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Homemade Laundry Powder

sherrym

I've found a recipe for a homemade laundry detergent. I'm wondering if it is environmentally friendly. I think it is most likely wallet friendly, but not worth it if it is toxic. The ingredients: borax, washing soda, and grated soap bar such as Fels Naptha, Zote, hard castile or Ivory. I've read conflicting reports as to the earth-friendliness of it and since I'm new to the whole environmental scene and starting with baby steps, I could use some advice here.

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Submitted by sherrym on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 19:50.

WendyWaterWoman
WendyWaterWoman's picture
Re: Homemade Laundry Powder

Here is a link to completely natural "Maggie's soap nuts" .

And here is a bit from the description of the product that tells what nasty stuff normal detergents have in them:

What Maggie's Soap Nuts do NOT contain include:

  • Foaming chemicals that fool consumers into thinking their clothes
    are cleaner because there are "suds" in the wash. TRUTH: Suds have
    nothing to do with cleaning. They are chemical additives used to create
    the illusion of cleaning action. (Silly consumers actually expect suds,
    so the manufacturers add them in.)
  • Fragrance chemicals that make laundry "smell" clean. Most
    commercial laundry products use toxic, synthetic fragrance chemicals
    that are, in fact, well known to promote cancer and liver disorders.
    Laundry products are not really regulated by any single government
    agency, and there is currently no law banning the use of known
    cancer-causing chemicals in laundry products (much like with
    cosmetics).
  • Filler ingredients. Nearly all commercial laundry products are
    made with at least 50% filler ingredients to "bulk them up" and make
    them appear to deliver more value for the price. Consumers are mostly
    just buying the illusion of detergent, made mostly with filler.

Yes, there are nasty things in detergents. Like phosphates! Soapnuts come in a burlap bag or box (no plastic) and are as ecofriendly as you can get. Plus, they encourage sustainability in preserving rainforests. This product is a win win.


Tue, 05/20/2008 - 12:46

ctyankee
Re: Homemade Laundry Powder

If you live in the So Cal or Nevada desert and have simple access to borax... then sure, otherwise the cost is 100% transportation (read diesel fuel).

 But what is it about modern detergents that bothers/offends you?  Yes they are made from pertrochemicals, and if you're lucky to live in an area where phosphates are still allowed, they clean very very well, with *cold* water.

 The soaps you're asking about need hot water to clean half as well, an unless you are heating your water with solar, there are the fossil fuels, needed to heat the water tossed right back in to the *big* picture.

Seriously, it's good that you're thinking about it, but there is so much more low-fruit to start with. 

#1 Is easy, look for items with less packaging.  Buy the 25lb econo-drum of detergent, and you'll save $$$ and put less in the landfill. 

#2 Trade the dryer for a clothesline when possible and watch your electric bill drop as much as 25%

 Still some board issues... more to come...


Sun, 04/27/2008 - 18:02