Confessions of a Binge DIYer

Okay....I have a confession.  I have a problem.  I am a binge DIYer.  I go for the longest time being uninspired, uncreative (yes, that's my word!).  Then, out of the blue, I cannot get enough of creating things or trying new things!

Before getting sick last week, I had grand plans of beautiful, homemade laundry projects and delectable homemade breakfast item that I had found after a search on the internet.  Well, most of the projects got done eventually.  It just took a lot longer than I had anticipated.  I worked when I had enough strength and energy.

The first project was the easiest, except the part where I tried to go to the health food store to get the essential oil when I just thought I was feeling better.  :)  I found the directions here.  I made the fabric softener and dryer balls.  It could not have been any easier!

I started with one bottle of vinegar.  To it, I added 25 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol.  I gave it a really good shake and called it done!  To use it, I use my Downy fabric softener ball.  I use the lines on the ball to judge the amount needed.

The dryer balls are easy also.  For one dryer ball, use one pair of men's tube socks.  Onto the toe/foot section, place 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil.  Ball that part of the sock into the tube part as tightly as possible.  Then place that balled-up sock into the toe of the other sock.  Twist the sock a couple of times and pull the tube part over the balled-up part of the sock.  I hope that makes sense.  It is a lot easier to do than to describe!

I also made my laundry detergent when I knew for sure I was better. :)  It also is not an original "recipe."  However, I have found the same basic recipe on many sites after searching for a detergent recipe I could use for my children who have eczema.  Every site I went to had a similar recipe.  I just picked the one in the same link above and tweaked it just a bit.  There a couple of different detergent recipes on my Pinterest "Clean it Up!" board if you want to take a look.  I want to try a couple of the others myself!

To make my detergent, I used 1 box of washing soda, 1 box of borax, 1 tub (96 oz.) oxygen cleaner (I intended to only use half, but I forgot until I had it all mixed together.),  1 1/2 bars Fels-Naptha, and 2 cups baking soda.  I first mixed my powdered ingredients together.  Then I used the food processor to grate and process the Fels-Naptha.

I mixed the soap into the powder, and it was done!  I have a coffee scoop to measure the detergent.  I have read to use two heaping tablespoons for one regular load of laundry.  A rounded coffee scoop should be just right.

 I have plans for the detergent to go in a large, pretty glass jar.
My local box store just has been out the last couple of weeks.

I have tried the fabric softener and dryer balls, and I love them!  I can't wait to start experimenting with different scents!  Trying the detergent is on the agenda for later in the week if I can stand it that long!  I hope you can try it out and let me know what you think, or better yet, share a better recipe if you have one!

Until we meet again, may you be blessed!