Detergents and softeners that we find in supermarkets are usually full of ingredients derived from petroleum, synthetic fragrances, surfactants that are difficult to dispose of, harmful to the environment but also to our body. These substances are deposited on the fibers of our clothing (especially when excessive quantities of product are used), remaining in contact with our skin all day and risking to trigger allergic reactions.
The softener it is often cited by dermatologists as a cause of unpleasant skin reactions, but the good news is that it can be replaced very easily by white vinegar , which softens the fibers, leaves no odor and even has a mild descaling effect.
SOFTENER
Pour in 100 ml of vinegar in the softener drawer of your washing machine or you can make a solution of 200 gr of citric acid in 1 liter of water , always poured into the same drawer.
WHITENING
A great helper for effectively washing whites is the sodium percarbonate. This, already a 40-50 ° C, liberates active oxygen, without adversely affecting health or the environment.
STAIN REMOVER
For pre-treatment you can make a simple mixture with 1 tablespoon of sodium percarbonate dissolved in 5 liters of water. This can be poured directly onto the stain and left for an hour before washing. We advise you to use it only on whites.
For a creamier consistency, pour a little bit of percarbonate into a small bowl and add the water, so as to obtain the consistency you prefer, then apply it with a sponge or a discarded toothbrush.
DETERGENT FOR THE WASHING MACHINE
Ingredients:
1 cup of baking soda .
1 cup of soda (that is sodium carbonate , not to be confused with caustic soda!).
30 ml of liquid castile soap .
10 drops of essential oil .
Method:
Pour the soda, baking soda, and castile soap into an old bottle of liquid detergent. Then, once they are well blended, add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil.
All the ingredients mentioned are easily found online or in natural stores, pharmacies, herbalists and some even in the supermarket.