Using gentle baby laundry soap can prevent skin rashes and irritation to newborns and sensitive skin. Many people ask me what they can do about skin sensitivities. I am not a health practitioner and I think that many of these issues needs to be further discussed. That being said I do understand how soap works and that soap’s job is to make water “wetter’ and remove the dirt and oils that water could not remove.
Most of the time, we are using too much soap/detergent and there might be harsh residue that is left behind on clothes that can irritate the skin. I think less is often better and the best advice you can get for making your own laundry soap is to start off with a simple recipe then experiment with your own clothes and adjust the recipe to your liking.
Baby Laundry Soap
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed grated handmade gentle soap ( I used castile simple to make and gentle enough for babies)
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda “baked baking soda” – washing soda is sold in most hardware stores. Alternatively it can be made by heating baking soda in the oven.
- Baking soda (optional – to soften water if necessary)
Instructions
- Start by grating your handmade soap. I used a hand grater because when I used the food processor the pieces were too thick and did not dissolve in the wash. Leave them out to dry for a few days if you can. Place in a jar, container or box.
- Add borax, washing soda, and baking soda.
Use 1/8 cup to 1/4 cup of baby laundry soap per load. Adjust for HE machines.
Notes
Whites not so white? Try adding 1/2 cup baking soda.
Soften up clothes by adding vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar or epsom salt is also good for removing stubborn odours.