DIY All Natural Laundry Detergent
My friend, great to have you here. Hopefully not for the last time! Today, we're learning something new... We're learning how to make all-natural laundry detergent that will leave your clothes and linens fresh, without the toxins!
Because this topic interested you, you probably already know that many (if not most) conventional laundry detergents are chalked full of synthetic fragrances, brighteners, and harsh surfactants that can contribute to skin reactions, and allergies, and harm aquatic life once they reach our waterways. Switching out your laundry detergent is a big step when it comes to leading a more toxin-free life, which is good for all of us!
There's really no need to keep buying store-bought detergents when homemade, all-natural detergents work just as well and don't harm your body! By crafting your detergent at home, you gain full control over the ingredients, ensuring that no harmful chemicals or additives will touch your clothes.
Okay, let's jump right into the DIY by our herbalist and founder, Chelsea!
***There are a lot of different recipes out there so adapt it to meet your preferences.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups baking soda
- 6 cups washing soda (click here for how to make washing soda!)
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup salt
- Your choice of essential oils. I am using about 100 drops of our lavender essential oil, 50 drops of sweet orange, and 15 drops of rosemary.
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients together
- Use 1-2 tbsp per load (depending on the size of the load)
Video Tutorial:
Click here to watch Chelsea show you how easily this DIY laundry detergent comes together!
Questions: (Answered by Chelsea, SBA's Founder+CEO)
Q. How would you compare this to Molly Suds?
A. It looks extremely similar to the one I'm sharing. The homemade version is way less expensive.
Q. Is the washing soda just baked baking soda?
A. Yup! By baking it a reaction happens that turns it into washing soda.
Q. Have you ever used vinegar as a softener? If so, do you have a natural reaction from the baking soda and vinegar being mixed?
A. I do use white vinegar as a softening agent but usually don't use it with this detergent bc the salt already acts as that. I have heard of people using vinegar with this but I think it depends on the machine and where you put the vinegar and detergent.
Q. Because there is no borax in this recipe, will this work for sweat-drenched & greasy clothes?
A. Washing soda is actually known to be more effective than borax so if you make some with borax that works, then you may want to switch it out for washing soda.
Q. Does this work for HE washers?
A. I've always used this homemade detergent in my HE washers without any issues.
Here to help,
Brier C. & Chelsea H. (Founder & CEO)