Say goodbye to store-bought detergents and hello to a simple, effective, and eco-friendly homemade alternative. With just a few ingredients, you can create your own liquid laundry soap that’s gentle on your clothes, wallet, and the planet.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of natural soap (such as Castile or unscented soap)
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1/2 cup borax (optional, for extra cleaning power)
- 10-12 cups of water
- Essential oils (optional, for fragrance—lavender or lemon work well)
Instructions:
- Grate the Soap:
- Use a grater to finely shred the bar of soap. This helps it dissolve more easily.
- Melt the Soap:
- In a large pot, heat 4 cups of water on medium heat.
- Add the grated soap and stir continuously until completely dissolved.
- Mix in Washing Soda and Borax:
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the washing soda and borax.
- Stir well until both powders dissolve fully.
- Combine with More Water:
- In a large container (like a bucket), pour the soap mixture and add 6-8 cups of hot water. Stir to combine.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional):
- For a fresh scent, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil and mix well.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the mixture to cool completely. It may thicken slightly as it sits.
- Transfer the liquid soap into bottles or a container with a lid for easy storage.
How to Use:
- Use 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size of the load and soil level.
- Shake the container before each use to ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Soap?
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces plastic waste and avoids harsh chemicals found in commercial detergents.
- Cost-Effective: A batch costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives.
- Customizable: You control the ingredients, ensuring a safe and effective product for your family.
Enjoy clean, fresh clothes and the satisfaction of crafting your own eco-friendly laundry solution!