Homemade laundry detergent is effective, economical, and environmentally friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1 cup borax (sodium borate)
- 1 bar of soap (Find recipes for my homemade soaps HERE)
- Optional: Essential oils for fragrance (such as lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil)
Equipment:
- Grater or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight container for storage
- Measuring cups
Instructions:
1. Grate the Soap: Use a grater or food processor to finely grate the bar of soap. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will dissolve in water.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Add Essential Oils (Optional): If you want to add fragrance, add about 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the oil evenly.
4. Store the Detergent: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. A glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid works well.
5. Use the Detergent: For a standard load of laundry, use 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade detergent. For larger or heavily soiled loads, you can use up to 1/4 cup.
6. Optional: Use with Fabric Softener: If desired, you can add a fabric softener during the rinse cycle or use dryer balls to help soften your clothes.
Tips:
- Test First: Before using the detergent on delicate fabrics, do a patch test to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
- Storage: Keep the detergent in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
- High-Efficiency Washers: This recipe works well in both standard and high-efficiency (HE) washers. Just be cautious with the amount used in HE machines, as they require less detergent.
Washing soda and baking soda are not the same, although they are related. While both are effective in cleaning, they serve different purposes and should not be used interchangeably in recipes or cleaning tasks. For laundry detergent, washing soda is the preferred choice. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)
- Chemical Formula: Na₂CO₃
- Uses: Washing soda is a powerful alkaline cleaner often used in laundry detergents, cleaning products, and for various household cleaning purposes. It helps to soften water, making soaps and detergents more effective.
- Properties: It is more alkaline than baking soda and can be abrasive, which makes it effective for tough stains and greasy residues.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- Chemical Formula: NaHCO₃
- Uses: Baking soda is commonly used in baking as a leavening agent, but it also has cleaning and deodorizing properties. It’s gentle enough to be used for everyday cleaning tasks, including deodorizing carpets and freshening the refrigerator.
- Properties: Baking soda is less alkaline than washing soda and has a milder, more neutral pH, making it suitable for a wide range of household uses.
Aprile's Kitchen 