Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
You know how sometimes you lose track of good habits so gradually that you don't even notice until one day you're standing there wondering how you got so far off track? That's exactly what happened with my homemade laundry routine. I used to make all our detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets, but slowly I started buying "natural" alternatives instead. Then recently I found myself with a big orange container of regular detergent and just thought, nope, this isn't who we are anymore.
So here we are, getting back to basics with a new recipe that actually works better than my old one. No more heavy buildup or residue on clothes. We're mixing up a simple detergent with borax, washing soda, and sea salt, plus some lemon essential oil for scent. The fabric softener is just vinegar with a beautiful blend of geranium, bergamot, and lavender, and we're making reusable dryer sheets from cotton rags. The whole process takes maybe seven minutes and gives us months worth of supplies.
It feels so good to get back to products that are gentle on our family and our budget, without all those artificial fragrances and chemicals. Sometimes you just need to remember what works and stick with it.
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🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
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Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
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✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
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EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
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Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
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00:00 Why I Stopped Making Homemade Laundry Products
01:32 The Journey Back to Natural Products
04:00 New Small Batch Laundry Detergent Recipe
05:20 Making the Laundry Detergent
09:57 Finishing the Laundry Soap
11:02 Creating Natural Fabric Softener
13:22 Making Reusable Dryer Sheets
16:31 Benefits and Cost Savings
17:22 Important Safety Tips and Warnings
18:48 What's Coming Next
You know how sometimes you lose track of good habits so gradually that you don't even notice until one day you're standing there wondering how you got so far off track? That's exactly what happened with my homemade laundry routine. I used to make all our detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets, but slowly I started buying "natural" alternatives instead. Then recently I found myself with a big orange container of regular detergent and just thought, nope, this isn't who we are anymore.
So here we are, getting back to basics with a new recipe that actually works better than my old one. No more heavy buildup or residue on clothes. We're mixing up a simple detergent with borax, washing soda, and sea salt, plus some lemon essential oil for scent. The fabric softener is just vinegar with a beautiful blend of geranium, bergamot, and lavender, and we're making reusable dryer sheets from cotton rags. The whole process takes maybe seven minutes and gives us months worth of supplies.
It feels so good to get back to products that are gentle on our family and our budget, without all those artificial fragrances and chemicals. Sometimes you just need to remember what works and stick with it.
---------------
👕 Shop Our Merch: bonfire.com/store/1870smerch
🌻 HOSS Garden Tools & Seeds: shrsl.com/33ehp (Promo Code SHOP1870 for free seeds!)
🌱 MIGardener: migardener.com/1870
🌺 GREENSTALK Vertical Gardens: greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=SHOP1870 (Promo Code SHOP1870 for $10 off!)
🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html
🔦 OLIGHT Flashlights: bit.ly/3z6daku (Promo Code SHOP1870 for 10% off!)
🛒 Our Favorite AMAZON Finds: amzn.to/3ihSgZP
---------------
Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
---------------
✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
Pinterest: pinterest.com/that1870s
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
---------------
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
---------------
00:00 Why I Stopped Making Homemade Laundry Products
01:32 The Journey Back to Natural Products
04:00 New Small Batch Laundry Detergent Recipe
05:20 Making the Laundry Detergent
09:57 Finishing the Laundry Soap
11:02 Creating Natural Fabric Softener
13:22 Making Reusable Dryer Sheets
16:31 Benefits and Cost Savings
17:22 Important Safety Tips and Warnings
18:48 What's Coming Next
