How to Stay Clean When You're Broke

I know a lot of my acquaintances from back in the day will read this blog's title and figure staying clean inherently means you ain't gonna be broke. But we're talkin laundry here, kids.

So, here you are again, that time of the month when necessaries are dwindling and cash isn't forthcoming, when -- oh, look: no clean underwear. And all the laundry powder gone. Sure, you could just scrub a pair or two in the sink with your bath bar, but wouldn't it be nice to toss in a pair of jeans, maybe a t-shirt, with those undies? 

Look up "homemade laundry detergent" and you'll find a lot of help. Some of them are fabulous, especially if you have a penchant for grating and boiling used bars of soap. Or if you always have things like washing soda and Borax handy.

But that's not me.

I've used this recipe twice now -- once on a load of towels and once on a combo load of jeans and t-shirts -- and been pleasantly surprised each time. The thing that's really nice is that there was a bit of a softening effect, even after hanging on the line on an unusually dry, hot day.

1/4 cup dishwashing liquid (I used Joy, Non-Ultra)

1/3 cup baking soda

1/4 cup Simple Green

Put all the above together, add enough water to make it swish around well, and dump in your running washtub water.

Now you might not have Simple Green. In that case, you could try using some vinegar. If you're tempted to use Pine Sol or similar cleaners, read the bottles for warnings or recommended measurements.

I'm so happy with this stuff that I'm really not clear why I keep buying laundry detergent... Think I'll stop that, too.

Comments

[Miralou]

Good alternative, sounds interesting. Unfortunately I have a front loader so I don't think this will work for me. But good to know it's an idea that's out there for the future.

[the editor]

how to stay clean when you're broke? i didn't get past the title. that's the only time a majority of the denizens of "the park" are clean.

by the way: bacon. fat. is. awesome.