Detergent
We seem to be surrounded by chemicals, these days. From toothpaste and deodorant right through to shampoo and skincare, there's practically no way of avoiding, unless you live on fresh air and water.. or make your own!
Cutting back on these chemicals can go a long way to reduce certain stresses that can lead to skin issues and even certain cancers.
I'm a realist and am aware that we don't always have time to DIY as regards to our personal care, however, when you have a bit of spare time, it's fun, but most importantly you're reducing the toxic overload being put on our body and giving our liver a rest!
So here goes, a recipe for around 20 washes.
#3 bars of plain vegetable soap, that doesn't contain palm oil. Palm fields are ruining our environment and leaving our beautiful primate cousins orang-utans, homeless!!!
#1/2 cup of washing crystals
#1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda
#1/4 cup of sea salt
#1/2 cup of white vinegar
# 50-60 drops of essential oils.
I used 2 drops of patchouli (love that hippy scent) 25 drops of lemon EO for it's many amazing qualities.. anti bacterial, anti microbial and anti fungal. 20 drops of geranium , also for the scent and because being an aromatherapist, I always like to have a top, mid and base note!
Now here comes the science and fun part!
Grate the soap into a large bowl, add the washing soda and bicarb and stir thoroughly. To the vinegar add the EO's and now add this liquid to the soap etc and mix, mix, mix and mix some more! It will start to heat up a little, so just keep out of the reach of little ones. The appearance will be quite lumpy, but don't let this worry you. You can now pack into an ice cube tray and allow to dry out, or make into the one large block and cut into approximately 20 pieces.
You can now relax in the knowledge that this will help cut down on allergies caused by the mass produced version. It smells real, doesn't coat the clothes or your hands and the seas and the rest of our environment will thank you!
It's not all about today. it's about the impact we make on tomorrow!
*Tip for making washing soda. Take around 3 -4 cups and spread on a lipped baking sheet. Pop into an oven 300-400degrees F for 1 hr. Mix half way through.
If you are asthmatic or sensitive to powders, simply tie a scarf around your nose and mouth, while mixing.
*If you are pregnant, opt for using mandarin essential oil.
Enjoy your eco friendly washing!
Look out for eco friendly fabric softener next.
Softener
I hope you tried making my chemical free clothes detergent.. and had a bit of fun experimenting with science!
We all love our clothes to feel soft on the skin, so it's only right we should have a natural fabric softener to compliment the detergent. the reason clothes become hard after washing, is because you are using alkaline ingredients (this is why it's important not to use soap on your face, unless you want your skin to feel tight and dry and open to problems) to combat this, you need to balance the PH by using an acid formula.. such as vinegar in the final rinse!
So here goes with the fabric softener:
*800ml of hot water
*200ml of white vinegar
*6 tablespoons of sodium bicarb
*6 tablespoons of natural hair conditioner (optional)
30-50 drops of essential oils. My favourites are lemon for its anti septic and anti fungal properties and geranium and patchouli.. just because I love their combined scent.
Dissolve the Bicarb and conditioner in the hot water. Leave to cool a little and add the vinegar and finally the essential oils, shake and voila!
I add about a cupful to the little compartment in the washing machine.
You wont get that overbearing scent you are used to from the chemical based 'big boys', what you'll get is something much fresher and subtler. However the more you wash with added essential oils, the more their beautiful scent will last on your clothes.
TIP. If you want more of a scent, simply blend your favourite EO's and drop onto a tissue, which can be hung in your wardrobe or chest of drawers.
If you are pregnant, add mandarin EO instead.
Hope you give this a try and be sure to give me your feedback.
Jean x
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