DIY Laundry Detergent

DIY Laundry Detergent
There are many reasons that one should consider making organic laundry detergent. By making laundry detergent instead of purchasing detergent there is no longer any wonder as to the components that make up your product. One will feel more secure knowing exactly what he/she is using to wash his/her clothes with, and how it is safer for him/herself and the environment. Making your own laundry detergent is also beneficial because it is cheaper than any detergent you can purchase at the store. The average laundry detergent costs around $5-$10 for around 48 loads. Only two batches of homemade laundry detergent cleans up to 64 loads of laundry. Two batches does not even use 1/4 of the ingredients that one purchases to make laundry detergent. The total cost of all the products I purchased came to around $16.00. With $16.00 worth of products you can more than double the amount of loads washed for very little money. This version of laundry detergent is very easy to make and does not take a long time!

What you will Need:
1-55 oz Box of Arm & Hammer- Super washing Soda
1-76 oz Box of 20 Mule Team Borax
2-4 Bars of Fels Naptha Laundry Soap (Only 1 needed per batch made)

Directions:
1. Shave the Fels Naptha bar soap with a hand grater
2. Add 1 Cup of Borax
3. Add 1 Cup of Washing Soda
4. Stir, mix, or shake, until all three products are well blended

*2 batches fits well in a 32 oz yogurt container
** Use 1 tbsp per load 2 tbsp for heavily soiled loads

***This product is HE compatible

Why did I chose to make organic cleaning and personal care products for my senior project?
I was never aware of the harm of Chemicals until my brought it upon my attention. My cousin, was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn't until this point that I realized that the chemicals we use in everyday products CAN be a cause of cancer. There are chemicals found in processed  food, cleaning supplies, and products we use on and in our bodies on a daily basis that we don't even realize we are using that can over time, cause harm to our health, and our environment.

Even though I was aware of hazardous chemical use in products, I was never fully aware until the summer going into my junior year of high school. As I was completing my AP Summer homework, I read a informative essay on the ingredients in toothpaste. I was shocked, and disgusted with the components of toothpaste that as consumers we buy and use twice a day in our mouths!
Check out this link to become aware of the top 10 dangerous ingredients in toothpaste
Top Ten Dangerous Toothpaste Ingredients- TopTenz.net

After coming to the realization that the products we use DO have a negative effect on our bodies and our environments, it was time for me to make a difference. The easiest way to inform and learn alternatives for everyday products was to address Organic Products vs. Store bought products for my senior project. I asked my Aunt Debbie who has turned Organic living into a lifestyle to be my mentor. The harms of chemicals has personally touched a member of my family which makes it even more important to inform others to prevent illnesses and exhibit healthy lifestyles.
Here is my mentor, Debbie Berry's blog Rawsome Nana on living a healthy lifestyle by what you eat, clean with, and use on oneself and ones home.
My thanks go out to my aunt, for teaching me so much on organic living, and being my mentor. Her help is greatly appreciated.