Homemaking DIY

For a couple years now I have had a desire in switching over my personal care and household items to ones that are non-toxic. I have understood for a while that the foods that we put into our bodies is very important, but it hasn't been until the year or two that I have started to understand the importance of the products we use on a daily basis. We often don't think about how the stuff we put on our skin and the air we breathe all affect us internally.

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!)

Laundry Detergent (powder)

My first attempt at homemade laundry detergent. It was easy!

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

Note: I only made half a batch to accommodate my container.
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

No harsh chemicals, and still bug-bite free :)

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)

OR doTERRA has an awesome blog on dryer balls:
http://doterrablog.com/laundry-essentials-diy-natural-alternative-to-fabric-softener-and-dryer-sheets/

• Matress cleaner: Don't let the bed bugs bite! ;)

http://doterrablog.com/diy-use-these-two-ingredients-to-say-goodbye-to-dust-mites-and-hello-to-a-cleaner-mattress/