HOMEMADE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT 

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.

17 PLAIN AND HASSLE-FREE AIR DRY CLAY PROJECTS FOR YOUR KIDS 

Whether you’re searching for easy crafts to enjoy with your kids after school or on weekends, or seeking DIY art projects that can serve as keepsakes and gifts for family and friends, this collection of air dry clay projects is sure to impress. From pinch pots and trinket dishes to coasters, keychains, photo holders, and magnets, there are countless creations you can make with air dry clay without the kneading and baking required for traditional clay crafts. Can’t find air dry clay at your local craft store? No problem! We’ve also included a simple DIY recipe that uses just three ingredients!

WHAT IS AIR DRY CLAY?

Air dry clay is a type of modeling clay that hardens naturally when exposed to air. Unlike traditional pottery clay, which requires firing in a kiln, air dry clay can be sculpted and dried at room temperature. Once dry, it becomes firm and durable, making it suitable for a variety of projects.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE AIR DRY CLAY

Making your own air dry clay is incredibly simple and requires just three ingredients:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 ½ cups water

Once you have your ingredients ready, follow these steps to create your very own air dry clay:

  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the baking soda and cornstarch, ensuring they are well mixed.
  • Add Water: Pour the water into the mixture and stir until everything is fully combined with no dry spots remaining.
  • Heat the Mixture: Turn your burner on to low-medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it forms a ball, which may take up to 10 minutes.
  • Achieve Clay Consistency: Once it forms a ball, turn off the burner and keep stirring until the mixture takes on a clay-like consistency.
  • Prepare for Kneading: Remove the mixture from the pot and place it on a countertop or large cutting board lightly dusted with cornstarch.
  • Knead the Dough: Knead the dough until it cools. If the clay is too sticky, add more cornstarch to achieve a firmer texture that’s easier to manipulate.

Note: As the clay cools and dries, it will become less sticky, making it easier to work with. 

Enjoy your crafting!

AIR DRY CLAY PROJECT SUPPLIES

Before diving into the air dry clay projects for kids listed below, consider investing in a few supplies to help your little ones bring their creations to life. Here are some of our top recommendations!

  • Rolling pin
  • Textured rolling pins
  • Sculpting and shaping tools
  • Number and alphabet stamps
  • Rubber stampers
  • Paint brushes
  • Acrylic paints

17 AIR DRY CLAY PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Whether you’re using store-bought air dry clay or trying out the homemade recipe above, here are some of our favorite air dry clay projects for kids that make meaningful gifts and keepsakes!

  • Air Dry Clay Sunflower Bowls | Emma Owl
  • Purrfectly Cute Air Dry Cats | Nurture Store
  • Pinch Pot Snow Person | Make It Your Own
  • Kids’ Hand Ceramic Dish | My Poppet Makes
  • Easter Egg Pinch Pots | Red Ted Art
  • Air Dry Clay Texture Bead Pendant | The Kitchen Table Classroom
  • Air Dry Clay Keychains | Average But Inspired
  • Air Dry Clay Mini Pots | Journey Into Creativity
  • Clay Unicorn Magnets | Glued To My Crafts
  • Mini Clay Halloween Pumpkins | Sculpd
  • DIY Air Dry Clay Wall Hanging | Kara Madeline
  • Clay Mountain Photo Holder | Doodle & Stitch
  • Air Dry Clay Ornaments | Little Yellow Wheelbarrow
  • Whale Phone Holder | Doodle & Stitch
  • Mandala Trinket Dish | Colorful Craft Corner
  • Air Dry Clay Snails | Hobby Craft
  • Air Dry Clay Tiles | Polymer Clay

I hope you and your little one enjoy this delightful collection of air dry clay projects!

CONCLUSION

Air dry clay offers a fun and creative outlet for kids of all ages. With its versatility and ease of use, it’s a great way to spark imagination, develop fine motor skills, and boost self-esteem. From simple crafts to intricate sculptures, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity or a long-term project, air dry clay is a fantastic choice. So gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy the joy of crafting with your children!