This DIY guide shows you how to make natural and non-toxic laundry detergent. It’s ideal for creating a safer, toxin-free home.Protect your family from harmful chemicals in clothing and bedding.
If you could make just one simple change at home,consider your laundry detergent. That’s the advice from allison evans, co-founder of Branch Basics, a popular non-toxic, plant-based cleaning brand we admire at SKL. I wholeheartedly agree with her!
We wash more than just clothes. We also wash our sheets, pillowcases, towels, baby blankets, and crib sheets. this means you’re constantly in contact with items treated with laundry detergent. From the clothes you wear to the sheets you sleep on, your skin is always exposed.
It’s alarming how many common laundry detergents include harmful chemicals. These can range from cancer-causing ethoxylated substances to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.Many also contain synthetic fragrances loaded with phthalates, which disrupt hormones.
Therefore, you’re exposed to harmful chemicals. This happens when they touch your skin, you breathe near your pillowcase, or shower using your washcloth. Discovering the possible risks of standard laundry detergents convinced me to switch immediately.
Many excellent non-toxic laundry detergents exist. However, I prefer making my own DIY natural laundry detergent. This gives me total control over every ingredient used to wash my family’s clothes. I never have to worry about ingredient safety.
the greatest benefit? It’s quicker to whip up a batch than a trip to the store for more detergent. You likely have most ingredients already! Anything missing is easily sourced from Amazon or your local health food shop.
I’m excited to reveal three simple DIY recipes for non-toxic laundry detergent! We’ll explore why choosing non-toxic options matters. We’ll also showcase the amazing cleaning abilities of these natural components. Plus, I’ll give you tips to personalize your detergent for your family. Let’s get started and create a cleaner, more eco-friendly home, one laundry load at a time.
Why I Love Making My Own Laundry Detergent
A Healthier Choice
Crafting your own laundry detergent at home lets you avoid harmful toxins. You’ll never have to worry about skin irritation from your clothes again.
Switching to homemade laundry detergent brought immediate relief to my skin. Eczema flare-ups decreased, and itchy bumps became less frequent. My husband also experienced improved breathing at night, leading to better sleep.
Saving Money
Laundry detergent companies ofen use harmful chemicals to mass-produce detergent cheaply.
The upfront cost of natural laundry detergent ingredients can appear expensive. This is especially true when choosing premium, organic options for your DIY recipes.
Over time,creating your own laundry soap can save you money compared to repeatedly purchasing store-bought detergents.
Moreover, lessening your dependence on store-bought items aids in lowering the environmental burden from plastic packaging and transport pollution.
Customization
I also adore crafting my own laundry detergent because it allows for complete customization. I can tailor it to my specific needs. Plus, I have full knowledge of every single ingredient used.
I formulate several laundry detergents tailored to specific cleaning requirements. For heavily soiled items like towels and sheets, I create a liquid detergent using soap nuts.
I create a simple,natural laundry powder using washing soda and borax for common tasks like cleaning clothes and dish towels.
Artificial scents bother me a lot.That’s why I enjoy making custom fragrances with essential oils. Lavender and eucalyptus are my go-to choices!
It’s also deeply satisfying to be independent. I love knowing I’m making my own eco-friendly laundry soap and cutting down on plastic pollution.
3 Simple DIY Natural Laundry Detergent Recipes
A Rapid Note About Safety
Before you try these DIY recipes, remember these important safety tips.
This straightforward powder detergent offers a convenient, low-sudsing option. It’s ideal for easy storage and portability.
Ingredients
Instructions
To Use
Tips and Variations
Soap nuts, sometimes called soap berries, offer a green and sustainable option to standard detergents. This simple liquid soap recipe is quick to prepare, taking under half an hour.
Ingredients:
Instructions
To Use
tips and Variations
This all-purpose cleaner blends castile soap’s strong cleaning action with baking soda and salt for added softness.
Ingredients
Instructions
To Use
Tips and Variations
Tips & Tricks For Using Your DIY Natural laundry Detergent
Common Challenges
Insufficient Cleaning power
Stain Removal Challenges
My Quick List Of Must-have Natural Laundry Ingredients:
1. Epsom Salt
Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral. It softens water effectively, avoiding the harsh chemicals in typical fabric softeners.Using it can minimize synthetic additives that may cause skin irritation.
It softens fabrics and boosts cleaning by stopping mineral deposits. Plus, it neutralizes unpleasant smells in your laundry.
Cost
get 5 lbs for just $30.99!
Key Highlights
Experience the purity of our medium-grain Epsom salts. They are 100% pure and entirely fragrance-free.
Location & shipping
Find it on Amazon in the USA.
2. Sea Salt
Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener
Sea salt offers a milder alternative to harsh chemical fabric softeners and stain removers. These products frequently enough include artificial fragrances and preservatives.
Salt enhances color vibrancy and gently scrubs to help eliminate stains. It also softens fabrics by counteracting the effects of hard water.
cost
Get 2 lbs for just $9.99!
