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Everyone does laundry! It’s the one thing we all have in common.
Did you know that conventional laundry detergents are toxic?
They are toxic to humans and the environment.
The chemicals in conventional laundry detergents wash away into our waterways which causes problems for aquatic organisms and algae. They have cancer-causing properties for humans and can cause rashes and other skin irritants. The scents used in laundry detergents, fresheners, and softeners cause our bodies harm as well.
More reason to make your own
I’m allergic to most chemicals. I break out and am left with dry skin. I tried using a detergent that didn’t contain scents or dyes. Not long after the switch, I started breaking out again…
Detergents using natural ingredients are available to buy at stores. My experience is that they are too expensive for the amount you’re paying for
It was a no-brainer to make our own!
Also Read: Simple bathroom swaps for natural wellness
Since making homemade detergent, I no longer get those terrible breakouts. My clothes smell good and seem cleaner. I wish I would have made the switch sooner.
Making homemade detergent isn’t hard and you can feel good knowing exactly what’s in it – Plus you can use it in HE washers as well!
I have tried several homemade detergents and one day I realized that we use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap to clean everything else in our house, why not use it to clean our clothes as well!
On their website, Dr. Bronner’s says to use 1/3 cup – 1/2 cup Castile soap and 1/2 cup vinegar in the rinse cycle. This works for a full load of laundry.
This method works if you are in a pinch. I can’t recommend using it regularly though.
The methods I use to make laundry detergent don’t contain borax. I know there isn’t any hard evidence to prove that it’s toxic. I’ve seen evidence of it being a skin irritant and causing rashes.
There are two methods I use to make detergent. I prefer the first method, but both work great.
If you have leftover gallon milk jugs or vinegar bottles, use them to store your homemade detergent!
Use wool dryer balls in the dryer to complete your natural laundry routine.
Method 1
Method 1 uses Salt, Castile Soap, and Baking soda.
The salt prevents colors from fading and bleeding.
Baking soda leaves your clothes brighter, fresher and smelling clean.
This method uses table salt which will prevent colors from fading.
- 1 cup Liquid Castile soap any scent
- 1/3 cup Table salt
- 1 cup Baking soda
- 3 cups Water
- 5-10 drops Essential oil (any scent) optional
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In a large pot over medium heat warm the water
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Add the baking soda and salt, mix until dissolved.
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Add the castile soap and mix well.
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Pour mixture into an old container or milk jug that has a lid.
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Add water until the jug is full, shake well.
Use 1/2 cup per load. If you have a HE washer use 1/4 cup per load.
Shake well before use.
This method yields 40 loads
Method 2
Method 2 uses Washing soda, Baking soda, and Castile soap.
Washing soda softens the water and helps neutralize odors.
This method uses washing soda which helps soften water and reduce odor.
- 2/3 cups Washing soda
- 3 tbsp Baking soda
- 1/2 cup Liquid Castile soap any scent
- 6 cups Hot water
- 5-10 drops Essential oils (any scent) optional
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Heat water in a pot over medium heat.
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Mix washing soda and baking soda until dissolved
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Add the castile soap, mix until blended.
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Transfer to a jug. Shake well before use.
Use 1/2 cup per load. If you have a HE washer use 1/4 cup per load.
This method yields 15 loads.
Which method do you prefer?
Looking for other ways to use Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap? Read my post-Homemade All-Purpose cleaner + Dr. Bronner’s Review
Thanks for sharing! I love that you share two different options… I also agree that the vinegar method isn’t the best. The vinegar is actually really hard on washing machines and dishwashers! I had read that before but I didn’t realize how true it was until I actually messed up my dishwasher within a few months of regularly using vinegar in there… oops.
This is such a wonderful post! I have switched to a clean brand of laundry detergent but would ultimately love to make my own! Thanks so much for sharing!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Glad you found this helpful!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been dying to switch to a more environmental detergent but have never known how.
My son has sensitive skin, so I’ve been using natural detergent as well! But how awesome that you can make your own!! I’ll have to try one of these recipes once mine runs out. 🙂
I love that you offered two different variations. I will definitely be trying number one since those are basic ingredients I can get and will have more uses to use my essential oil‘s!
Interesting post!!! Keep going 😍❤️
Why have I never thought of doing this before?? I have kids with eczema abs sensitive skin, this is great! Thanks fo le sharing.
This is awesome – thank you! I’m on my less waste journey myself and therefore I’m always on a lookout for great home recipes 🙂 Pinning to an adequate board on Pinterest 🙂 Btw – your blog is just beautiful!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
I have really sensitive skin and I like use natural ingredients in everything. I’ll have to try one of these recipes out.