Never Buy Laundry Detergent Again: Try This Easy Homemade Detergent
November 7, 2023
source: TikTok
When it comes to doing laundry, we often reach for commercial detergents without giving it a second thought. But have you ever considered making your own homemade laundry detergent? Not only is it a fun and quick DIY project, but it also allows you to avoid the chemicals and fragrances found in many store-bought detergents.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To start your journey into the world of DIY laundry detergents, gather the following ingredients:
- One bar of soap (five ounces)
- Two cups of baking soda
- Two cups of washing soda
- Optional: Two teaspoons of Borax
- Optional: Six to ten drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender or lemon)
- Tools: Cheese grater, large mixing bowl, half-gallon Mason jar with lid
The Process of Making Homemade Detergent
Choose the Right Soap: Begin by selecting a soap that’s free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. A gentle, all-natural soap is ideal for this purpose. You can find suitable options at your local health food store or online.
Grate the Soap: Use a cheese grater to finely grate the entire bar of soap. This will create small soap flakes that will dissolve easily in water.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, two cups of baking soda, and two cups of washing soda. If you wish to use Borax for extra cleaning power, add two teaspoons to the mixture. Borax is a natural mineral and a common ingredient in DIY laundry detergents.
Add Fragrance (Optional): If you prefer your laundry to have a pleasant fragrance, consider adding essential oils. Six to ten drops of lavender or lemon essential oil will do the trick. This step is entirely optional, but it can enhance your laundry experience.
Store Your Detergent: Once your detergent mixture is complete, transfer it into a half-gallon Mason jar and secure the lid. Mason jars are excellent for storing homemade detergents as they are airtight and keep the ingredients fresh.
How to Use Your Homemade Laundry Detergent
Using your homemade laundry detergent is as easy as using any store-bought product. Simply follow these steps:
Start with a Small Amount: Depending on your washing machine’s capacity, you’ll typically need 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade detergent for each load of laundry.
Load the Machine: Place your laundry in the washing machine as you normally would.
Add the Detergent: Before starting the wash cycle, add the appropriate amount of your DIY detergent to the detergent compartment or directly into the drum.
Wash as Usual: Select your desired wash cycle and water temperature, and start the machine. Your homemade detergent will effectively clean your clothes just like any commercial product.
Why Homemade Detergent?
So, why should you consider making your own laundry detergent? Here are some compelling reasons:
Avoid Chemicals: Commercial detergents often contain chemicals and artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin. With homemade detergent, you have control over the ingredients, ensuring a gentler solution for your clothes.
Environmentally Friendly: Making your own detergent reduces plastic waste from detergent bottles and is often more environmentally sustainable.
Cost-Effective: Homemade detergent is budget-friendly and can save you money in the long run.
Customizable Fragrance: You can personalize your laundry with the fragrance of your choice through essential oils, or keep it scent-free if you prefer.
Making your own homemade laundry detergent is a simple and satisfying DIY project that not only keeps your clothes clean but also aligns with your desire for natural, eco-friendly solutions. So, say goodbye to store-bought detergents and embrace the world of homemade cleanliness.