safety measures in the general soap-making instructions (see here) before preparing this recipe.
Wearing gloves and plastic goggles, make the lye by carefully pouring the sodium hydroxide crystals into the container holding the water. Let it cool to 80–86°F. Never pour water onto the lye.
Gently heat the oil blend together until the coconut oil is melted, and cool until 80–86°F.
Carefully pour the lye into the oils and stir with the spatula until you reach “trace”; this is when the movement of the spatula creates a line on the top of the mixture—a trace that doesn’t disappear. It is a sign that your soap has reached full saponification—when the lye has turned the oils to soap—and indicates your mixture is ready. To reach trace usually takes about half an hour, but soap has its own timescale! Keep stirring continuously and very thoroughly, all around the sides and the bottom of the pan.
When you’ve achieved a trace, add the essential oil. Ladle a little of the soap mixture into a bowl. Mix the essential oil into this small amount of soap mixture. Then mix this well into the whole batch.
Next, pour the mixture into mold(s) and cover (with a piece of board and then towels to insulate). Place the mixture out of the way for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove it from the mold(s), wearing gloves to protect against residual lye. Let sit for another 24 hours to dry. You can then cut up the soap if you need to.
Wash all your equipment with very hot water and plenty of dishwashing liquid. Wear dishwashing gloves (remember that the remnants will still be caustic) and rinse very thoroughly.
As with all soap, let it “cure” in a well-ventilated place for 4–6 weeks. This allows for all the caustic effect of the lye to wear off.
LAUNDRY LIQUIDS
To make these laundry liquids, first stir the washing soda into a little of the hot water in a pail until it is dissolved. Then add the baking soda (or borax, if using; see box) and stir until dissolved. Mix in the liquid soap and stir gently to avoid too much frothing up.
When all of these ingredients are dissolved, add the essential oils and the rest of the water. Stir gently, then funnel into storage bottles. If you don’t have liquid soap, you can add 3/4–1 cup pure vegetable soap flakes or about half a bar of grated soap instead, dissolving it in a little boiling water before mixing in.
Shake well to remix before each use, or the ingredients will separate while standing.
For all these laundry liquids, with the exception of the Gentle Soap Nut Laundry Liquid on here, add 1/4–1/3 cup per load of washing to the compartment or drum.
Citrus Laundry Liquid
INGREDIENTS
1/2–1 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda or borax (borax makes a stronger mix, but baking soda is better for people with sensitive skin; see box)
43/4 quarts hot water
Essential oils:
100 drops/1 tsp. lemon
50 drops/1/2 tsp. grapefruit
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 43/4 quarts.
Keeps at least 1 year.
Concentrated Lavender Laundry Liquid
INGREDIENTS
1/2–1 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda or borax (borax makes a stronger mix, but baking soda is better for people with sensitive skin; see box)
43/4 quarts hot water
2 tsp. lavender essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 43/4 quarts.
Keeps at least 1 year.
METHOD
Mix gently before each use. Use 1/4–1/3 cup per load of washing.
— Tip —
ADD MORE LIQUID SOAP IF YOU NEED A STRONGER WASHING LIQUID. LIQUID CASTILE SOAP IS PREFERABLE, BUT IF YOU’RE UNABLE TO USE CASTILE, ANY LIQUID SOAP WILL DO.
Spicy Laundry Liquid
INGREDIENTS
1/2–1 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda or borax (borax makes a stronger mix, but baking soda is better for people with sensitive skin; see box)
43/4 quarts hot water
Essential oils:
100 drops/1 tsp. lavender
50 drops/1/2 tsp. orange
25 drops/1/4 tsp. cinnamon
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 43/4 quarts.
Keeps at least 1 year.
Luxury Laundry Liquid
INGREDIENTS
1/2–1 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda or borax (borax makes a stronger mix, but baking soda is better for people with sensitive skin; see box)
43/4 quarts hot water
Essential oils:
100 drops/1 tsp. rose geranium
25 drops/1/4 tsp. neroli
25 drops/1/4 tsp. jasmine
10 drops rose (optional, as expensive!)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 43/4 quarts.
Keeps at least 1 year.
Antipsoriasis Laundry Liquid
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
43/4 quarts hot water
Essential oils:
100 drops/1 tsp. lavender
50 drops/1/2 tsp. bergamot
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 43/4 quarts.
