If you are new to DIY, you might think that it is time consuming, expensive and engaging, or that something may go wrong. Furthermore you may wonder why you should even bother with it, when you can simply go and buy it from the nearest store.

There is a certain beauty in creating your own homemade cleaning products. Not only that you will stop worrying about the undisclosed ingredients, but you will be able to create a fully customized detergent that will fit your needs.


Still not convinced? Check out these quick and easy recipes.

The basic of most home-made detergents is very simple. You can, though, make your top notch cleaners as sophisticated as you like.  The combination of fragrances and ingredients depends solely on your taste and imagination.  Generally, you will need washing soda, natural soap, essential oils and borax. The latter is a subject to a certain dispute among the green enthusiasts. Borax is not exactly toxin-free, but it is pretty low in the toxicity scale. Depending on your preferences, you can make liquid or powder detergent.

Powder Laundry Detergent Recipe #1

Combine 2 parts washing soda and borax, then add one part citric acid and the same amount of coarse salt. If you want to give some scent to your detergent, include 20 to 30 drops of essential oils.  For extra boost, pour a little bit of vinegar into the wash (not into the detergent!) The ingredient will not only make your home-made cleaning product stronger, but will offset the effect of hard water on your clothes.

Because of the high pH, the fabrics lose their softness. Vinegar will prohibit that from happening.

Powder Laundry Detergent Recipe #2

The second recipe consists of 1 bar of grated castile soap, 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of borax and 20 drops of lemon essential oils. You can prepare the cleaning detergent by using a hand grater or you can put it in the food processor.  Then all you need is to mix it with the rest of the ingredients. It’s recommendable to keep it in an air-tight glass jar. 1 -2 tablespoons per load should do the trick!

Liquid Laundry Detergent

For the liquid detergent you will need exactly the same products, used in recipe #2. Get a gallon bucket and fill it with warm water.  Dissolve the grated soap in 2 quarts of heated water. Then pour the hot soapy mixture in the gallon and stir. Add the washing soda and the borax. When it cools down, pour the liquid in gallon jars or bottles.  You will need ½ to 1 cup per load.

A little hint:  If you can’t find washing soda, you can make it yourself. Put some baking soda in the pan and pop it in the oven. Leave for 10 minutes. Voila! You have a washing soda.

Homemade laundry detergents are a great way to save money and keep your family and home environment toxic – free.