Several years ago Baby Oops was diagnosed with a skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris. Try saying that 3 times fast! This genetic skin condition worsens with the use of skin drying and heavily scented soaps. As a result I have started to experiment with making my own laundry detergents using the two soaps recommended by the dermatologist that are purer and less drying. One being Dove soap (The white bar) and Lever 2000. This is an ongoing experiment but thus far since using the experimental laundry soap she has not had another break out. Hhhmmm I might be on to something here. I remember as a baby she could never use bubble bath as she would break out horribly from it. In the spirit of this ongoing quest to find ways to get clean laundry with minimal breakouts to her skin I decided to try drier balls. I read about them here at Night Owls Menagerie . Now she made the pretty little round balls but since mine is an experiment I didn't put that much time in mine making them simply wool felt bean bags with cotton yarn balls in them to give them weight. I felted an old wool sweater that had been hanging in the closet left behind by one of the boys years ago when they moved out. Then cutting out sqaures of the felted wool in bean bag style I went around the edges of the bean bags with a quick hand blanket stitch. They were now ready to go in the dryer.
The concept being that they bounce around in the dryer thus keeping your clothing from wadding up causing it to dry faster and be softer from the force of these heavy objects hitting against them. Thus no added chemicals or scent left behind on the fabric to irritate skin. Made sense. Now they do make commercial hard plastic versions of these for sale out there but what fun is that? Anyway with the controversy of heating plastics I think I will stay away from that as well! After trying these several times now I have to say that I believe they do work. The clothes wad up less and are softer without adding commercial fabric softeners and perfumes. I still use a vinegar rinse in the wash but I have to say these help.
Blessings from the Holler
The Canned Quilter
Very interesting! Even though we don't have any allergies here ... I've been thinking about making some laundry soap. These dryer balls are another good idea!
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing info about dryer balls- a wonderful way to recycle- reuse some items. I also make laundry soap- and love it.
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented!
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I missed this post??? Maybe I am slipping honey!
ReplyDeleteMy daughters and I have been making our own laundry soap for maybe 4 years now. I started out with the powder but switched soon to the liquid. It is so much better on my skin which is very sensitive also. Way cheaper too. I couldn't imagine going back to buying laundry soap. I have heard of the wool dryer balls but never tried them. I will have to now.I don't like having to buy fabric softeners either.
Thanks for the tip! You are a wealth of knowledge!