How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Do you find yourself spending a lot of money on laundry detergent every month?

Or maybe you have sensitive skin and have trouble finding a detergent that won’t irritate it.

Whatever your reason may be, making your own laundry detergent is a great solution.

It’s a lot easier than you might think. All you need are a few simple ingredients, including washing soda crystals, borax, and soap flakes.

And the best part?

You can customize the scent to your liking by adding your favorite essential oils.

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How to make homemade laundry detergent

To make your own homemade laundry detergent, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: washing soda, baking soda, bar soap, and borax (or double up on washing soda if you can’t find borax).

You can also use Castile instead of bar soap if you prefer a more natural option.

Washing soda crystals, also known as sodium carbonate, are a natural cleaning agent that helps to remove stains and odors from your clothes.

Borax, or sodium borate, is a natural mineral that helps to soften water and boost the cleaning power of your detergent.

Grated bar soap, whether it be natural or store-bought, adds a gentle cleansing element to your detergent.

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

1 cup washing soda
1 bar of soap (grated)
1 cup borax (or 2 cups washing soda)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, and grated soap.
Add in the borax (if using) and mix well.
Store the mixture in an airtight container.
Use 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade detergent per load of laundry.

This recipe is effective at removing stains and keeping your clothes fresh and clean. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding in essential oils for a fresh scent or using a different type of soap.

So why not give it a try? Making your own homemade laundry detergent is a great way to save money, use natural ingredients, and keep your clothes looking their best.

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How much to use

Now that you have made your own laundry detergent, you may be wondering how much to use!

The amount of detergent you use depends on a few factors, such as the size of your load, the level of dirtiness, and the type of washing machine you have.

For a regular load of laundry, you will need about 1-2 tablespoons.

If your clothes are heavily soiled, you may need to use a bit more. However, be careful not to use too much detergent, as it can leave residue on your clothes and be difficult to rinse out.

If you have a front-loading or HE washing machine, you will need to use less detergent. These machines use less water than top-loading machines, so using too much detergent can lead to excess suds and poor cleaning performance.

Check your machine’s manual for specific guidelines on how much detergent to use.

If you have hard water, you may need to use more detergent to effectively clean your clothes. Hard water contains minerals that can interfere with the cleaning process, so using a little extra detergent can help compensate for this.

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Best ways to store

glass jars for storing laundry detergent

You’ll want to transfer your detergent to an airtight container to prevent any moisture from getting in. This will help prevent clumping and keep your detergent fresh for longer.

A mason jar is a great option for this. Not only is it airtight, but it also looks cute on your laundry room shelf.

When storing your detergent, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in a humid area as this can affect the shelf life of your detergent.

If you’re worried about the shelf life of your detergent, don’t be. Homemade laundry detergent can last for up to six months if stored properly. Just make sure to give it a good shake before each use to prevent any clumping.

How to add fragrance to your detergent

Now, you might be wondering how to add a nice fragrance to your DIY laundry detergent.

The great thing about making your own is you can add any fragrance you fancy!

When adding fragrance to your homemade laundry detergent, remember to start small. You can always add more later if you want a stronger scent. Also, make sure to store your detergent in an airtight container to keep the fragrance from evaporating.

One of the easiest and most natural ways to add fragrance to your homemade laundry detergent is by using essential oils.

Not only do they smell great, but they also have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Some popular essential oils for laundry detergent include lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil. Just add a few drops to your detergent mixture, and you’re good to go.

Is homemade laundry detergent actually effective?

The short answer is yes, it can be. Homemade laundry detergent can effectively clean your clothes and remove stains, just like store-bought detergents.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that homemade detergent may not have the same cleaning power as commercial detergents, especially when it comes to tough stains.

Homemade laundry detergent may leave behind some residue on your clothes. This is because most homemade detergents don’t contain the same additives as commercial detergents that help to prevent residue buildup. However, this residue is usually minimal and can be easily removed by running your clothes through an extra rinse cycle.

Another thing to consider is suds. Homemade laundry detergent doesn’t always produce the same amount of suds as commercial detergents.

However, suds don’t necessarily equate to cleaning power!

In fact, too many suds can actually hinder cleaning performance by preventing your washing machine from properly agitating your clothes.