DIY detergents, soaps, cleaners etc.

I have been meaning for some time to look into making these things for myself since I find non-animal tested products to be unreasonably expensive. So, if anyone here makes these or similar items on their own I'd like to hear about it. EDIT: And I should have mentioned that I'm looking for non-animal ingredients exclusively.

 

http://www.thegreenguide.com/home-garden/cleaning/diy-cleaners
That site has some good info.

 

Castille soap is magic. You can use it for floors, stovetops, bodywash, shampoo, handsoap, tile, grout, toilet cleaner, pretty much anything you currently buy a cleaner for, except toothpaste, dish soap, etc. since it's not okay to swallow. Most homemade cleanser recipes you look up will primarily use Castille soap. Baking soda works for toothpaste, deoderant, and shampoo, and olive oil works for shave cream and moisturizer. And all three are rather cheap in bulk.

 

Thanks to you both. Any day now I'm going to get on this. OK by the end of March... rly

 

Glad to be of help, and I agree with ravenflowermoon. Castille soap rocks - I use it for pretty much every aspect of my personal hygiene.

 

OK. I now have some liquid castile soap. It wasn't cheap... but since it recommends mixing one ounce of it with one gallon water it should be a far more thrifty option than continuing going with acceptable name brands. I'm still a bit unsure about it usefulness as laundry detergent. Does anyone here use it in this way? Do you use it straight up? ...in a mixture with other ingredients? I've seen instructions online about it being mixed with washing soda and borax and so on... and praises and shrugs about its effectiveness.

Anyway, I'm going to have a shower and use it as a shampoo and soap. I'm so excited!

 

OK I've tried it. I mixed a gallon of water with approx 1/3 cup of Castile Soap, 1/2 cup washing sode, and 1/2 cup of Borax. I've only washed one load thus far but so far so good... I'm still not sure how brights the whites will be but it does certainly well enough as far as cleaning is concerned. I think I'll be using it as a body wash as well... EDIT: I'm not so sure about Borax and the washing soda being cruelty free products... will check on it.

 

Terrific thread! I always enjoy pursing alternatives. Thank you for starting it. I've just joined so I'm sure there are other threads to investigate.

I just finished making a new batch of underarm deodorant, using baking soda, shea butter, aloe water, oakmoss absolute, and sandalwood, clove, vetiver, fennel eos.

As much as I appreciate Toms of Maine, their product contains propylene glycol which I Refuse to use on my body. Plus the damn stuff just isn't effective. Making my own I've finally found something to eliminate odor and I don't smell like a fruitcake. I do vary the use of EOs. Camdengrey.com ( which I am not affiliated with ) has the best prices for supplies.

Dissolve baking soda in aloe water, heat lightly, pour warmed shea into mixture, add EOs, stir until creamy. Application takes adjustment as it is sticky. I'm still working on that angle.

As to amounts, I never measure, just wing it till it feels right. Start small and increase as needed is my general practice.

Clove and benzoin tend to turn the skin yellow so if you use either, be mellow or enjoy the golden hues. Rosemary and clary sage are great for summer or heavy sweating times

Baking soda is also fantastic for toothpaste alternatives.

 

I give you all props for doing this. My life is so hectic that I have to purchase my products and I agree they are very expensive.

 

An update on the detergent - Success! I have learned to heat the water prior to pouring in the castile soap as it aids greatly in the dissolving process. I am next going to work on deoderant and toothpaste. I will try baking soda with perhaps a few more ingredients.

 

Might want to look into Herbology, thus making things using herbs and natural materials, most of which you can find on a short hike in the woods or such. Learn the plants well before using anything, poisonous one's as well, so you know what to avoid, and make sure the soil and water where you gather plants is mostly clean...never gather closer then 50 feet from railroad tracks and roadside's, or the chemicals and exhaust will be absorbed in the plants...start with plants with no posionous look-a-like's.
Here's a good site http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/ I learned a lot from this site and one of his books.
Good luck to ya.

 

awesome ideas!

 

Deodorant can be made using coconut oil, arrowroot powder or baking soda and essential oil if you don't care for the cocnut smell. It is awesome!!! I can give you a more specific recipe if you want exact amounts.

 

yes! post it!!!

 

Look into the Yucca plant, not only can you eat parts of it, but also use for medcines and products like soap and detergent,etc.