Are ivy leaves really a suitable substitute for store bought laundry detergents? I was on a quest to find out!
My previous attempts at making and using home made laundry detergents were ok, but ultimately not suitable in the long run. Mostly, because of soap scum build-up in the washer and even on clothing. I hate having to buy laundry detergent and while chasing a rabbit hole I ran across the use of ivy leaves for washing laundry. I HAD to try.
Please note, I did use cold water for all the trials. The outcome might have been different using warm water.
How the liquid ivy soap is made - amount for 1 load of laundry:
Gather a handful of fresh ivy leaves (approximately 20 large or 25 medium to small). Cut in pieces with scissors and boil in 1 cup of water for 10 - 15 minutes. Transfer to a container with lid and let sit roughly 24 hours.
Strain the liquid, press out any remaining liquid in the leaves. Discard leaves.
Store in refrigerator for up to a week.
Now you're ready to wash your laundry with home made ivy leaf laundry detergent. :) If you have hard water, add 1/4 cup washing soda to your load. This said, I would not recommend it on white fabrics, because the color of the detergent seems to leave a haze on whites.