I have to admit something.  I like washing Jon’s work shirts. I know, I know– I’m a self-identified Feminist!  Jon and I split the housework load super evenly and yet… I like washing the man’s shirts.  I think this has less to do with getting wrapped up in some kind of 1950s domestic fantasy and more that I love when non-toxic alternatives work.  Oh and hand washing is peaceful– I can really peace out while I do it.

I’ve been anti-bleach much longer than I’ve been anti-plastic, but I’ve always kind of assumed that just meant dingy whites.  “What can you do,” I thought, I wont wear pristine whites much– better than rashes and ruining clothes.”  Well– let me tell you– the natural bleach alternatives you make at home work just as well.  I love, love, love it when “hippy sh*t” (Jon’s phrase) works just as well as the evil chemical stuff.  After some research, which turned up a variety of ratios for a good bleach alternative, this is what I came up with.  I think it blends the best recommendations from all the sites I visited:

Ashley’s Bleach Alternative

1/2 cup lemon juice,
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup borax
a little baking soda (for scrubbing)
warm/hot water
an old toothbrush.

Don’t put the baking soda in with the rest of it, I just kind of sprinkle it on if there is a stain or the collar of Jon’s shirt is really soiled.  After scrubbing the spot with a toothbrush I let the pieces soak for 10 min.  Then, I wash with my regular hand washing detergent, rinse, and air dry.  This bleach alternative works like a charm– with just a bit of scrubbing I get nearly all the spots out of Jon’s shirts.

Yes, I know.  I’ll be back to reproductive justice soon– today I just got really excited about the laundry.