Every week the laundry powder addition to the supermarket trolley increases the total $ bill significantly.
I am a little perturbed by the sheer volume of shelf space that laundry powder and detergents take of the 'valuable' supermarket space... this indicates to me that they are making too much money out of something that we all need and buy regularly.
Recently in New Zealand the major brands made their containers smaller, by concentrating the product inside, but old habits die hard and many users (like me) were probably using just as much as they used to, hence doubling their expenditure.
well well well...
I set out to see how I could make my own laundry powder that wasn't going to give my children rashes, wasn't highly perfumed and was inexpensive to make.
RECIPE!
2 parts Sunlight Soap (or a plain soap or laundry soap) - A box is 500gm
1 part Washing Soda (buy in bulk from BinnInn or Trademe) - i.e. 250 gm
...a dash of an essential oil if you like it scented!
Cut up the Soap into cubes, and place in a food processor. It is a bit tough on the food processor so the smaller the better - or grate if you don't use a food processor. Add the washing soda, and blend until it is a fine powder.
A tablespoon full is enough for a dirty load, whites may still need soaking depending on how you treat these. Every now and then I use a warm wash also just to boost cleaning especially of oil stained clothes (this is what I did with commercial powders).
Although I haven't tried it with a front loader as yet, it is non foaming so I expect will be fine.
The above recipe cost me $5, and it lasts between 3-4 weeks, with washing everyday, including washing my cloth nappies.
The perfect way to wash your
Modern Cloth Nappies.
Go on, you'll be amazed.
One less thing to buy each week, less packaging to dispose of & enjoy....what are you going to do with your 'extra $8 a week'???
Enjoy x
Trina
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