There are two options for making your own detergent: liquid or powder. Liquid recipes can have a little more variety, since you can add different essential oils for scenting, but it’s also more complicated and involves using the stove. Either way, to make your own detergent, you’ll need the following items:
- Your favorite bar soap (Not too heavily scented. Brands such as Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote are good.)
- Borax (normally found in the laundry/cleaning aisle of your local supermarket)
- Washing soda – for more on the power of washing soda, check out this article from Care2.com.
Also, please note: While nothing is harmful in these ingredients, it is suggested you wear gloves while combining ingredients.
For an easy powder recipe try this simple powder detergent recipe from TLC Home.
If you want a recipe that’s a bit more challenging, try this liquid version from TipNut.
A few tips and facts:
- Homemade detergent is low sudsing so don’t be scared if your laundry isn’t looking very soapy.
- Consider adding teatree oil to detergent for it’s antiseptic properties. Or, pouring a bit of vinegar in the fabric softener cup during the cycle.
- Adding essential oils are a unique touch to homemade detergents. Try adding between 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil (per 2 gallons).
- Try using a handheld cheese grater or food processor to grate the bar soap.
For more on homemade laundry detergents and more recipes, check out these articles from TLC Home and Tipnut.
Do you have your own detergent recipe to share? Can you give us some other non toxic household tips? Leave ‘em in the comments below.
