Making your own natural washing detergent can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to commercial detergents that often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Here is a simple recipe for a natural washing detergent:
Ingredients:
1 cup of washing soda (sodium carbonate) – a cleaning agent that helps remove stains and dirt.
1 cup of borax – another cleaning agent and natural deodorizer.
1 bar of natural soap (e.g., castile soap, Dr. Bronner’s soap) – for its cleansing properties.
Optional: Essential oils for fragrance (e.g., lavender, lemon, tea tree) – choose oils with antibacterial properties for added cleaning benefits.
Instructions:
Grate the soap Use a cheese grater or food processor to grate the bar of soap into fine pieces. This will help it dissolve easily in the washing machine.
Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. If you want to add a pleasant fragrance to your detergent, you can mix in a few drops of essential oils at this stage.
Store
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or a jar with a lid. Make sure to label it appropriately for future use.
Usage
Use approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade natural detergent for each load of laundry. You can add it directly to the washing machine drum before adding your clothes. For heavily soiled or large loads, you may use a bit more.
Note
While this natural detergent is generally safe for most types of washing machines, it is always a good idea to check your machine’s manual for specific detergent recommendations.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you may want to test the detergent on a small patch of skin or use gloves while handling it.
As with any homemade product, there is no preservative to prevent bacterial growth over time, so try to use it within a reasonable period.
This DIY natural washing detergent should effectively clean your clothes while being gentle on the environment. Remember to store it safely and out of reach of children and pets.