Key Highlights
Made with pure, authentic salt. Its large crystals dissolve slowly,aiding in viscosity control. This product is also gluten-free.
Location & Shipping
Find it on Amazon in the USA.
3. Vinegar
Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener
White vinegar offers a secure and natural substitute for store-bought fabric softeners. These commercial products frequently include artificial scents and harsh chemicals.
This product softens fabrics, minimizes static, and neutralizes smells in the rinse cycle. Enjoy fresher, cleaner laundry!
Cost
Get 32 fl oz for just $13.99.
Key Highlights
this distilled white vinegar is designed for cleaning purposes. It features a 6% acidity level and contains no artificial fragrances, colors, or extra ingredients.
Location & Shipping
find it now on Amazon USA!
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
A natural way to whiten teeth and remove stains.
Hydrogen peroxide offers a safer bleaching alternative to chlorine bleach, as it’s non-toxic. Unlike chlorine bleach, it doesn’t release risky fumes or degrade fabrics with prolonged use.
It’s a natural whitener and disinfectant. It powerfully removes stubborn stains and brightens white fabrics.It does this without the dangers of harsh chemicals.
Cost
Get 1 gallon for just $24.95.
Key highlights
Made with food-grade ingredients. Contains no stabilizers or additives. Features an extra-strength, 4x concentrated formula.
Location & Shipping
Find it now on Amazon USA!
5. oxygen Whitener
A natural way to whiten teeth and remove stains.
An effective,natural oxygen whitener is an excellent, sustainable choice for your DIY laundry detergent.
This product powerfully eliminates stubborn stains and enhances white fabrics without causing harm.
Crafted with plant-derived components, this formula is kinder to your garments and the planet.
This product isn’t just for laundry; it’s a multi-purpose cleaner. Use it on surfaces throughout your home, such as showers and tile grout.
Cost
Get 40 oz. for just $14.99!
Key Highlights
Made with plant-derived cleaning agents. Scented with 100% natural essential oils. Free of chlorine.
Location & Shipping
Find it on Amazon in the USA.
6. Borax
A natural way to whiten teeth and remove stains.
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral. It’s composed of boron, sodium, oxygen, and water. It provides a milder cleaning option compared to the strong chemicals in many store-bought detergents.
This product softens water,boosts cleaning power,and gently bleaches. It effectively removes stains, brightens fabrics, and neutralizes unpleasant smells.
Borax also aids in minimizing residue accumulation within washing machines.
Cost
Get 1.5 lbs for just $14.99.
Key Highlights
This product is 100% borax, unscented and free of any fragrances or additives.
Location & Shipping
Find it now on Amazon USA!
7.washing soda
A natural way to whiten teeth and remove stains.
Buy authentic, natural ingredients now!
Washing soda, also known as soda ash, is a more potent and effective alternative to baking soda.
This laundry additive boosts cleaning power, eliminating dirt, grease, and unpleasant smells from your garments.
It also softens hard water.This boosts your detergent’s cleaning power. Plus, it stops mineral deposits from forming in your washing machine.
Cost
Get 2 lbs for just $12.49!
Key Highlights
Gentle on skin: hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Unscented and additive-free for pure comfort.
Location & Shipping
Find it now on Amazon USA!
8. Baking Soda
A natural way to whiten teeth and remove stains.
Buy authentic, natural components now!
in laundry detergents, baking soda works as a gentle scrubbing agent. It aids in stain and odor removal.
It can also make fabrics softer, whites brighter, and eliminate bad odors.
Cost
Get 2 lbs. for just $11.99!
Key Highlights
Pure sodium bicarbonate. Unscented and additive-free.
Location & Shipping
Find it now on Amazon USA!
9. Castile soap (Bar)
Naturally Derived Surfactant
Castile soap bars are crafted using only pure plant-based oils. They contain no artificial chemicals or harsh ingredients.
Bar soap often has fewer preservatives than liquid soaps. This is ideal if you want to reduce chemical additives in your homemade laundry detergent.
Castile soap bars, when grated and used in DIY laundry detergent, provide a natural and powerful cleaning action for your clothes.
Boost its cleaning ability by mixing it with washing soda or baking soda. It effectively works best in hot or warm water.
Cost
Get two 5 oz. bars for just $9.99!
Key Highlights
Certified organic by the USDA. Free from chelating agents, dyes, whiteners, and artificial fragrances.
location & Shipping
Find it now on Amazon USA!
10. Castile Soap (Liquid)
Naturally Derived surfactant
Looking for a convenient laundry solution? Liquid castile soap offers a natural, ready-to-use alternative for your washing machine.
This product readily dissolves in water. This makes it ideal for cold water cycles. It’s also perfect for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines that need detergents with minimal suds.
It’s also a great stain pre-treatment. Applying it directly helps it soak into fabrics and fight stains effectively.
Cost
Get 32 oz. for just $28.88!
Key Highlights
Crafted with over 70% certified organic and fair trade components. Features plant-derived ingredients. Free from synthetic preservatives, thickeners, and foaming agents.
