washing detergents for a healthy planet
there are many reasons why we should make our own detergent. here are just a few:
fewer chemicals, cost effective, environmental benefits, reduce plastic use, highly custimizable
Classic Powder Laundry Detergent
add few drops of food coloring
Best for: Everyday laundry, towels, linens
Ingredients:
· 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
· 1 cup baking soda
· 1 bar grated castile soap (or natural laundry soap)
· ½ cup borax (optional, boosts cleaning power)
Instructions:
1. Grate the soap finely.
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
3. Store in an airtight container.
Use: 1–2 tablespoons per load (HE safe in small amounts)
Excellent for odors; hAS a long shelf life
If you have very hard water, borax helps performance
Liquid Laundry Detergent
natural ingredients don’t pollute waterways
Best for: Cold washes, delicates, baby clothes
Ingredients:
· 1 bar grated castile soap
· 1 cup washing soda
· ½ cup baking soda
· 10–15 cups water
· Optional: 15–20 drops essential oil (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus)
Instructions:
1. Heat 4 cups of water (do not boil).
2. Add grated soap and stir until dissolved.
3. Add washing soda and baking soda.
4. Pour mixture into a large container and add remaining water.
5. Stir well and let sit 12–24 hours (it will thicken).
Use: ¼ cup per load (shake before using)
Good for sensitive skin; Dissolves better than powder in cold cycles
clean ingredients keep family healthy
Sensitive Skin / Baby-Safe Minimal Detergent
Best for: Allergies, eczema-prone skin
Ingredients:
· 1 cup washing soda
· 1 cup baking soda
· ½ cup finely grated pure olive oil soap (unscented)
(No borax, no fragrance)
Instructions:
Mix thoroughly and store airtight.
Use: 1 tablespoon per load
No added fragrance; Minimal ingredients; Lower irritation risk
use essential oils as fragrance
Natural Fabric Softener
· Add ½ cup white vinegar to rinse cycle
· use recycled wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil
Important to consider
· Always test on a small load first.
· Homemade detergents may not lather like commercial ones *that’s normal.
· For very dirty work clothes, you may need to pre-soak.
· If you have hard water, detergent performance improves with borax.