It's a Team's Life

Dreaded Weekend Chore

By Linda Caffee
Posted Apr 30th 2018 7:19AM

Throwing our dirty clothes out is not an option even though I think it sounds like a great option. Public laundry rooms are not my idea of a wonderful weekend even though every once in a while, we meet some pretty awesome people. Other times I wish that I could disappear.

Laundry essentials:

Laundry Bag
Laundry Soap
Stain Spray
Static Removers

We store our laundry bag under our bench seat in the truck next to our kitty litter box and when we were in an OEM sleeper the laundry bag was stored under the bed. Depending on where we park the trek into the truck stop can be rather long carrying the laundry bag and all the laundry essentials.

We usually park in the back of the truck stop so that we have grass for Texas and it is usually quieter. Making our walk easier to the laundry room I looked for ways to lighten our laundry essentials. Now our shower bag carries our stain spray and when we take our clothes off if we have a stain the stain is treated at that time. Laundry soap was the next problem as I cannot handle the price of small boxes of laundry detergent. At one time I tried paring down the laundry box and separating into baggies but the amount of soap needed for each load did not make that practical. One day I found a recipe for homemade laundry soap that used 1/8th cup of soap.

While at home I mixed up this soap as it makes enough to last the two of us over a year. The soap is mixed in a large container and then separated into quart freezer bags and we take one baggie with us at a time. What a weight saver and I have been very happy with the soap. The problem with the soap is that it had no smell until I discovered essential oils. Now when I am mixing the soap I add in the essential oil of my choice and I have nice smelling laundry soap. My favorite part of this homemade laundry soap is the price, all of the ingredients except the essential oil are found in the laundry aisle of the store. Here is the recipe I use:

Homemade Laundry Soap

8 cups grated castile soap
16 cups baking soda
12 cups washing soda
3 TBLS or more of essential oil

Combine all the ingredients except the essential oil and mix well. Once mixed completely add in the essential oil, I started with 3 tablespoons of lemon essential oil and that worked great for the smell. I keep a 1/8th cup in the baggie of laundry soap.

I also use Norwex laundry balls for static that are reusable. There are all types of laundry balls that can be purchased for static control in stores. Again, what I did not like is the lack of smell and essential oils came to the rescue. A couple drops are drooped on the wool balls gives the laundry a nice clean scent.