How to Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

 

Switching to homemade eco-friendly laundry detergent is a great way to reduce chemicals in your laundry routine, cut down on packaging waste, and save money. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in your detergent. Here’s a simple guide to making your own laundry detergent with natural ingredients.

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Ingredients for Homemade Laundry Detergent

1. Washing Soda

• Purpose: Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a powerful cleaner and stain remover that helps soften water, allowing your detergent to clean more effectively.
• Where to find: Available in most grocery stores in the cleaning aisle or you can make your own by baking baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour.

2. Baking Soda

• Purpose: Baking soda helps deodorize and soften clothes, making it a great addition to your laundry detergent.
• Where to find: Widely available at grocery stores and supermarkets.

3. Castile Soap (Liquid or Bar)

• Purpose: Castile soap is a natural, plant-based soap that helps break down dirt and grease. It’s gentle on clothes and skin, making it ideal for eco-friendly detergent.
• Where to find: Available in health stores or online in liquid or bar form. Brands like Dr. Bronner’s are popular.

4. Borax (Optional)

• Purpose: Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral that helps boost the cleaning power of your detergent by removing stains and brightening whites. However, it’s optional, as some people prefer not to use it.
• Where to find: Available in the cleaning aisle of most grocery stores.

5. Essential Oils (Optional)

• Purpose: Essential oils like lavender, lemon, or tea tree add a natural fragrance to your laundry and have antibacterial properties.
• Where to find: Available at health stores, online, or even some grocery stores.

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Simple Powdered Laundry Detergent Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup grated castile soap (if using bar soap)
• ½ cup borax (optional)
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grate the castile soap if using a bar. You can use a fine cheese grater to create small shavings.
2. In a large bowl, mix the washing soda, baking soda, and borax (if using) until well combined.
3. Add the grated castile soap and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Add 10-15 drops of essential oils if you want a fresh scent. Lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon are great options.
5. Store the detergent in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Usage:

• Use 2 tablespoons per load of laundry. For larger or heavily soiled loads, you can use up to ¼ cup.

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Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of castile soap (or 1 cup liquid castile soap)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 10-15 drops essential oil (optional)
• 2 gallons of water

Instructions:

1. Grate the castile soap (if using a bar) and melt it in a saucepan with 1 quart (4 cups) of water over low heat, stirring occasionally until fully dissolved.
2. In a large bucket, combine the washing soda and baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water, stirring until completely dissolved.
3. Add the melted castile soap mixture to the bucket and stir well.
4. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil for fragrance, if desired.
5. Pour in the remaining water (about 1 gallon), stir to combine, and let the mixture cool.
6. Once cooled, transfer the detergent to an airtight container or jugs for storage. Shake well before each use.

Usage:

• Use ½ cup of liquid detergent per load. Adjust the amount for larger or heavily soiled loads.

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Eco-Friendly Detergent Tips

• Store in a cool, dry place to ensure your detergent stays effective.
• When washing in cold water, dissolve the powder detergent in a bit of warm water before adding it to the washing machine to prevent clumping.
• Avoid overusing essential oils, as they can leave residue on clothes. Stick to light amounts for a mild fragrance.

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By making your own eco-friendly laundry detergent, you’ll be able to cut down on harmful chemicals, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. It’s an easy step toward a greener home!