Essential Oil Alternatives: Laundry Soap DIY
Pulling a fresh load of laundry from the dryer is one of life’s simplest pleasures. But before you sprinkle or pour store-bought laundry detergent over your load, spin that bottle around and read the back. Instead of a list of ingredients, you are likely to find cautions and worrisome warnings about the safety of the product.
It’s no secret that what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. According to the EPA, ⅓ of all scented laundry detergents contain at least one possible cancer-causing chemical. Wearing clothes drenched in toxic chemicals is not only unsafe, it’s alarming.
CHEMICALS OF CONCERN
When it comes to the most harmful chemicals in household products, there may be none more troublesome than 1,4 dioxane. A number of conventional cleaning brands include 1,4 dioxane in their products to be used as a solvent and laboratory reagent. The International Agency for Research on Cancer named the chemical as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Studies done by the EPA prompted the organization to name 1,4 dioxane as a chemical likely to cause cancer.
Artificial coloring agents are also often added to laundry detergents. Think of the blue laundry liquid featured in tv commercials. The sad truth is research shows that coloring agents can cause skin allergies and irritations and may even cause cancer. Furan and imidazole are coloring chemicals that are known to cause cancer according to CA Proposition 65. Coloring agents may also be responsible for organ damage and genetic defects.
Formaldehyde is another chemical ingredient packed into many over-the-counter household products. The EWG found that the chemical not only irritates the skin and respiratory system but is likely to cause cancer. The International Agency for Research On Cancer names formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.
THE NATURAL WAY
Every drop of EG’s essential oils are 100% pure and undiluted. Although you can use almost any essential oil you like for a DIY laundry detergent, we suggest our Purify Synergy Blend. It is an all natural disinfectant and neutralizer. Purify is an uncomplicated mixture of Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass and Lime.
A safer alternative to traditional laundry soaps, borax is a sodium tetraborate or sodium borate, which are naturally occurring minerals. Borax should be used with some caution because like some essential oils, it can irritate the eyes or skin when applied directly. Borax should always be diluted. The baking and washing soda in the DIY dilute and help deodorize.
NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT DIY
Create a detergent all your own! Avoid toxic chemicals as you refresh your laundry the natural way.
What you need:
Washing soda
Baking soda
2 bars of unscented soap
Purify Synergy Blend (or your selection)
Borax
Cheese grater
Mixing bowl
Gloves
Airtight container
How to:
- In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups of borax, 3 cups of washing soda and 3 cups of baking soda. Mix together.
- Grate the 2 bars of soap with cheese grater into fine pieces.
- Add the grated soap to the large mixing bowl and blend together.
- Add 30-35 drops of Purify Synergy Blend to the large bowl and mix together.
- Per load, use 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent.
Note: Store the laundry detergent in an airtight container. Recipe should make close to a gallon of detergent.
To read more about our GO CLEAN IN 2017 CHALLENGE, click here.
About the Author, Jenna Jones
Jenna Jones is the Chief Marketing Officer of Edens Garden. Jenna’s background in journalism led her to investigate the world of essential oils, and what she discovered inspired her. She joined the team in 2016, spurring Edens Garden into a leading source for aromatherapy education.
This article was reviewed by our Lead Aromatherapist,
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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