With this simple recipe you can make your own homemade powdered laundry detergent that costs less than store bought and uses fewer ingredients. And yet it works very well!
Expensive store-bought laundry detergents are often loaded with harsh chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. You can save money and create a more eco-friendly laundry routine. This recipe has a fragrance free option!
Benefits of DIY Laundry Detergent Powder
If you are looking for a way to save money on your laundry expenses while still getting clean, fresh-smelling clothes, making your laundry soap at home is the way to go.
It’s much cheaper than store-bought detergents. You can easily make a large batch of powdered laundry detergent that will last you for months at a fraction of the cost of buying commercial detergents.
Homemade powdered laundry detergent is also eco-friendly since it contains natural ingredients that are gentle on the environment and sensitive skin. And your washing machine.
Another benefit is that a DIY recipe can be customized. If you or someone in your family has sensitive skin or allergies, you can tailor the recipe by using fragrance-free and hypoallergenic ingredients to avoid irritation.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Laundry Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent at home requires just a few simple ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients you need to make homemade powdered laundry detergent:
- 1 Box Washing Soda: This highly alkaline compound is a crucial ingredient in homemade powdered laundry detergent. It is known for its ability to remove stains and neutralize odors.
- 1 box Borax: Borax is another alkaline compound that helps the washing soda work more effectively. It also acts as a natural fabric softener, leaving your clothes feeling fresh and clean.
- 1 box Zote Soap Flakes: This powerful stain-fighting soap has been used by households for generations. Its affordable, powerful yet gentle, and made of simple ingredients. If you need an unscented option, grate a bar of any unscented soap your skin tolerates. Dr. Bronner’s unscented bars of castille soap make a good choice.
- 4 pounds Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that helps remove stubborn odors from your clothes.
How to Prepare Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent
Now that you have all the ingredients, put them together. This just takes a few minutes, and the result is a high-quality detergent that you can use for months.
To start, mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl or bucket. You may want to add one ingredient at a time to make it easier to get everything well-mixed.
When you’re done, transfer it to a container with a lid.
How to Use Your Homemade Laundry Detergent
Use two tablespoons of this homemade detergent per load. That’s it. Simple!
Tips and Tricks for Using Homemade Powder Laundry Soap
To get the most out of your DIY laundry soap:
- Use the right amount: Using too much can clog up your washer over time. Using too little might not get clothes clean.
- Avoid overloading your washer: Overloading your washer with clothes can block the powder from getting all through the laundry to do its work.
- Pretreat stains: Tough stains like grease or blood may require pretreatment before washing. Use a stain remover or apply Dawn or another dish soap directly to the stain before washing.
- Store properly: Keep your homemade powdered laundry detergent in an airtight container in a dry place away from moisture to avoid clumping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to use homemade laundry detergent?
Yes. In fact, if you have sensitive skin, it could be a much better option than store-bought.
2. Can I use homemade powdered laundry detergent in high-efficiency (HE) machines?
Yes. But with front loaders that use less water, you may not find it always dissolves like it should. You can dissolve the two tablespoons in hot tap water before putting it in the dispenser.
3. Will homemade laundry detergent work as well as commercial brands?
Yes. In fact, many people prefer the results they get from using homemade detergents because they are less harsh on fabrics and leave clothes feeling softer.
4. How long will a batch of homemade powdered laundry detergent last?
It depends on how much you use per load and how often you do laundry. On average, a batch should last for about 30-40 loads of regular-sized loads or 20-25 loads for larger loads or heavily soiled clothes.
5. Can I add essential oils or other fragrances to my homemade powdered laundry detergent?
Yes, you can add essential oils or other fragrances to your homemade powdered laundry.
Making Homemade Laundry Detergent is Easy!
Making your own homemade powdered laundry detergent is a great way to reduce the amount of chemicals in your household and save money at the same time. By using simple ingredients, you can create a powerful cleaning solution that works on all types of clothes.
Plus, with the added benefit of customizing it to suit your preferences and needs, you can rest easy knowing that you are providing the best care for your family’s clothing while also being environmentally conscious.