The price of household products is constantly rising, but what if there was a simple and natural alternative to traditional laundry detergents that could save you money? Instead of heading to the store for chemical-laden products, you could find ingredients right in your local park.
That’s exactly what Olivia Lathwell, a 38-year-old mom, discovered when she replaced regular laundry detergent with a solution made from ivy and horse chestnuts. In one year, she saved $8,000 while making her home more eco-friendly.
A Simple, Effective, and Free Alternative: Ivy and Horse Chestnuts
It’s no secret that household products can get expensive, and many of them are filled with harsh chemicals. But not everyone knows that natural alternatives can be found right around us. Ivy and horse chestnuts are plants that contain saponins, natural compounds that have detergent-like properties. These saponins act as surfactants, helping to remove grease and dirt from fabrics without relying on industrial products.
Ivy, which is easy to find year-round, is a practical and affordable solution for those looking to save money and be more environmentally conscious. So, how do you use it? Simply gather about 50 ivy leaves, rinse them off, and boil them in a liter of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Let the mixture sit for 12 to 24 hours, then filter it, and you’ll have your own natural laundry detergent.
Horse chestnuts, on the other hand, can be gathered in the fall. Break 5 to 8 chestnuts into pieces, let them steep in hot water, and you’ll have a powerful cleaning solution. Combining both ingredients creates an effective, free detergent, as long as you follow a few simple precautions.
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How to Safely Switch to a Natural Laundry Routine
While ivy and horse chestnuts are great alternatives to conventional laundry detergents, it’s important to take some safety precautions, especially when it comes to family members with sensitive skin. For instance, ivy can sometimes dull white fabrics, so it’s recommended to use it mainly for colored laundry. Also, ivy can irritate some people’s skin, so it’s wise to wear gloves when handling it and avoid prolonged contact.
As for horse chestnuts, although they are safe to use in this context, they should never be confused with edible chestnuts. Horse chestnuts are not toxic when used correctly, but they must not be ingested. For added safety, you can store your homemade detergent in the fridge and use it within a week.
To complete the experience, Olivia also suggests adding a natural scent to your laundry. Mixing a cup of baking soda with a few drops of essential oils creates a fragrant powder that adds freshness to your clothes without resorting to chemical fabric softeners.
