Wool wash

Finally I've found a homemade alternative to the commercial variety. This is the second homemade wool wash formula that I've tried, you'll find the first recipe here. Whilst the eucalyptus mix worked well, it simply took too long to mix up and only resulted in a small amount of product. This new formula is much easier to make and I'm really pleased with the results.

I found the recipe in a trusty green cleaning and household hints book that I've owned since the early 90's. I can't believe I've not checked the book before now. Anyway on to the recipe.

John Schluter use to read the weather on Channel 9 in Brisbane. If I remember correctly he gave hints and tips on green cleaning and living after the weather report each night. He later compiled all his tips and the ones sent in by viewers and published a book. My copy is the revised edition.

Lavender Wool Wash -the instructions are taken directly from the book.

Cover four tablespoons of dried lavender with boiling water, leave overnight and then strain. Combine the infused water with 500g of grated plain soap or soap flakes, one tablespoon of borax and one litre of water. Bring to the boil in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, stirring well until dissolved, then remove and cool. The mix will form into a soft jelly substance. Use half a cup for hand washing and two cups for machine washing.

I only used half a cup in my front loader to wash a load of woollen blankets. Ensure the mix is completely dissolved in some warm water before adding to the machine. I've not done any hand washing with it yet, I would suggest using one or two tablespoons per ten litres. Maybe do a test wash if you intend washing a light or white garment, due to the colour of the mix.

Update 25/04/11 - I used some for hand washing jumpers today, it did a great job. I'd still stick with 1 or 2 tablespoons for hand washing.

Yay....another item that I can tick off my homemade alternatives list.

Hope you have a lovely day

Cheers Lisa

Green and super clean - part 2

Following on from my green cleaning post the other day. Scouring powder - this is great in the bathroom and kitchen, very easy to make and use. 1 part washing soda 4 parts bi-carb soda Mix well and store in an airtight container. I use a flour shaker to sprinkle it around the bath or shower recess. Apply with a damp cloth or you could make it into a paste with water and apply to stubborn stains. Rinse well after use. I've been trying to find a homemade wool wash recipe for ages. At last I found this one, they say its good for pet bedding as well. I've not used it yet, hopefully tomorrow. Wool wash 300g soap flakes 200ml methylated spirits 50ml eucalyptus oil Place soap flakes and metho in a wide mouthed screw top jar, add oil and stir well. Use 1 tablespoon per garment, mix with a small amount of hot water to dissolve, then add to washing water. I only made half the amount today, enough to try it on the dog beds and some woollens.

Not all soap shavings dissolved, it took ages to reach this stage

I found the recipe here What they don't tell you in the instructions is that it takes ages for the ingredients to mix into a gel. I'm talking 30 minutes plus. I think you would achieve the desired results quicker using finely ground soap flakes, not big chunky ones like mine. I'd love to hear if you have any favourite cleaning recipes that I could try. Hope you have a lovely day Cheers Lisa

Green and super clean

I had a rather productive day today, did the usual bed making, four loads of washing, sweeping and washing up. I whipped up a big batch of vegetable mix for the dogs, portioned that out and froze it. I noticed that some of my cleaning products were running low and needed replenishing , so today was the day.

• Two batches of washing powder - done


• Homemade liquid hand wash - done


• All purpose cleaner - done


• Scouring powder - ran out of bi-carb, will finish tomorrow


• Wool wash - I ran out of oomph and couldn't be bothered, added to tomorrows list

I always enjoy having a look at what others use to clean their homes, you can often pick up some new recipes and ideas. Here are my favourites and a new formula to try. Washing powder 4 cups of grated plain soap - I used my homemade laundry soap 2 cups borax - omit if using your grey water on the garden, it can be toxic to the plants 2 cups washing soda 1 cup bi-carb soda Grate the soap - I use an old food processor for this job.

Mix the other ingredients with the grated soap. I then mix the lot in the food processor (small batches at a time) to ensure it is thoroughly combined and in powder form. Much easier to dissolve this way.

I store the powder in recycled dog treat containers - I have a never ending supply from work

For a heavy duty powder - replace 2 cups of plain soap with a stain remover soap (Sard in Australia). I used my homemade soap that I added eucalyptus oil to. To use - dissolve two tablespoons of powder in a small amount of very hot water, mix it till the soap is soft and almost dissolved. I then fill my small container with more hot water and continue mixing till all dissolved. This should only take a couple of minutes. Then add to your machine. For fabric softener, I use three tablespoons of white vinegar and a few drops of lavender essential oil in the fabric conditioner compartment. Homemade liquid hand soap 1 bar of soap - any kind (this one is homemade goats milk soap) Vegetable glycerine 4 cups of water Essential oil of your choice Grate the soap and place in a saucepan with 4 cups of water Stir over a medium to low heat until the soap is dissolved, allow to cool a little. I then add some vegetable glycerine, between 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon. The amount you use will depend on how thick the mixture is. Remember that it will thicken more on cooling. I then add some essential oil, about 5 - 10 drops. I store it in old vinegar bottles and dispense into pump bottles. Shake well before use. If the mixture is too thick add more water. When using homemade soap this mixture seems similar to a castile liquid soap. I've made it with commercially made soap with very different results. More like a thick slimy mess. General purpose cleaner This recipe is based on one I found at Simple Savings. 1L water 200ml white vinegar 40ml detergent 40 ml eucalyptus or tea tree oil 3 tablespoons of washing soda I also add about 8 - 10 drops of Lemon Myrtle essential oil Mix all ingredients together, I store it in a old vinegar bottle, shake well before use. Can be use neat in a spray bottle or mix 1/2 a cup in a bucket of warm water to wash floors and walls. Remember to mark all reused bottles or containers clearly, to avoid any accidents. Blimey I've rambled on too long, check back tomorrow for the other two cleaning recipes. Hope you have a lovely day Cheers Lisa