Recipes for eco-friendly laundry powder and liquid

Washing powder

• 1/2 cup washing soda
• 1 cup finely grated pure soap
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup borax
• 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda

Put the washing soda crystals in a clean plastic bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed washing soda with the rest of the ingredients and store in an airtight box or jar.

Use one tablespoon for a small load, one-and-a-half for a medium load and two for a large load.

Dissolve in a jug of hot water before adding to a top-loading machine. For a front-loader, dissolve powder in a small amount of hot water and add to the dispenser.

If using for hand washing, be sure to wear rubber gloves.

Wool wash

This recipe has been used to wash wool for generations. It’s ideal for blankets, quilts and pillows. The eucalyptus oil keeps wool soft and repels moths.

• 2 cups soap flakes
• 1/2 cup methylated spirits
• 25ml eucalyptus oil

Place the ingredients in a jar and shake until combined. Use two tablespoons of wool wash per litre of warm water, then rinse.