Eco Fresh Wash

Laundry detergent 3 ways - Powder, Liquid, and Two-step: Power & Liquid Combo

Why I Make My Own Laundry Detergent

When it comes to laundry, I’ve made the choice to ditch conventional detergents in favor of my own homemade blend. Why? Well, for starters, I’m on a mission to avoid fragrances and the myriad of chemicals found in many commercial products that can wreak havoc on my health. I have serious reactions to these additives, which often leave me feeling out of sorts.

Initially, my husband wasn’t exactly on board with my natural detergent experiment. However, as we transitioned to using it, he began to notice the overwhelming scents of traditional detergents in other people's laundry. The strong chemical odors were enough to give us both headaches and reminded us why we chose this path in the first place. It became clear that we wouldn’t be going back to regular detergent anytime soon.

For those extra dirty items that need a little more TLC, we have our trusty wash tub for a pre-soak. A little elbow grease and a good scrub with some Fels-naptha before the wash cycle can do wonders to get those stubborn stains out! (If I have to use the Fels-naptha I do an extra rinse in the cycle)

So, if you’re ready to join me in this journey towards a cleaner, healthier home, let’s dive into the recipe!

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

3 ways - Powder, Liquid, and Two-step: Power & Liquid Combo

Ingredients:

- 1 cup borax

- 1 cup super washing soda

- 1 bar of castile soap (or 1 cup liquid castile soap)

- Optional: 10-20 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or tea tree for fragrance)

Instructions:

1. If Using a Bar of Castile Soap:

- Grate the Castile Soap: Use a cheese grater or food processor to finely grate the castile soap bar.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

- In a large bowl, combine the borax and super washing soda, stirring well.

3. Add the Castile Soap:

- Option A - With Grated Bar Soap: Add the grated soap to the dry mixture and mix thoroughly.

- Option B - With Liquid Castile Soap Directly: Pour 1 Tbsp of liquid castile soap (remember less is more when it comes to castile soap) directly into the washing machine’s soap dispenser when you’re ready to do a load, and add 2-3 tablespoons of the powder mixture (borax and washing soda) directly into the washing tub. This skips grating altogether! (This is my go to method! This version lets me adjust the amounts needed based on the Dirt levels - you know those stinky teens and grime loving husbands can really get a funk and gunk going on)

- Option C - Making a Liquid Detergent: Combine 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup liquid castile soap in a large container. Slowly add warm water (about a gallon) and stir until everything is well-dissolved. This creates a liquid version of the detergent to pour directly into the machine’s soap dispenser for each load.

4. Optional - Add Essential Oils:

- If you prefer a fragrance, add 10-20 drops of essential oil to the mixture and stir well to distribute.

5. Add Vinegar as a Fabric Softener:

   - For an extra fresh boost, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your machine. It helps soften clothes and neutralize any lingering odors naturally.

6. Store:

- Transfer the powder or liquid detergent into an airtight container. Use a large jar or any container with a secure lid.

Usage:

- For regular loads: Use 2-3 teaspoons of the powder mixture (or 1/4 cup of the liquid version).

- For large or heavily soiled loads: Use ¼ cup of the powder or 1/3 cup of the liquid detergent.

This homemade detergent works well in both high-efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines. Just remember to store it in a cool, dry place, and enjoy laundry day with this fresh, natural cleaner!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it works for you! Share your feedback, tips, or any tweaks you made—let’s keep perfecting this natural laundry solution together!

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