How to make natural laundry detergent?

Welcome, dear all! Today, I’m excited to share with you a natural laundry detergent recipe that’s a fantastic alternative to soap nuts. While soap nuts have gained popularity for their eco-friendliness, only some can find them or prefer to use them.

How to make natural laundry detergent?

This DIY laundry powder is simple to make and strong enough to tackle your laundry needs. Plus, it leaves your clothes feeling fresh and clean.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• A bar of castile soap (preferably palm-free)
• 2 cups of baking soda

Instructions

Let’s dive into this natural laundry detergent recipe. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature. The oven needs to get really hot for this process.

Grate the Castile Soap

While the oven is heating up, grate the entire bar of Castile soap. If you prefer, you can also use a food processor to make this step even easier. Choose soap scents that are known for their cleaning properties, like tea tree or lemon.

Transform Baking Soda into Washing Soda

You’ll need an oven-safe dish to turn baking soda into washing soda. It’s important to note that baking soda and washing soda have different chemical compositions. Baking soda has a pH of about 8 or 9, while washing soda has a pH of 11, making it more alkaline and potentially irritating to the skin and lungs.

• Spread the 2 cups of baking soda evenly in the oven-safe dish.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes grainy and changes to a grayish color, unlike the smooth texture of baking soda. Be cautious not to touch or inhale the washing soda as it can be an irritant.

Combine Soap and Washing Soda

Once the washing soda is ready, combine it with the grated castile soap. Mixing this outside or in a well-ventilated area is a good practice due to the alkaline nature of washing soda. Use a wooden spoon for stirring, and consider wearing gloves for extra safety.

Store Your Natural Laundry Detergent

Transfer the combined mixture into an airtight container. This homemade detergent is economical, natural, and safe to use.

How to Use Your Homemade Natural Laundry Detergent

• Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of your DIY laundry detergent per load. You can add it directly to the drum or use the detergent dispenser in your washing machine.
• For fabric softening, consider adding vinegar to the rinse cycle. Optionally, you can also add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the detergent for its stain-fighting and cleaning properties.
• After washing, let your clothes air dry outside in the fresh air for a natural, eco-friendly touch.

Helpful tips to keep in mind

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when making and using homemade natural laundry detergent:

1. Choose a High-Quality Castile Soap: Look for a castile soap that is palm-free and made from natural ingredients. High-quality soap will result in a more effective detergent.
2. Grate Soap Efficiently: Grating the soap can be a bit time-consuming. Consider using a food processor to speed up the process and ensure consistent soap granules.
3. Be Cautious with Washing Soda: Washing soda is more alkaline than baking soda and can be an irritant. Avoid touching it with your hands and always mix it in a well-ventilated area. Consider wearing gloves for added safety.
4. Store Your Detergent Properly: Transfer your homemade detergent to an airtight container to keep it fresh and effective. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
5. Adjust Detergent Quantity: Start with 1-2 tablespoons of homemade detergent per load and adjust based on your laundry needs. You may find that smaller or larger quantities work better for your machine and load size.
6. Experiment with Essential Oils: Feel free to experiment with different essential oils to customize the scent of your laundry detergent. Lemon, lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus are popular choices with cleaning properties.
7. Add Vinegar for Fabric Softening: Consider adding vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener. It helps reduce static and leaves your clothes feeling soft.
8. Use a Stain Pre-treatment if Necessary: For tough stains, pre-treat them with a natural stain remover or a paste made from your homemade detergent and water before washing.
9. Air Dry for Freshness: Whenever possible, air dry your laundry outside. The fresh air and sunlight can help eliminate odors and give your clothes a pleasant, natural scent.
10. Label Your Container: To avoid any confusion, label your detergent container with the ingredients and usage instructions. This is especially helpful if you have multiple homemade cleaning products.
11. Share the Recipe: Share your homemade laundry detergent recipe with friends and family. It’s a simple way to promote eco-friendly and natural cleaning practices.
12. Be Patient with the Transition: If you’re switching from commercial detergents to homemade alternatives, give your clothes and washing machine some time to adjust. You may notice a difference in the first few washes.
13. Monitor Skin Sensitivity: If you or your family members have sensitive skin, be vigilant about any adverse reactions. Test a small amount of the detergent on a garment before using it for your entire laundry load.
14. Keep Your Washing Machine Clean: Periodically clean your washing machine to prevent any buildup from homemade detergents. Run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaning tablet.

Conclusion

Making your own natural laundry detergent is a great way to ensure your clothes are clean, fresh, and free from harmful chemicals. This DIY recipe is not only effective but also economical and environmentally friendly.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can enjoy the benefits of homemade laundry detergent while reducing your environmental impact. Give it a try, and let us know how it works for you!