The 5-Gallon Bucket, Your Best Friend

Yesterday was catch-up on laundry day. I hauled the laundry over to the big house, got it started, and when it was done, switched it to the dryer. Then I laughed. Our dryer is one of the old sort, one with quirks and personality. One with a lint trap that has a replacement handle made from the plastic-type wristbands you get at theme parks. One that you sometimes have to give the tumbler a "wheel of fortune spin" and quickly shut the door while pushing the button at the same time. One that requires a five gallon bucket with a full paint can on top and a scrap piece of wood lodged against the lid rim and the dryer handle door to keep it shut. But it dries clothes, thanks to a five gallon bucket.

The five gallon bucket is really one of the most overlooked, abundant, utilitarian items in the household economy. Overturned it serves as an extra seat for your son at the dinner table when you are entertaining guests. Under the kitchen sink it stores compost or catches sneaky drips from the leaky drain. And it easily stands up to the task as a stepstool, garbage pail, cat food container, and the ever famous diaper bucket. You can also prepare homemade laundry detergent and liquid dish soap in it (see recipes below).

If you can't find these homemaker's helpers in your garage, contact your local drywall contractors to see if they have any extra. Or go snooping around in your father-in-law's shop to see if he has a stash. Whatever you do, don't throw out your five gallon pails. You may just find yourself needing one on laundry day.

Plentiful Liquid Dish Soap

4 cups soap shavings (I like to grade Kirk's castille or homemade soap bars)

4-6 cups hot water

lemon juice or vinegar (I prefer vinegar)

essential oils of choice (I like lavender or tea tree)

1. Place your grated soap shavings in your five gallon bucket.

2. Cover with the hot water and cover, letting sit overnight.

3. In the morning, stir and mash the mixture until smooth. Add more hot water to your preferred consistency.

4. Add 1 cup lemon juice or vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of your essential oils.

5. Mix well and pour into old dish soap or squirt bottles. Extra soap can be stored in your bucket with a tight fitting lid.

Homemade Laundry Soap Concentrate

1 Bar Kirk's Castille or natural soap (not petroleum based)

1 cup washing soda

1/2 cup borax

essential oils of choice (again, I like lavender)

1. Grate your soap bar into a saucepan and cover with hot water. Cook over low to medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until soap completely dissolves. (Don't leave it unattended while you chase your busy toddler--it'll foam over before you know it!)

2. Put washing soda and the borax into a five gallon bucket. Pour the hot, melted soap mixture into the bucket. Stir until all the powder is dissolved. Fill the bucket to almost the top with more hot water. Stir, add 1/2 teaspoon essential oils, cap quickly, cover tightly, and allow to sit overnight.

3. In the morning, stir the mixture.

4. To use: Mix equal amounts of the soap concentrate and water in a small Gladware or other plastic container with a lid . Shake to mix. For front-loaders, use 1/3 cup of the mixture. For top-loaders, 1 cup.

*This soap doesn't produce a lot of suds and over time can lead to a residue in your machine or on your clothes. To prevent this, add a 1/4-1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in place of fabric softener on the rinse cycle. Trust me, your clothes won't smell like vinegar.

The hostess and guests at a Sisu Family Gathering receive a free recipe booklet containing many helpful home recipes, including a Powdered Once-A-Year Laundry Concentrate. Contact us if you're interested in hosting a gathering!