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DIY Powdered Laundry Detergent: A Simple, Eco-Friendly Recipe for Sustainable Living
Updated: Nov 29
Imagine a laundry detergent that’s free from harsh chemicals, reduces plastic waste, and costs just a fraction of what you’d pay at the store—all while being as easy to make as your morning coffee. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a powerful homemade laundry detergent that’s not only better for your clothes and wallet but also for the planet. Ready to transform your laundry routine and take a step towards sustainable living? Let’s dive in!
Why Go Homemade?
In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of the environment, making your own laundry detergent is a simple yet impactful way to embrace sustainable living. By choosing a homemade laundry detergent recipe, you can take control of what goes into your detergent, avoid harmful chemicals, and significantly reduce plastic waste.
Environmental Benefits: Store-bought detergents often come in single-use plastic containers, contributing to the growing waste crisis. By making homemade laundry detergent, you’re not only cutting down on plastic but also avoiding microplastics and synthetic ingredients that harm waterways.
Healthier for Your Home: Traditional detergents are filled with harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin and even pose health risks. A DIY laundry detergent with 3 ingredients is a safer, gentler option for you and your family.
Cost-Effective and Customizable: Have you ever calculated how much you spend on detergent every year? With a homemade laundry detergent soap, you can achieve the same cleaning power at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can tailor the recipe to fit your preferences—whether you want an unscented detergent or one infused with natural essential oils.
Simplicity at Its Best: You might think making your own detergent is a time-consuming hassle, but it’s surprisingly easy. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a ready-to-use homemade clothes washing powder that works just as effectively as commercial brands.
Switching to a laundry powder homemade solution isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making a conscious choice for your health, your wallet, and the environment. With just a little effort, you can transform a mundane household chore into a meaningful step towards sustainable living.
Ingredients to use in your Powdered Laundry Detergent Homemade Recipe
When you step into the fascinating world of homemade laundry detergent, there is a diverse array of ingredients that awaits your creativity. From cups to grams, ounces to measuring units of all kinds, the varied measurements can be perplexing. But fear not, for I have delved deep into the realm of homemade detergents, scouring through countless recipes to unlock the secret to a universal masterpiece. In this blog post, I will unveil a magical recipe that transcends measurement barriers, allowing everyone to embark on their own laundry adventure. No matter where you are, rest assured that this recipe will empower you to create a laundry detergent that suits your needs perfectly. Say goodbye to confusion and embrace the joy of a universally accessible homemade laundry detergent recipe!
Soap
When it comes to creating your very own homemade laundry detergent powder, the soap you choose plays a vital role in achieving cleaning excellence. Not all soap bars are created equal – from shampoo bars to hand soaps, the variety of ingredients can be overwhelming. Beware of using glycerin soap, as it's not suitable for laundry and can actually leave stains on your clothes (bubble blowers can attest to this, thanks to glycerin). Similarly, using a foamy shampoo bar for your homemade laundry detergent can hinder your washing machine's efficiency. So, what's the secret? Opt for a traditional soap, one that has undergone the magical process of saponification. In my quest for the perfect soap, I use Aleppo soap, crafted with a blend of nourishing olive oil and aromatic laurel oil but Castille soap is also a great choice.
Washing Soda
There are several reasons why we use washing soda in our homemade laundry detergent. First and foremost, its alkaline nature works wonders in breaking down stubborn stains and grime, leaving your garments fresh and spotless. Washing soda also acts as a water softener, combatting the effects of hard water and allowing your detergent to work more effectively.
Water softener
I don't recommend using Borax as it is not a water softener but a detergent booster while it may help to get your laundry clean, it may not be beneficial to use when you live in an area with hard water. In this case a water softener is recommended. Softer water is not only better for your washing machine it also makes your detergents more efficient.
Also where I live Borax is not sold due to safety issues so instead I used Calgon as a water softener in my homemade laundry detergent.
Why I Don’t Use Essential Oils in My Laundry Detergent
Essential oils often captivate with their alluring fragrances and perceived natural benefits, but my decision to forgo them in my homemade laundry detergent recipe boils down to two key concerns: sustainability and consistency.
