Homemade Detergent
Are you tired of the harsh chemicals and overwhelming fragrances in commercial laundry detergents? It’s time to ditch the toxins and embrace a more natural, eco-friendly way to keep your clothes clean. With just four simple ingredients, you can create a DIY laundry detergent that is effective, budget-friendly, and gentle on your skin. Plus, we’ll share a bonus recipe for an all-natural fabric softener and additional tips to move closer to a clean, non-toxic home.
Why Go DIY?
Conventional laundry detergents often contain a cocktail of chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Ingredients like phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and optical brighteners can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even long-term health problems. By making your own detergent, you control what goes into it, ensuring it’s safe for you and your family.
The Simple 4-Ingredient Recipe
Ingredients:
- Borax- https://amzn.to/3zH3fqK
- Washing Soda-https://amzn.to/3Y1W6eM
- Soap Flakes-https://amzn.to/3W5XOZO
Instructions:
- Grate the Soap: This recipe calls for soap flakes. But if you don’t have soap flakes, you can easily make them by grating a bar of natural soap with a cheese grater. Look for unscented or naturally scented soap bars. I suggest using a castile soap bar. I have used these bars to make my laundry detergent in the packet. Kirks-https://amzn.to/3LlK6wS they are made with coconut oil and are safe for sensitive skin.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of Borax, 2 cups of Washing Soda, and 1 cup of Soap Flakes. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients. I mix up big batches when I make it and will double or triple the amounts. I do 2:1 ratio of powders to the soap flakes.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer your homemade detergent to an airtight container. A glass jar with a lid works perfectly. I just used an empty coffee cannister and used an old protein powder scoop.
- Use: For a standard load of laundry, use around 1/8 cup of the detergent. For larger or heavily soiled loads, you might need a bit more. A triple batch will last me (I live alone) 6 months +.
Benefits of Each Ingredient:
- Borax: A natural mineral that boosts the cleaning power of your detergent, helps remove stains, and deodorizes.
- Washing Soda: Another natural mineral that helps to soften water, making it easier for the detergent to clean your clothes.
- Soap Flakes: Provide the cleaning power to remove dirt and grime from your fabrics.
DIY Fabric Softener
I like to have my clothes smell nice, that’s the girly girl in me. Store-bought fabric softeners smell nice but are another source of unnecessary chemicals. Instead, try this simple recipe using vinegar and essential oils. Don’t worry your clothes will not smell like vinegar, during the rinse cycle the vinegar will be rinsed out but the essential oils fragrance will linger on your clothes.
Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Any cheap white vinegar will do.
- Essential Oils
- I use vanilla oleoresin essential oil and essential grapefruit oil. Together they have a very nice aroma.
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large container, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 20 drop vanilla and about 5 drops of the grapefruit essential oil. Or you can fill your washer’s rinse reservoir with the vinegar and 5-7 drops of vanilla essential oils and 2-3 drops of grapefruit. You can always add more or less depending on your preference.
- Store: Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid.
- Use: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this fabric softener to your washing machine’s fabric softener dispenser or directly into the rinse cycle.
Benefits of DIY Fabric Softener:
- Vinegar: Naturally softens fabrics, reduces static cling, and helps remove detergent residue.
- Essential Oils: Add a fresh scent and can have antimicrobial properties.
Transitioning to a non-toxic home might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s all about taking small steps. Start with one area, like your laundry routine, and gradually make changes in other areas of your home. Not only will you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, but you’ll also save money and reduce your environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
Ditching the toxins in your home is a journey worth taking. By making your own laundry detergent and fabric softener, you’re taking a significant step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Embrace the process, enjoy the creativity, and feel-good knowing that you’re making choices that benefit both your family and the planet.
Happy cleaning!