Location & Shipping
Find it on Amazon in the USA.
11. Soap Nuts
Naturally Derived Surfactant
Soap nuts, also known as soap berries, are derived from the dried fruit shells of the Sapindus tree. These shells contain saponin, a natural and potent cleaning agent ideal for washing clothes.
Soap nuts create minimal suds, ensuring they are safe for HE washers and kind to your clothes.
These options are environmentally conscious, naturally decompose, and offer excellent reusability.
Cost
Get 1 lb. for just $21.99.
Key Highlights
Completely natural and compostable. Wild-harvested and handpicked in the Himalayas.
Location & Shipping
find it now on Amazon USA!
12. essential Oils
Authentic Scent
Essential oils provide a safer, non-toxic option compared to artificial scents. Furthermore, certain oils possess antimicrobial benefits.
These fragrances break down naturally and are frequently obtained from sustainable sources.This reduces their environmental footprint compared to synthetic, petroleum-based alternatives.
Moreover,essential oils offer delightful and personalized fragrances,free from unpleasant chemical smells.
Cost
Get 2 fl oz for just $30.88.
Key Highlights
Our essential oils are USDA-certified organic and therapeutic grade. They contain no additives and are GC/MS tested for guaranteed purity.
Location & Shipping
Find it now on Amazon USA!
How To Maximize the Cleaning Power of Your DIY Detergent
Don’t Overload Your Machine
Don’t overload your washing machine! it can result in poorly cleaned clothes and damage to the appliance. Always check the manufacturer’s load capacity guidelines. This ensures your clothes have enough room to move and get properly cleaned.
Use The Right Amount of Detergent
Using the correct amount of homemade detergent is crucial. Adjust the quantity based on your washing machine type and the size of your laundry load.
Aim for these guidelines: fill the drum 1/3 for small loads, 1/2 for medium loads, and 3/4 for large loads. Overdoing detergent can cause unwanted residue.
HE Washer Compatibility
For HE washers, homemade detergent must be low-sudsing. It should also be filler-free and made with safe components.
Excessive suds can harm HE washers. Fillers might also block the machine’s internal parts.
Use simple ingredients such as washing soda, baking soda, salt, and liquid castile soap. Limit borax, as too much can lead to residue buildup.
Choose The Right Cycle
Wash delicate materials on the gentle cycle. Use cold water for lightly soiled items.For heavily soiled items, warm water is recommended.
For lightly soiled everyday clothes, use the normal cycle with cold water. Heavily soiled items benefit from the heavy-duty cycle and warm water.
Maintain your white clothes’ brilliance by washing them apart from other colors. Use the heavy-duty cycle and hot water for optimal results.
What’s wrong with commercial laundry detergents?
Manufacturers Aren’t Required to Disclose Their Ingredients
In the U.S., it’s alarming that major laundry detergent manufacturers are not legally obligated to list all ingredients.
Navigating the regulations for laundry detergents is challenging due to a complicated mix of rules and exemptions.
Adding to the problem,many companies take advantage of the “fragrance loophole.” This loophole lets them conceal dangerous chemicals, such as phthalates, using the general label “fragrance.”
Ethoxylated Ingredients: Enemy #1
Ethoxylated compounds are a major concern among ingredients often present in laundry detergents.
Producers favor ethoxylated ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate and alcohol ethoxylates. They are cost-effective to produce and act as potent solvents. These solvents efficiently dissolve dirt and grease.
Ethoxylated compounds offer excellent cleaning, but pose meaningful health risks.The ethoxylation process uses ethylene oxide, a substance recognized as a carcinogen.
besides employing a known cancer-causing substance to produce these components, the ethoxylation method generates a hazardous byproduct: 1,4-dioxane. This compound is also classified as a likely human carcinogen. It’s associated with significant health concerns, such as liver damage and breathing difficulties.
This hidden contamination is a major worry. it’s often unlisted on product labels, making it hard for consumers to steer clear.
Scary Long-Term Health Consequences…
Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Laundry Detergents
Carcinogens and Endocrine disruptors
Endocrine Disruptors & Irritants
Is DIY laundry detergent effective?
DIY laundry detergent can work well. however, its effectiveness depends on a few things:
Can I use DIY detergent on delicate fabrics?
DIY detergent is usable on delicate fabrics, but proceed carefully.
Many homemade detergent recipes are mild. Though, always check the ingredients and fabric care labels. Some components, such as borax and washing soda, might damage delicate materials.
What should I do if my clothes smell musty after using DIY detergent?
Does your laundry smell stale after using homemade detergent? Here are some solutions:
This has been your guide on how to make DIY natural & non-toxic laundry detergent at home.
In today’s world, we’re surrounded by potentially harmful chemicals. Taking charge of your laundry is a simple, enjoyable step towards a healthier, more eco-friendly home.
Switching to homemade, natural laundry detergent eliminates concerns about harsh chemicals found in store-bought brands. Enjoy softer clothes, save money, and breathe easier with this simple DIY solution!