Keeps at least 1 year.
Caution
Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral salt found in dry lake beds. It is a strong cleanser and whitener, and can treat mildew. Borax contains boron, a chemical that occurs in all vegetables and fruits not grown on exhausted soil, and is important for brain, bone, and immune function. However, people with delicate, sensitive skin often find borax an irritant, and there is some evidence that it could be harmful to health, especially hormonal health, and the male reproductive system.
Borax substitutes can be made from washing soda mixed with soap and vinegar, but baking soda also works in the recipes. After researching this subject, I am happy to include borax in a recipe, but do research the subject yourself before making a decision. If you do use borax, as with any strong alkaloid, handle it with care; it can irritate the skin and should not be inhaled.
Gentle Soap Nut Laundry Liquid
This liquid is suitable for babies and young children, wool, and delicate fabrics.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup weak chamomile vinegar (made with 1 tsp. chamomile flowers infused in 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar for 1 week, p.19)
1 cup soap nuts
1 quart filtered or spring water
Essential oils (optional):
30 drops/1/3 tsp. lavender
30 drops/1/3 tsp. chamomile
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes around 21/2 cups (enough for 20 loads in a washing machine).
Keeps 6–12 months.
METHOD
Put the vinegar, soap nuts, and water into a large, lidded pan. Place on medium heat and bring to a low boil. Simmer gently for 30 minutes with the lid on.
Remove from heat, mash the nuts (with a potato masher), and simmer for another 30 minutes, this time with the lid off to let the liquid reduce. Remove from heat.
When cool, strain the liquid and press well before adding the essential oils, if using. Store in an airtight container.
To use, add about 1/4 cup per wash to your washing machine (half this in a high-efficiency machine). As with all washing liquids, you can put it in the drawer of the machine or in the drum.
Pets’ Bedding Laundry Liquid
Use this to discourage fleas.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda or borax (borax makes a stronger mix, but baking soda is better for people with sensitive skin; see box)
43/4 quarts hot water
Essential oils:
100 drops/1 tsp. lavender
50 drops/1/2 tsp. tea tree
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 43/4 quarts.
Keeps at least 1 year.
METHOD
Mix gently before each use. Use 1/4–1/3 cup per load of washing.
Space Clearer’s Washing Powder
The essential oils in this recipe are used to cleanse and transform negative energy, so this powder is ideal for washing clothes before a space-clearing exercise.
INGREDIENTS
1 (31/2–4-oz.) bar of laundry soap, grated (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup washing soda
just over 3/4 cup borax (see box); or use another 1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup baking soda
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lavender
50 drops/1/2 tsp. rosemary
50 drops/1/2 tsp. juniper
YOU WILL NEED
• A FOOD PROCESSOR
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes enough for 30–60 washes.
Keeps 6 months or more.
METHOD
Make using the method for Superstrong Citrus Washing Powder (see here). Use 1–2 tbsp. per wash.
— Tip —
BEFORE YOU USE THESE LAUNDRY POWDERS, DO ONE WASH WITH JUST A HALF MUG OF PLAIN WASHING SODA. THIS WILL CLEAN OUT ANY RESIDUES FROM YOUR OLD WASHING POWDER, WHICH COULD OTHERWISE REACT WITH YOUR HOMEMADE ECO-MIX AND CAUSE A YELLOW COLOR.
Superstrong Citrus Washing Powder
This recipe contains borax (see box), which must be handled very carefully.
INGREDIENTS
1 (31/2–4-oz.) bar of laundry soap, grated (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup washing soda
just over 3/4 cup borax (see box); or use another 1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup baking soda
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lemon
50 drops/1/2 tsp. mandarin or orange
YOU WILL NEED
• A FOOD PROCESSOR
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes enough for 30–60 washes.
Keeps 6 months or more.
METHOD
Add the essential oils to the soap, then whisk or mix in a food processor to make a finer, powdered soap.
Add the washing soda, borax, and baking soda to the food processor, and mix all the ingredients well for 3–5 minutes.
To use, add 1–2 tbsp. to the powder section of your washing machine drawer.
Baby Soft Washing Powder
INGREDIENTS
1 cup white distilled vinegar
1 tsp. chamomile flowers
1 tsp. rose petals
1 tsp. lavender flowers
1 cup finely grated Lavender Laundry Soap (see here) or other vegetable oil soap
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
YOU WILL NEED
• A FOOD PROCESSOR
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 4 cups.
