Homemade Laundry Detergent




 DIY Laundry Detergent: Fresh, Clean, and Chemical-Free

This post contains affiliate links.


Laundry detergents from the store are loaded with harsh chemicals like

sulfates, fragrances, and dyes that can irritate your skin and leave residues on

your clothes. Plus, many of these chemicals wash down the drain and pollute

our waterways.



Making your own detergent is a simple, affordable way to keep your clothes

fresh and clean without the questionable ingredients. You'll also be surprised

at how much money you save by skipping the pricey, chemical-laden brands.




Why Homemade Is Better



Gentle on Skin: No synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals that can cause

irritation


Eco-Friendly: Breaks down safely without polluting waterways.

Budget-Savvy: One batch costs a fraction of what you'd spend on store

brands. Literally though, why is laundry detergent so expensive?


Custom Scent: Add essential oils of your choice to give your clothes the perfect scent!

Easy To Make: Making your own laundry detergent will not only make you feel like a pioneer woman, minus the washboard struggle, but it's also super simple, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.


What's The Downside of Commercial Laundry Detergent?

1. Harsh Chemicals

Many commercial detergents contain chemicals like phosphates, surfactants, and optical brighteners that can irritate sensitive skin, cause allergies, or even disrupt the environment. This is going down our drains and being exposed on our bodies!


2. Synthetic Fragrances

These fragrances often contain synthetic chemicals that can be harmful, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies.


3. Environmental Impact

The packaging, chemical ingredients, and plastic bottles from commercial detergents contribute to pollution and landfill waste. Many of these chemicals are not biodegradable, leading to water contamination.


4. Toxic Residue

Some detergents leave residues on your clothes that can linger on your skin, especially with frequent use, leading to potential irritation.


5. Expensive Over Time

Commercial detergents can add up in cost, especially when using large quantities for each load, which can add to the financial burden of regular household expenses.





What You'll Need:

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.




1/4 cup Sea Salt (softens water and boosts cleaning power) You can find sea salt at your local grocery store, or this one is a great option.



1/2 cup Epsom Salt (helps reduce static and softens fabrics) Epsom salt can be pricey, but I found this very affordable option here.



1 and 1/2 cups Aluminum-free Baking Soda (neutralizes odors and brightens

whites) This one is a popular choice if you are looking for an affordable, bulk option.



1/2 cups Washing Soda (breaks down grease and tough stains) This one is the one I use and recommend. It's way bigger than I thought it would be and super affordable.



20 drops of Essential Oil (lavender, lemon, or tea tree work great) I recommend this high-quality multi-pack to get you started on all your natural DIY projects!



Airtight Container- to store your detergent (If you want to make your laundry detergent in bulk, these gallon, air-tight, glass storage jars might help!)





How to Make It



Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.


Add the essential oil drops and stir well to distribute the scent.

Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry

place.




How to Use



Add 1-2 tablespoons of detergent directly to the drum of your washing

machine before adding clothes.



Works in both standard and HE (high efficiency) machines!




Why This Works



Sea Salt & Epsom Salt: These soften water and reduce static without the

need for chemical fabric softeners.



Baking Soda: Helps neutralize odors and boosts cleaning



Washing Soda: Acts as a powerful degreaser and stain fighter



Essential Oils: Add a pleasant, natural scent and a bit of antibacterial

power.



Need a DIY Natural Fabric Softener?

Check out my blog here on natural fabric softener (You most likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen.) :)



For more simple, non-toxic living tips, you can find me on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube under holisticandwitchy.

Thanks for reading! I love sharing these tips with you, and I appreciate you being here. 

Check out my other blogs on natural DIYs for the body and home below!



Quick links to my personal faves and must haves for natural DIYs:

Baking soda:  used in natural laundry detergent, toothpastes and more

Washing Soda: used in making laundry detergent and cleaning pastes and more

Distilled White Vinegar:  used in cleaning, deodorizing and lifting stains and more

Essential Oils: used in mostly all my natural DIY products for its scent and high-quality antimicrobial properties.

Amber bottles: protects natural ingredients from light, air, and heat which can break down their potency over time.

Roller and Spray Amber Bottles:  easy and convenient application

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