If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the laundry detergent you use. You might have a preferred brand or scent, but for the most part, laundry detergent is just something that gets the job done.
However, there are actually quite a few benefits to making your own laundry detergent, especially if you have young children with sensitive skin in the house.
If you’re looking for a more natural and earth-friendly laundry detergent, why not try making your own? It’s easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to save some money while helping out the environment.
In this blog post, I’ll share a DIY natural laundry detergent recipe and explore some of the benefits of making your own laundry detergent and how it can save you money in the long run.
DIY Natural Laundry Detergent
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade laundry detergent that you can make with ingredients that you probably already have around the house.
DIY Natural Laundry Detergent Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate is popularly called baking soda.)
- 1 cup washing soda (Sodium carbonate is often referred to as soda ash or washing soda.)
- 1 cup castile soap
- 10 drops of your favorite essential oils
To purchase those simple ingredients, just click on them. They link to the products on Amazon.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Laundry Detergent
1. It’s cheaper than store-bought detergent.
If you’re on a tight budget, homemade laundry detergent can be a great way to save money. A typical recipe for homemade laundry detergent calls for only a few ingredients that can be sourced relatively cheaply. Even if you need to buy some of the ingredients specifically for this purpose, you’ll still come out ahead financially compared to buying store-bought detergent.
2. It’s better for sensitive skin.
If you or your children have sensitive skin, store-bought laundry detergents can sometimes be too harsh. Making your own laundry detergent gives you more control over the ingredients that are used, which means you can tailor it to be more gentle on sensitive skin. This is especially important if you have young children who are prone to skin irritations, like my boys who have struggled with eczema for years.
3. It’s more environmentally friendly.
Many store-bought laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals that can end up in our waterways and harm wildlife. When you make your own laundry detergent, you can choose eco-friendly ingredients that are less likely to harm the environment. This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to protect our planet.
Yes, this also includes septic systems. Conventional laundry detergents can contain chemicals that can eat away at the natural bacteria found in a septic tank, which will cause backups and other issues if not taken care of properly. Detergents can include chemicals like phosphates or bleach which will build up and cause problems in the septic tank.
Making your own laundry detergent might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite easy and it comes with several benefits. Not only is it cheaper than store-bought detergent, but it’s also better for sensitive skin and more environmentally friendly.
The Best Natural Laundry Detergent to Buy
Don’t want to make laundry detergent at home and want to stay away from traditional detergents? No problem. I’ve got you, and your tough stains, covered with three different detergent brands strong on cleaning power.
With so many natural detergent options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That’s why I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best natural laundry detergents money can buy.
Ecos Laundry Detergent
Ecos is a plant-based laundry detergent that’s free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and optical brighteners. It’s also hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin. Ecos comes in both liquid and powder form and can be used in all types of washing machines, including high-efficiency (HE) models.
Click here to buy a pack of two on Amazon.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation is another great option for families looking for a natural laundry detergent. Like Ecos, Seventh Generation is also plant-based and free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and Optical brighteners. It’s available in both liquid and powder form and can be used in any kind of washing machine.
Click here to buy one bottle on Amazon.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer’s is another excellent choice for families searching for a natural laundry detergent. All of Mrs. Meyers’s products are made with naturally derived ingredients and are never tested on animals. The laundry detergent is available in both liquid and powder form and can be used in all types of washing machines with hot water, warm water, and cold water.
It’s also available in a variety of scents, including lavender, lemon verbena, geranium, basil, and more!
Click here to buy one bottle on Amazon.
When it comes to doing your laundry, you want to use a detergent that’s both effective and safe for your family. With so many natural options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best laundry detergents with natural ingredients money can buy… and that you can make.
Whether you’re looking for a liquid or powder detergent, we’ve got you covered with our top three picks: Ecos Laundry Detergent, Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent.
Finally, for showcasing your detergent in your laundry room, consider putting things like your liquid detergent, dryer sheets, detergent pods, wool dryer balls, and fabric softener in nice containers like this.
So what are you using? Do you prefer plant-based ingredients or traditional ingredients with artificial fragrances? Find me on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay and let me know what you whipped up for the washer – a DIY laundry detergent for your loads of laundry or something you picked up at the local grocery store.
Also, if you use any other natural products to avoid harsh chemicals in your home to clean, please let me know what they are so I can add them to this blog post. I love to know the best products and trade secrets of my readers, so don’t be shy about the creative ways you keep toxic chemicals out of your house.
Speaking of natural products, click here to learn how to keep mosquitoes away by using plants.
For the best biodegradable and compostable trash bags, click here.