In recent years, many people have sought eco-friendly, non-toxic alternatives to store-bought products, and laundry detergent is no exception. Conventional detergents are often loaded with harsh chemicals that can harm both the environment and sensitive skin. Fortunately, you can make your own natural laundry detergent with just a few simple ingredients. Not only is it better for you and the planet, but it can also save you money!
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the benefits of making natural detergent and provide a step-by-step recipe so you can get started on your eco-friendly laundry journey.
Benefits of Using Natural Laundry Detergent
1. Eco-Friendly: Natural detergents are biodegradable and do not contribute to water pollution.
2. Skin-Friendly: Free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
3. Cost-Effective: Homemade laundry detergent is often cheaper than store-bought options, and the ingredients last a long time.
4. Simple Ingredients: Most DIY detergents use a handful of basic ingredients that are easy to find and are gentle yet effective in cleaning clothes.
So here is a DIY recipe to make 1 kilo of Natural Laundry Detergent.
Ingredients:
– 100 grams of natural soap. You can use Castille soap
– 500 grams of washing soda (not baking soda – this is sodium carbonate, find it HERE)
– 300 grams of sodium bicarbonate ( find it HERE)
-100 borax (find it HERE)
– Optional: 15 drops of essential oils (lavender, tea tree, or lemon for added fragrance)
Instructions:
1. Grate the Soap:
Using a cheese grater or a food processor, finely grate the bar of natural soap. You want the soap to be as fine as possible so it dissolves easily in the washing machine.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grated soap with washing soda, sodium bicarbonate, and borax Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Add Essential Oils:
If you want your detergent to have a light scent, add 15 drops of your chosen essential oils. Lavender and lemon are popular choices for a fresh, clean fragrance. Mix thoroughly to combine the oils.
4. Store the Detergent:
Transfer your homemade laundry detergent into an airtight container. A mason jar or any resealable container works well. Be sure to label it for easy identification.
5. Use It:
For a regular load of laundry, use 3 tablespoons of the detergent. For large or heavily soiled loads, you can use a bit more.
Why These Ingredients Work
– Soap: The soap acts as a surfactant, helping to lift dirt and grime from fabrics.
– Washing Soda: This is a powerful water softener and stain remover. It helps the detergent work more effectively by cutting through grease and breaking down mineral deposits.
-Bicarbonate of Soda. Helps to remove stains and neutralize odors, leaving your clothes looking brighter and fresher.
– Borax. Known for its whitening and deodorizing properties, borax helps with tough stains and keeps whites bright. However, some prefer to avoid borax due to safety concerns, in which case baking soda is a great alternative.
– Essential Oils: Not only do they add a pleasant scent, but essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help freshen clothes naturally.
Additional Tips
– Safe for HE Machines: This homemade detergent is low-sudsing, making it perfectly safe for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.
– For Sensitive Skin: If you or your family have sensitive skin, stick to a high-quality Castille soap and omit the essential oils.
– Boosting Cleaning Power: For an extra boost of cleaning power, especially for whites or heavily soiled items, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally softens clothes and helps remove any leftover soap residue.
Final Thoughts
Making your own natural laundry detergent is an easy and rewarding way to reduce your environmental footprint and limit exposure to harsh chemicals. With just a few ingredients, you can create a detergent that’s gentle on both your clothes and the planet. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite essential oils for a fresh scent!
Give this DIY recipe a try, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your detergent.
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe or any tips you’ve discovered while making your own natural laundry detergent!
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