Textile Care and Laundering
Proper care of textiles is important. Use these links to purchase Amber's favorite products for proper textile care and laundering.
Laundry detergent is both costly and in many cases filled with chemicals that cause harm to textiles and the human body over time. Though some chemicals are harmless, many of the most popular laundry detergents are often using harsher ingredients than would be best for clothing and our well being.
In an effort to save on her pocket book, the life of her clothes, and the well being of her health, Amber has researched and compiled a recipe for a safer laundry detergent.
This recipe below, when using the recommended amount per load, lasts a one person household with regular weekly laundering at least 2 years before needing to make a new batch. Making laundry detergent saves both time shopping and an incredible amount of money per year.
Amber also uses white distilled vinegar as a liquid fabric softener for the natural antimicrobial, cleansing, and softening properties it contains. Not only does white distilled vinegar keep the fibers of clothing soft, it breaks down build up of soap, dirt, and scum from within the fibers further. This ensures all past laundry detergent chemicals and build up are removed safely from the clothing fibers. Distilled white vinegar breaks down calcium build up and hard water deposits forming in the workings of the washing machine, which will extend the machine's life.
Instead of fabric softener sheets, which often are filled with harmful chemical agents, Amber recommends using wool laundry balls, or other dryer balls for fluffing fabrics and reducing static cling.
Below you will find the recipe for Amber's laundry detergent, links to all the products required for making your own, and other laundering and textile care products Amber recommends.
Amber's Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 (4 lb. 12 oz.) Box Borax
1 (3 lb. 7 oz.) Box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 (3 lb.) Container OxyClean (optional)
3 (5.5 oz.) Bars Fels Naptha (finely grated)
1 (4 lb.) Box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
2 (2.43 lb.) Bottles Purex Crystal Laundry Enhancer (optional)
*Use 2 Tablespoons (1/8 cup) per Load*
Mixing Directions:
1.) Shred bar soap in a food processor or by hand into shredded strips (like shredded cheese)
2.) Chop into smaller bits in the food processor or by hand
3.) Layer all ingredients in a 5 gallon bucket each one in small portions atop the other until none remain of each.
4.) Mix with a long handled spoon until all combined thoroughly.
5.) Place in container of choice if preferred over storing in bucket.
*mixture may harden over time and may require mixing or busting up the powder when using. This is normal.
This 5 gallon bucket with lid makes mixing and storing your fresh-made laundry detergent a breeze.
An extra large wooden spoon is very helpful for mixing laundry detergent ingredients together in your bucket. This spoon is very strong and pretty too.
it only takes one scoop of laundry detergent with this 1/8cup scoop for each regular size load of laundry. This is the same scoop Amber uses.
Instead of fabric softener sheets, which often are filled with harmful chemical agents, Amber recommends dryer balls for fluffing fabrics and reducing static cling.
Swap those chemical laden dryer sheets for these
eco-friendly dryer balls.
Instead of fabric softener sheets, which often are filled with harmful chemical agents, Amber recommends dryer balls for fluffing fabrics and reducing static cling.
Prefer natural in all things? Swap those chemical laden dryer sheets for these wool dryer balls.
Amber uses white distilled vinegar as a liquid fabric softener for the natural antimicrobial, cleansing, and softening properties it contains. Distilled vinegar keep the fibers of clothing soft, and breaks down build up of soap, dirt, and scum from within the fibers. This ensures all past laundry detergent chemicals and build up are removed safely from the fibers. Distilled white vinegar also breaks down calcium deposits and hard water deposits forming in the workings of the washing machine, which will extend the machine's life.
1 Box required for Amber's Laundry Detergent Recipe
3 Bars required for Amber's Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 Box required for Amber's Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 Box required for Amber's Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 Box rrequired for Amber's Laundry Detergent Recipe
2 Bottles optional for Amber's Laundry Detergent Recipe
This fine fabric wash is gentle on wools, silks, and other natural fibers that require hand washing or soaking.
Amber has yet to find a stain Grandma's Secret Stain Remover cannot conquer. It has saved many a garment from many a horrible stain in her wardrobe.
Need to waterproof those favorite shoes, your tent, or those decorative pillows on the front porch? This scotchgard waterproofing spray will protect your fabrics from the elements.
This Fry Leather Polish is gentle on leather. A cleaning and hydrating cream for use on smooth grain leather.
Brush your suede leather goods to keep their matte finish with this Frye Leather Brush.
Need to waterproof those favorite leather boots, leather jacket, or tool belt? This Frye Waterproof Balm will protect your leather goods from the elements.
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