The Unsustainable Side of Essential Oils
While they may seem like a natural choice, the production of essential oils often comes with a hefty environmental cost. To put it into perspective, producing just 5 mL of rose essential oil requires approximately 242,000 rose petals, and creating the same amount of melissa oil takes about 30 kilograms of plant material. That’s a staggering amount of resources for a tiny vial of oil! Although some sustainable innovations, like using fruit waste to produce citrus essential oils, are emerging, the majority of essential oil production still involves significant waste.
The Inconsistent Nature of Essential Oils
Another challenge with essential oils is their variability. The chemical makeup of plant-derived oils can change depending on factors like climate, farming methods, or even the plant's age. This natural inconsistency can lead to unpredictable results, including unwanted skin reactions or altered cleaning effectiveness. For something as routine as laundry, this variability is more risk than reward.
While essential oils have their place in self-care and natural living, they aren’t always the most practical—or sustainable—choice for DIY cleaning solutions. By leaving them out, I ensure my recipe is both eco-friendly and reliable, without compromising on effectiveness or causing unnecessary waste. For those seeking a fresh scent, there are more sustainable ways to achieve it—without the downsides.
Why I Don’t Use Dishwashing Soap (Dawn) in My Recipe
While it might be tempting to add liquid dish soap to your homemade laundry detergent for its grease-fighting power, it’s not the best choice for your laundry. Dish soap is formulated specifically for cutting through oils and fats on dishes, and its unique properties can actually cause more harm than good when used in the washing machine.
Here’s why:
Residue on Clothes: Dish soap is designed to stick to grease, which means it may leave behind a residue on your clothes. This residue can dull fabrics, reduce softness, and even irritate sensitive skin.
Ineffective for Laundry Cycles: The surfactants in dish soap work quickly to disperse grease in short wash cycles, like when handwashing dishes. However, these compounds may not be as effective in the longer, more diluted cycles of a washing machine.
Potential Fabric Damage: Dish soap has a different pH balance than laundry detergents, which are specially formulated to be gentle on fabrics. Over time, the wrong pH can lead to discoloration or weakened fibers in your clothing.
Too Many Suds: One of the biggest issues with dish soap is its tendency to create excessive bubbles. While suds might seem like a sign of effective cleaning, they’re actually filled with air, not water. This reduces the amount of cleaning solution that can actually reach your clothes, leaving them less clean and possibly damaging your washing machine.
In short, using dish soap in laundry detergent may compromise your clothes’ quality, reduce cleaning effectiveness, and even harm your washer over time. For a truly effective and fabric-safe solution, stick with ingredients specifically formulated for laundry care.
Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent Recipe
I created this very simple recipe after researching many I found.
1 part soap (Aleppo Soap)
2 parts washing soda
2 parts Calgon (or any other water softener)
In my case, I used 100 grams of soap with 200 grams of washing soda and 200 grams of Calgon, but the beauty lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the quantities to fit your needs, whether it's 50 grams of soap, 100 grams of washing soda, and 100 grams of Calgon, or even 2 ounces of soap, 4 ounces of washing soda, and 4 ounces of Calgon. Just remember to maintain the same ratio, and the recipe will work like a charm. I must warn you, though, volumetric measurements may lead astray, so I highly recommend the precision of weighing your ingredients. Get ready to embark on a laundry revolution, where simplicity meets accuracy, and experience the extraordinary results of this homemade laundry detergent powder recipe!
How to make Powdered Homemade Laundry Detergent
The creation of this homemade laundry detergent is very simple. Grate up the soap so it has a similar structure to the water softener powder and the washing soda. This way it mixes well with all the other ingredients. Weight the remaining ingredients and mix them all together. Store it in an airtight container.
How to Use Your Homemade Detergent
Using your homemade laundry detergent is as simple as it is satisfying. Once you’ve prepared your batch of laundry powder homemade, it’s time to put it to the test and enjoy the rewards of your eco-friendly efforts. Follow these easy steps to get the most out of your homemade laundry detergent recipe.
1. Measuring the Right Amount
For a standard load of laundry, use 1–2 tablespoons of your homemade laundry detergent soap. This amount is usually sufficient to clean your clothes effectively without overloading your washer with suds. If you’re dealing with an extra-large or heavily soiled load, increase the amount slightly, but avoid overusing it—this detergent is concentrated and powerful!
2. Adding the Detergent
Sprinkle the laundry powder homemade directly into the drum of your washing machine before adding your clothes. This ensures that the detergent dissolves properly, especially in machines that use less water.
