For clean laundry you only need a single ingredient: the leaves of the ivy (Hedera Helix), which grows in many gardens. This plant contains detergent substances that are excellent at removing dirt and unpleasant odors from clothing.
Can you wash with ivy?
Ivy leaves contain saponins and are suitable as an environmentally friendly detergent that reliably removes dirt and odors. Fresh leaves, liquid ivy detergent or ivy detergent powder can be used as alternatives to traditional detergents.
Can you wash with ivy?
Since theleavesof the common ivycontain plenty of saponins (Latin sapo=soap),worksthe verygood. The bitter-tasting natural substance with the cleaning effect dissolves from the leaves when it comes into contact with water.
The effects of saponins are diverse:
- Reduce the surface tension of the water.
- Bind dirt particles.
- Reliably kill fungi, bacteria and viruses.
What are the benefits of ivy as a washing powder?
As long-term tests prove, the ivy detergent scores withgreat washing results. Theenvironmentally friendly alternativeto conventional washing powderprotectsalso protects the environment andyour wallet.
At temperatures of 30 to 95 degrees, ivy removes dirt and unpleasant odors just as well as a commercially available detergent. The laundry items come out of the washing machine soft and smelling neutral and fresh.
In addition, ivy grows very well and can easily cope with pruning, so you can always collect enough leaves from a larger plant for laundry care.
How to wash with fresh ivy leaves?
You can put the ivy leavesdirectly into the washing drum You only need about a handful of ivy leaves, which you roughly chop up before use and put into an old sock. Tie the resulting laundry bag well or close it with a rubber band.
Additionally add a tablespoon of washing soda to the main wash chamber. This environmentally friendly agent has a water softening effect and increases the effect of the detergent substances.
How can I make detergent from ivy?
You can remove thesaponins from the leaves in advance and make a liquid detergent whose washing effect is even better than that of the fresh leaves.
For this you need:
- 15 medium-sized, dark green ivy leaves
- 500 milliliters of water
- 1 teaspoon washing soda.
How to prepare liquid detergent from ivy?
For the liquid detergent made fromivy leavestheseare first boiled:
- Put the coarsely chopped ivy leaves in a pot and boil it with the water.
- Let it simmer for about five minutes.
- Let cool, pour into a screw-top jar and shake well until foam forms.
- Strain the leaves.
- Add washing soda and stir well.
Can I make a liquid detergent in stock?
Ivy washing powder,to which washing soda has been added,will lastin the refrigerator for aboutone week. LargerSupplies are not recommended,as the product could spoil.
Since Hedera Helix is an evergreen plant, you can prepare your environmentally friendly detergent fresh even in the winter months.
Tip
Ivy as dishwashing detergent
You can also use the liquid ivy detergent to clean dishes. Simply add a cup of the solution to hot water and rinse as usual. Although this detergent does not foam, the cleaning effect is very good. It can be further strengthened with baking soda for greasy pots and pans.