Making homemade laundry detergent can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to keep your clothes clean. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own homemade laundry detergent:
Ingredients:
Bar Soap: You can use any type of bar soap, but Castile soap is a popular choice for its natural ingredients. Unscented is recommended if you plan to add your own scent later.
Borax: Borax is a natural mineral often used in cleaning products. It helps to boost the cleaning power of your detergent.
Washing Soda: Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is another natural mineral that aids in cleaning and stain removal.
Baking Soda: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps to neutralize odors and brighten whites.
Method Fragrance Boosters: These are optional but can add a pleasant scent to your laundry detergent.
Instructions:
Grate the Bar Soap:
- Begin by grating the three bars of Castile soap. You can use a food processor with a grating attachment for faster results.
Process the Method Fragrance Boosters:
- If you’re using Method fragrance boosters, add them to the food processor along with the grated soap and process until finely chopped.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large container or jar, combine the following dry ingredients:
- 4 pounds of Borax
- 3 pounds of Arm & Hammer super washing soda
- 3.5 pounds of Arm & Hammer pure baking soda
- The finely chopped soap and fragrance boosters mixture
- In a large container or jar, combine the following dry ingredients:
Mix Thoroughly:
- Mix all the dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Store the Detergent:
- Transfer your homemade laundry detergent to a suitable storage container or jar. A clear glass container works well.
Usage Instructions:
- If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, use 1 tablespoon of detergent per load.
- For top-loading machines, you can use up to two heaping tablespoons.
- If you prefer to add scent, you can do so by adding a few drops of essential oil or using scented Method fragrance boosters in each load.
Enjoy Your Homemade Laundry Detergent:
- Use your homemade laundry detergent just like any commercial detergent. It should effectively clean your clothes and leave them smelling fresh.
By following this homemade laundry detergent recipe, you can save money, reduce waste from packaging, and customize your laundry detergent’s scent to your preference. Enjoy the benefits of clean clothes while being eco-friendly!