DIY Laundry Detergent: 5 Easy Recipes to Try at Home
November 7, 2023
Laundry detergent is an essential item in every household, but the cost of store-bought detergents can quickly add up. What if we told you that you could make your own DIY laundry detergent at home, using simple ingredients that are easy to find? Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid harsh chemicals that may be present in store-bought detergents.
In this post, I’ll be sharing five easy and effective DIY laundry detergent recipes that you can try at home. From a simple three-ingredient recipe to a more complex liquid detergent recipe, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your ingredients, your empty jars, and let’s get started!
1. The benefits of making your own laundry detergent
Making your own laundry detergent has several benefits that go beyond just saving money. For one, you have total control over the ingredients that go into your detergent, ensuring that you’re not using any harmful chemicals or allergens that can irritate your skin or affect your health.
Another benefit is that DIY laundry detergent is eco-friendly. Traditional laundry detergents are often packaged in plastic containers that eventually end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and environmental damage. By making your own detergent, you can use reusable containers or eco-friendly packaging, reducing your impact on the environment.
Making your own laundry detergent is also a fun and empowering experience. It’s a great way to get creative and experiment with different ingredients, scents, and textures. Plus, it’s a practical skill that you can pass on to your kids, friends, or family members.
Finally, making your own laundry detergent can save you money in the long run. While the upfront cost of ingredients may seem high, most recipes yield a large amount of detergent that can last for several months. Compared to buying store-bought detergent every other week, making your own can cut your laundry expenses significantly.
2. Common ingredients in homemade laundry detergent
Making your own laundry detergent at home is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. The good news is that most of the ingredients you will need are likely already in your home. Here are some of the common ingredients in homemade laundry detergent:
1. Baking soda: Baking soda is a natural cleaner that helps to neutralize odors and brighten clothes.
2. Borax: Borax is a natural mineral that is used as a cleaning agent. It helps to remove stains and odors from clothes.
3. Washing soda: Also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda is a natural cleaner that helps to remove dirt and grime from clothes.
4. Castile soap: Castile soap is a natural soap made from vegetable oils. It is gentle on clothes and skin and is a common ingredient in homemade laundry detergent recipes.
5. Essential oils: Essential oils are natural oils derived from plants. They are used in homemade laundry detergent recipes to add fragrance and provide additional cleaning benefits.
By using common ingredients such as these, you can make your own laundry detergent at home that is not only effective but also affordable and eco-friendly.
3. Recipe #1: Basic liquid laundry detergent
Making your own laundry detergent may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy and cost-effective. This basic liquid laundry detergent recipe only requires a few ingredients and can be customized with your favorite essential oils to add a fresh scent to your clothes:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of washing soda
– 1 cup of borax
– 1 bar of grated soap (preferably a natural soap)
– 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 4 cups of hot water and add the grated soap. Heat on medium until the soap has melted and blended into the water.
2. Add the washing soda and borax to the pot and stir until dissolved.
3. Fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with hot water and add the soap mixture from the pot. Stir well.
4. Add hot water to the bucket until it’s almost full and stir again.
5. Let the mixture cool for several hours or overnight.
6. Stir in 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, if desired.
7. Transfer the detergent to airtight containers for storage.
This recipe makes approximately 2 gallons of laundry detergent and can be used in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load, depending on the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are. Enjoy clean, fresh-smelling clothes without the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought detergents.
4. Recipe #2: Powdered laundry detergent for sensitive skin
If you or someone in your household has sensitive skin, making your own laundry detergent can be a great solution. This powdered laundry detergent recipe is not only gentle on the skin but also effective in cleaning clothes.
To make this recipe, you’ll need washing soda, baking soda, grated Castile soap, and lavender essential oil. The washing soda and baking soda work together to remove dirt and stains, while the grated Castile soap provides a gentle, natural cleaning action. Lavender essential oil adds a fresh, calming scent to your laundry.
To make the detergent, start by grating the Castile soap and mixing it with the washing soda and baking soda. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and mix everything together. Store the mixture in an airtight container and use about 2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
One of the great things about this recipe is that it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. Plus, since you’re making it yourself, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your needs and preferences. Give it a try and see how it works for your family!
5. Recipe #3: DIY laundry pods
If you’re looking for a more convenient form of DIY laundry detergent, then making your own laundry pods might be the perfect solution. Not only are they easy to use, but they’re also much safer than store-bought detergent pods that can be toxic and harmful to children and pets.
