D.I.Y. Laundry Detergent For Household
Do it yourself laundry soap is not a discovery, but it is certainly gaining popularity in recent times. Making your laundry detergent has several bonuses.
Benefits to making your laundry detergent:
- Save Money
- Avoid harsh ingredients and chemicals
- Customize your recipe
- You can make enough to last for a year or a few loads
You can make your laundry soap liquid or powder. Most recipes work for both regular and high-efficiency washers. Using these ingredients allows you to avoid the various chemicals in commercial detergents that can be harmful, such as sulfates and petroleum distillates, which have been linked to lung disease and cancers. The fragrances in commercial detergents are also making from a harsh mix of chemicals. Using a homemade laundry detergent is also better for the environment; when you use a commercial detergent, the run-off water (and detergent) mixes into lakes and streams, and the chemicals are also not good for animals and the environment. Making your laundry soap is a fast process. The ingredients are easily purchased from your local grocery store or big-box general store (like Target or Walmart). For both powdered and liquid laundry soap you need:
Washing Soda
Borax
Bar Soap (Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap or Ivory brands are often recommended. Any natural bar soap will suffice. Most people prefer unscented.)
Make It Yourself
To make powdered do it yourself laundry soap, first, grate the bar of soap with a cheese grater until finely ground. Many people have found a food processor also works for this step. Older kids can help with this, being careful with the cheese grater (and of course, under adult supervision). In a large bowl or container with a lid, mix 1 part of grated soap, 2 parts of Borax, and 2 parts washing soda. A few teaspoons of baking soda will give your detergent a cleaning boost. You can add a few drops of essential oil for a scent. Peppermint or lavender are very popular choices. Store in a tightly sealed container, and use 1/8 to 1/4 of a cup per load.
For liquid laundry detergent, mix the grated bar of soap with 2 quarts of water, and heat gradually while stirring until the soap is dissolved. In a large bucket or container, add 4.5 gallons of very hot tap water, 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of borax, and stir until the powders are dissolved. Mix in the soap mixture, stir well to combine, and cover and leave sitting overnight. The next day, pour into smaller glass jars (for easier usage), and use 1/2 cup to 1 cup per load.
Producing your laundry detergent can be a great economical way to save your family some money as well as to control what goes into your laundry and up against your family’s skin!
