Laundry Corner and Homemade Laundry Detergent

I’ve been trying to fill our home with little, important reminders of how we want to live life.  With the laundry corner part of our kitchen, I decided to design two quotes that are both semi-food related as well as instructive. It took a few months to hang them up above the dryer, but I’ve loved having them as daily reminders.  The full quotes with their message:

“President Gordon B. Hinckley gave a vivid description of one aspect of this keyhole view. He told a BYU audience about political commentators “aflame with indignation” at a then-recent news event. “With studied art they poured out the sour vinegar of invective and anger. … Surely,” he concluded, “this is the age and place of the gifted pickle sucker.”¹ In contrast, to be securely rooted in the gospel, we must be moderate and measured in criticism and seek always for the broader view of the majestic work of God.” Elder Dallin H Oaks

“It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.” Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf 

Way back in January I mixed up some homemade laundry detergent. I got the recipe from some older ladies at church when we were living in Sandy, UT. It took me almost two years to try it, but I’m not sure if I’ll go back to the store bought versions. We still haven’t even used 1/4 of it, even after eight months. It cleans our clothes well (and the washing machine) and costs way less than store bought detergent.  It only took about twenty minutes from start to finish to make, even with some help from Emily.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

• Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
• Arm and Hammer Pure Baking Soda
• Borax
• Oxi Clean
• 2 bars of Zote

Grate the bars of zote. I did it by hand with a cheese grater, but a food processor is also an option.  I poured in each item in a few layers and just stirred it up as I worked my way to the top of the container. A large bucket to actually shake it up would be ideal.  Use 1-2 T of detergent with each load, a little more if the clothes are really soiled or it is a large load.