3. Choosing the Right Water Temperature
Your homemade laundry detergent recipe is versatile and effective at all water temperatures. For everyday loads, cold water is an eco-friendly choice that saves energy and preserves your clothes. For heavily soiled items or whites, warm or hot water can enhance the detergent’s cleaning power.
4. Handling Tough Stains
For stubborn stains, mix a small amount of your homemade laundry detergent soap with water to create a paste. Apply it directly to the stained area, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual. This pre-treatment trick boosts the detergent’s effectiveness without needing chemical stain removers.
5. Storage and Freshness
To keep your homemade laundry powder recipe fresh and effective, store it in an airtight container like a glass jar or a repurposed tin. Label your container so it’s easy to find and use. Pro tip: Keep a small scoop handy for quick measuring!
6. Eco-Friendly Tips for Washing
Use full loads whenever possible to conserve water and energy.
Pair your homemade clothes washing powder with eco-friendly laundry practices, like air-drying your clothes or using wool dryer balls to reduce drying time.
Reuse gray water from your rinse cycle for other household tasks if your local regulations allow.
By following these simple steps, you’ll get the best results from your laundry powder detergent recipe while enjoying the satisfaction of a greener laundry routine. Not only will your clothes come out fresh and clean, but you’ll also know you’ve made a sustainable choice that benefits the planet. Ready to dive into the next load? Your DIY detergent is up for the challenge!
Does homemade laundry detergent work?
I have tested this laundry detergent on grass, wine, and tomato stains. I used a washing cycle that I would also use when I used a regular detergent meaning a 40°C cotton cycle with full spinning.
I have been pleasantly surprised that my homemade laundry detergent was able to completely remove all the stains I created. This was completely unexpected as even store-bought eco-friendly detergents were not able to remove all the stains I had made.
Why Homemade Laundry Soap May Not Be the Best Fit for Everyone
While homemade laundry detergent has its benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. If you live in an area with hard water, you might face challenges in achieving effective results. Hard water can interfere with the detergent’s cleaning power, requiring more detergent than usual to achieve the same results—even with store-bought options. This limitation can make homemade detergent less efficient for households dealing with tough water conditions.
Beyond hard water, there are additional reasons why homemade detergent may not live up to its expectations:
Lack of Professional Formulation Expertise: Unlike commercial detergents, homemade recipes are not professionally formulated, which can result in less effective cleaning power. This might leave your clothes looking dull or not fully clean.
Missing Specialized Ingredients: Store-bought detergents often include enzymes and additives designed to target specific stains or odors. Homemade versions typically lack these, which can make it harder to remove stubborn stains or lingering smells.
Fabric-Specific Concerns: Commercial detergents are tested to ensure they work well across various fabric types. Homemade detergents, on the other hand, may cause wear and tear or damage over time, especially to delicate materials.
Limited Quality Control: Without the rigorous testing that commercial products undergo, homemade detergents may inadvertently shorten the lifespan of your garments or fail to maintain their appearance.
That said, whether or not homemade laundry detergent is right for you depends on your unique needs. If your laundry doesn’t include extremely dirty items like cloth diapers or heavily soiled work clothes, a well-made homemade detergent could still work effectively for everyday use. It’s all about finding what fits your lifestyle and laundry routine.
Conclusion: A Greener, Cleaner Future Starts with Your Laundry
Making your own powdered laundry detergent is more than just a step toward cleaner clothes—it’s a commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. By embracing homemade options, you can reduce your reliance on plastic packaging, eliminate exposure to harsh chemicals, and save money in the process. While homemade detergents may not be ideal for every situation—like those dealing with hard water or tough stains—they can still be a practical, eco-friendly choice for many households.
If the idea of mixing your own detergent doesn’t suit your needs, there are plenty of other ways to make your laundry routine more sustainable. Look for eco-friendly store-bought options, consider using laundry strips, or explore refill stations for detergent in your area. The key is to find what works best for you while reducing your environmental impact.
Ready to take the first step? Whether you decide to whip up your own batch of detergent or explore other green alternatives, each small change contributes to a healthier planet. Your laundry routine may seem like a small part of your day, but it’s a powerful opportunity to make a difference. Start today—because a cleaner world begins at home.
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