Toiletries

From Antivist

Deodorant

Basic Deodorant Powder

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• a few drops essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon

Place the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Sprinkle a light covering of the powder on a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse.

Basic Liquid Deodorant

• 1/4 cup each witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and mineral water
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• a few drops antibacterial essential oils such as lavender (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Makes 3/4 cup

Shelf Life: Indefinite

Baking Soda

Apply baking soda directly to your underarms.

Alcohol

If you use plain alcohol with a cotton ball each morning, it will last all day.

As a nurse, I know that these are tried and true. The main ingredient in most deldorants is alcohol! If you use plain alcohol with a cotton ball each morning, it will last all day! For your teeth, Baking soda and salt make a very effective toothpaste. Also, salt water makes a good mouthwash. Dish detergent is just as good as shampoo. If you think that this might be too harsh, just dilute it with water. For those of you who say, "what, I would never use detergent on my hair" Just look at the list of ingredients on the back of your shampoo bottle. You might be surprised. Cathy Just Dilute

Many common toiletry items can be diluted or have the recommended amount reduced.

Unless your clothes get very greasy & dirty, omit laundry detergent entirely -- it really isn't necessary to get the day's dust and skin cells off, as the water & agitation do that alone. If you feel compelled to use detergent, use 1/8th to 1/16th the amount recommended by the manufacturer -- if it really isn't enough, increase by the 1/16th amount until you are satisfied. Do not bother with fabric softener (attracts dirt) or dryer sheets (removes the finish from the dryer drum). Linda C

Liquid Hand Soap

• 1 bar of soap, small (not super size)
• 3 C. water

Take your bar of soap (we use Dove or store brand like it, because it's more moisturizing), and grate it with a cheese grater. Pour the water and grated soap into a microwaveable container and cook on high for 3 min. Remove and stir until all soap bits have melted (put in a bit longer, if needed). Let it cool, then pour into pumps (leftover from store bought liquid soap), and the remainder in any container with a lid. Makes about 24 oz.