DIY: How to Make Liquid Laundry Detergent at Home

Doing laundry is an essential task that everyone has to go through regularly. The vast majority of people use liquid laundry detergent that acts as a cleaning agent to remove dirt and stains from our clothes. However, these detergents contain chemicals that may harm our skin and the environment. So, why not make laundry detergent on your own? In this article, we will guide you on how to make liquid laundry detergent with simple ingredients that are safe to use.

Making your own liquid laundry detergent is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative that you can easily try at home. The process is quite simple and requires only a few ingredients. With this homemade laundry detergent, you can also customize the scent and texture according to your preference. Moreover, it will save you money on expensive store-bought laundry detergents and ensure that your clothes are free from harsh chemicals. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your own liquid laundry detergent and be proud of your eco-friendly accomplishment.

Making Liquid Laundry Detergent: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have decided to make your own liquid laundry detergent, it’s time to dive into the process. With a few key ingredients and some basic equipment, you can make a batch of high-quality laundry detergent that will leave your clothes looking and feeling clean and fresh. Follow the steps listed below to learn how to make liquid laundry detergent from scratch.

Gather Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have all the supplies on hand. You will need:

• A large container for mixing
• A large pot or saucepan for heating
• A long spoon or whisk for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A kitchen scale
• A grater or food processor
• A container for storing the detergent

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 bar of soap (any type, but ivory or castile work best)
• 1 cup of washing soda
• 1 cup of borax
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)
• Water

Grate the Soap

Grate the bar of soap using a grater or food processor. Make sure the soap is finely grated to ensure it dissolves easily.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large container, mix the grated soap with the washing soda and borax. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil if desired.

Boil Water

Fill a large pot or saucepan with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Add the Soap Mixture

Slowly stir the soap mixture into the boiling water, stirring constantly until it dissolves completely.

Cool the Mixture

Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool for 30 minutes.

Add Water

Add 4 cups of water to the mixture and stir until combined.

Store in a Container

Pour the mixture into a container for storage.

Use the Detergent

Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size of the load.

With this easy-to-follow guide, you can make your own liquid laundry detergent at home. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals often found in store-bought detergents. So, why not give it a try and see the difference it makes in your laundry routine?

Ingredients needed for making liquid laundry detergent

Making your own liquid detergent doesn’t require much of ingredients, and all the necessary supplies can be easily found in the grocery store. Follow our list of ingredients to prepare for making your own batch of liquid laundry detergent at home.

1. Washing soda

Washing soda, also referred to as sodium carbonate, is the main ingredient for laundry detergent. It helps to remove dirt and stains from clothes by breaking down the oils and grease. You can find washing soda in the laundry aisle at your local grocery store or online.

2. Borax

Borax is an all-purpose cleaning and laundry booster agent. It helps to brighten whites, remove stains and odors, soften hard water, and increase the effectiveness of your detergent. Borax can be found in the cleaning aisle at the grocery store.

3. Soap

Soap is the second most important ingredient in laundry detergent. It helps to remove dirt and grime from clothes and leaves them feeling clean and fresh. You can use any bar of soap, but Castile or Fels-Naptha soap works best because of their cleansing properties.

4. Essential oils

Adding essential oils to your detergent recipe is an optional step, but it can improve the smell of your clothes and make them more aromatic. Essential oils like lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus are popular choices for laundry detergent.

5. Distilled water

Distilled water is used to dilute the detergent mixture. It helps to ensure that the detergent is not too strong and doesn’t leave any residues on the clothes. You can find distilled water at any grocery store.

6. Large pot or saucepan

You will need a large pot or saucepan to boil the ingredients. It is important to have one with enough capacity to hold all the ingredients and leave room for stirring.

7. Measuring cups and spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial in making detergent. You’ll need measuring cups and spoons for all the ingredients to ensure you’re adding enough of each to create the desired blend of detergent.

8. Glass jar or container

After you’ve made your detergent, you’ll need a container to store it in. A glass jar or container is ideal since it won’t react with the detergent and is environmentally friendly.

9. Funnel

A funnel is handy for pouring liquid detergent into the storage container. Make sure it’s clean and made of material that won’t react with the detergent.

10. Labels

It’s important to label your container with the date of creation and the ingredients you used. This will allow you to know when your detergent is getting old and when it’s time to make a new batch, and also avoid possible confusion in case you decide to make a different recipe next time.

The Ingredients You Need

Making your own liquid laundry detergent doesn’t take a lot of ingredients. In fact, you probably have some of them in your home right now. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Borax

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral. It acts as a laundry booster and stain remover. Borax also helps to soften hard water. You can find borax at most grocery stores in the laundry detergent aisle.

Washing Soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is another natural laundry booster. It helps to remove tough stains, dirt, and grease. You can find washing soda at most grocery stores in the laundry detergent aisle.

Fels-Naptha Soap

Fels-Naptha soap is a laundry bar soap that has been around for over 100 years. It is highly effective at removing stains and dirt. You can find Fels-Naptha soap at most grocery stores in the laundry detergent aisle.

Essential Oil (Optional)

Essential oils are a natural way to add fragrance to your laundry detergent. They are optional and can be left out if you prefer. You can use any essential oil that you like, but lavender, lemon, and peppermint are popular choices.

Water

Water is an essential ingredient in liquid laundry detergent. You’ll need two gallons of water to make this recipe. You can use tap water or distilled water if you prefer.

Time to Toss in Some Suds!

And there you have it, folks! A simple recipe to make your own liquid laundry detergent at home. It’s a great way to save money and avoid harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. We hope you had fun following this guide and that you’ll try it out soon. Don’t forget to thank yourself for taking another step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. We have more exciting DIY ideas coming up, so make sure you visit us again. Happy washing!