DIY: How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Doing laundry is a task we all have to take care of on a regular basis. It’s a recurring need that can sometimes become a hassle. And let’s not forget about the cost of buying laundry detergent which can be quite expensive. But what if we told you that making laundry detergent at home is an easy and affordable option? With just a few simple ingredients, you can have your own homemade laundry detergent that will not only help you save money but also reduce your environmental impact.

There are a variety of homemade laundry detergent recipes out there, but we’re going to share with you a simple yet effective one. This recipe consists of only four basic ingredients: washing soda, borax, soap, and water. These ingredients are easy to find and the end result will produce a detergent that is safe for you, your family, and the environment. So, let’s get started and learn how to make our own homemade laundry detergent!

Section 2: Making Homemade Laundry Detergent

Gather Your Materials

Before you start making your own laundry detergent, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you will need:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 bar of soap (Dr. Bronner’s or Fels Naptha work well)
• Essential oils (optional)
• A large container with a lid
• A grater
• A mixing bowl
• A measuring cup
• A wooden spoon

Grate the Soap

The first step is to grate the bar of soap with a grater. Use the large holes of the grater to make the process quicker. Grating the soap helps it dissolve more easily in the laundry water.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. Mix well with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add Essential Oils (Optional)

If you want your laundry detergent to have a pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture. Some popular scents include lavender, peppermint, and lemon.

Transfer to a Container

Transfer the mixture to a large container with a lid. You can use an old laundry detergent container or a plastic bin.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Store the laundry detergent in a cool, dry place. The mixture may clump together if exposed to moisture.

Use 1-2 Tablespoons per Load

To use the homemade laundry detergent, simply add 1-2 tablespoons to each load of laundry. The detergent works best in warm or hot water.

Save Money

By making your own laundry detergent, you can save money on your household expenses. The ingredients are inexpensive, and you can make enough detergent to last for months.

Keep Your Clothes Clean

Homemade laundry detergent is just as effective as store-bought detergent in getting clothes clean. Plus, it’s better for the environment and your health since it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.

Experiment with Different Scents

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment with different essential oil scents. You can create your own signature scent by mixing different oils together. Have fun and get creative!

Benefits of Homemade Laundry Detergent

Making your own laundry detergent does not only save you extra bucks, but it also has numerous benefits that are worth considering. The following are some of the advantages you can enjoy when making homemade laundry detergent.

Healthier for You and the Environment

Commercial laundry detergents are typically harsh on the skin and the environment because they contain various chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can harm our health and cause soil and water pollution. By making your own laundry detergent, you can have peace of mind that you are not exposing yourself or the environment to these harmful substances.

Save Money on Laundry Detergent

Let’s face it; laundry detergents can be expensive, and the cost is constantly on the rise. By making your own laundry detergent, it can cost you a fraction of the price that you would normally spend on commercial laundry detergents.

Eliminate Plastic Waste

Commercial laundry detergents are typically packaged in plastic containers that often end up in landfills, oceans, or other parts of the environment. By making your own laundry detergent, you can use reusable containers, and you won’t contribute to the plastic waste that is damaging our planet.

Customizable Scents

One of the fun things about making your own laundry detergent is that you can add scents that complement your preferences. You can add essential oils, herbs, or flowers to your laundry detergent to achieve a personalized mood-boosting scent.

Less Irritation and Sensitization

Commercial laundry detergents contain potent fragrances and other harsh chemicals that can irritate and sensitize the skin. Making your own laundry detergent can eliminate these irritants and prevent allergic reactions.

Gentler on Clothes

Homemade laundry detergents do not contain harsh chemicals like SLS and SLES that can cause colors to fade and damage the fabric. By making your own laundry detergent, you can keep your clothes looking new for longer.

Easy to Make

Making your own laundry detergent is an easy process. You can batch up the ingredients and make several gallons at once and store them in reusable containers for future use.

Fewer Chemical Additives

Commercial laundry detergents contain synthetic chemicals to create a better scent, brighter colors, and better washing. These chemicals are often cited as endocrine disruptors that interfere with our hormonal system. Homemade laundry detergents have less or no chemical additives, which means fewer hormone disruptions.

Long Lasting

Homemade laundry detergents can last longer than commercial laundry detergents because they don’t contain many water and fillers. The ingredients used in homemade laundry detergents are highly concentrated and potent, which means you need a minimal amount to clean your clothes effectively.

Diverse Usages

Homemade laundry detergents can be used to clean other items like upholstery, carpets, and floors. This diversified usage makes homemade laundry detergent a very versatile product to have in your household.

In conclusion, making your homemade laundry detergent has numerous benefits that are worth considering. You can save money, protect your health and the environment, eliminate plastic waste, and have the freedom to customize your detergent to suit your preferences. Making your own laundry detergent is also an easy process that yields excellent outcomes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

To start making your own homemade laundry detergent, you must first gather the following ingredients:

Borax

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a mineral and salt compound that is commonly used in cleaning products. It is a natural stain remover and deodorizer, making it an excellent ingredient for laundry detergent. Borax also helps to soften water, allowing for better cleaning of clothes, bedding, and towels. Although borax is a natural product, it should be handled with care and kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Washing Soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is another mineral compound that is commonly used in laundry detergent. It is a powerful cleaning agent that helps to remove dirt and stains from clothing and household items. Washing soda is also effective in softening hard water and reducing the amount of detergent needed for each load of laundry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural product that has many uses beyond the kitchen. In laundry detergent, baking soda helps to boost the cleaning power of other ingredients, remove odors, and brighten whites. It is also gentle on fabrics and safe for use with all types of washing machines.

Fels-Naptha Soap

Fels-Naptha Soap is a brand of laundry soap that has been around for over 100 years. It is a powerful stain remover and degreaser that is made with natural ingredients, including coconut oil and tallow. Fels-Naptha Soap is also effective in removing odors from clothing and household items, making it an excellent choice for homemade laundry detergent.

Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil (optional)

Adding essential oil or fragrance oil to your homemade laundry detergent can give it a pleasant scent and provide additional cleaning and deodorizing benefits. Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and lemon have natural disinfectant properties, while fragrance oils can mimic the scent of your favorite commercial laundry detergent. However, using too much essential oil or fragrance oil can be overpowering and irritate sensitive skin. It is important to use only a few drops and test your detergent on a small area of clothing before using it on a full load.

Time to Get Sudsy!

Now that you know how to make your own laundry detergent, you can save a few bucks and feel proud of your environmentally friendly cleaning routine. Plus, your clothes will smell fabulous! Thanks for reading, and I hope you come back soon for more environmentally friendly tips. Have a happy day!