Home-Made Laundry Detergent

As we strive to live a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, every little action counts. One of the simplest and most impactful steps we can take is to make our own laundry detergent. Many commercial detergents contain harsh chemicals that can not only irritate our children's sensitive skin, but also have a negative impact on the environment. Today, we'll show you how to make your own DIY laundry detergent, using natural, eco-friendly ingredients, that's safe for both your loved ones and the planet.

Why Choose a DIY Detergent?

Homemade laundry detergents have many benefits. First, you know exactly what’s in them. No hidden ingredients, no toxins or irritants. Second, they’re much cheaper than commercial detergents. And finally, you reduce your use of plastic since you can reuse the same container every time you make a new mix. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients for a DIY Laundry Detergent

• 250 grams of Marseille soap (natural and without artificial fragrances)
• 240 grams of baking soda
• 120 grams of washing soda (sodium carbonate, not to be confused with bicarbonate)
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance; we suggest tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus for their antibacterial properties)
• Waterenough to obtain the desired consistency.

Instructions for Making Detergent

1. Grate the bar of Marseille soap using a kitchen grater.
2. Bring about 1 quart of water to the boil in a large saucepan.
3. Add the grated soap to the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
4. Add the baking soda and washing soda, stirring constantly until all the ingredients are well combined.
5. If you like, add drops of essential oil for fragrance.
6. Let the mixture cool and transfer it to a reusable glass or plastic container. Store in a cool, dry place.

Tips for Using Detergent in the Washing Machine

The DIY detergent you made is also perfect for machine washing! Here are some tips to get the best results:

• Dosage: Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup (about 60-120 ml) of the DIY liquid detergent for a normal load. For larger or heavily soiled loads, you can increase the amount to 3/4 cup.
• Hard Water: If the water in your area is particularly hard, add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly to the washer drum to improve cleaning and soften the water.
• Rinse Cycle: Make sure your washing machine does a good rinse cycle to completely remove the detergent from the fabrics, especially if you use pure Marseille soap.
• Add Citric Acid as a Fabric Softener: Make a citric acid solution (1 tablespoon of citric acid dissolved in 1 quart of water) and add 1/4 cup (about 60 ml) to the rinse cycle to soften clothes and remove any soap residue.
• Storage and Shaking: Before each use, shake your detergent well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed, especially if it has been sitting for a while.

Conclusion

Making your own laundry detergent is easy, cheap and most importantly eco-friendly. It reduces your environmental impact, protecting our oceans and skin from the damage of harsh chemicals. Try this recipe and make a difference with greener and safer laundry for the whole family!