March 10, 2012

A Few Natural Laundry Tips

Here's a list of simple ways to start adding more natural ingredients to your laundry routine: (though I've only used a few, so I can't verify how amazing they all are)
 
  • Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fabrics and neutralize odors.

  • Boost the cleansing and brightening power of detergent by adding ¼ cup baking soda to the wash cycle.

  • Use a wool dryer ball or roll an un-dyed wool sock into a tight doughnut shape and add to the dryer to decrease drying time, wrinkles and static build-up.

  • Add fresh scent by placing several drops of lavender essential oil on a clean cloth and tossing into the dryer during the cool-down phase.

  • Attach a mesh bag filled with sustainable coconut shell-derived charcoal to the inside of the lid of your clothes hamper to absorb odors.

  • Run an empty wash cycle once a month with hot water and 1 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to purify and eliminate odors from machine.

  • Clean and vacuum vents and ductwork of dryer at least twice a year.

  • Add ½ teaspoon of lavender oil to the rinse cycle if you are line drying clothes.

  • Use an indoor drying rack (especially during dry winter months).

  • ----
    Stain-fighting Spray

    1 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
    1 teaspoon lemon essential oil
    16 ounces unscented liquid Castile (olive oil) soap
    16 ounces filtered water

    Directions: Blend oils into soap, then stir in water. Fill a 32-ounce spray bottle with mixture. Apply to stains and scrub with a soft brush before washing.

    *from auracacia.com

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