Making your own laundry detergent is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your clothes clean. And, contrary to popular belief, you can make a natural and effective laundry detergent that is gentle on fabrics while still providing effective cleaning power.
Today on Fresh Home Guide, we will dissect the ideal homemade laundry detergent that is free of harsh chemicals and will leave you with cleaner, fresher clothes every time.
Making your own laundry detergent with castile soap and baking soda
Making your own laundry detergent is a cheap and effective way to keep your clothes clean and fresh. Castile soap is a natural, plant-based cleanser that’s free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, making it gentle on fabrics while still providing powerful cleaning power.
Linewise, baking soda helps boost the cleansing power of your detergent and also helps to deodorize fabrics. Together, these two ingredients make an effective and natural laundry detergent that’s better for your wallet and the environment.
DIY laundry detergent also has some added benefits when compared to store-bought detergents:
- It’s free from synthetic dyes, fragrances, and preservatives
- It’s biodegradable and non-toxic, making it safer for the environment
- It doesn’t leave behind any residue on your clothes that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions
- It can be customized with essential oils to add a pleasant scent to your laundry
- It’s much more affordable than store-bought detergents
Now that you understand the advantages of making your own laundry detergent, let’s look at how to make it.
Here’s what you need
To make your own DIY laundry detergent with castile soap and baking soda, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap
- 2 cups of baking soda
- 1 cup of washing soda (optional)
- 10-15 drops of essential oils (optional)
- A mixing bowl
- An airtight storage container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A funnel (optional)
Making the Detergent
Making your own natural laundry detergent is easy and only takes a few minutes.
Gather materials
To start, gather all the materials: Measure out 2 cups of castile soap and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Then measure out 2 cups of baking soda and add them to the bowl as well. If you’re using washing soda, measure out 1 cup and add it to the bowl.
Mix Castile Soap and baking soda together in a bowl
Using a spoon or whisk, mix the castile soap and baking soda together until they are thoroughly combined. If you’re using essential oils to add a pleasant scent to your detergent, add 10-15 drops at this time and mix well.
Put mixture into a container
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or plastic container. If you’re using a funnel, this will make the process easier. Once the detergent is in the container, seal it tightly and store it in a cool, dry place.
Using the Detergent
Measure out 1 tbsp of detergent per load
When you’re ready to use the detergent, measure out 1 tablespoon of detergent for each load and add it directly to your washing machine. You can also add ½ cup of white vinegar to each load for added cleaning power and freshness.
As an alternative, you can dissolve the detergent in a small amount of warm water before adding it to your washing machine.
Add detergent to washing machine
Once you’ve added your DIY detergent to your washing machine, simply run a regular cycle and enjoy clean, fresh-smelling laundry. Remember to store the detergent in an airtight container so it doesn’t spoil or lose its cleaning power.
FAQ
Q: How much detergent should I use for each load?
A: For best results, use 1 tablespoon of detergent per load. You can also add ½ cup of white vinegar to each load for added cleaning power and freshness.
Q: Does the DIY laundry detergent really work?
A: Yes! The combination of castile soap and baking soda is an effective way to get your clothes clean without using harsh chemicals. And it’s gentle on fabrics, so you don’t have to worry about it damaging your clothes.
Q: Is this recipe safe for HE (high efficiency) washers?
A: Yes, this recipe is safe for both standard and HE washers. However, you should use a smaller amount of detergent in an HE machine. Try using 1 teaspoon of detergent per load instead.
Q: How long will the homemade laundry detergent last?
A: If stored properly, your DIY laundry detergent can last up to 6 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for maximum shelf life.
Q: Can I use this detergent for hand-washing?
A: Yes, you can use the same amount of detergent for hand-washing as you would for machine washing. Just make sure to dissolve it in a small amount of warm water before adding it to your laundry.
