I have been making my own laundry detergent for years now. When I first started I was skeptical because just like you I grew up on store bought laundry detergent and I assumed that was the only effective way to get my clothes clean. There is always reteric out there that gives you the impression that anything homemade isnt going to actually work and this is by design….But heres the thing – people long before us had methods of washing and cleaning that were just as effective, if not MORE so and they didnt have to buy it at the store in a wasteful plastic jug with harmful chemicals and fragrances. They used very common materials most of us have on hand. Now im not advocating that we all toss out our washers and dryers and go back to the old old ways because I love my washing machine. But there is a way to wash your clothes that involves only a few very simple ingridients that I promise will save you money.

Potentially harmful chemicals in your store-bought detergent

The following is not an exhaustive list but it will give you an idea of the potentially harmful chemicals thzt are in your store bought detergent. Please by all means, do your own research and understand what you are consuming. It takes work to be a concious consumer but is worth it in the long run! With this recipe you know EXACTLY what is in your detergent and what is being soaked into the clothes that you are wearing all day long.

Fragrances – Due to a legal loophole manufacturers do not have to disclose the actual ingredients in their frangrances. Many fragrances are not only to blame for allergic reactions but are also KNOWN carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. However, years and years of indoctrination leads us to think that its not clean unless it stinks to high heaven of frangrance.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate/ Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLS/ SLES) – Sulfates can worsen things like eczema and contributes to waterway polution and the harming of aquatic life.

Phthalates – This can mimic our natural hormones and are known endocrine disruptors.

Chlorine Bleach – Not only a very harsh substance and potential irritantant but also a major contributor to waterway polution.

Dioxane (1,4 Dioxane/ Diethylene Dioxide/ Diethylene Ether/ Dioxan) – This sneaky industrial chemical is present in many laundry detergents and is often not listed on the ingredient lists because it is a byproduct of certain chemical combinations. 1-4 Dioxane is a known carcinogen.

Cost break down

• 1 box of Washing soda – $5.38. ~7 Cups = $.76 per cup ( you can make this even cheaper if you make your own washing soda, see HERE)
• 1 box of Borax – $5.47. ~ 8 Cups. = $.68 per cup
• 1 gallon Castille soap – $33.95 – 16 Cups. = $2.12 per cup

Total cost for 1 gallon is $3.56.

How to make this detergent

Ingredients

This simple and easy recipe makes 1 gallon. I will 4x this recipe and store in a 5 gal bucket.

• 1 Cup of Borax
• 1 Cup of Washing Soda
• 1 Cup of liquid Castille Soap
• 15 Cups of Water
• 50 drops of Essential oil *optional*

Step-by-step Instructions

For One Gallon

• Step 1: Boil 5 cups of water: In a large pot or dutch oven bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling turn off the heat.
• Step 2: Add the borax, washing soda, and castille soap to the water and stir to dissolve.
• Step 3: Add remaining 10 cups of water and let cool for 10 minutes.
• Step 4: Pour your detergent into a 1 gallon sized jar or other container. Here you can add your essential oils.

For a quad recipe in a 5 Gallon Bucket

• Step 1: Heat 20 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, turn off the heat.
• Step 2: Add the 4 cups of Borax, 4 cups of washing soda, and 4 cups of castille soap to a 5 gallon bucket. Pour the boiling water over and stir very well. If there are clumps I like to use an immersion blender to get it really emulsified.
• Step 3: Add remaining 40 cups of water and stir. Let sit overnight to gel and then pour into smaller container.

Use 1/4 cup of this detergent per load for top loading washers. For HE washers use 2 tablespoons

How to use this detergent

• For HE washers: Use 2 Tablespoons per load
• For top load washers: Use 1/4 cup per load
• For extra odor fighting power: Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar per load
• For tough stains: Pretreat the stain with this detergent by adding a drop directly to the stain and scrubbing prior to washing

FAQs

Is this safe for all washers including HE washers? Yes, this detergent is low sudsing and is safe for HE washers.

Can I just use baking soda instead of washing soda? No. Washing soda is more basic and is stronger that baking soda which gives you the cleaning and stain fight power you want in a landry detergent. See how to make your own below.

What if my detergent doesnt gel? If it doesnt gel thats okay. It will still work just fine. If your environment being cooler or warmer can make a difference in the final consistency. You can use Sals Suds or reduce the water for a more gelled consistency.

What if I have an exceptionally stinky item? I have kids in sports and understand just how stinky those clothes can get! For even more odor fighting power I will sometimes add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the load and that seems to do the trick!

How to make your own washing soda

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
• Add a few cups of regular baking soda to a cookie sheet. You want a relatively thin and even layer without clumps, about 1/2 inch deep.
• Bake in the over for 1 hr, stirring once at the 30 min mark.
• The texture will change only slightly. It will be less silky and will look more grainy.
• Store in an air-tight container.

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