Say Goodbye to Chemical-Filled Detergents & Hello to An Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Solution For Washing Your Laundry
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Are you ready to ditch store-bought detergents filled with harmful chemicals and embark on a more eco-friendly & all -natural laundry journey? This was one of the FIRST things we switched as a family due to Rei having tons of skin issues. (Many of his "skin issues" cleared up / went away with many diet changes as well as changes to the products/ cleaning products etc. we use in our household but that is another post.)
This simple guide will walk you through creating your own non-toxic laundry detergent infused with essential oils (if you desire). Perfect for individuals interested in homesteading, sustainable living, and self-sufficiency, this homemade solution caters to those seeking a wholesome and fulfilling lifestyle.
Why Opt for Homemade All-Natural Laundry Detergent?
When I started my journey towards a chemical-free home, one of the first changes I made was switching to homemade laundry detergent. By doing so, you can enjoy several benefits:
Reduced plastic waste: Eliminate the need for plastic containers by making your own detergent.
Cost savings: Homemade detergent is more cost-effective compared to store-bought alternatives.
Gentler on skin: Control the ingredients in your detergent, ensuring it's kind to your skin.
I also know many of you saw that many detergents recently had to be removed from the shelf due to containing PFAS at dangerously high levels. We had already switched to homemade laundry soap and laundry detergents, BUT before switching one of those detergent that got pulled from the shelf was what we used. So I was so happy we had already switched earlier, but sad to know that my husband and I had been using that since before even having our son.
Liquid vs. Powdered Detergent: Which One to Choose?
Both liquid and powdered detergents offer similar cleaning power, so your choice depends on personal preference and your washing machine's requirements. Experiment with both options to find the best fit for you. I like to use the powdered version to travel with and have on hand at all times, but recently have switched over to liquid and have found quite a few benefits. The liquid I feel like goes a longer way - while both last pretty long I feel like the liquid lasts longer. - I also noticed with the powdered detergent we had a bit more build up on the washer itself so I found myself doing a washer deep clean more often. But try out both and figure which works better for you and your family.
Recipe: Homemade Laundry Detergent with Essential Oils
Ingredients:
Baking Soda (We like to buy this in bulk too you may find cheaper at your local Costco, Bj's, wholesale shop or online depending on where you live.)
Borax (Depending on where you live it may be cheaper to buy in bulk like it is for us - click the link to check pricing)
Unscented Castile Soap Bars (For blankets and bedsheets I like to use lavender castile soap and lavender essential oil) **
Essential Oil (optional) (We like to swap between lavender and a cedarwood & bergamot combination)
Instructions:
Grate 2 castile soap bars using a box grater or food processor (6 bars for larger batches).
Measure 3 cups each of baking soda, borax, and super washing soda. Combine in a storage container.
Add grated castile soap to the dry ingredients.
Optional: Add 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil or use scented castile soap bars.
Mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of essential oil.
Transfer detergent to a labeled storage jar. (For liquid detergent we got these glass jars with a spigot and it's perfect for distributing! - For when making powdered detergent these are the jars we use.)
Liquid Version:
Ingredients:
Water (Filtered)
Instructions:
Use a large sauce pot or Dutch oven (5+ Qt)** to bring 6 cups of water to a light boil. As soon as the water begins to boil turn off burner and you can remove from heat.
Add in 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda. Stir very well until combined and both are dissolved.
Mix in and additional 6-9 cups of room temperature water (for thicker soap use 6 cups and for less thick use closer to 9 cups) & 1 cup of your liquid castile soap. Again stirring until well combined.
Allow your mixture to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to your large glass jar. Be sure that your jar is heat safe, if not you can wait until your mixture cools to room temperature.
Add your 50 drops of essential oil depending on how strong you like your scent strength and mix again.
** We love our Dutch ovens! We have multiple Dutch ovens / caste irons etc. We use all lodge brands and have had them for years. I have the Oyster White Dutch oven in 6 Quart, and 7.5 Quart. We also have the Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven 10 Qt. And we have multiple cast iron skillets & a cast iron loaf pan! If not using cast iron, I highly recommend using stainless steel pots and pans with wooden utensils. I will be posting a post on why we made this switch more in depth! So stay tuned**
How much detergent to use?
Powdered: Small loads use 2 Tablespoons. Larger loads use 4 Tablespoons.
Before using your liquid soap be sure to give it a quick shake or stir. If you struggle with shaking up a 1 gallon jar you can get smaller 1/2 gallon jars. Just be sure to give them a good shake before using. I like that the gallon glass jars have the spigot so after a quick shake it is easier to dispense.
Liquid: For small loads use 1 Tablespoon and for lager loads use 2 Tablespoons. This detergent in extremely concentrated so even with a smaller amount it really will get the job done.
We do lots of laundry between bedsheets being washed 2x per week, dogs blankets being washed 1-2x per week, Hunters work clothes, and our clothes from spending lots of time outdoors so we run through this in 1-2 months. I recommend using within 1-2 months, 2 months being on the high end. You can also half this batch by halving the ingredients.
Helpful Laundry Tips:
Use 1/2 to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar as a natural fabric softener.
Replace dryer sheets with wool dryer balls and a few drops of essential oils.
Label your detergent containers for easy identification and reuse.
Switching to homemade non-toxic laundry detergent with essential oils is a great way to embrace eco-friendly, all-natural practices while caring for your family's health. Enjoy cost savings, reduced plastic waste, and a gentle solution for your skin. With this easy recipe and handy tips, you can create a healthier and more sustainable laundry routine.
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