How to Make Homemade (and Cheap!!) Laundry Detergent

About a year ago, I started making all of my own cleaners for our house and I have been so happy with the results.

First of all, they are SO cheap to make and they clean just as nicely as the store bought ones, but my main reason for making my own is to avoid the chemicals. I truly don’t think that people realize what they are spraying into their house when they are using popular cleaning products.

By stocking up on a couple super cheap and easily found ingredients, you can make nearly anything! I plan to do an in depth post on all my cleaning products later, but today I want to share with you the thriftiest cleaning recipe I have, Laundry Detergent!

Here is the cost breakdown:

• Fels Naptha: $.97 for a 5.5 oz bar.  My recipe uses about 1/2 of a bar which makes the cost about .50 cents.
• Washing Soda: $3.00 for a 55 oz. box. Since you use 8 oz. of soda (1 cup) that is .44 cents a batch.
• Borax: $3.50 for a 76 oz. box. Since you again use 8 oz., this comes out to .34 cents per batch.

So here we go .50+.44+.34= $1.28!

Here’s the recipe for homemade laundry detergent:

Laundry Detergent
1 cup soap flakes (just use a box grater to make fine flakes)
1 cup Borax*
1 cup Washing Soda

Mix together and store in an airtight container. Use 1 tbsp. per load and one batch lasts us about 2 month. I like to double the recipe so that I only have to shred soap once!

*Borax is not the same as Boric Acid and is only harmful is swallowed in large amounts.

Homemade laundry detergent can offer several benefits, making it an appealing alternative to store-bought versions.

Here are some of the key advantages:

Cost-Effective:

Homemade laundry detergent can be significantly cheaper than commercial brands. The ingredients required to make it are often inexpensive and can be bought in bulk, which helps save money over time.

Environmentally Friendly:

By making your own laundry detergent, you can reduce the amount of plastic packaging used, as commercial detergents often come in plastic bottles. Additionally, homemade detergents can be made using natural ingredients that are less harmful to the environment than the chemicals found in many commercial detergents.

Health and Safety:

Homemade detergents typically contain fewer and simpler ingredients than commercial products, which can be better for people with sensitive skin or allergies. You have the control to avoid chemicals like fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, which can cause skin irritation or other health issues.

Customizable:

When you make your own laundry detergent, you can customize it according to your cleaning needs and fragrance preferences. You can choose natural scents from essential oils that are much gentler than synthetic fragrances.

Minimalist:

Making your own detergent can also contribute to a minimalist lifestyle, reducing the need for multiple cleaning products. A basic homemade detergent can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks beyond just laundry.

Effectiveness:

With the right recipe, homemade laundry detergents can be just as effective as commercial ones. They can effectively clean clothes and remove stains if formulated correctly.

Educational:

The process of making your own detergent can also be a fun and educational DIY project. It can help you learn more about the ingredients and their cleaning properties, and also give a sense of accomplishment.

Despite these benefits, it’s important to note that homemade laundry detergents might not always have the same cleaning power as the commercially formulated ones, especially for tougher stains or certain types of fabrics. Testing and tweaking your recipe might be necessary to find the perfect balance for your laundry needs.

As a budget-conscious mom, you’re always on the lookout for ways to protect your family’s health and save money.

When it comes to laundry detergents, some common ingredients can be harmful, so it’s important to know what to avoid.

Here are a few harmful laundry detergent ingredients you might want to steer clear of, and why they might concern you:

Phosphates: These chemicals help detergents clean better in hard water, but they can harm aquatic life when they end up in waterways, causing algae blooms that damage ecosystems. Choosing phosphate-free detergents helps protect our environment and keep our water clean for future generations.

Surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These help your laundry soap foam up, but they can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. For our little ones with sensitive skin, detergents without these can be a gentler choice.

Fragrances: While they make our laundry smell nice, synthetic fragrances can trigger allergies and are often linked to other health issues. They can contain phthalates, which are especially concerning as they can affect hormonal balance and reproductive health.

Optical Brighteners: These make clothes look whiter and brighter, but they stick to fabric and might cause skin irritation. Plus, they’re not biodegradable, lingering in the environment and affecting aquatic life.

Bleach (Chlorine Bleach): It’s great for making whites whiter, but it can be very harsh, potentially causing skin and respiratory issues. It’s also not great for our environment when it finds its way into our water systems.

1,4-Dioxane: This is a contaminant found in some detergents. It’s a likely carcinogen and isn’t something I want anywhere near my family’s clothing.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): These are known to disrupt the hormone system and are bad for aquatic wildlife too. They mimic estrogen and can cause issues in animals and potentially in humans too.

By choosing detergents labeled as “free-from” these harmful ingredients and opting for natural or plant-based alternatives, you can make a healthier choice for your family without breaking the bank. Many eco-friendly brands offer affordable products that are just as effective and often better for both your family’s health and the environment.