Homemade Eucalyptus Laundry Soap
Making Homemade Laundry Detergent
Reasons to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
Making homemade laundry detergent is a great do-it-yourself idea for many reasons. First of all, it will save you a lot of money over time, as store-bought laundry detergent can be very expensive and adds up. Second, it works better! Your clothes will smell fresher and look cleaner and brighter than ever before. Third, it is easy to make your own laundry detergent, and takes very little time. Lastly, you can add essential oils to give your laundry extra benefits including a pleasant aroma of your choosing, that you will absolutely love smelling. So give it a try to I truly believe you will never go back.
How to Make Homemade Laundry Soap
Homemade laundry soap can be made in liquid or powder form. Since we will be adding an essential oil, we will be making the liquid form of laundry soap. The recipe is as follows:
1 quart water
2 cups shredded Fels Naptha soap (This soap comes in a bar and is can be shredded ahead of time and kept in a container for easy access.)
2 cups borax
2 cups washing soda
- Pour water in large boiling pan and heat to boiling.
- Grate the 2 bars of soap and add to boiling water. Stir until soap is completely melted.
- Pour the mixture into a large container such as a bucket. Add the borax and washing soda and stir well until mixed throroughly.
- Gradually add 2 gallons of water, stirring continuously until all water is mixed in with the solution.
- Allow mixture to cool, then add 7-10 drops of eucalyptus oil and stir well. Keep container or bucket covered. Use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry.
- The mixture will become gel-like and may need to be stirred periodically.
The Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
According to OrganicFacts.net, "The health benefits of eucalyptus oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinct taste and odor." They suggest numerous ways to use eucalyptus oil including the treatment of muscle pain, skin care, dental care, and for mouth wash.
An interesting HubPages article titled The Many Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil, gives a concise and interesting history of eucalyptus oil and its origins.
Wikipedia states that, "Cineole-based eucalyptus oil is used as an insect repellent and biopesticide. In the U.S., eucalyptus oil was first registered in 1948 as an insecticide and miticide."
Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and anti bacterial properties. It is often used in perfumes, lotions, deodorants, soaps and other hygiene products."
Because of its many benefits, eucalyptus oil makes a wonderful additive to laundry detergent. It provides health benefits as well as a pleasing aroma.
Homemade Fabric Softeners
In addition to making your own laundry soap, creating your own fabric softeners is also a worthwhile endeavor. Simply use inexpensive washcloths cut into quarters, or cut an old towel into washcloth-size squares. Sprinkle 3-4 drops of essential oil on each rag, then place in a ziploc bag. Use one rag in each load of laundry, placed in the dryer. After about 3 uses, add more essential oils to the fabric squares. Experiment with different essential oils and enjoy the wonderful smells!
Hubs About Using Essential Oils
- Healthy Natural Green House Cleaning Solutions
Did you know there are harsh and toxic chemicals in the house-cleaning products we use every day? Try these easy, inexpensive home-made house cleaning recipes. You'll never want to go back! - How to Create Positive Energy in Your Life
Positive energy can be created in a variety of ways. By following some of these simple tips, you will be able to create more positive energy in your life. - How to Blend and Apply Essential Oils
Learn how to use essential oils in a variety of useful ways. Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy, household cleaning, massage therapy, positive well-being, and personal care.