Making your own laundry detergent is both cost-effective and a natural way to keep your clothes clean without introducing questionable chemicals into your water system. This recipe is compatible with HE washers and works well even in hard or cold water.
You only need three simple ingredients that you can easily find in the laundry aisle of your local grocery store. If you’re after natural bar soaps, check out the health, beauty, or organic sections. We’ve also provided Amazon links for your convenience.
How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
– 1 bar of Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (we used Citrus, but Peppermint or Lavender work too)
– 2 cups of washing soda
– 2 cups of borax
– Cheese grater
– Container
About The Ingredients:
Some people are concerned about Borax, but it’s a naturally occurring mineral made up of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It’s a highly effective cleaner and much safer than many conventional cleaners. Besides laundry detergent, there are numerous uses for Borax.
Washing soda is derived from common salt and limestone or found in natural deposits. It’s a natural booster that helps lift tough stains from clothes.
As for the soap, Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is an excellent choice. It’s fair trade, made with vegetable castile soap and pure organic oils. The hemp citrus bar adds a nice scent, but peppermint, lavender, or unscented versions are also great options.
Homemade Detergent vs. Conventional Laundry Soap:
You might notice the lack of suds when using homemade detergent. This doesn’t mean your clothes aren’t getting clean. The cleaning power of detergent isn’t tied to the amount of suds it produces.
Instructions:
1. Grate one bar of castile soap using a cheese grater.
2. Place the shredded soap into a large container.
3. Add two cups of washing soda and two cups of borax.
4. Cover the container and shake until the ingredients are well combined. Use up to 1/4 cup of detergent per small load of laundry.
By making your own laundry detergent, you can save money and avoid introducing unnecessary chemicals into your home.
