Since getting into essential oils, I have switched over many of my cleaning products (Click here for my post on Spring Cleaning). However, I have done some pretty fun DIY all-natural projects that I would like to share with you all (and there's a few more I plan to do soon!)
Ingredients:
- 4 lb box Borax
- 4 lb box Baking Soda
- 1 box Washing Soda
- 3 bars of Castile (or Fels Naptha) soap - grated
- 2 containers (3.5 lb total) OxiClean
- APPROX. $20 for all - found in laundry aisle of store
Directions: First, finely grate the bars of soap
into a container then add all ingredients into container mixing well as you go.
To use in washer, add 1/4 cup into powder insert of washer. THIS IS HE washer friendly :)
Helpful Hints: This makes ALOT (20 lbs worth), so unless you have a big enough container I suggest halfing it and saving the left overs for next time (which will be a while from now because this stuff lasts!!)
- Be sure to read your washer's manual to see how to use powder detergent if you aren't used to using it. I had to take out the main wash liquid container in my front loader for it to work.
- This will be easier to do without a one-year old trying to get her hands in everything (haha), but could be lots of fun for older children to help with!
Bug Spray
Ingredients:
- 4 oz glass spray bottle
- 3 oz water
- 1 oz witch hazel (not necessary if you don't have it...substitute with a splash of rubbing alcohol)
- 15-20 drops TerraShield essential oil
Directions: Add all ingredients and mix well before each use. Spray over possible affected areas. For extra protection TerraShield can also be applied directly.
Go to www.mydoterra.com/jamileekeaton to order TerraShield and any other oils for your laundry :)
Other DIY products I plan on using SOON!
- Fabric Softener (You can use vinegar in the softener section of washer, or add a wet washcloth with 4-5 drops essential oil to either washer or dryer)
http://doterrablog.com/laundry-essentials-diy-natural-alternative-to-fabric-softener-and-dryer-sheets/
- Matress cleaner: Don't let the bed bugs bite! ;)