DIY Laundry Detergent: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own

Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Veronica Sparks

In a world where DIY (do-it-yourself) solutions are gaining popularity, making your own laundry detergent is a practical and rewarding endeavor. Curious about DIY laundry detergent and whether it’s right for your home? You’ve come to the right place! We’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to making your own laundry soap, exploring its natural living benefits, ingredients, recipes, usage instructions, and more.

So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of making your own laundry detergent!

Benefits of DIY Laundry Detergent

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of conventional laundry detergents is a growing concern. Many commercial detergents contain harmful chemicals that can pollute water sources and harm aquatic life. By switching to homemade laundry detergent, you’re adopting a green living practice that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Health Benefits

Commercial laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals for coloring, fragrance, shelf-life, and other purposes. Unfortunately, these chemicals can cause skin irritation, allergies, and other health issues.

Homemade laundry detergent, on the other hand, allows you to control the ingredients included, making it gentler on your skin and reducing your exposure to harmful substances.

Customization Options

One of the exciting aspects of DIY laundry detergent is the ability to customize the recipe according to your preferences. You can add essential oils for a delightful fragrance, choose natural ingredients, or adapt the recipe to suit different fabric types or washing machines. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the detergent to meet your specific needs with every load.

Cost Savings

Making your own laundry detergent can also lead to significant cost savings. Compared to store-bought brands, the ingredients needed for DIY laundry detergent are both affordable and long-lasting. By investing a little time and effort, you can enjoy clean clothes while saving money in the long run.

Related Article: Is Homesteading Worth It? Cost, Savings, and Earnings Study

Ingredients for DIY Laundry Detergent

To create your own homemade laundry detergent, you will need a few key ingredients. You can purchase these ingredients separately or opt for a DIY laundry soap kit.

DIY Laundry Detergent Ingredients

If you’d rather fully DIY your laundry soap instead of buying a kit, that’s ok too! Let’s explore each ingredient you’ll need and understand its properties and benefits for your laundry needs.

Washing Soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a powerful cleaning agent. It helps remove stains, dirt, and odors from your laundry. Washing soda can typically be found in the laundry aisle of your local grocery store or online. It is an affordable, natural ingredient usually made from salt and limestone, and it offers excellent cleaning capabilities.

Borax

Borax, a naturally occurring mineral, is another essential ingredient in DIY laundry detergent. It enhances the cleaning power of the soap’s formula, helps remove tough stains, and acts as a water softener. Borax is readily available in the cleaning section of most stores or online.

Grated Soap

Grated soap forms the base of your DIY laundry detergent. Choose a natural, mild, unscented soap of your choice or a bar specifically made for laundry purposes. You can grate the soap manually with a hand grater or use a quality food processor to speed up the process.

Better yet, you can use pre-grated soap flakes specifically intended for homemade laundry soap!

Essential Oils

While an optional addition, essential oils add a touch of fragrance to your homemade laundry detergent and can offer additional benefits. Lavender, tea tree, or lemon essential oils are popular choices, but you can choose an oil that suits your preferences. Be sure to consider each oil’s individual properties, such as antibacterial or antifungal qualities.

Recipe for Homemade Laundry Detergent

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the ingredients of homemade laundry soap, let’s dive into a simple recipe to create your own DIY laundry detergent.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 bar grated soap
• 20-30 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the washing soda and borax.
2. Add the grated soap to the bowl and mix well.
3. If desired, add essential oils and stir to distribute the fragrance evenly.
4. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage.

To use the homemade laundry detergent, add 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and soil level of the laundry. This recipe yields approximately 32 loads of laundry.

Can You Use Baking Soda or Vinegar with DIY Laundry Detergent?

Common uses for vinegar and baking soda are as natural cleaning agents. That’s why they’re often used as laundry additives. While these ingredients can be beneficial in some cases, you need to understand how to use them effectively with DIY laundry detergent.

Using Baking Soda in Laundry

Baking soda can be added directly to the wash cycle along with the homemade detergent. It acts as a natural deodorizer, helps remove stains, and boosts the cleaning power. However, avoid using baking soda on items that are sensitive to alkaline substances, such as silk or wool.

Using Vinegar in Laundry

Distilled white vinegar can be used as a fabric softener or to remove stains from your fabrics. It also helps eliminate soap residue from clothing, especially in hard water areas. Simply add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle for softening and to reduce static cling. However, avoid using vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as it can produce harmful fumes.

How to Use Homemade Laundry Soap

Using homemade laundry detergent is similar to using store-bought brands. Here are the steps to effectively use your DIY laundry soap:

1. Sort your laundry according to color, fabric type, and washing instructions.
2. Pre-treat any stains using a suitable stain remover or a homemade stain pre-treatment solution.
3. Add the recommended amount of homemade laundry detergent to the washing machine. Adjust the quantity based on the load size and soil level.
4. Select the appropriate water temperature and cycle for your clothing items. DIY detergent typically performs best with warm water so the particles dissolve more easily.
5. Start the washing machine and let it complete the cycle.
6. Once the cycle is finished, remove the laundry promptly and transfer it to the dryer or hang it to air dry.