Keeps indefinitely in a sealed container.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar of chamomile, rose, and lavender (see here).
Put the grated soap into a large bowl. Stir in the washing soda and baking soda. Gradually pour in the infused vinegar, a little at a time. This will make it foam up and thicken into a paste, so don’t add too quickly.
Whisk the mixture. You can do this by hand, but a food processor will be much easier, because it needs to be thoroughly mixed. Whisk until it becomes a powder, then let it sit for an hour. The mixture will appear even more powdery, just like a washing powder.
Stir again and store in a sealed (airtight) container. You will need 2–3 tbsp. for each full load of washing.
Soapwort Wool Wash
INGREDIENTS
2 oz. dried soapwort leaves and stems, or roots (or 3 cups of fresh)
1 quart water
1 cup white distilled vinegar (or floral vinegar as for Baby Soft Washing Powder, left)
20 drops lavender or lemon essential oil (optional)
YOU WILL NEED
• A FOOD PROCESSOR
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 2 cups “soapwort tea,” enough for 3–4 washes.
Keeps 12 months.
METHOD
Boil the soapwort leaves and stems in the water for about 10 minutes (if you are using roots, boil for 20 minutes) with the lid on until the mixture has reduced by one-third. Let cool, then mix in a blender (the liquid will become frothy). Let sit for a few hours for the froth to die down, then strain well.
Add the white distilled vinegar, or the floral vinegar if you prefer a softer scent. Mix in the essential oil, if desired.
Store in an airtight container. To use, add 1/2–3/4 cup to your washing water.
Eco-Powered Laundry Whitener
This fresh-smelling whitener relies on the bleaching power of lemon juice.
INGREDIENTS
juice of 5 lemons
1 quart white distilled vinegar
20 drops lemon essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 1 quart (enough for 4–8 washes).
Keeps up to 6 months.
METHOD
Mix the ingredients together.
Add 1/2 cup of this whitener plus 1/4–1/2 cup baking soda to your regular washing liquid/powder, plus another 1/4–1/2 cup in the rinse compartment.
— Tip —
DRYING CLOTHES ON A CLOTHESLINE IN THE SUN IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP CLOTHES FRESH, AND THE SUN ITSELF IS THE BEST WHITENER.
Zesty Stain Remover
The basic principle of a stain remover is to use a concentrated amount of washing product. Try using this on colorfast clothes.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup Superstrong Citrus Washing Powder (see here) or Baby Soft Washing Powder (opposite)
juice of 1 lemon
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 1/4 cup.
Keeps 2–3 months.
METHOD
Mix 1–2 tbsp. of your homemade washing powder with the lemon juice to make a paste. Then mix in the remaining washing powder. Store in a small jar.
As soon as you notice a stain, rub in a little of your stain-busting paste and put the item in the laundry basket to await its normal wash. As with all stain removers, this remover is most effective if you treat the stain before it sets.
— Tip —
ANOTHER STAIN-REMOVAL METHOD IS TO SCRUB UNDILUTED LIQUID CASTILE SOAP (see here) INTO STAINS. LET SIT FOR 30–60 MINUTES AND WASH AS NORMAL.
Wood Ash Detergent-Free Washing Liquid
Courtesy of Marc Luyckx
Able to wash effectively in washing machines without any detergent, this is a very strong alkaline product (potash or lye). Prepare it on a tiled floor and wear gloves and goggles while working with it.
INGREDIENTS
just over 1/2 pail of sifted wood ash
boiling water
YOU WILL NEED
• A COFFEE FILTER
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 1/4 pail.
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Pour boiling water into the pail until it reaches 11/2–2 inches above the ash. Mix it thoroughly, cover, and let sit for 12 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stir, then filter through a piece of cheesecloth. Carefully dispose of the ash (it is strongly alkaline) and rinse out the cloth and pail.
Let the liquid settle, then place a sheet of paper towel, folded into four, over the hole in a funnel. Add a coffee filter and strain the liquid through this into a solid plastic container. The liquid will be yellow to light brown, but it will not affect clothes in any way. (Note: There will be no suds.)
