Make Your Own Natural Laundry Detergent: Simple, Effective, and Eco-Friendly
Are you tired of commercial laundry detergents loaded with chemicals and artificial fragrances? Making your own laundry detergent is easier than you think, and it’s a fantastic way to take control of the products you use in your home. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly! For more information on the potential dangers of commercial laundry products, check out this insightful article: The Alarming Truth About Laundry Detergent Pods and Sheets by Farmbody Skincare. Here's a simple recipe using natural ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?
Homemade laundry detergent is not only gentler on your skin but also kinder to the environment. By using natural ingredients, you can avoid the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought detergents. Additionally, making your own detergent can save you money and reduce plastic waste.
Ingredients:
2 cups Borax
2 cups Super Washing Soda
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Epsom Salt or Sea Salt (optional for fabric softening)
40 drops (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lavender, lemon, tea tree)
Instructions:
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of Borax, 2 cups of Super Washing Soda, and 1 cup of Baking Soda. If you’re using Epsom Salt or Sea Salt, add 1 cup to the mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Add Essential Oils: Add 40 drops (about 1/2 teaspoon) of essential oil to the mixture. Essential oils not only add a pleasant fragrance but also bring additional antibacterial and antifungal properties. Stir well to distribute the oils evenly throughout the mixture.
Store the Detergent: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Mason jars, old detergent containers, or any other sealed container will work perfectly. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Use the Detergent: Use approximately 2 tablespoons of the dry detergent per load of laundry. For larger or heavily soiled loads, you can use up to 1/4 cup.
Why These Ingredients?
Borax: Borax is a natural mineral that helps to boost the cleaning power of your detergent. It softens water, which can enhance the effectiveness of the other cleaning agents. Borax also has antibacterial properties and helps to remove stains and odors.
Super Washing Soda: Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a powerful cleaning agent that helps to remove dirt, grease, and stains. It works by making water softer and more alkaline, which allows other cleaning agents to work more effectively. Washing soda also has deodorizing properties. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
Baking Soda: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a gentle yet effective cleaner that helps to brighten and deodorize clothes. It neutralizes odors and helps to remove stains. Baking soda is also a mild abrasive, which can aid in scrubbing away dirt and grime. Uses for Baking Soda in Laundry.
Epsom Salt or Sea Salt (optional): While primarily included as a fabric softener, Epsom salt or sea salt can also help to break down residues and enhance the overall cleaning power of the detergent.
Essential Oils (optional): While essential oils primarily add fragrance, some (like tea tree oil) have additional antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can contribute to the overall effectiveness of the detergent. Cleaning with Essential Oils.
Tips for Best Results:
For particularly stubborn stains, pre-treat with a paste made from your homemade detergent and a little water.
If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, this detergent is safe to use because it produces very low suds.
Cost Comparison: DIY Laundry Detergent vs. Commercial Laundry Pods
One of the many benefits of making your own laundry detergent is the significant cost savings. Let's take a closer look at how much you can save by using our DIY laundry detergent compared to popular commercial laundry pods.
DIY Laundry Detergent Cost Breakdown:
Borax: $5 for a 65 oz box. We use 2 cups (16 oz) per batch, costing approximately $1.23.
Super Washing Soda: $4 for a 55 oz box. We use 2 cups (16 oz) per batch, costing approximately $1.16.
Baking Soda: $1 for a 16 oz box. We use 1 cup (8 oz) per batch, costing approximately $0.50.
Essential Oils (optional): $10 for a 0.5 oz bottle (about 300 drops). We use 40 drops per batch, costing approximately $1.33.
Total Cost for DIY Detergent Batch:
Without essential oils: $2.89
With essential oils: $4.22
Each batch makes about 32 loads of laundry, making the cost per load:
Without essential oils: $0.09 per load
With essential oils: $0.13 per load
Commercial Laundry Pods Cost Breakdown:
Average Cost: $19.99 for a pack of 81 pods, costing approximately $0.25 per load.
Comparison:
DIY Laundry Detergent (without essential oils): $0.09 per load
DIY Laundry Detergent (with essential oils): $0.13 per load
Commercial Laundry Pods: $0.25 per load
Savings:
By using DIY laundry detergent, you can save:
Without essential oils: $0.16 per load
With essential oils: $0.12 per load
Annual Savings:
Assuming you do 300 loads of laundry per year, your savings can add up quickly:
Without essential oils: $48 per year
With essential oils: $36 per year
These savings demonstrate just how cost-effective it can be to switch to homemade laundry detergent. Not only are you reducing your household expenses, but you’re also opting for a more eco-friendly and natural alternative.
A Note on Eco-Friendliness:
By making your own laundry detergent, you’re taking a significant step towards reducing your environmental footprint. You’re not only avoiding harmful chemicals but also reducing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting commercial detergents.
Final Thoughts:
Making your own laundry detergent is a rewarding and simple way to bring more natural and sustainable practices into your home. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the benefits of fresh, clean laundry that’s better for you and the planet!