During fall-winter, we bring out our most beautiful knits to feel comfortable and warm. However, you may have noticed that after a trip to the washing machine, your sweater or cardigan may start to pill or felt. Unfortunately, some ingredients in our detergents are too aggressive and can therefore damage delicate textile fibers. Even with natural homemade detergent, ingredients like white vinegar, soda crystals or even percarbonate can wreak havoc. What if the solution was to concoct this special little natural detergent for wool and delicate laundry?
What are the advantages of special wool and delicate laundry detergent?
No more baking soda and other frills! With this recipe, we go back to basics with the base of the base: water and Marseille soap. And that’s it. You will have understood it, we can’t get simpler, more ecological, zero waste and more economical than this formula.
Plus, this recipe is very gentle on laundry. It will allow us to take care of the knit in all its forms, and this, whatever the type of wool : alpaca wool, merino, angora, cashmere, mohair, etc. However, this quick and effective formula will pamper without problem all your delicate laundry. So, you can entrust him with your silk, lace or old muslin or flannel as well as grandmother’s curtains and bed sets and other fragile fabrics. Finally, due to its composition, this detergent is also ideal for wash laundry and baby clothes just like that of people who have sensitive skin and who easily have allergic reactions. In short, delicate skin totally approves of this neutral and 100% natural blend.
On to the recipe!
The ingredients:
-75 g of real Marseille soap (without glycerin if possible to avoid clogging the washing machine drum)
-1 liter of water
-A suitable airtight bottle or recycled laundry detergent container
How to prepare detergent for delicate laundry and wool: the steps!
1) If necessary, grate your Marseille soap to obtain flakes or reduce your block into shavings using a peeler. Make sure you get the recommended weight.
2) Then pour the water into a saucepan and put it to heat without bringing it to a boil.
3) Add your Marseille soap flakes and let them melt gently for around ten minutes.
4) You can possibly give a mixer to eliminate the lumps and obtain a very smooth and homogeneous mixture (a little slimy too!).
5) Finally, transfer everything into your container and add a label. It’s ready!
How to use this detergent correctly?
It is very important to shake the detergent well before usebecause it can tend to freeze when resting. As for the doses to be poured into the detergent compartment, do as with conventional detergent. Here, you can optionally also add the equivalent of a cap of baby shampoo or washing base to help your homemade detergent penetrate the fibers of your woolens. Finally, select a adapted program on your washing machine. Don’t ruin all your efforts with washing too hot, turning too high or drying in the dryer, which will damage the delicate fibers of your clothes!
What about softener? This detergent is very basic and will therefore not soften the laundry. For a softening effect, you can always use white vinegar However, making sure to dilute it well to preserve your fragile tissues.