DIY Laundry Detergent: Clean, Simple, and Natural

Making your own laundry detergent is not only easy and affordable, but it’s also a great way to reduce exposure to harsh chemicals. If you’re like me, and you prefer natural alternatives for your home, this recipe is a great place to start. It’s effective, customizable, and will leave your clothes feeling fresh and clean without the worry of synthetic additives.

Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

Many commercial laundry detergents contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin or pollute the environment. By crafting your own, you control exactly what goes into your wash, ensuring that it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly. Plus, you can adjust the scent with your favorite essential oils for a personal touch!

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Ingredients:

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Washing Soda – Helps remove stains and boosts cleaning power.
Borax – Works as a natural detergent booster and stain remover.
Baking Soda – Softens fabrics, eliminates odors, and brightens whites.
Epsom Salt – Acts as a fabric softener, leaving clothes feeling fresh.
Grated Bar Soap (optional) – For extra cleaning power. I recommend a natural, unscented soap like castile or any other gentle bar soap.
Essential Oils – Around 30 drops of your favorite essential oil for a lovely scent. Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils are great choices, but you can experiment based on your preferences.

DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe:

What You’ll Need:

1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
½ cup baking soda
½ cup Epsom salt
Optional: 1 bar of grated soap (castile soap or your favorite natural soap)
30 drops of essential oil (such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus)

Instructions:

Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the washing soda, borax, baking soda, and Epsom salt. If you’re using grated soap, add that as well.
Add Essential Oils
Once your dry ingredients are well-blended, add about 30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Start by mixing in small batches to ensure the oil distributes evenly. Essential oils not only provide a pleasant scent but also have natural antibacterial properties.
Store Your Detergent
Transfer your detergent mixture to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a lid. This will help keep moisture out and preserve the essential oils’ scent.

How to Use:

For regular loads, use 1 to 2 tablespoons of your homemade detergent.
For larger or more soiled loads, you can increase to 2 to 3 tablespoons.

Pro Tips:

If you have hard water, adding a little extra borax can help improve cleaning performance.
For an added boost, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda directly into the wash for extra deodorizing power.
Use hot water when washing with the grated soap version for easier dissolving, especially in cold temperatures.

Why This Works:

Washing soda and Borax are both excellent at breaking down grime, dirt, and grease.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, helping to neutralize any odors in your laundry.
Epsom salt adds softness, leaving your fabrics feeling less stiff.
Essential oils provide a natural fragrance without any synthetic chemicals.

By making your own laundry detergent, you’re taking a small but impactful step toward a healthier, greener home. Plus, it’s a fun project that can save you money in the long run. Give it a try, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your laundry routine is both clean and eco-conscious!

XO Marla Kay

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