making laundry soap

most people i know have already tried making their own laundry soap.  but, since i happen to be out today, this will be my first tutorial.

making your own laundry soap is quick and saves a lot of money.  i am constantly evaluating the benefit/money savings vs. time/effort on projects.  this one is definitely worth it.  this recipe is a nonsudsing formula which means i can use it in my high efficiency washing machine.  so, let's get to it.  this entire process will take you all of 5 minutes.

you will need: Borax, Washing Soda, Ivory or Fels Naptha Soap.  you are looking for a soap without any added oils or moisturizers as these may stain your clothes.  these products are usually in the laundry aisle of the grocery store.  your initial cost will be about $10.  however, these initial materials provide me with enough soap to last 6 months.   you will also need a big pot, cheese grater, and a 3+ gallon container for mixing.

grate your soap.  if you are using ivory, use the entire bar or 1/3 of fels naptha.  add shredded soap and 6 cups of water to the pot.  melt the soap over medium heat. 

once melted, add 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup washing soda.  stir until disolved.

place 4 cups of hot water into the bucket.  add the soapy mixture and stir.  now add 1 gallon and 6 cups of hot water and stir.  let sit overnight and then it will be ready to use.  the end product is a squishy gel.  use 1/2 cup per load. 

this will yield 2 gallons of laundry soap.  you will have enough borax, washing soda, and soap to left over to make gallons and gallons more.   

here's a few more make at home cleaners.  these are chemical free and costs a fraction of store bought.

window/counter cleaner: 1/2 peroxide and 1/2 water mixed in an opaque spray bottle.  a clear bottle will cause sunlight to break down the peroxide.

furniture polish: 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 tbls lemon juice.  you can play around with the ratios to fit your needs..  this will leave wood super shiny and a bit oily for a few hours.  dip a cloth into the mixture and wipe.

taking a leap

remembering my life 3 years ago entails traveling to the back corner of my mind typically reserved for situations of uncomfortable awkwardness.  my life 3 years ago smells like dry cleaning and feels like a scratchy banana republic suit with an overstuffed leather kenneth cole straining my right shoulder.  it sounds like the clicking of pointy toe heels nimbly running down the hall of a hospital alongside a fast paced physician; my mont blanc pen feverishly scratching down notes.  my old life tastes a lot like sugar free red bull and starbucks.   

it's a life in a gated community, typical of big city suburbs.  lawns resemble a lush, green carpet neatly divided into rectangles by wood fences and neighbors take their kids trick or treating in golf carts.  garage doors must be closed at all times and the color of your mulch must be preapproved.

life is restricting and every moment is already spent.  there is no time to realize the infinite confinement.  

our new gated community

we escaped and found a little piece of freedom.