I have been making my laundry powder for years. It’s really one of those little changes in life borne from curiosity and necessity , yet then really spiralled into passion. Making your own laundry powder is just not about the cleanliness of your clothes; it is an adventure bringing a whole series of totally unforeseen joys and benefits.
Not only does it show kindness to the planet, making your own laundry powder means saying goodbye to over-packaged plastic and harsh chemicals leaching into our watercourses. It is a sustainable way, step by step, or rather, load by load.
Another huge pro is that it is very cheap. Trust me, using a few simple ingredients will make you save quite a big sum in a long term. But it’s not about spending less; it’s about investing differently. You go for ingredients that will be kinder to your clothes and skin. This is the exact reason I wanted to make my own laundry powder as store bought brands greatly effect my skin. And the fragrance was too overpowering for me.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to give homemade laundry powder a shot, let my years of happy laundering be all the inspiration that finally gets you to try something new. More than just detergent, it’s a small act of self-care, sustainability, and smart living.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Homemade laundry powders can be significantly cheaper than commercial brands. The ingredients required are often sold in bulk and can be used to make multiple batches, lowering the cost per load.
2. Environmentally Friendly
DIY laundry powders typically use natural, biodegradable ingredients, which are less harmful to waterways and aquatic life compared to the chemicals found in some commercial detergents. Additionally, by making your own, you reduce the use of plastic packaging.
3. Customization
When you make your own laundry powder, you have control over the ingredients. This allows you to avoid allergens, chemicals, or fragrances that may cause sensitivity or allergic reactions. You can also adjust the formula based on your cleaning needs or water hardness.
4. Reduced Chemical Exposure
Commercial laundry detergents can contain a range of chemicals like surfactants, fragrances, and brighteners that may not be ideal for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin or health concerns related to chemical exposure. Homemade powders often use simpler, more natural ingredients.
5. Minimalist Living and Self-Sufficiency
Making your own laundry powder can be a step towards a more minimalist and self-sufficient lifestyle, reducing dependency on store-bought products and embracing a more hands-on approach to household tasks.
6. No Synthetic Fragrances or Dyes
Many commercial laundry detergents contain synthetic fragrances and dyes that can irritate skin or cause allergies. With homemade powders, you can choose to leave them unscented or use natural essential oils for a light, natural fragrance.
7. Less Waste
By making laundry powder in bulk and storing it in reusable containers, you can significantly reduce the amount of packaging waste compared to purchasing many smaller, individually packaged commercial products.
8. Personal Satisfaction
There’s a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction that comes from making your own household products. It can be rewarding to know you’re creating something useful and effective with your own hands.
While there are many benefits, it’s also important to consider the effectiveness of homemade laundry powders compared to commercial options, especially for tough stains or specific laundry needs. It might be helpful to experiment with small batches to find the recipe that works best for you.
1. Basic Homemade Laundry Powder
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1 cup borax (sodium borate)
- 1 bar of unscented soap (e.g., castile soap or velvet soap grated)
Instructions:
- Grate the bar of soap finely using a cheese grater or food processor.
- In a large bowl, mix the grated soap with the washing soda and borax until well combined.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, adjusting based on load size and soil level.
2. Lemon Fresh Laundry Powder
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 1 cup borax
- 1/2 cup coarse salt
- 10-15 drops lemon essential oil (for fragrance)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, borax, and coarse salt.
- Add the lemon essential oil drops and mix thoroughly to distribute the oil evenly.
- Store the powder in an airtight container to maintain the scent.
- Use 2 tablespoons per laundry load, adjusting as needed.