For years I have been working to perfect my DIY laundry detergent. I have tried everything from soap nuts to the “natural” detergents at the store but still wasn’t satisfied with the results. It felt like I was always having to sacrifice clean clothes, scent, or price point with the options I tried. One day I did some research on making a powder detergent and discovered how easy and inexpensive it could be. After a little bit of trial and error, I’ve found the perfect DIY laundry detergent for all your washing needs!
Will this DIY laundry detergent actually work?
Alright, I understand your concern, because many homemade cleaning products don’t work as well as the industrial chemicals from the store. I was concerned about this, of course, but this recipe works just as well as any store bought detergent. I have tested it on dirty garden overalls covered in compost and blood, sweaty gym clothes, and oil stains from baking and this stuff always leaves my clothes clean and fresh.
Is this recipe scented or unscented?
As you can see, the recipe calls for castile soap which is part of what packs such a cleaning punch in this DIY laundry detergent. You are welcome to use a scented or unscented castile soap to suit your preferences. I’ve used the citrus or mint scents and love them, but always check to make sure the scents are clean and not full of chemicals.
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How long will this DIY laundry detergent last?
I make a large canister of it about every 6 months, so it lasts quite a while. The detergent is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
How much detergent should I use?
For normal washing, I use about a tablespoon of detergent and for very dirty clothes, or for a large load, I use two. Remember that this detergent is very concentrated, so you don’t need too much! That being said, you can see what works best for your particular clothing and develop your own routine.
Supplies and Ingredients for this recipe
- Borax
- Also known as sodium borate, it is widely known as a householder cleaner and laundry booster.
- Washing soda
- Sodium carbonate, or washing soda, is a powerful natural cleaner and water softener.
- Baking soda
- Known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda removes odors, cleans, and softens clothes.
- Castile soap
- This is an olive-based soap originating in the Mediterranean. It’s very effective at removing oils, grease, stains and more!
- Wooden scoops
- I use these to scoop detergent, sugar, and tea.
- Ceramic container (pictured above)
- I love using a pretty canister to hold my detergent, it helps to elevate an otherwise mundane task.
DIY Laundry Detergent
Ingredients
- 2 Cup Borax
- 2 Cup Washing soda
- 2 Cup Baking soda
- 1 Cup Castile soap liquid or solid
Instructions
- Add the first three ingredients and mix well in your canister
- If you have liquid castile soap, slowly drizzle iiti nto the powder, mixing as you go. It should create clumps in the powder so that the texture is almost like damp sand
- If you have solid castile soap, use a box grater to grate the soap into little pieces and mix well into the powder
- To use: add 1-2 tablespoons of detergent (depending on how dirty your laundry is) to washing machine and proceed to wash as normal
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