To make your own laundry pods, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, including washing soda, baking soda, Epsom salt, and liquid castile soap. You’ll also need a silicone mold to shape the pods and some essential oils if you want to add a fresh scent to your laundry.
First, mix 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of Epsom salt in a bowl. Then, add 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils if you want to add a scent to your laundry.
Next, spoon the mixture into a silicone mold and press down firmly to pack the pods tightly. Let the pods dry overnight, then pop them out of the mold and store them in an airtight container.
To use the laundry pods, simply toss one or two pods into your washing machine with your laundry. The pods will dissolve in the water and release the cleaning agents to get your clothes clean and fresh. With these DIY laundry pods, you’ll save money and have a safer, more eco-friendly way to keep your clothes clean and bright.
6. Recipe #4: Natural laundry detergent with essential oils
If you love natural products and want to avoid harsh chemicals in your laundry detergent, then this recipe is for you. Making your own laundry detergent with essential oils is easy and the results are great. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of washing soda
– 1 cup of baking soda
– 1 bar of natural soap, grated
– 20 drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g. lavender, lemon, peppermint, tea tree)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the washing soda and baking soda together.
2. Add the grated soap to the bowl and mix well.
3. Add the essential oil drops to the mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
To use:
1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture to your laundry load depending on the size and dirtiness of your clothes.
2. Wash as usual.
This recipe is not only natural and gentle on your skin, but it also leaves your clothes smelling fresh and clean. Plus, it’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as you can reuse the container and avoid buying plastic laundry detergent bottles. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
7. Recipe #5: Laundry detergent with borax and washing soda
If you’re looking for a laundry detergent with strong cleaning power, you might want to try recipe #5 with borax and washing soda. Borax is a natural mineral that has been used for laundry and cleaning purposes for over a century, and it’s known for its effectiveness in removing stains and odors. Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a highly alkaline substance that enhances the cleaning power of borax.
To make this laundry detergent, you’ll need:
– 1 cup of borax
– 1 cup of washing soda
– 1 bar of grated castile soap
– 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)
Mix the borax, washing soda, and grated castile soap in a large bowl until well combined. You can also use a food processor to make the mixture finer and easier to dissolve. If you want to add a fresh scent to your laundry, you can add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil.
To use this laundry detergent, simply add 1-2 tablespoons to your washing machine depending on the size of your load. You can also use white vinegar as a natural fabric softener and to remove any soap residue.
This laundry detergent is gentle on your clothes and the environment, as it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make at home. Give it a try and see how clean and fresh your laundry can be!
8. Tips for storing and using homemade laundry detergent
Once you have made your own laundry detergent, it’s important to store it properly and use it correctly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Storage: Store your homemade laundry detergent in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling it. A mason jar or plastic container with a tight lid works well.
2. Labeling: Clearly label your container with the ingredients used, the date it was made, and the amount of detergent in the container.
3. Usage: Use the appropriate amount of detergent for your load size. Generally, 1-2 tablespoons for small loads and 3-4 tablespoons for larger loads is sufficient. Be sure to shake the container before each use to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.
4. Pre-treating: For stubborn stains, you can pre-treat with a small amount of the detergent directly on the stain before washing.
5. Testing: Before using your homemade detergent on all of your clothes, test it out on a small load or a single item to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions or damage to the fabric.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your homemade laundry detergent is effective, safe, and properly stored for future use. Plus, you’ll save money and reduce your impact on the environment by using natural ingredients.
9. Cost comparison: Homemade vs store-bought laundry detergent
One of the main reasons people opt to make their own laundry detergent is to save money. So, it’s important to compare the cost of making your own detergent versus buying it at the store.
When you do the math, you may be surprised by the savings. Homemade laundry detergent usually requires only a few simple ingredients like washing soda, borax, and soap. These ingredients can be bought in bulk and the cost per load of laundry can be reduced significantly.
On the other hand, store-bought laundry detergent can be quite pricey, especially if you opt for the premium brands. While they may have added scents and other features, the cost can add up quickly. Additionally, many commercial detergents contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and harm the environment.
It’s also worth noting that making your own laundry detergent can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only are you saving money, but you’re also reducing waste and doing something good for the planet.
So, before you reach for that brand name detergent on your next shopping trip, consider making your own at home. The cost savings alone may be enough to convince you to give it a try.