Transitioning from chemical-laden, store-bought detergents to natural, homemade detergents may seem like a daunting task, but is arguably one of the easiest changes to make in the house. DIY home products, including homemade detergents, clean as effectively as store-bought brands and usually, cost significantly less. The ever growing interest in homemade washing soap stems from the wish to avoid the harmful, unnecessary chemicals. Continue reading to learn how do you make DIY homemade laundry detergent with simple everyday ingredients that is effective in both standard and high efficiency washing machines.
Why Choose DIY Laundry Detergent?
As with most store-bought products, commercial laundry detergents come with their own set of drawbacks, which include, in the case of laundry detergents, the addition of plastic packaging. These brands lose points in the eco-friendly and cost-efficient categories. Although branded products come with a lot of packaging and a lengthy price tag, they do cut short on the cost of time spent, as they deliver convenience. Plastic waste reduction is a prime benefit of DIY laundry detergents: a single batch can last months for a significantly lower price. Your washing routine becomes more sustainable and ecofriendly.
Laundry Soap vs. Detergent
While soap and detergent serve the same fundamental purpose, there are distinctions to be made. Soap comes about by mixing oil or fat with a base, like lye, to produce a cleansing product which has been in use for millennia. Detergents, on the other hand, are usually at least partially synthetic and designed for certain functions such as rapid dissolution in cold water or efficacy in hard water.
Most of the recipes found online that are claimed to be DIY do, in fact, refer to soaps as opposed to true detergents. However, the fact that commercially available options are labeled as “laundry detergent” compels the use of the same terminology in this guide.
A Natural Alternative That Works
Natural laundry soap has challenges that are hard to overcome, like leaving residue or dulling the appearance of fabrics over time, depending on the water used. However, there are problem-free options that exist. For example, a thoroughly cleansing load of laundry can be achieved by adding Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds in the quantity of two tablespoons, which lacks the harsh chemicals and strong fragrances that are unwanted.
Is It Safe for HE Washers?
One of the questions we get is whether laundry products can be used in high-efficiency machines. The main problem with HE washers is the overabundance of suds which can cause complications. Since this recipe is a low-suds recipe, it tends to work well with HE models. As with always, it is always a good idea to consult your machine’s manual before using the recipe.
So when you want to know how do you make homemade laundry detergent, you are really wanting to know how to make a soap-based cleaner that is less rigid, less complicated, and serves the same purpose.
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent (Powdered Version)
Ingredients
- 1 bar natural soap (grated finely)
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax (or extra washing soda if you want it borax-free)
- 20 drops essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Grate the soap with a hand grater or food processor until it forms small flakes. Fine pieces dissolve better in water.
- In a large bowl, mix the soap with washing soda and borax. Stir thoroughly.
- Add essential oils if desired and mix again.
- Store the mixture in an airtight glass jar or container.
How to Use: Add 1–2 tablespoons per load. For heavily soiled clothes, sprinkle in an oxygen booster for extra strength.
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent (Liquid Version)
The liquid recipe takes more effort but works well for stain treatment and households with hard water.
Ingredients
- 1 bar grated soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 4 liters of hot water
Instructions
- Melt the grated soap in 2 cups of hot water over the stove. Stir until dissolved.
- In a large bucket, mix the soap mixture with washing soda and borax.
- Add the remaining hot water, stirring until everything blends evenly.
- Let the mixture sit overnight. It will thicken into a gel-like consistency.
- Store in large jugs or containers.
How to Use: Shake before each use. Add ½ to 1 cup per load depending on the size of the washer and soil level.
Also Read: How Do I Get Detergent Stains Out of Clothes? Easy Fixes Explained
Natural Stain Solutions
Homemade laundry detergent handles most laundry well, but stubborn stains sometimes need extra help. For wine, mustard, or grass stains, applying diluted Sal Suds directly to the fabric can make a big difference. Baking soda pastes, lemon juice, or vinegar can also target tough spots naturally.
The Simplest Method
The easy and quickest option requires no mixing of powders at all. Use Sal Suds and add 2 tablespoons per load. You may boost it with washing soda or baking soda as needed. In the rinse cycle, adding at splash of vinegar aids in the softening and brightening of fabrics.
Final Thoughts
Once you learn how do you make homemade laundry detergent, it quickly becomes a habit that saves money and reduces exposure to unnecessary chemicals. The 20 minute process involves simple ingredients like washing soda, borax, and soap. Well, you may not find the bold and robust scent that you usually do with commercial brands, however, the DIY is a lot more budget friendly and provides clean cloths. The main highlight is that you have control of the ingredients and that gives you confidence that you, and your family, are not in contact with harmful materials.
