Next in our three-part Holy Week spring cleaning series is a wonderful DIY cleaner that you can use as part of your Holy (Spy) Wednesday observation. Because the days of Holy Week, especially the days that fall earlier in the week, are set aside for the dedicated cleaning of the home in preparation for Easter, it is good to think ahead to what tasks you might schedule as part of your “to do” list.
Just as this work of your hands keeps you busy as you anticipate the Lord’s Resurrection, it also busies your heart and soul as you meditate on the great work that Jesus did for us in his earthly life and ministry. Read more about the tradition of spring cleaning in the first and second installments of this series.
One of the most quintessential spring cleaning tasks is the freshening of sheets, laundry, and linens as the spring weather, sunshine, and fresh air encourages it. Of course, this can be as simple as changing the heavy blankets and comforters on the bed over to lighter sheets and quilts. It can also be as intense as washing and steaming curtains, rugs, pillows, and other upholsteries.
Laundry Detergent
A DIY laundry detergent recipe can be a great way to start on your linen cleaning for the spring and is also inexpensive, effective, and nontoxic—free from many of the brighteners, sulfates and chemicals, and dyes that can be found in namebrand formulas. While it is important that what you do wash your linens with a formula that actually does contains cleaning agents and not just water softeners, this DIY recipe delivers both while still being non-toxic.
It comes from a dupe for Molly’s Suds but with the key difference that OxiClean is, as we have found, a necessary ingredient. The recipe creates a powdered detergent for your use, easy for storing and using and doesn’t require the labor of mixing a liquid one. It’s base of baking soda and washing soda is also a great freshener you can use to sprinkle over mattresses and carpet to get out any stale smells. Alternatively, you can use the oxyclean ingredient as a targeted stain lifter if you soak individual items in a basin with the dissolved mixture.
There are a few optional ingredients that we often don’t use when we make this recipe, but feel free to add as you’d like! We hope this recipe can give some added frugality, freshness, and joy to your spring cleaning routine.
Nontoxic Laundry Detergent inspired by The Make Your Own Zone
1½ cups Washing Soda
1½ cups Baking Soda
½ cup Epsom Salt
½ cup OxiClean Free or OxiClean Baby
Optional Add Ins:
2 tablespoons sea salt
10 drops essential oil
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients very well in a .5 gallon jar. Use about two tablespoons per load and sprinkle in the bottom of your washer before adding the clothes.
References:
1. https://www.themakeyourownzone.com/diy-no-borax-laundry-detergent-copycat-molly-suds/
I like to make my own laundry soap also. When I make it, I use liquid because I find it is easier on my clothing. Instead of OxiClean, I like to use Oxygen Bleach (sodium percarbonate). I don’t mix it with my liquid laundry soap because it likes to makes lots of bubbles. Instead, I put the liquid soap in the washer then sprinkle in some Oxygen Bleach. I’ve been using homemade laundry soap for 15 years now!