DIY: How to Make Laundry Detergent at Home

Are you tired of buying expensive laundry detergents from the store? Do you want to save money while also being environmentally friendly? Making your own laundry detergent is a great solution. Not only is it a more affordable option, but it’s also a safer and healthier alternative to store-bought detergents that are filled with chemicals. In this article, we will guide you through the easy steps of making your own laundry detergent at home with simple ingredients.

The process of making your own laundry detergent is surprisingly easy, and the results are just as effective as any well-known brand of detergent. By creating your own detergent, you have control over the ingredients used, and you can customize the scent to your liking. Not only is this method great for the environment, but it’s also a fun DIY project that you can do with your family. Get ready to save some money and take control of the ingredients in your home by making your own laundry detergent.

Ingredients You Need for Making Laundry Detergent

Making your laundry detergent involves using simple ingredients that are affordable and easily accessible. You may already have some of these ingredients in your pantry, and many are available at your local grocery store. Here are some of the basic ingredients you’ll need to make your laundry detergent.

1. Washing Soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a key ingredient in laundry detergent. It is a white crystalline powder that helps to remove dirt, grease, and stains from clothing. You can find washing soda in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores.

2. Borax

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is another common ingredient in laundry detergent. It is a mineral that helps to soften hard water and boost the cleaning power of the detergent. Borax is also available in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores.

3. Bar Soap

The bar soap you use will form the base of your laundry detergent. You can use any bar soap, but it is best to use a soap that is free of dyes and perfumes to avoid skin irritation. Castile soap or Fels-Naptha laundry soap are popular choices for making laundry detergent.

4. Essential Oils (Optional)

Adding essential oils to your laundry detergent can help to freshen up your clothes and add a pleasant scent. You can use any essential oils you like, but lavender, lemon, and peppermint are common choices.

5. Water

Water is a crucial ingredient in making laundry detergent. You’ll need enough water to dissolve the washing soda and borax and create a liquid detergent.

6. Container

You’ll need a container to store your laundry detergent. A large glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid is ideal.

7. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are important when making laundry detergent. You’ll need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients.

8. Grater

You’ll need a grater to grate the bar soap into small pieces. A cheese grater or food processor with a grating attachment will work well.

9. Mixing Bowl and Spoon

You’ll need a mixing bowl and spoon to combine the ingredients and create your laundry detergent.

10. Funnel

A funnel will make it easier to transfer your laundry detergent from the mixing bowl to the storage container.

The ingredients you will need

Making laundry detergent at home is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to buying store-bought detergent that often contains harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Here are the ingredients you will need to make your own laundry detergent:

1. Baking soda
2. Washing soda
3. Borax
4. Castile soap
5. Essential oil (optional)
6. Water

Baking soda

Baking soda is a versatile household ingredient that can be used in a variety of cleaning applications, including laundry detergent. Baking soda helps to neutralize odor and stains, as well as soften water.

Washing soda

Washing soda, also known as soda ash, is a natural cleaning agent that can be found in most grocery stores. It helps to boost the cleaning power of your laundry detergent, remove tough stains, and brighten whites.

Borax

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that has long been used as a cleaning agent. It helps to soften water, remove stains, and deodorize clothes.

Castile soap

Castile soap is a gentle, natural soap made from vegetable oils. It is biodegradable and safe for the environment. Castile soap provides the soapiness needed to clean clothes, while also being gentle on sensitive skin.

Essential oil (optional)

If you prefer scented laundry detergent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. Lavender essential oil is a popular choice for its soothing scent, while citrus oils like lemon and orange can help to boost energy and mood.

Water

Water is an essential ingredient in homemade laundry detergent. You will need to use distilled water or boil tap water to ensure that it is free from impurities that can interfere with the cleaning power of your detergent.

How to make laundry detergent

Now that you have all of the ingredients, it’s time to start making your own laundry detergent. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own laundry detergent:

1. Grate the castile soap using a cheese grater.
2. Mix the grated soap with the baking soda, washing soda, and borax in a large bowl.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil if desired and mix well.
4. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
5. Use 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture per load of laundry, depending on the size of your washing machine.

Making your own laundry detergent is a simple and effective way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!

Ingredients for Homemade Laundry Detergent

Now that you know why making homemade laundry detergent is a great idea, it’s important that you gather all the necessary ingredients before you start making it. Here are some of the things you will need:

Borax

Borax is a natural mineral commonly used as a household cleaner and laundry booster. It helps to soften hard water and remove stains and odors from clothes. You can find borax in most grocery stores and online.

Washing Soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a natural cleaner and water softener. It helps to remove stubborn stains and odors from clothes. You can find washing soda in most laundry aisles or online.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleaner. It helps to neutralize odors and remove stains from clothes. It’s an optional ingredient but adds extra cleaning power to your detergent.

Fels-Naptha Soap

Fels-Naptha soap is a laundry bar soap that’s been around since the 1890s. It’s specifically designed to remove tough stains and odors from clothes. You can typically find it in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores or online.

Essential Oil (optional)

Adding essential oils to your homemade laundry detergent can give it a pleasant scent and provide additional cleaning benefits. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree essential oils are popular choices.

In the next section, we’ll show you how to make your homemade laundry detergent using these ingredients.

Suds up and save some cash, thanks for reading!

There you have it, folks! Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to keep your clothes clean and save money. Plus, it’s an easy DIY project that anyone can do. We hope you found this article informative and helpful. Keep checking back for more useful tips and tricks to make your house a home. Thanks for reading!