Simple Homemade Laundry Detergent

Are you tired of harsh chemicals in store-bought laundry detergents and looking for an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative? This homemade laundry detergent recipe is a simple yet powerful solution to keep your clothes clean while being gentle on the environment and your skin. Whether you’re new to DIY cleaners or a seasoned expert, this recipe offers an easy, customizable way to take control of what goes into your laundry routine.

Why Make Your Own Detergent?

Making your own laundry detergent has several benefits:

• Cost-effective: Store-bought detergents can add up, especially when you’re choosing natural or eco-friendly options. This recipe will save you money in the long run.
• Gentle on Skin: Commercial detergents can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. By using natural ingredients like Dr. Bronner’s soap and essential oils, you can control what touches your skin.
• Eco-friendly: Less plastic, less waste! By storing your homemade detergent in a reusable glass jar, you can cut down on single-use plastic.

Tips for Success

• Sensitive Skin? You can adjust the recipe to suit sensitive skin by reducing or skipping the essential oils.
• Hard Water Tip: If you have hard water, adding an extra tablespoon of washing soda can help your detergent perform better.
• Eco-friendly Swap: Want to be even more eco-conscious? Try using a homemade soap bar instead of a store-bought one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bar of soap (Homemade or natural store bought such as Dr. Bronner’s) – Buy HERE

The soap serves as the primary cleansing agent, breaking down dirt and oils on your clothes.

• 1 cup of washing soda – Available in the laundry aisle of most grocers, washing soda helps remove oils and residue. – Buy HERE

This is key for lifting stains and giving your detergent extra power.

• 1 cup of borax – Also known as sodium borate, this is a natural mineral salt of boric acid. – Buy HERE

Borax is a great booster for stain removal and deodorizing.

• 20 drops of essential oil (I prefer lime or lavender) – Buy HERE

Essential oils not only add a fresh scent to your detergent but also offer mild antibacterial properties.

• Optional: 1 cup of oxygen booster – For extra whitening and brightening power, this step is optional but recommended for whites. – Buy HERE

Instructions

1. Grate the Soap: Using a hand grater or food processor, finely grate the soap. The finer the soap, the more easily it will dissolve in water.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Carefully combine the grated soap, washing soda, borax, and oxygen booster (if using). I recommend using gloves or a spoon, as the washing soda and borax can be drying to your hands.
3. Add Essential Oils: Once the dry ingredients are mixed, stir in 20 drops of your preferred essential oil for a refreshing scent.
4. Store: Transfer your detergent to a glass jar with an air-tight lid to keep it fresh and effective.

How to Use

• For a regular load, use 1-2 tablespoons of this detergent.
• For whites or heavily soiled laundry, add an additional tablespoon of oxygen booster for enhanced cleaning power.

Common Questions & Answers

Q: Can this detergent be used in high-efficiency (HE) washers?
A: Yes! This detergent is low-sudsing, which makes it ideal for HE machines. Just be sure to use 1 tablespoon for smaller loads to avoid excess residue.

Q: Is borax safe to use in laundry detergent?
A: Borax is a naturally occurring mineral and has been used safely in household cleaning for decades. However, always handle it with care, avoid inhaling it, and store it out of reach of children.

Q: What kind of soap works best?
A: A natural soap like Dr. Bronner’s or a homemade soap bar is ideal. Avoid soaps with added moisturizers or oils, as they can leave residue on your clothes.

Q: How long does this detergent last?
A: This recipe yields about 32 loads of laundry (using 1 tablespoon per load) and can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

By making your own laundry detergent, you’re not only saving money but also reducing your environmental impact. Give it a try, and enjoy the fresh, clean scent of naturally laundered clothes!

Printable Recipe

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DIY Natural Laundry Detergent Recipe

Discover how to make your own homemade laundry detergent with natural ingredients like soap, washing soda, and essential oils. This eco-friendly recipe is gentle on skin, budget-friendly, and perfect for keeping your clothes fresh and clean. Enjoy a non-toxic alternative to commercial detergents!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Yield: 32 loads

Materials

• 1 bar of soap
• 1 cup of washing soda
• 1 cup of borax
• 20 drops of essential oil
• Optional: 1 cup of oxygen booster

Instructions

• Grate the Soap: Using a hand grater or food processor, finely grate the soap. The finer the soap, the more easily it will dissolve in water.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: Carefully combine the grated soap, washing soda, borax, and oxygen booster (if using). I recommend using gloves or a spoon, as the washing soda and borax can be drying to your hands.
• Add Essential Oils: Once the dry ingredients are mixed, stir in 20 drops of your preferred essential oil for a refreshing scent.
• Store: Transfer your detergent to a glass jar with an air-tight lid to keep it fresh and effective.

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