How To Make Natural Laundry Detergent (Borax-Free)
Sorting Out Life, One Load At A Time
I’ve done my share of lumpy laundry. Newborn clothes with with the tags and hangers still on? Check. “Gifts” from my helpers, including a trojan poopy diaper in my whites? Oh yeah.
As you can imagine, I’ve been more than happy just to be able to keep clean underoos in the house at all times for the past few years. Buying “eco-friendly” laundry detergent seemed like a pretty good option until I re-read my brands ingredient list recently. Undisclosed proprietary ingredients? No thanks!
I did eventually find one non-toxic detergent, but not before I learned to make a simple homemade powder version that WORKS. The basic recipe is nearly identical to this one, but for some reason every time I share this link with someone it seems to create more questions than answers. It makes perfect sense to me, but for what it’s worth here is exactly. what. I. do.
But first, let’s talk ingredients!
Powdered Laundry Detergent: What You Really Need
Bar Soap (ALWAYS) – Coconut oil-based soaps are best, but tallow and lard can also be used. (here’s how to make it, here’s where to buy it, and here’s another brand that also works well). Click here to learn how to render tallow.
Baking Soda (SOMETIMES) – No one uses this in commercial formulas . . . not even Arm & Hammer! According to this post, “Baking soda is only half as strong as washing soda at softening water and doesn’t allow the cleaning pH to go nearly as high. And if you have a stronger product on hand, why dilute it with a weaker one?” Fortunately, if you have some on hand you can use it to make washing soda.
Borax (NOPE)- Opinions are split on whether this product is safe, so I avoid it when possible. Fortunately, according this post washing soda perform the same function, so you’re not missing out on anything. (Plus, from what I hear Borax only works well in hot water)
Lemon Essential Oil (DEFINITELY) – Works well as a stain remover and de-greaser. I just dab a few drops on stains as I find them and then throw them in the wash. (Where to buy lemon essential oil)
Vinegar (YEP) – Though not a part of the main recipe, I use 1/2 cup vinegar as a rinse for two reasons:
- Laundry detergent has a very alkaline pH, which can irritate skin. Using a vinegar rinse resets the pH to a skin-friendly level
- It helps dissolve excess detergent and salts off clothes
Powdered Oxygen Bleach Without Fillers (SOMETIMES) – For brightening whites. This brandis pure sodium percarbonate (powdered hydrogen peroxide) which is non-toxic. It says it contains 99% pure sodium percarbonate, but it’s totally pure. The other 1% is moisture.
How To Make Laundry Detergent
INGREDIENTS
- 6 cups washing soda (where to buy washing soda, how to make your own)
- Three bars of 4.5 – 5 ounce soap, finely grated (One made with coconut oil works best. Here’s how to make it, here’s where to buy it, and here’s another brand that also works well))
- Optional – lemon essential oil (where to buy lemon essential oil)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS YOU’LL WANT TO HAVE ON HAND:
More on what to do with this stuff in the instructions below
- non-GMO white vinegar
- Powdered oxygen bleach without any additives (find it here)
- Downy ball, optional (where to buy a Downy ball)
- wool dryer balls (where to buy them, how to make your own)
- food processor (this is the one I have)
TO MAKE:
- Cut soap into small chunks. Add to the food processor along with the washing soda.
- Blend until you have a fine powder. You may want to lay a dish towel over the top of your food processor to prevent a fine mist of powder from floating into the air. Also, let it settle a bit before opening the container or the powder will float onto your kitchen counter!
- Pour into a clean container (keep the essential oil next to the jar and add 5 drops with each load)
TO USE:
These instructions are for a top loader. I don’t have any experience with front loaders, sorry!
- Add 2-3 tablespoons laundry detergent per load ( If you are washing in cold water, dissolve it in hot water before adding it in. I prefer to start each load with a little hot water to dissolve and then put my laundry in)
- If desired, add about five drops of lemon essential oil as a degreaser
- If washing whites, add a scoop of powdered oxygen bleach or pour 1/2 cup peroxide in the bleach compartment
- Add 1/2 cup vinegar to a Downy ball or the fabric softener compartment
- For extra fabric softening goodness and a shorter drying time, toss some wool dryer balls in the dryer with your clothes.
