I stopped using dryer sheets years ago when I was getting rid of the commercial chemical cleaners in my home.  I originally bought those blue spiky, plastic balls and have used them for a couple years.  I tried to find more of them awhile back and couldn’t find them in any stores.  I think I originally found a set of them at Ross but when I went back on several different occasions I could never find them. 
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One day while looking on Etsy.com I stumbled upon wool dryer balls and almost purchased a set but after thinking about it I decided that I could save the money by just figuring out how to make them myself.  I found a tutorial online on how to make them and then it took me a couple weeks to finally go purchase 100% wool yarn to make them.  I’m happy to report that after two days of working on them intermittently through the day (three kids can be somewhat distracting), I finished them.  
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Unfortunately I didn’t take pictures of my how-to process, but you can find the tutorial I used here.  I was a little confused on the tutorial because I’ve never used wool yarn before and I didn’t know what felting was.  I finally figured out that you make three layers to your dryer balls.  The first layer is the core which can be make with any time of yarn.  I ended up using some cheap acrylic blend that I’ve had in my craft box for years.  After winding the ball for the core, then you use the 100% wool yarn  for the second layer and wind a ball that is approx. 7in. in diameter.  You then use the nylon method she talks about and run them through the washer and dryer.  Once dry, then you can complete the last and final layer of the dryer balls.  You want to wind this to the completed size, approx. 9in in diameter.  Then run them through the washer and dryer again as explained in the tutorial then you’re done!   

In my above picture I had actually used two of the balls in a load of laundry and they picked up some lint, so they look slightly different.  I’m not sure if this is normal or not, I’m assuming it is.  Please let me know if you have any questions, especially if I confused you in my explanation!  As always, click on the comment button on the top of this post or send me an email at: info@discoveringmytruth.com.  
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After reading this article on CraziBeautiful last month I decided it was time to make my own laundry detergent.  I’ve wanted to make this transition for sometime and since my store-bought bucket was almost gone I decided I was finally ready.  I already had Borax and Super Washing Soda from my dishwasher detergent and my all-purpose disinfecting spray so making this recipe was rather simple!

I took Rachel’s suggestion and tripled the recipe so I ended up using the whole Zote bar.  Here is the recipe is case you didn’t see the original post.

Homemade Laundry Detergent
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1/3 bar of Zote soap
Grate the Zote with a cheese grater into a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir.  Pour into a food processor to grind the Zote soap and mix it all together.  Use one Tablespoon per load of wash. 

After I made my laundry detergent I dumped it into the empty store-bought container I already had in my laundry room.  I love this simple recipe and will never buy store bought detergent again!

Now that I’ve made laundry detergent, the next item on my mental agenda is to make homemade dryer balls.  Check back soon at www.discoveringmytruth.com for a great green, eco-friendly way to soften your clothes in the dryer!  

Have you made any of the above mentioned recipes?  If so, leave me a comment and share your experience!
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I don’t have a lot of time so I’m just going to post this recipe for the all-purpose cleaner I made last week.  

All-Purpose Disinfecting Spray
¼ cup vinegar
2 tsp. borax
¼ cup castile soap (I used Dr. Bronners found at the health food store.  I used rose scented because it was on sale)
2 cups hot water
1 drop of food coloring – optional
Lemon Essential oil – as desired
Put all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until mixed.  Spray and wipe your surface.
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There are also some other green recipes on the doTerra blog that my friend Aubrey shared with me.  You can check out that post here.  Also, if you are interested in purchasing some essential oils and/or learning more about them, I am having a doTerra party this coming Wednesday, May 12th at 7pm in Orem.  The first nine people who arrive get a FREE bottle of Wild Orange Essential Oil (can be used for anxiety, colds, colic, flu, fever, mouth ulcers, lowers high cholesterol, and more!!)  Let me know if you are interested and I’ll give you directions to my house.  If you want to learn more about doTerra click here.
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I stopped using most chemical cleaners years ago and have pretty much used 35% hydrogen peroxide diluted to different degrees for most cleaning jobs around the house.  I purchased a gallon over four years ago from Guardian of Eden and I just finally ran out.  Before purchasing more I decided to try some cleaning “recipes” I saw online before doing so.  I’m sure I’ll still buy the hydrogen peroxide because I love that stuff, but I have to admit I’m happy with the results of my homemade “recipes”.  I signed up for the Grocery Shrink newsletter recently and got the following recipes from Angela.  I have purchased all sorts of “natural” dishwasher detergents throughout the years and have been less than satisfied with their cleaning abilities.  I don’t think I’ve actually finished a box or bottle of “natural, eco-friendly” liquid dishwasher detergent because they have been so horrible and leave a residue on my dishes.  Awhile ago I resorted back to just the Wal-mart Great Value brand.  I was curious, however, with the homemade dishwasher detergent recipe and I’ve used it about four times now in my dishwasher and I’ve been happy with the results every time.  It is also suggested to put vinegar in the rinse cycle so I’ve done this as well and have been very satisfied.  Check out Grocery Shrink for yourself and if you are interested in saving some money on your dishwasher detergent you may be able to make this today if you have the ingredients on hand. 

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
1 cup salt (I used sea salt from the bulk section at Good Earth, however regular table salt is pictured)
2 cups baking soda
2 cups borax
Mix all together and store in airtight container.  Use 1 TBSP in each compartment and wash normally.
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