Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Low Tox & Thrive!
Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to eliminate unwanted chemicals from your home. Many commercial laundry detergents contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals like sulfates and phosphates, which can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even harm indoor air quality.
By making a DIY chemical-free detergent, you can choose natural, gentle ingredients that effectively clean clothes without exposing your family to potential toxins. Plus, this easy-to-make detergent is often more budget-friendly and eco-conscious, making it a win for both your health and your wallet.
In this guide, we’ll cover a straightforward DIY recipe for a chemical-free laundry detergent and a few tips on how to customize it to suit your needs.
Why switch to chemical-free laundry detergent?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates many common laundry ingredients as potentially toxic, highlighting their links to allergies, hormone disruption, and other health issues. Switching to a chemical-free detergent made with natural ingredients can help reduce these risks, especially for babies, children, and anyone with sensitive skin or allergies.
Chemical-free laundry detergents offer benefits such as:
- Avoiding harmful residues: Some commercial detergents leave residues that can cause skin irritation. A DIY recipe minimizes unnecessary ingredients, leaving only gentle, skin-friendly compounds on your clothes.
- Improved air quality: Making your own laundry detergent helps avoid the release of synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can lower indoor air quality, reducing toxins in your home.
- Environmentally friendly: DIY laundry detergents can cut down on plastic waste and reduce the number of synthetic chemicals entering water systems.
- Cost savings: DIY detergents can be far more economical than their store-bought counterparts, allowing you to save on each load.
- Customization: Tailor the detergent to your needs by choosing the essential oils and adjusting the strength of the cleaning power.
DIY recipe for chemical-free laundry detergent
This simple DIY laundry detergent uses just a few basic ingredients that are safe, natural, and effective at cleaning clothes. The recipe is low in allergens, gentle on skin, and free from harsh additives commonly found in commercial detergents.
Ingredients and why they work
- 1 cup of washing soda: A natural, powerful cleaner that helps soften water, allowing soap to work more effectively at removing stains and dirt.
- 1 cup of baking soda: Known for its deodorizing properties, baking soda helps neutralize odors and soften fabrics.
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap (unscented or naturally scented): Made from natural oils, castile soap provides gentle cleaning power without the sulfates and synthetic chemicals found in many detergents.
- Optional: 10–15 drops of essential oil: Safely adds scent and additional antimicrobial properties. More on essential oils below.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the washing soda and baking soda.
- Slowly pour in the Castile soap while stirring to ensure even distribution. The mixture may foam a bit as you combine, which is normal.
- If you’d like a naturally scented detergent, add 10–15 drops of essential oil. Lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil are popular options for their fresh, clean scents and natural antibacterial properties.
- Mix everything thoroughly to create a uniform powder-like consistency.
- Transfer the detergent to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.
How to use your DIY laundry detergent
- For regular loads, use 2–3 tablespoons of the detergent directly in the drum or detergent compartment.
- For larger or heavily soiled loads, you can add an extra tablespoon if needed.
This DIY detergent works well with both top-loading and front-loading washing machines, as it’s low-sudsing and safe for high-efficiency (HE) machines.
Essential oil options for laundry detergent
While essential oils aren’t necessary, they can elevate your laundry experience with naturally derived fragrances and additional benefits. Here are a few options:
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent, lavender also has antibacterial properties, making it a great option for laundry.
- Lemon: This bright, uplifting oil is often used to boost cleaning power, as it’s naturally antibacterial and can help keep whites brighter.
- Tea tree: With strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is excellent for dealing with odors and is a good option for gym clothes or towels.
- Peppermint: This refreshing scent is known for its energizing properties and can help eliminate strong odors from clothes.
Tips for best results with DIY laundry detergent
- Avoid overloading the washer: Giving clothes room to move around ensures they get thoroughly cleaned.
- Don’t skip regular maintenance: Run a washing machine cleaning cycle monthly to prevent buildup, especially if you use DIY detergents.
- Use warm water for heavily soiled clothes: Warmer water can boost cleaning effectiveness for tough stains, especially when combined with a natural detergent.
- Pre-treat stains if necessary: For tough stains, you can use a small amount of undiluted castile soap as a pre-treatment. Rub it in, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual. (You can find more DIY options for removing stains in our low tox laundry room post.)
Cleaner clothes in more ways than one
Switching to a DIY, chemical-free laundry detergent is a simple, effective way to reduce toxins in your home and embrace a healthier, low tox lifestyle. By using natural, gentle ingredients, you can clean your clothes without compromising on safety, scent, or effectiveness.
