How to Make Laundry Detergent from Scratch: A Step-By-Step Guide

Introduction

Have you ever thought about making your own laundry detergent from scratch? Not only is it a cost-effective option, but it’s also better for the environment. Making your own laundry detergent is a simple process that only requires a few ingredients. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to making your own laundry detergent from scratch, along with tips and recipes for creating natural, cost-effective, and gentle detergents that are perfect for your household needs.

Step-by-Step Guide

Making your own laundry detergent is easier than you might think. Here are the steps:

1. Gather the necessary ingredients and tools. You will need washing soda, borax, and a bar of soap. You will also need a grater, a large pot, and a storage container. (If you prefer liquid laundry detergent, you will need a few additional ingredients, such as boiling water and essential oils.)
2. Grate the bar of soap into fine shavings.
3. Heat about 4 cups of water in a large pot until it begins to simmer.
4. Add the grated soap to the pot and stir until it dissolves.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and add washing soda and borax. Stir until everything is dissolved.
6. Add 2 cups of water to the pot and stir.
7. Transfer the contents of the pot to your storage container and add additional water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Voila! It’s that easy. You’ve made your very own laundry detergent.

Natural DIY Detergent

If you prefer natural and eco-friendly options for your household items, consider making your own laundry detergent with baking soda, borax, and essential oils. This gentle formula is perfect for those with sensitive skin, and you can customize the scent to suit your preferences. Here’s how:

1. Grate a bar of castile soap into fine shavings.
2. Mix the grated soap with one cup of washing soda and one cup of borax.
3. Add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender or peppermint) to the mixture and stir until it is well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Use about 2 tablespoons per load of laundry.

Not only is this natural laundry detergent gentle on your skin, but it’s also kinder to the environment.

Cost Savings Detergent

One of the biggest benefits of making your own laundry detergent is the cost savings. Store-bought detergent can get expensive, especially if you have a large family or do a lot of laundry. By making your own laundry detergent, you can save money and have a supply that lasts for months.

To put it into perspective, one batch of homemade laundry detergent costs about $0.02 per load. A standard bottle of store-bought detergent can cost anywhere from $0.15 to $0.40 per load.

If you want to save even more money, try buying your ingredients in bulk or using coupons. This can bring down the cost even further and make it an even more cost-effective option.

Liquid vs. Powder

When it comes to making your own laundry detergent, you have the option to make liquid or powder detergent. Both options are effective and easy to make.

Powder laundry detergent is the easiest to make and requires fewer ingredients. It is also more stable and can be stored for longer periods. Liquid laundry detergent requires more ingredients, but it is easier to use and dissolves quicker in the wash.

Choose the type of detergent that works best for you and your family’s laundry needs. Here are the steps to make both types:

Powder Laundry Detergent

1. Grate a bar of soap into fine shavings.
2. Mix the soap shavings with equal parts of washing soda and borax.
3. Store in an airtight container. Use about 2 tablespoons per load of laundry.

Liquid Laundry Detergent

1. Grate a bar of soap into fine shavings.
2. Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot.
3. Add the soap shavings to the pot and stir until it dissolves completely.
4. Add 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of borax to the pot and stir until it all dissolves.
5. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice and stir.
6. Add 5-6 cups of water to the pot and stir.
7. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Use about 1/4-1/2 cup per load of laundry.

Creative Containers

One of the perks of making your own laundry detergent is that you get to choose the container you store it in. Instead of buying plastic detergent bottles, consider using glass jars or other reusable containers. This is a great way to reduce waste and make your laundry routine more sustainable.

If you do choose to use reusable containers, make sure to label them clearly for easy identification. You can also get creative with your labels and containers by adding a pop of color or using fun stickers and designs.

Scented Detergent

If you like your laundry to have a pleasant scent, consider adding essential oils to your detergent mix. You can choose any essential oil you like, but some popular options include lavender, peppermint, lemon, and grapefruit.

To make your own scented laundry detergent, simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your laundry detergent mix. Use as you normally would.

Detergent for Sensitive Skin

For those with sensitive skin or allergies, it’s important to use a laundry detergent that is gentle and safe. Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to ensure that the ingredients are all natural and safe for sensitive skin.

To make a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent, simply follow the recipe for natural DIY detergent but omit the essential oils. This will create a gentle and effective detergent that is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Conclusion

Making your own laundry detergent is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your clothes clean and fresh. Whether you prefer natural, scented, gentle, or cost-effective options, there is a recipe out there for everyone. We hope this article has inspired you to try making your own laundry detergent and to experiment with different ingredients and recipes.