Laundry detergent is a household staple, but it can be expensive and harsh on both your clothes and the environment. Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. Plus, it’s easier than you think!
Ingredients
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup grated bar soap (such as Fels-Naptha)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (optional)
- Essential oils (optional)
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Funnel
- Airtight container
Instructions
1. Grate the bar soap. Use a cheese grater to grate the bar soap into a fine powder.
2. Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the borax, washing soda, grated soap, and baking soda (if using).
3. Add essential oils (optional). If desired, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the detergent mixture. This will give your clothes a fresh scent.
4. Store the detergent. Transfer the detergent mixture to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place.
How to Use
- For a standard load of laundry, use 1/4 cup of DIY laundry detergent.
- Add the detergent to the washing machine along with your clothes.
- Wash on your desired cycle.
Benefits of DIY Laundry Detergent
- Saves money. Making your own laundry detergent is much cheaper than buying commercial detergent.
- More environmentally friendly. Commercial laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. DIY laundry detergent is made with natural ingredients that are biodegradable.
- Gentler on clothes. Commercial laundry detergents can be harsh on clothes, causing them to fade or wear out prematurely. DIY laundry detergent is gentler on clothes and will help them last longer.
- Customizable. You can customize your DIY laundry detergent to meet your specific needs. For example, you can add essential oils to give your clothes a fresh scent or add baking soda to boost the cleaning power.
Tips
- If you don’t have a cheese grater, you can cut the bar soap into small pieces with a knife.
- You can use any type of bar soap to make laundry detergent, but Fels-Naptha is a popular choice because it is inexpensive and has a high saponification value.
- If you want a liquid laundry detergent, you can dissolve the DIY laundry detergent mixture in warm water.
- Store the DIY laundry detergent in a cool, dry place. It will last for up to 6 months.
Troubleshooting
- My laundry detergent is too thick. If your laundry detergent is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- My laundry detergent is not cleaning my clothes well. If your laundry detergent is not cleaning your clothes well, try adding more baking soda to the mixture.
- My laundry detergent is leaving a residue on my clothes. If your laundry detergent is leaving a residue on your clothes, try using less detergent or rinsing your clothes twice.
Summary
Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and get cleaner clothes. It’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Give it a try today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of bar soap to make laundry detergent?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bar soap to make laundry detergent. However, Fels-Naptha is a popular choice because it is inexpensive and has a high saponification value.
Q: How long does DIY laundry detergent last?
A: DIY laundry detergent will last for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
Q: Can I use DIY laundry detergent in a high-efficiency washing machine?
A: Yes, you can use DIY laundry detergent in a high-efficiency washing machine. However, you may need to use less detergent than you would with a standard washing machine.
