Ensure your laundry comes out great by using your own, DIY powdered detergent
Is it possible to get clean, fresh laundry without spending a fortune? Almost certainly, and the answer is to make a washing detergent at home yourself! And, as this is a customizable option, you can add your favorite scents. Further, this DIY detergent is cheap and eco-friendly since it requires few ingredients, works well and, by making it at home, you won't generate any polluting packaging either.
In a few steps, you can have a detergent tailored to your needs and we'll show you how to do this below!
What you need to make your own DIY washing detergent
The ingredients needed to prepare your own supply of DIY laundry detergent are as follows:
- 250 grams of washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 300 grams of borax
- 1 bar of Marseille or Castile soap (about 150 grams of soap)
- 250 grams of baking soda
What about fragrance? Here, you have two options: 1) you can add essential oils that you like, but be aware that sometimes this makes hard lumps; 2) you can use already-scented soap bars. Always choose soaps that are made with all-natural ingredients and without any chemical additives.
What utensils will you need? Equip yourself with the following:
- A grater to reduce the soap bars into flakes. Alternatively, a cutting board and knife to cut the soap into pieces which can then be further reduced in a blender;
- A container with a lid (this could be a bowl with its lid, or a jar with an airtight seal); but you can also use a ziplock bag;
- A container for the prepared detergent: a glass jar or plastic container with their lids will suffice for this;
- A strainer/sieve and a spoon to remove any lumps (if using essential oils).
How to make laundry detergent powder
The process is really simple:
- Chop up the soap bars. As described above, you can reduce the soap bars to flakes by using the grater, or with a knife and blender. Fresh soap is never too hard, but be careful when doing this. The finer the flakes, the better the soap will be distributed in the wash;
- Pour the soap flakes into a container where you'll do your mixing (be it a jar, a bowl or a ziplock bag);
- Add the other powders;
- If you use essential oils, pour them into the mixture now;
- Close the container (or seal the bag) and shake vigorously to mix all the ingredients thoroughly;
- If you used oils, you may want to look for lumps with the help of a strainer/sieve: if you find any, break them up with a spoon;
- Transfer the mixture to your detergent storage jar.
Your DIY detergent should be stored away from heat sources and in a cool, dry and dark place (such as the pantry) and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Use small amounts for each laundry load: about two tablespoons for each wash cycle should suffice.
