Are you tired of harsh chemicals in your laundry detergent? Do you want to switch to a more eco-friendly and budget-friendly option? Look no further than homemade natural laundry detergent. By creating your own detergent, you can control the ingredients, reduce waste, and save money.
This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to make your own natural laundry detergent at home. We’ll explore different recipes, discuss the benefits of using natural ingredients, and offer tips for effective cleaning. Let’s dive in and discover the world of homemade natural laundry detergent!
HOW DOES HOMEMADE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT WORK?
Homemade natural laundry detergent works by harnessing the cleaning power of natural ingredients. While it may not contain the synthetic surfactants found in commercial detergents, it effectively removes dirt and grime through a combination of mechanical action, emulsification, and absorption.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Mechanical Action: The detergent’s abrasive properties, often provided by ingredients like baking soda or borax, help to scrub away dirt and stains.
- Emulsification: Some ingredients, such as soap or castile soap, act as emulsifiers, breaking down oil and grease into smaller droplets that can be more easily rinsed away.
- Absorption: Ingredients like washing soda or vinegar can help to soften water and improve the detergent’s cleaning efficiency.
Key natural ingredients often used in homemade laundry detergent include:
- Soap or Castile Soap: Provides cleansing power and emulsification.
- Baking Soda: Acts as a natural abrasive and deodorizer.
- Borax: Boosts cleaning power and helps to soften water.
- Washing Soda: Helps to soften water and boost cleaning efficiency.
- Vinegar: Can help to soften water and remove odors.
- Essential Oils: Add a pleasant fragrance and can have antibacterial properties.
By understanding how these ingredients work together, you can tailor your homemade laundry detergent recipe to suit your specific needs and preferences.
5 INGREDIENTS TO MAKE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Vinegar: One of the most underrated yet versatile cleaning agents, vinegar can kill harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. Pretty impressive, considering you can buy a gallon for just $1-$2. Its high acidity cuts through grease and removes buildup, making it a key ingredient in many of my homemade surface cleaners.
Baking Soda: While baking soda is well-known for its odor-absorbing properties, it’s also fantastic for removing stains, polishing, and cutting through grease. It works wonders as an oven cleaner, and when combined with vinegar, it’s incredibly effective at tackling tough grime on pots and pans.
Castile Soap: This all-natural, highly concentrated soap is super cost-effective and has endless uses in a non-toxic home. I use it in my homemade dish soap and laundry detergent. I usually go for liquid castile soap, but many DIY laundry detergent recipes call for grated bar soap.
Washing Soda: A common ingredient in natural DIY laundry detergents, washing soda is highly alkaline, making it a powerful stain remover. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by baking baking soda at 400°F for about an hour. The texture will become coarser than the original baking soda.
Salt: Believe it or not, salt is an excellent cleaning agent due to its natural abrasiveness, making it perfect for scrubbing grime. I use coarse or Epsom salt in my homemade laundry detergent and DIY laundry scent booster & fabric softener. It helps to soften fabrics, and the chloride in salt keeps clothes looking bright.
CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE INGREDIENTS?
If you need to substitute ingredients in this recipe, there are a few simple alternatives:
Washing Soda: Can’t find washing soda? No problem! You can make it by baking regular baking soda. Spread it on a baking sheet and cook for an hour at 400°F. This will convert the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) into sodium carbonate (washing soda).
Coarse Salt: If you’re out of coarse salt, table salt or Epsom salt will work just as well.
Castile Soap: Swap liquid castile soap with a full bar of grated castile soap. Just melt it in hot water before combining it with the other ingredients.
WHY DON’T YOU USE BORAX IN NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT?
The safety of borax has come under scrutiny, with the EU banning it due to concerns about its potential impact on reproductive health. This decision was based on studies conducted on mice and rats that showed harmful effects after ingesting high amounts of borax. While there are certainly worse ingredients out there, I prefer to err on the side of caution. Although borax is known for its stain-removing properties, I find that washing soda works just as effectively on its own.
HOW MUCH NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT DO YOU NEED PER LOAD?
For an average-sized load of laundry, I typically use about 1/3 cup of detergent. For smaller loads, 1/4 cup works perfectly. I keep a 4 oz mason jar in the laundry room to measure the detergent for each load—it’s super convenient!
HOW TO MAKE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- 30 drops essential oil
- Water
- Gallon-sized container
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large glass bowl or jar, combine the baking soda, salt, and washing soda. Add enough hot water to dissolve the ingredients as much as possible.
- Pour the mixture into a gallon-sized container. Add the castile soap and essential oils.
- Fill the container with cold water, then mix well.
- Use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the detergent per load, depending on the size.
NOTES
I usually prepare my detergent in a gallon-sized glass jar. I start by adding the washing soda, baking soda, salt, and hot water directly to the jar to help dissolve everything, and then I add the remaining ingredients.
CONCLUSION
Making your own homemade natural laundry detergent is a rewarding and environmentally friendly endeavor. By using natural ingredients, you can reduce your reliance on harsh chemicals, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Remember to experiment with different recipes to find the one that works best for your laundry needs and preferences. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a homemade detergent that is both effective and gentle on your clothes.
So, why not give it a try? Start making your own natural laundry detergent today and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable lifestyle.
