How to make laundry detergent?

By HotBotUpdated: July 3, 2024

Making your own laundry detergent can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial products. By crafting your detergent at home, you can control the ingredients, avoid harsh chemicals, and customize the scent and effectiveness to suit your needs. This guide will walk you through various methods and recipes for making laundry detergent, from basic formulas to more complex mixtures.

Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

Before diving into the recipes, it's important to understand the benefits of making your own laundry detergent:

• Cost Savings: Homemade laundry detergent can be significantly cheaper than store-bought options.
• Environmental Impact: Reducing plastic waste and avoiding harmful chemicals can have a positive impact on the environment.
• Customization: You can tailor the detergent to your preferences and needs, such as adding specific scents or making it hypoallergenic.

Basic Ingredients

Most homemade laundry detergent recipes use a few common ingredients:

• Soap: This can be bar soap, castile soap, or soap flakes. Look for a soap that is free from additives and fragrances if you have sensitive skin.
• Washing Soda: Also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda helps to remove stains and soften water.
• Borax: Borax (sodium borate) is a natural mineral that enhances the cleaning power of your detergent.
• Water: Used to dissolve the ingredients and create a liquid detergent.
• Essential Oils (Optional): For fragrance and additional cleaning properties.

Simple Powdered Laundry Detergent Recipe

This is one of the easiest and most popular recipes for making powdered laundry detergent.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, castile soap, or any pure soap)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Use a cheese grater or food processor to finely grate the bar of soap.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
3. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
4. Use: Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load.

Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

For those who prefer liquid detergent, this recipe provides a simple and effective solution.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, castile soap, or any pure soap)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 4 cups hot water
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Grate the bar of soap using a cheese grater or food processor.
2. Melt the Soap: In a large pot, combine the grated soap with 4 cups of hot water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the soap is completely melted.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the washing soda and borax to the melted soap mixture. Stir until dissolved.
4. Add Water: Pour the mixture into a large bucket and add 2 gallons of hot water. Stir well.
5. Optional Step: Add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance. Stir again.
6. Store: Pour the detergent into containers with lids for storage.
7. Use: Use 1/2 cup per load of laundry.

HE (High-Efficiency) Laundry Detergent Recipe

If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, you need a low-sudsing detergent. This recipe is specifically designed for HE washers.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, castile soap, or any pure soap)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Grate the bar of soap using a cheese grater or food processor.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
3. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
4. Use: Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load.

Specialty Recipes

Detergent for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, it's important to use a detergent that is free from fragrances and harsh chemicals. This recipe is gentle and hypoallergenic.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of pure soap (such as Dr. Bronner's unscented castile soap)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Grate the bar of soap using a cheese grater or food processor.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
3. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
4. Use: Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load.

Detergent with Fabric Softener

This recipe includes fabric softener to keep your clothes feeling soft and fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, castile soap, or any pure soap)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 20 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Grate the bar of soap using a cheese grater or food processor.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, borax, baking soda, and Epsom salt. Stir well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
3. Optional Step: Add essential oils for fragrance. Stir again.
4. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
5. Use: Use 2-3 tablespoons per load of laundry.

Tips for Best Results

To ensure your homemade laundry detergent works effectively, consider these tips:

• Pre-Treat Stains: Apply a small amount of detergent directly to stains and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
• Use Warm Water: Homemade detergents may not dissolve as well in cold water. Use warm or hot water for best results.
• Shake Liquid Detergents: If you notice separation in your liquid detergent, give it a good shake before each use.
• Test on Delicates: Before using homemade detergent on delicate fabrics, test on a small, inconspicuous area.

The art of making laundry detergent at home allows for a personalized touch to an otherwise mundane household chore. The satisfaction derived from crafting your own cleaning solution, paired with the economic and environmental benefits, makes this endeavor worthwhile for many. The final product is not just a detergent, but a reflection of mindful living and a step towards self-sufficiency.

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