Homemade Laundry Detergent
An effective, budget-friendly laundry detergent that cleans clothes naturally. Great for sensitive skin and saves money.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Washing soda (Not baking soda)
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 bar Castile soap bar (Grated, about 4 oz)
- 20 drops Essential oil (Optional, lavender is popular)
Why This Recipe Works
Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a powerful water softener and cleaning booster that helps lift dirt. Borax is a natural mineral that whitens, deodorizes, and removes stains. The castile soap provides the surfactant action needed to lift dirt from fabric fibers.
Instructions
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Grate the soap: Using a cheese grater or food processor, finely grate the entire bar of castile soap. The finer the better for dissolving.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine washing soda, borax, and grated soap. Mix thoroughly.
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Add essential oils: If using, add essential oils and mix again to distribute evenly.
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Store properly: Transfer to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight lid works well.
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To use: Use 2-3 tablespoons per load. Add directly to the drum for HE machines, or to the detergent dispenser for standard machines.
Tips & Variations
- Liquid version: Dissolve the mixture in hot water (1 cup mix to 1 gallon water) for liquid detergent.
- Boost cleaning power: Add 1/2 cup of oxygen bleach powder to the mix for extra whitening.
- For HE machines: Use only 1-2 tablespoons - these machines need less detergent.
- Pre-treat stains: Make a paste with a little water and apply directly to stains before washing.
Safety Notes
- Keep borax away from children and pets: Toxic if ingested.
- Not for wool or silk: The alkaline ingredients can damage protein fibers.
- Dissolve in hot water first: For cold water washes, pre-dissolve in warm water.
- Test on delicates: Some delicate fabrics may react to the alkaline ingredients.
Storage
Store in a sealed container in a dry place. Keeps indefinitely. Use a dry scoop to prevent clumping.