This DIY all-natural laundry detergent is perfect for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals, reduce allergens, and maintain environmentally friendly practices. It's great for sensitive skin, effectively cleans your clothes, and helps extend the life of your fabrics.
Shopping List
To make enough for two full containers, you'll need:
- Washing Soda: 2 cups (often found in the laundry aisle)
- Baking Soda: 1 cup (available in the baking section)
- Fels-Naptha Soap: 2 bars (or any natural, fragrance-free soap)
- Borax: 2 cups (can be found in the laundry aisle)
- Essential Oils (optional): 30-40 drops (such aslavender, lemon, ortea tree for a fresh scent)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Grater: A handheld grater or cheese grater to grate the soap.
- Mixing Bowl: Large enough to mix all ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring Cups: To measure each ingredient accurately.
- Spoon: For mixing the ingredients together.
- Storage Containers: Two airtight containers to store the detergent (each should hold at least 4 cups).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grate the Soap:
- Take your bars of Fels-Naptha soap and use the grater to grate them into small flakes. Be careful and go slowly to avoid any cuts. A grater looks like a metal object with holes that help slice the soap into tiny pieces.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In the large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of washing soda, 1 cup of baking soda, and 2 cups of Borax. Stir these dry ingredients together using your spoon until they are well combined.
- Add Grated Soap:
- Gradually add the grated soap into the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly so that the soap flakes are evenly distributed throughout the powder.
- Essential Oils (Optional):
- If you prefer a scented detergent, add 30-40 drops of your chosen essential oil. Stir well to ensure the oil is evenly mixed in.
- Store the Detergent:
- Carefully pour the mixed detergent into the airtight containers. Make sure the lids are tightly sealed to keep the detergent fresh and dry.
Tips and Precautions
- Use proper ventilation when mixing to avoid inhaling powdered ingredients.
- Handle Borax with care, keeping it out of reach of children and pets.
- This homemade detergent is suitable for all types of washing machines, including high-efficiency models.
- Adjust the amount of essential oil based on your preference for scent strength.
Variations and Options
- You can use other natural soaps like Castile soap instead of Fels-Naptha.
- For extra cleaning power, consider adding 1/2 cup of oxygen bleach to the mix.
Professional Chef Tips
- Pre-treat stains with a little of the grated soap and water before washing.
- Test a small amount on delicate fabrics to ensure no color fading occurs.
Fun Facts
- Washing soda is a natural mineral called sodium carbonate.
- Using essential oils not only provides fragrance but also offers natural antibacterial properties.
Conclusion
Creating your own DIY all-natural laundry detergent is a simple, cost-effective way to ensure your laundry routine is both eco-friendly and gentle on the skin. By choosing your preferred essential oils, you can customize the scent to your liking while being kind to the environment.
FAQs
- Can I use this detergent in cold water washes?
- Yes, this detergent works well in both hot and cold water.
- How much detergent should I use per load?
- Use about 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and soil level.
- Can I add bleach to the wash with this detergent?
- Yes, adding bleach is safe if needed.
- Is this detergent safe for septic systems?
- Yes, this detergent is septic-safe.
- Can I use this detergent on baby clothes?
- Absolutely, it's gentle enough for baby clothes.
