Powder Laundry Detergent

DIY powder laundry detergent at home:

Ingredients:

  1. Bar Soap: You can use any bar soap you like, but castile soap, Fels-Naptha, or Dr. Bronner’s bar soap are commonly used options.
  2. Washing Soda: Also known as sodium carbonate, it’s a natural cleaner and stain remover.
  3. Baking Soda: Helps to soften water and enhance cleaning.
  4. Borax: A natural mineral compound that boosts the detergent’s cleaning power and helps remove stains and odors (optional, as some people prefer to avoid it due to its potential environmental concerns).
  5. Essential Oils: For fragrance (optional).

Tools:

  1. Grater
  2. Mixing bowl
  3. Airtight container for storage

Instructions:

  1. Start by grating the bar soap using a cheese grater or a food processor. You’ll need about 1 cup of grated soap.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated soap with 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of baking soda. If you’re using borax, add 1 cup of borax as well.
  3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
  4. If you’d like to add a fragrance to your detergent, you can add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oils. Lavender, lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus are popular choices.
  5. Store the finished detergent in an airtight container to prevent clumping and preserve its effectiveness.
  6. When using the detergent, add about 2 tablespoons to your washing machine’s detergent compartment for a regular load of laundry. Adjust the amount based on the size of your load and the water hardness in your area.
  7. If you have particularly tough stains, you might want to pre-treat them before washing, or consider adding a bit of extra detergent to the load.

A few notes:

  • This detergent is suitable for standard and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.
  • Always follow care instructions on clothing items to prevent damage.
  • Test the detergent on a small, inconspicuous area of clothing before using it on your entire laundry load, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
  • Be cautious when using essential oils, as they might cause skin irritation for some individuals.

Remember that homemade detergents may not have the same level of testing and quality control as commercial products, so results can vary. Always use your best judgment and consider factors like your washing machine, water quality, and the types of stains you commonly deal with.