Don't use fabric softeners

I have not used fabric softener for at least a year now.  Funny thing is, since I switched to all-natural laundry detergents like Seventh Generation, I have not needed it anyway.  My clothes come out clean, fresh, and non-static-clingy.  If you are skeptical about giving up your fabric softener, check out this link.  If you are really intent on using something, try baking soda or white vinegar instead. Of course, don't mix these with bleach as the fumes will knock you out.  But you should not be using bleach anyway, should you?  Not if you are trying to be eco-conscious.        

Recipes for all-natural, homemade laundry detergent

Dry Detergent

 

1 c grated Fels-Naptha bar soap

1/2 c Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (not baking soda)

1/2 c 20 Mule Team Borax

 

Mix and store in airtight container or bag.  For light loads, use 2 T and for heavy loads, use 3 T.

 

Liquid Detergent

 

3 pts water

1/3 bar Fels-Naptha bar soap

1/2 Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda

1/2 c 20 Mule Team Borax

1 qt of hot water

2 gallon bucket for mixing

 

Mix soap in a saucepan with the 3 pints of water.  Heat on low until dissolved.  Stir in the soda and borax, until mixture thickens.  Remove from heat.    Put the quart of hot water in the bucket, add the soap mixture and mix well.  Fill the bucket with enough additional hot water to make about 1.5 gallons of mixture.  Set aside for about 24 hours to allow mixture to thicken.  Use 1/2 c of mixture per load.   

 

No perfumes, dyes, etc.

Homemade detergent will not make suds.  

Fels-Naptha is pure and makes little to no suds.

This is great for the newer high-efficiency washers as well as older models.

You will notice the need to lessen or stop using softeners all together.

 

Use up to 1 c of white vinegar in the final rinse to remove all traces of detergent, if so desired.