We all have used commercial laundry detergents that usually contain several harmful chemicals. Synthetic fragrances and chemicals often cause skin irritations and are not recommended for kids.
As a natural product user, I encourage you to make your own homemade laundry detergent as they are super easy to make and last a longer time. It actually possesses the same cleaning prowess as commercial laundry detergents.
Ready for the DIY process details? In this guide, I will share how I make eco-friendly and effective natural laundry detergents with only a few ingredients. These are recommended by cleaning and laundry professionals.
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My Past Experiences with Homemade Laundry Detergent Making
The COVID-19 pandemic was the time when I started my natural living journey and the cleaning supplies were the first things I started to replace. It’s been almost 5 years since I started making homemade laundry detergent powder. And believe me, it is as effective as any commercial laundry detergent but with natural benefits.
I have tried different versions of laundry detergent recipes with lots of ingredients. Most of them required bar soap. They worked perfectly for other folks but I always struggled with the soap residue and buildups on the laundry even after washing them twice.
It is simply a waste of water for me. That’s when I came up with this DIY laundry powder solution that completely changed my laundry-doing game! Try the process yourself:
DIY Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Process
This homemade laundry detergent recipe not only contains all-natural ingredients but is also easy to rinse off as it does not require soap bars. With only 5 simple ingredients you can make it at home.
I have tested this for different dirty clothes, sticky laundry, white sheets, hot and cold water rashes, and even kid’s messes. It works wonderfully!
So, let’s gather the essential ingredients first and then we will dive into the detailed step-by-step processing afterwards:
Ingredient List
- Baking Soda- 3 cups (choose aluminium free one)
- Washing Soda- 3 cups
- Borax- 3 cups
- Epsom Salt- 3 cups
- Sea Salt- ¼ cup
- Essential Oils (Optional)
Note: Essential oils are optional. You can skip this part if you want or if you will use it to wash baby clothes. But certain essential oils contain a great cleaning boost. For instance, lemon essential oil helps brighten the laundry whereas lavender essential has a soothing scent that calms the mind.
[For my last batch of homemade laundry detergent, I mixed up some citrus essential oils that are perfect for instant refreshments. Awesome scent for the summer laundries!]
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Take a gallon jar of water or a gallon water bucket to prepare the mixture.
- In a well-ventilated space or even better outside, mix all the dry ingredients well.
- Put a few drops of essential oil of your choice and mix again carefully. Done in less than 10 minutes.
- Store in a glass jar or mason jar with an airtight lid as the detergent powder contains salt which may melt by drawing moisture from the air.
Tips for Usage of the Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder
✔ For my family of 4 members, I use 2 heaping tablespoons of this homemade laundry detergent powder for one regular load of laundry.
✔ For heavily dirty or larger loads of laundry, I use another tablespoon of detergent powder.
✔ Additionally, I have replaced my toxic fabric softener with white vinegar. Add a little amount of white vinegar during the rinsing cycle and then rinse again.
✔No extra cleaning booster has been required till now for me. That’s all to make your clothes new like before. Easy, peasy!
How Long Homemade Laundry Detergents Last?
I have tested the longevity of this natural homemade laundry detergent recipe so that you do not have to. You can make a larger portion of detergent powder at a time and up to 6 months if stored properly. The recipe contains all-natural powders like baking soda and borax which already have a longer lifespan.
It is safe to use the laundry detergent for a longer period of time. If you have a smaller family or a family of two, you can easily use the mixture for one year. It depends on how frequently you do laundry or how large your load is.
Why Use Natural Laundry Detergents?
While there are plenty of shoppable commercial laundry detergents available in the market, it is fair to question why make it at home. Making your laundry detergent at home allows you to use all the natural ingredients and avoid toxic chemicals.
Commercial laundry detergents use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to kids and even to sensitive skin. Synthetic fragrances can be irritating for asthma patients. These compounds contribute to poor indoor air and cause other health issues.
Whereas natural homemade laundry detergent is easy to DIY and is less expensive than commercial detergent powders. It makes your laundry time more eco-friendly and reduces the amount of plastic purchases.
What Ingredients to Avoid?
Be careful with the so-called “natural” ingredients. When I was trying the homemade laundry detergent recipe for the first time, I was a little confused too. Here is what to avoid to keep the detergent powder completely natural:
Bleach (Chlorine)
These are commonly used to get rid of stubborn stains. However, it is known for being the cause of skin irritation to many.
Fragrances
I know we all love the fragrance of freshly done laundry. But, synthetic fragrances contain parabens, phthalates, allergens, and other chemical components that cause irritations.
Dyes
Most of the dyes are contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic that are harmful to your skin.
Phosphates
Many commercial detergents use phosphates as the primary cleaning agent. These create soap buildups if not rinsed properly and create skin irritations.
Will I Continue Making It?
The final test is whether I will continue making this homemade laundry detergent powder in the future or not. Of course, I will!
If all it takes is just 10 minutes of good mix at a more affordable price, why won’t I? To be honest, I get the feeling of success every time I make a new batch of laundry detergent powder and clean clothes effectively.
I know I am not adding anything that may clog or damage the washing machine. Even contributing to more sustainable practices with natural options. The fascinating part is that I can personalise the scent by adding different essential oils.
So, I will continue making this DIY laundry detergent and definitely recommend others to try it without thinking twice.
Wrapping Up!
If you are also on a mission to ditch all the toxins in your home, this recipe guide is all you need to master. After one or two tries, you will surprisingly learn the correct measurements. I have been following this homemade laundry detergent recipe for the last few years and it is incredibly effective.
So, was this guide helpful to you? When will you try making this natural alternative at home? Do not forget to share your experience with me through the comment box below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the natural homemade laundry detergent powder contain salt?
The salt in the homemade laundry detergent keeps the colours from fading. Salt also lifts the stains and the Epsom salt acts as a fabric softener.
Does this homemade detergent work with cold water?
This homemade detergent powder works completely fine with cold as well as hot water.
Is making laundry detergent at home expensive?
DIY laundry detergent is quite affordable than the commercial laundry detergents available on the market.
Is Borax a toxic ingredient?
Borax is a completely natural mineral and is considered to be safe for different household uses. It is not harmful at all if used as a laundry detergent ingredient.
Can I store homemade laundry detergent in a plastic container?
You can keep the homemade laundry detergent in a plastic container for a shorter period of time or 2 to 3 months. If you want to store it for 6 months or more, I recommend you keep it in an airtight glass jar or mason jar with a lid.
