Simple Washing Powder
16 cups baking soda
12 cups borax
8 cups grated castile or glycerin soap flakes*
3 tablespoons lavender, lemon, or grapefruit essential oil
Combine baking soda, borax, and soap flakes, add essential oil, and mix with a wire whisk. Use 1/8 cup of powder per load. This recipe makes enough powder to last a family of four one year.
*Source: Sunfeather Natural Soap Company, (315) 265-3648, www.sunsoap.com, or you can buy bars of castile soap (e.g. Dr. Bronner’s) and grate with a kitchen grater.
Pre-Wash Stain Spray
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
3 cups water
Stir together and fill a labeled spray bottle.
Spray on heavily soiled spots just before washing (as usual, test a hidden spot for colorfastness first).
Bleach/Brightner Substitute
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup lemon or grapefruit juice
12 cups water
Store in a labeled plastic jug.
Add 2 cups per load.
