If you have made the switch from commercial skincare to organic oil based then laundry day often brings a mixed bag of emotions. While the thought of clean, fresh clothes is appealing, dealing with tough oil and sweat stains can be a real headache. Your current laundry detergent may seem like it's not cutting through the grease anymore and your clothes might still feel dingy after being washed. It's common to want to go back to the commercial laundry detergents, but even though they promise miraculous results, they often come packed with chemicals that can be harmful to your clothes, hormones, and environment. Thankfully, there's a natural and effective solution: making your own DIY laundry detergent using simple ingredients like Castile soap, washing soda, Borax, and vinegar. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of creating your very own powerhouse laundry detergent that will help you bid adieu to those pesky stains while maintaining a green and clean lifestyle.
The Power of Castile Soap
Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap that has been used for centuries due to its gentle yet effective cleansing properties. Derived from olive oil, it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. To harness the cleaning power of Castile soap, you'll need:
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap (unscented to avoid any potential allergens)
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (for fragrance, if desired)
Mix the liquid Castile soap with your chosen essential oil in a container. This blend will serve as the foundation of your DIY laundry detergent, providing gentle yet thorough cleaning without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial detergents. If you would like already pre-made castile soap with a natural scent, this is our go to.
Washing Soda and Its Magical Alkalinity
Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a key player in removing stubborn oil and sweat stains. It acts as a natural water softener and raises the pH level of your laundry water, making it easier for the detergent to break down stains. To prepare the washing soda component:
- 1 cup of washing soda
Washing soda can be easily found in most grocery stores or online. It's an essential ingredient for enhancing the cleaning power of your DIY detergent.
Borax: The Stain-Fighting Booster
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a natural mineral compound that enhances the stain-fighting capabilities of your DIY laundry detergent. It helps to break down and dissolve oils, grease, and proteins in stains, making them easier to lift from fabric fibers. To include Borax in your detergent mix:
- 1 cup of Borax
Similar to washing soda, Borax can be purchased from various retailers or online platforms.
Vinegar: The Natural Fabric Softener and Deodorizer
While vinegar might seem like an unusual addition to a laundry detergent, it's an effective natural fabric softener and deodorizer. It helps to remove soap residues, leaving your clothes feeling soft and fresh, and it can also counteract any unwanted odors. For the vinegar component:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
Remember that vinegar should not be mixed directly with Castile soap as it can neutralize the soap's cleaning power. Instead, it will be added during the rinse cycle.
Creating Your DIY Laundry Detergent
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to put them together and create your DIY laundry detergent. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the washing soda and Borax. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the powders.
Step 2: Gradually add the liquid Castile soap to the dry mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined. You'll notice the mixture becoming slightly thicker.
Step 3: Transfer your newly created detergent to an airtight container. It's best to use a container with a lid that seals tightly to prevent moisture from getting in.
How to Use Your DIY Laundry Detergent
Using your homemade detergent is as easy as using store-bought options. Here's how to incorporate it into your laundry routine:
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For regular loads: Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of your DIY detergent directly to the washing machine drum before loading your clothes.
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For heavily soiled loads: You can increase the amount of detergent slightly, but be cautious not to overdo it as this concentrated formula is quite effective.
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For top-loading machines: Add a splash of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser during the rinse cycle. This will help soften your clothes and eliminate any soap residue.
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For front-loading machines: Dilute the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and add it to the fabric softener dispenser during the rinse cycle.
By creating your own DIY laundry detergent using Castile soap, washing soda, Borax, and vinegar, you're not only taking a significant step towards removing oil and sweat stains effectively but also adopting a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious approach to cleaning your clothes. This natural alternative not only cleans your clothes but also leaves them smelling fresh and feeling soft. As you embrace this DIY approach to laundry, you'll likely find satisfaction in knowing that you're minimizing your impact on the environment while still achieving sparkling clean results. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and say hello to a more sustainable and stain-free laundry routine!