To use, put 1/2 cup of the washing product into the washing compartment of your machine. Add 1/2 cup vinegar-base fabric softener (opposite) into the washing compartment. Note: For washes at 32–86°F, use half as much again of both liquid and of vinegar.
For whitening: Add an equal volume of washing soda with hot water and the washing liquid to the washing compartment.
SOFT-TOUCH HERBAL FABRIC CONDITIONERS
These easy-to-make fabric conditioners use a weak infused vinegar as their base. Vinegar, an acid, basically removes all traces of soap from the fabric, making it feel soft.
All these recipes make 1 quart (enough for about 12 washes).
Sweet & Soft Fabric Conditioner with Rose
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp. fragrant rosebuds or petals
1 quart white distilled vinegar
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lavender
25 drops/1/4 tsp. chamomile
a few drops rose essential oil (optional)
KEEPS
Keeps 1–2 years.
METHOD
Infuse the roses in the vinegar (see here). Add the essential oils to the infused vinegar.
To use, put 1/3 cup into the rinse compartment of the washing machine.
Skin-Calm Fabric Softener
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp. marigold flowers
1 quart white distilled vinegar
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lavender
50 drops/1/2 tsp. bergamot
a few drops rose essential oil (optional)
KEEPS
Keeps 1–2 years.
METHOD
Infuse the marigold flowers in the vinegar (see here). Then add the essential oils to the infused vinegar.
To use, put 1/3 cup into the rinse compartment of the washing machine.
Antibacterial Fabric Softener
INGREDIENTS
1 quart white distilled vinegar
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lavender
50 drops/1/2 tsp. tea tree
25 drops/1/4 tsp. thyme
KEEPS
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Mix all the ingredients together and bottle.
Use 1/2 cup in the rinse stage of your wash (check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to do this in your machine).
Pets’ Bedding Fabric Conditioner
INGREDIENTS
1 quart white distilled vinegar
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lavender
50 drops/1/2 tsp. orange
50 drops/1/2 tsp. tea tree
KEEPS
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Make and use as described for Antibacterial Fabric Softener (see here).
HERBAL MOTH REPELLENTS
Traditional moth balls are toxic, so you might want to make your own plant-power alternatives.
To make each of the moth-repellent sachets, you will need a small piece of thin cotton cloth cut into a circle about 6 inches in diameter, as well as silk or wool thread. Simply mix the dried herbs together in a bowl and sprinkle the essential oil, if using, over the mixture. Then lay your cloth on a flat surface and spoon half your herb mixture into the center. Draw together the sides of the cloth and fasten tightly at the top with a piece of wool or silk thread.
Each of the moth-repellent recipes makes two sachets, which will keep well for up to a year.
Before you pack away clothes for storing, make sure they are properly cleaned. Use a fabric conditioner as a rinse after washing. Air clothes well in the sun if you can before packing, then place these moth-repellent sachets between your folded clothes.
Lavender & Rosemary Moth Repellent
INGREDIENTS
Dried herbs:
2 tsp. lavender flowers
2 tsp. rosemary leaves and flowers
1 tsp. thyme leaves
1 tsp. cloves
Cedar & Southernwood Moth Repellent
INGREDIENTS
Dried herbs:
2 tsp. cedar wood, ground into small shavings
2 tsp. southernwood leaves
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. thyme leaves
Essential oils (optional):
20 drops lavender
20 drops cedarwood
Moth-Destroying Spray
If you already have moths, stronger methods are needed.
INGREDIENTS
1 quart boiling water
2 oz. dried thyme
3/4 oz. dried cloves
2 tbsp. neem oil
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. thyme
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lemon
1 tsp. Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 1 quart.
Best used fresh, but will keep for 1–2 months.
METHOD
Pour the boiling water onto the thyme and cloves. Let cool, then strain and add the neem oil and essential oils, plus the liquid soap. Mix thoroughly and store in a spray bottle.
If possible, put the affected clothes in the freezer for 2 days to begin the moth-killing process. Then spray them once, thoroughly, with your moth-destroying spray. Check carefully for signs of moths every week or so for a few weeks following. Repeat the process, if required.
Desert-Style Moth Repellent
INGREDIENTS
Dried herbs:
2 tsp. shredded sagebrush
2 tsp. white sage
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. southernwood
Essential oils (optional):
20 drops clove
20 drops sage