Posted on February 08 2016
Changing from store-bought to homemade laundry detergent is a relatively seamless switch. Homemade detergent is safe for both high-efficiency and standard washers and can be made to personal preference with different essential oils and natural products. To reduce any foreseen hassles of making the detergent, create larger batches one or two times per year and save the bulk in FoodVacBags vacuum sealer bags to lock out moisture. Homemade detergent can reap up to $70 per year in savings. For additional savings on laundry expenses, create homemade fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Powder Laundry Detergent
Recipe from Wellness Mama.
Ingredients
- 1 bar soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax (or additional washing soda)
- 20 drops lemon or lime essential oil, for scent (optional)
- 1 cup oxygen booster (optional)
Directions
- With a hand grater or food processor, grate the soap into fine particles so it dissolves easily in water.
- In a medium bowl, mix grated soap, washing soda and borax.
- Add essential oil and stir.
- Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load, depending on level of soil. For white loads, add 1 tablespoon of oxygen booster.
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Recipe from Wellness Mama
Ingredients
- 1 bar soap
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 20 drops lemon or lime essential oil, for scent (optional)
- Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds (optional)
- Dr. Bronner's Castile soap (optional)
Directions
- With a hand grater or food processor, grate the soap into fine particles so it dissolves easily in water.
- In a 5-gallon bucket, pour 4 gallons of warm water.
- In a medium-sized sauce pan, heat 2 quarts of water until simmering.
- Pour grated soap into simmering water and mix until dissolved
- Transfer hot soap mixture into the 5-gallon bucket and stir.
- Add optional ingredients and stir until combined.
- Cover tightly with lid and store overnight.
- Remove lid and stir the following day.
- Divide batch of liquid detergent between empty gallon jugs or bottles.
- Use 1/2 to 1 cup per load, depending on level of soil.
Fabric Softener
Recipe from DIYNatural
Ingredients
- 1 gallon white vinegar
- 30 to 40 drops essential oil
Directions
- Add essential oil to gallon of white vinegar.
- Shake well before each use.
- For small or average loads add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle, or a little more for large loads.
- For high-efficiency washers, use 1/4 cup of softener.
Dryer Sheets
Recipe from DIYNatural.
Materials
- Cotton cloth or T-shirt
- 3 to 5 drops essential oil
Directions
- Cut cotton cloth into 5-inch squares.
- Add essential oil to cloth.
- Cotton dryer sheets can be used for two or three loads, adding more essential oil with each load.
- To change the scent, wash the dryer sheet, then add new essential oil.
Are you making your own laundry supplies? Let us know in the comments below!
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