As moms, we're always looking for ways to keep our families healthy, save money, and get the results we need. One of the easiest switches you can make is creating your own non-toxic laundry detergent right at home using 4 simple ingredients. It's affordable, effective, even tough on stains-and safe for the most sensitive skin.
Why Switch to Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?
Store-bought detergents are often full of chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, harm the environment, and linger on your family's clothes. Making your own liquid detergent at home ensures you're in control of what touches your loved ones' skin. You'll avoid harmful additives, reduce waste, and save money all at once.
Benefits of Homemade Laundry Detergent
Non-toxic and gentle: Safe for babies, toddlers, and anyone with sensitive skin.
Eco-friendly: Fewer chemicals in the water supply and less plastic waste.
Cost-effective: Homemade detergent is far cheaper than commercial options.
Customizable: Add scents or keep it fragrance-free for a hypoallergenic option.
Home to Make Non-Toxic Liquid Laundry Detergent
This recipe is simple and uses ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
6 0z of Castile soap (unscented or your choice of fragrance)
2 cups of washing soda
2 cups of borax
5 gallons of water
15-20 drops of essential oil for fragrance
Instructions:
Grate the soap: Using a cheese grater to grate the 6 oz of soap finely.
Dissolve the soap: In a large pot, heat 4 cups of water over medium-low heat. Add in the grated soap and stir until fully melted.
Mix in dry ingredients: Once the soap is dissolved, slowly add in the washing soda and borax, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Do not allow water to come to a boil, once everything is dissolved turn off the heat and set aside.
Add water: Fill your 5-gallon pail half way with hot water from your tap. If you aren't able to do this in your kitchen sink use a bathtub or shower. It's important that the water is tap hot and not boiling.
Add in the pot water: slowly add in the pot of water with the dissolved soap and dry ingredients. Stir well to mix.
Add in more water: Finish filling your 5-gallon pail with hot tap water. Stir once more and cover with the lid.
Wait 24 hour: Let cool completely and wait about 24 hours before using. Once cooled add in any fragrance if you choose.
Add fragrance (optional): You can add 30 drops of your favorite essential oil now or you can leave your soap unscented and add 5 drops directly to each load of laundry you wash. Some great scents for fresh laundry are lavender, lemon, mint, eucalyptus or a blend called Clear the Air.
Store: Keep your detergent in this 5-gallon pail or transfer it to a smaller jug for easier access. I like to use a 1 gallon jug with a spout on it.
Usage: Use 1/2 cup to 1 cup of detergent per load, depending on the load size. Stir your detergent as needed to avoid any separating.
Storage Tip
Store your detergent in a cool, dry place, such as a laundry room shelf or under the sink. Homemade detergent tends to separate over time, so giving it a good shake or stir before each use is helpful. This 5-gallon pail of detergent should last around 6 months and won't lose its effectiveness.
Does It Work on Heavily Soiled Clothes?
Yes! This homemade detergent works great on heavily soiled clothes, including kids' muddy outfits, grass stains, and kitchen messes. If you need an extra boost, pre-treat stubborn strains with a bit of the detergent or a sprinkle of washing soda directly on the spot before washing.
Adding Fragrance Safely
Essential oils are the perfect way to add a safe, natural fragrance to your homemade detergent. Lavender and tea tree oil have natural antibacterial properties, while lemon and orange add a fresh, clean scent. Just be cautious if your family has sensitive skin-start with a few drops and increase the amount as needed.
Changing How We Live
Making your own liquid laundry detergent is an easy, sustainable swap that will also give you peace of mind knowing you're providing a safer environment for your family and decreasing your carbon footprint. You'll not only save money but also cut down on harmful chemicals and toxins that end up in our groundwater. With just a little effort upfront, this simple DIY can lighten your household load without adding extra to yours.
What do you think? Will you give homemade laundry detergent a try? Let me know how it goes in the comments!
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