I think I may have to stop reading the Crunchy Betty site. She makes me want to do crazy things like give up using shampoo, start using food to clean my face, use less chemical-filled products and stop shaving......just kidding on that last one. I don't think I will ever go that far, I happen to like hairless armpits and legs.
But really, I do love her site for the most part. How else would I have learned about how witch hazel is good for people with acne, or how apple cider vinegar is a great toner for your face AND a great detangler for your hair? And I never knew that white vinegar is probably the best (and cheapest) cleaner there is out there, especially when you throw some baking soda on it.
The latest thing I wanted to try was making and using my own laundry detergent. I know that sounds weird, but when I read how easy it was and how much better it was for your clothes (not to mention cheaper than commercial laundry detergent), I wanted to try it.
There are tons of recipes out there, but you know I wanted to use CB's because, well, it was easy and the first one I saw. HERE is her link, but I will post the basic recipe also. I wish I had taken some photos of this process to show you, but honestly, I didn't think about it. Bummer.
2 cups finely grated Zote, *Fels Naptha (what I use), or Ivory soap
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
*I looked EVERYWHERE for Zote soap, but couldn't find it. I was bummed, until I went to Kroger and found Fels Naptha...Walmart has it too, and its cheaper there. It's right there in the laundry section.
You will need to read her site to get the details. She has some great tips on how to grate the soap, how much to use with each load, etc. She's very thorough, and I love that about her posts!
My opinion on the whole laundry detergent deal - I have been turned, I absolutely LOVE it. I had some hard-to-get-out stains in some clothes and this homemade detergent got it right out. I didn't have to soak the stain or Shout it out or anything. It was awesome. And it makes our clothes smell so lovely! I highly recommend this. Its frugal, its healthier, its fabulous. (Note, CB uses an alternative solution to fabric softener dryer sheets, I do not. I still use dryer sheets, I only use a half of one with every load instead of a whole one...except with towels. I use no dryer sheets with towels as it makes the towels lose their ability to dry properly.)
All these little household tips are really helpful to this mama...and I'd like to learn more so share some with me!
Up next week - watching my spending...refraining from spending on anything we don't NEED. As a whole, I think we Americans spend waaaaaay too much money, and its something I absolutely love to do. So, I'm going to try not do to any extra spending for a week, and maybe longer, depending on how that week goes. I'm a little nervous! Come back to see how it went!
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