Remember to follow the garment’s care instructions for optimal results and longevity!

Common Issues with Using DIY Laundry Soap

While DIY laundry detergent is generally effective, you may encounter some common issues during its usage. Here are a few challenges you might face and how to overcome them:

• Residue on Clothes: If you notice a residue on your clothes after washing, try reducing the amount of detergent used or adjusting the water hardness settings on your washing machine. Additionally, consider adding vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any soap residue.
• Suds Overflowing: Homemade laundry detergent may produce more suds than commercial brands, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. To prevent suds overflow, use less detergent or switch to a low-sudsing recipe.
• Fabric Sensitivity: Some fabrics, such as silk or wool, require gentle care. Avoid using DIY laundry detergent on delicate fabrics, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing these items.
• Stain Removal: While homemade laundry detergent can remove many stains effectively, some stubborn stains may require additional treatment. Pre-treat tough stains or consider using a commercial stain remover for better results.

By addressing these common issues, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience with your DIY laundry detergent.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Safety Precautions

While homemade laundry detergent is generally safe to use, it’s important to follow some safety precautions:

• Store the detergent in a secure, air-tight container, out of reach of children and pets.
• Label the container clearly to avoid any accidental misuse or confusion.
• Avoid inhaling the powdered detergent or allowing it to come into contact with your eyes or mouth.
• If you have sensitive skin or allergies, perform a patch test before using the detergent extensively.

Following these safety precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable laundry experience with your homemade detergent.

Is DIY Laundry Detergent as Effective as Store Brands?

One common question when it comes to DIY laundry detergent is whether it’s as effective at cleaning as store-bought brands. The answer depends on various factors.

Homemade laundry detergent can be highly effective at cleaning and removing stains when used correctly. However, its performance may vary based on factors such as water hardness, fabric type, soil level, and the specific recipe used.

Many users report excellent cleaning results with homemade laundry detergent, while others may find it less effective for heavily soiled items or certain stains. It’s important to experiment with recipes, adjust the detergent amount, and pre-treat stains when necessary.

Overall, homemade laundry detergent can provide satisfactory cleaning results, especially considering the numerous benefits it offers.

Storage and Shelf Life of Homemade Laundry Detergent

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and effectiveness of your homemade laundry detergent. Follow these guidelines for storing your DIY detergent:

• Store the detergent in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
• Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Ensure the container is labeled with the contents and date of preparation.
• Regularly check the detergent for any signs of moisture or clumping and discard it if necessary.

When stored correctly, homemade laundry detergent can generally last for several months. However, the shelf life may vary based on the ingredients used and the storage conditions. To ensure optimal performance, it’s recommended to use the detergent within six months.

Additional DIY Laundry Enhancers

Apart from DIY laundry detergent, there are other homemade solutions that can enhance your laundry routine. Consider the following options:

Natural Fabric Softeners

Commercial fabric softeners often contain chemicals and artificial fragrances. As an alternative, you can use natural fabric softeners such as white vinegar, baking soda, or reusable wool dryer balls. These options help reduce static cling and make your clothes feel softer without the use of harsh chemicals.

Stain Pre-Treatment Options

For stubborn stains, DIY stain pre-treatment solutions can be highly effective. You can create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a while before washing. Alternatively, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap can be used to treat tough stains.

Incorporating these additional DIY laundry enhancers can elevate your laundry experience and provide even better results.

Ready to Make Your Own Laundry Soap?

Making your own DIY laundry detergent is a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution. By opting for homemade alternatives, you can reduce your carbon footprint, promote better health, and enjoy the flexibility of customization.

With Homesteading Suburbia’s comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge and recipes to embark on your DIY laundry detergent journey. Give it a try, and experience the satisfaction of clean clothes while contributing to a greener world.

FAQs: DIY Laundry Detergent

Is DIY laundry detergent safe for all types of washing machines?

Yes, DIY detergent is generally safe for all types of washing machines, including top-loaders and front-loaders. However, it’s recommended to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific machine to ensure compatibility.

Can I use homemade laundry detergent for cloth diapers?

It’s generally safe to use homemade laundry detergent for cloth diapers. However, ensure that the detergent does not contain any ingredients that can affect the absorbency or irritate your baby’s skin. It’s recommended to follow the guidelines provided by the cloth diaper manufacturer.

Can I use scented soap in DIY laundry detergent?

Yes, you can use scented soap in your DIY laundry detergent to add fragrance. However, ensure that the soap is mild and suitable for laundry purposes. Some scented soaps may contain additional ingredients that can affect the performance of the detergent.

Can homemade laundry detergent be used in cold water?

Yes, homemade laundry detergent can be used in cold water, but many recipes work best in warm water. It’s always a good idea to check the specific instructions provided with the detergent recipe.

Can I use homemade laundry detergent in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines?

Yes, homemade laundry detergent can be used in HE washing machines. However, it’s recommended to use low-sudsing recipes specifically designed for HE machines to prevent excessive sudsing and optimize performance.