Homemade Laundry Detergent

Nothing is as satisfying as pulling out fresh laundry from the dryer, feeling the warm fabric against your skin, and inhaling deeply as it tickles your nose with its fresh aroma. So wonderful! The delightful scent of clean linens and clothing fills the air. Each piece you unfold brings a sense of accomplishment and comfort, making it hard to resist wrapping yourself in those fluffy towels or slipping into that freshly washed shirt. The ritual of laundry transforms into a joyful moment, one that highlights the little pleasures in everyday life. Even if laundry is a dreaded chore for you, you can’t deny that the fresh scent is pleasing.

Unfortunately, so many of our store-bought laundry detergents are riddled with chemicals, and some of those chemicals even come with cancer warnings! Just what you want more than anything in the world—breathing in cancer-causing chemicals! Even better, let’s infuse those delightful concoctions into your clothing, so they can lounge on your skin all day, giving you a lovely chemical hug! Isn’t that the best? WRONG!

Years ago, I began creating my own laundry detergent, with simple ingredients that are not harmful to my body and won’t give my children cancer. This journey into homemade cleaning products was inspired by my desire to foster a healthier environment for my family, avoiding the toxic chemicals found in many commercial brands. I meticulously researched various natural components, discovering that substances like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils not only effectively clean clothes but also leave them with a fresh scent. I take pride in knowing that each batch I make is safe for my children to be around, reducing their exposure to harsh chemicals while also being more environmentally friendly. The process has become a fulfilling practice for me, allowing me to combine creativity with practicality, and has encouraged others in my community to consider making their own household essentials.

What I Use

I use washing soda (Sodium carbonate), Borax (sodium borate), and a bar of laundry soap.

Laundry bar soaps are solid cleaners used for pre-treating stains or hand-washing delicate items.​

Some types of laundry bars are:

​Fels-Naptha: A heavy-duty bar best known for removing oily or greasy stains and treating poison ivy oils.​

Zote: A large, pink or white bar popular for hand-washing and delicate fabrics; it often contains citronella oil.​

Castile Soap (like Dr. Bronner’s): A plant-based, biodegradable option made primarily from olive oil, safe for sensitive skin.​

Marseille Soap: A traditional French soap made from vegetable oils, prized for being natural and chemical-free.

This recipe can be adjusted to your personal liking and washing machine. I also often add a few drops of essential oils (usually orange 🍊) if I want things to smell especially fresh. And if I need a softener, I add some vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Because of this change, we no longer have allergy skin reactions to our laundry. I have extremely sensitive skin, and now I can enjoy fresh-smelling laundry that doesn’t turn me or my family into walking scratch-and-sniff stickers! Who knew laundry day could be so irritation-free?

How to make your own homemade laundry detergent

Here are some links to my favorite detergent making ingredients and tools.

KELEBS Laundry bar https://amzn.to/4qKWtpf

Borax https://amzn.to/3Lyi19t

Washing Soda https://amzn.to/4prMrYX

Grater https://amzn.to/4joFwyc