Washing and ironing.
They are jobs that are never done.
How is it that you can finally hear the last load of washing for the day churning on its spin cycle only to turn around and see some MORE dirty clothes that have magically appeared!!?
Well, considering we spend almost 24 hours a day wrapped in our clothing, it seems only understandable that we choose a natural, healthy product to wash our clothes in. There are many great products out there on the market that are worthy of doing the job extremely well but are unfortunately not able to keep up with the marketing of the global super brands. All products do the same thing. It’s what else they do that counts!
I have some washing balls that I use in my delicate washes. These balls work without chemicals. They require nothing but the water in the machine. They are anti bacterial and hypo allergenic. They work by ionising the water, which in turn pulls out the dirt. They are not miracle workers and are surrounded by a lot of controversy, but I like them for my delicate clothes. The one I have has ceramic balls inside. I used ceramic balls around the filter in our outdoor pond and had great success with the length of time before I needed to clean the filter. And the fish were very happy. I’m sure they were smiling 🙂
My husband is a very keen exerciser. Whether it’s a run, cycling, kayaking, surfing or swimming, there are forever stinky clothes in our washing basket. For these clothes I do trust the experts. And I also add a swig of eucalyptus oil. I am currently using laundry liquid made by NZ company, Eco Store. It used to be hard to get but with Eco Store now being stocked by Woolworths here in Australia, well… it is just too easy to be green. Being plant and mineral based with no toxic petrochemicals, phosphates, enzymes, brighteners, dyes or perfumes, Eco Store products are GE free and PETA cruelty free. And they label every ingredient!
Then there is the other option, making your own laundry products. Below are some fabulous recipes for some AWESOME old favourites!
HOMEMADE LAUNDRY LIQUID
- 1 1/2 litres water
- 1 cup grated soap (Try Eco Store’s soaps too! Fabulous!)
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup borax (Can be omitted or replaced with baking soda as it can be toxic. Please spot test on your family. Used to make whites whiter.)
In a saucepan heat water and soap over medium heat. Stir until dissolved. Add washing soda and borax. (Note: if using baking soda make sure you mix well as the baking soda can sometimes clump on your clothes.)
LAUNDRY POWDER
- 2 cups grated laundry soap
- 1 cup washing soda
Mix. That’s it!
I also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into the fabric softener compartment in the washing machine to give a bit of a disinfect and a fresh smell.
FABRIC SOFTENER
Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse. The smell will dissipate once the clothes are dry.
I don’t iron. My husband does. I am LUCKY!!!
LAVENDER IRONING WATER
1 cup demineralised water
25 ml vodka (90% proof)
15 drops lavender oil (or you could try rosemary or rose)
Add essential oil and vodka to a sterilised bottle. Stir well and leave for 24 hours. Add water and put into a spray bottle. Mist your clothes as you iron for a lovely smell.
Yum!!
xx
living green in a modern world 