Making your own laundry detergent can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial detergents. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own laundry detergent:
Materials:
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1 cup borax (sodium tetraborate)
- 1 bar of soap (such as Fels-Naptha or Zote)
- 2 cups hot water
- Optional: 10 drops of your preferred essential oil (for fragrance)
Instructions:
Step 1: Grate the Soap
- Grate the entire bar of soap using a cheese grater or a food processor.
- This will help the soap dissolve more easily in water.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix together the washing soda and borax until well combined.
- Add the grated soap to the bowl and mix until the soap is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Add Hot Water
- Add the hot water to the bowl and mix until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little more hot water. If it’s too wet, add a little more washing soda or borax.
Step 4: Add Essential Oil (Optional)
- If desired, add 10 drops of your preferred essential oil to the mixture for fragrance.
Step 5: Store the Detergent
- Transfer the detergent mixture to an airtight container, such as a plastic bucket or a glass jar.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade detergent per load of laundry.
Benefits of Making Your Own Laundry Detergent:
- Cost-effective: Making your own laundry detergent can save you up to 50% compared to commercial detergents.
- Environmentally friendly: This recipe uses natural ingredients and reduces packaging waste.
- Customizable: You can customize the recipe to your preferences, such as adding different essential oils for fragrance.
- Gentle on clothes: This detergent is gentle on clothes and can be used for both high-efficiency and traditional washing machines.
Tips and Variations:
- Use different soap bars: Experiment with different soap bars, such as Dr. Bronner’s or Kirk’s Castile Soap, for different scents and properties.
- Add oxygen bleach: Add 1 cup of oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, to the mixture for extra whitening power.
- Make a liquid detergent: Mix the ingredients with hot water to create a liquid detergent.
By following this simple recipe, you can make your own laundry detergent and enjoy the benefits of cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and customization.