Better than just homemade - Laundry Detergent

I have been seeing all of these recipes for homemade laundry detergent on Pinterest and was excited to try them out until... I went to the store to gather the ingredients and realized that those recipes pump horrible chemicals onto the earth and expose my family to them as well.  So I started researching a better way to still make cheap homemade laundry detergent that was a lot better for my family and the earth.  After lots of research I decided that if something *might* cause cancer or poison my family I *might* want to stay clear of it.

So began my search and I finally compiled an ingredient list that I think is even safe enough to pump out to your garden from your washer (note: I think but have not actually tried it) that doesn't require any grating or cooking!  I have been using it for a few months and am very happy with the results.  I have a front loading HE washer and this works since it is low sudsing.  If I need any extra stain fighting power I just pre-treat with the same ingredients or I wash on hot.

Family/Earth Safe Homemade Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

1 cup baking soda,
1/4 cup liquid Dr. Bonner’s Eucalyptus Castile soap (or Baby Mild if you prefer)
1 gallon water
-Shake before use and add 1/3 cup per load.

Softener

Fill softener compartment with vinegar.  This is tricky because you should never mix castile soap with vinegar as it breaks it down and will leave oil stains on your clothes.  Make sure that your softener compartment is leaking while waiting for your washing cycle to finish.

Bleach (whites or color clothes)

Fill half the tray with lemon juice and half with hydrogen peroxide.

Dryer

Use the blue dryer balls you can get anywhere.  If you would like a scent you can put a couple drops of your favorite essential oil on a washcloth and throw in with the load.

Happy Washing!

Matt Lauer made me do it!

I LOVE watching the Today show!  It has very interesting segments and I get to watch my husband report on them!  Oh wait, I'm not married to Matt Lauer.  Sometimes I get confused.  Anyways, We have made the decision to homeschool our children.  I will not go into why we have made this decision since it is a hot button for some people.  I have decided when asked why, I will tell people that Matt Lauer made me do it!  Why Matt Lauer you ask?  Why not?

Which brings me to one last thing - wine.  I definitely, more than ever, need my relaxing glass or two of wine after all of the squidlums are in bed!  As much as I love home educating the kids, at times it can be a challenge and take lots of wine.  Patience!  I mean lots of patience.  So for my very first featured wine, I will start with my favorite - Mirassou Pinot Noir.  This is my all time favorite!  It is around $10, needs a few minutes to breathe after you open it and does not taste the same the next day.  I recommend that you open it when you know that the whole bottle will be used.  I have tried putting the cork back in when I am the only one drinking it but it never tastes the same the next day.

Happy whining!