Making your own homemade DIY laundry detergent is simple, affordable, and beneficial for the environment. With just a few household ingredients, you can make a detergent that is free from harsh chemicals and additives found in many store-bought products. This not only saves money but also ensures that your laundry is cleaned with natural and safe ingredients.
This laundry detergent recipe is not only easy to follow but also highly effective. You will need ingredients like washing soda, borax, and a bar of soap. These basics allow you to mix a detergent that works for all types of laundry. Discover the benefits of making your own detergent and gain control over what goes into your wash.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?
Saving Money
One compelling reason to make your own laundry detergent is saving money. While you can purchase natural detergents, they're generally expensive, and you're often paying for mostly water. By making it yourself, you can save a significant amount of money.
Knowing the Ingredients
When you make your laundry detergent, you know exactly what ingredients are in it. This is crucial because many products in the market are greenwashed, meaning they claim to be safe but contain harmful chemicals. Using resources like EWG.org can help verify the safety of ingredients, but making your own offers complete peace of mind.
Environmental and Health Benefits
Commercial laundry detergents often contain harmful toxins like sulfates, phosphates, and formaldehyde. These chemicals not only harm the environment but also pose serious health risks. For instance:
- Sulfates produce toxic by-products harmful to aquatic life.
- Phosphates deplete oxygen in water bodies, killing aquatic life and posing health risks to humans.
- Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that causes skin, eye, and lung irritation.
By making your detergent, you can avoid these toxins and contribute to a healthier environment and home.
Materials Needed
Let's gather our materials. Each of these is crucial for our recipe:
- 6 cups of water (preheated to lukewarm to hot): The heat helps dissolve other ingredients effectively.
- 4 tablespoons of Kosher salt: Its large granules work best for thickening the detergent.
- 2 ¼ cups of Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds: A powerful, non-toxic cleaner that's biodegradable and safe for both humans and aquatic life.
Step-by-Step Guide
Learn to make homemade DIY laundry detergent with our step-by-step guide. Preheat water, dissolve salt, add Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds, and store. Eco-friendly!
Step 1: Preheat the Water
Start by preheating 6 cups of water. I used an electric tea kettle for this, but you can heat your water on the stove, just make sure it’s hot enough to dissolve the salt and Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. If your kettle doesn't fit all 6 cups, you can top up with water from the sink.
Step 2: Dissolve the Salt
Pour the hot water into a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of Kosher salt to the water. Stir thoroughly until the salt completely dissolves. The large granules of Kosher salt are key to thickening the detergent. Other types of salt like table salt or sea salt won't work as effectively.
Step 3: Add Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds
Measure 2 ¼ cups of Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. This cleaner is highly effective, biodegradable, and non-toxic. It also leaves a pleasant pine scent that enhances the detergent without adding harmful fragrances. Pour the Sal Suds into the bowl with dissolved salt and water, stirring gently to mix everything together.
Step 4: Pour Into a Container
Carefully pour your mixed detergent into a suitable container. I use a glass lemonade pitcher I bought on Amazon. You can use any container you prefer as long as it seals well and allows for easy pouring.
Step 5: Use and Store
Measure a quarter cup of this detergent per load of laundry. Store the container in a cool, dry place, and ensure the lid is tightly secured to prevent spills or evaporation.
Optional: Label Your Detergent
For convenience, you can label your container with the recipe. I offer waterproof, vinyl labels in my Etsy shop that list the ingredients and steps. These labels are durable, washable, and convenient for quick reference.
Making your own laundry detergent is a rewarding experience. Not only do you save money and protect the environment, but you also ensure your home remains free of harmful chemicals.
FAQs About Homemade Laundry Detergent
Discover answers to faqs about homemade laundry detergent, including tips, benefits, and how to make your own eco-friendly laundry soap.
Homemade laundry detergent offers several advantages. It’s often more cost-effective, as you can make multiple batches from affordable ingredients. The ingredients are simple and non-toxic, making it a safer choice for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, homemade detergents are environmentally friendly, as they lack the harsh chemicals found in commercial products.
Yes, homemade laundry detergent is generally safe for use in high-efficiency (HE) washers. However, it’s crucial to use the correct amount, as HE washers require less detergent due to their low-water usage.
Homemade laundry detergent can last up to one month when stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place in a well-sealed container to maintain its effectiveness. If you notice any clumping or separation, give it a good shake or stir before use.
Homemade laundry detergent is generally safe for most fabrics. However, it’s important to be cautious with delicate fabrics. For these, you might want to use a detergent that’s specifically designed for delicates. If you’re unsure, test a small amount on a less visible area of the fabric first.
While homemade laundry detergent has many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks. It may not dissolve as well in cold water, and it might not be as effective at removing tough stains compared to commercial detergents. Additionally, homemade detergent lacks the enzymes that are often present in store-bought options, which are key for breaking down protein-based stains. Always consider these factors when deciding if homemade detergent is the right choice for your laundry needs.
Conclusion:
Wrapping up, making your homemade DIY laundry detergent is a simple and rewarding project. It's cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and allows you to control what goes into your cleaning products. Give this easy recipe a try and experience clean, fresh-smelling laundry without the harsh chemicals.
