How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Hey, laundry lovers! Looking to save some money? Making your own laundry detergent could be exactly what you were looking for. At Princess Laundry, we’re always looking for ways to help you care for your clothes and home in the safest and easiest ways. One great way to achieve this is by creating your very own DIY laundry detergent. Not only does it save money, but it’s also eco-friendly and customizable. Let’s get into how to make your own laundry detergent with just a few basic ingredients. 

Ingredients: 

1. Castile Soap: Choose a mild, unscented soap like castile soap, or a soap bar specifically made for laundry purposes. You can also use a soap with a scent you like if you prefer. 

2. Washing Soda: Also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda helps to clean and soften water. It’s a key ingredient in homemade laundry detergent. 

3. Borax: Borax is a natural mineral compound that boosts the cleaning power of your detergent and helps to remove stains and odors. 

4. Essential Oils (Optional): If you want a scented detergent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil. 

Instructions: 

1. Grate the Soap: Using a cheese grater, grate the bar of soap into fine shreds. You can also use a food processor for this step to speed up the process. 

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of grated soap, 1/2 cup of washing soda, and 1/2 cup of borax. Stir the ingredients together until they are well blended. 

3. Add Essential Oils (Optional): Add 10-20 drops of essential oils to the mixture. Stir again to mix the oils evenly throughout the detergent. 

4. Store Your Detergent: Transfer your homemade laundry detergent to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a plastic tub with a lid. Label the container with the ingredients and instructions for use. 

Using Your Homemade Laundry Detergent: 

Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size and soil level of the load. This detergent is suitable for both standard and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. For particularly tough stains, you can pre-treat the stains with a small amount of detergent before washing. 

Benefits of Making Your Own Laundry Detergent 

– Cost-Effective: Homemade detergent is much cheaper per load compared to store-bought options. It can also last you longer depending on how much you make at a time. 

– Environmentally Friendly: You control the ingredients, reducing the use of harsh chemicals and plastic packaging. 

– Customizable: Adjust the scent and ingredients to fit your preferences and sensitivities. 

DIY Detergent is Laundry Royalty 

Making your own laundry detergent is a simple and rewarding way to take control of your laundry routine while saving money and reducing your environmental footprint. At Princess Laundry, we encourage you to explore sustainable laundry practices that benefit both you and the planet. 

Contact us today for more laundry tips and to learn about our laundry services in Lincoln, Nebraska.