In today's world, where every product seems to come with a long list of unpronounceable ingredients, many moms are seeking simpler, more natural solutions for their household needs. One area that's seen a significant shift is laundry care, with a growing number of parents turning to homemade options. This homemade laundry powder without borax has quickly become a favorite among moms who are looking for effective, eco-friendly, and gentle alternatives to commercial detergents.
So, what’s all the rave about? This homemade laundry powder is not only easy to make but also incredibly effective at keeping clothes clean and fresh. Free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, it offers peace of mind for families with sensitive skin or allergies. Plus, it’s an environmentally conscious choice that reduces plastic waste and reliance on chemical-laden products. In this post, we'll dive into why this simple, natural detergent is winning the hearts of moms everywhere and how you can make it yourself.
Why Choose Borax-Free and Soap-Free Laundry Powder?
Making the switch to a borax-free and soap-free laundry powder is a wonderful choice for those who prioritize avoiding toxic chemicals, gentleness, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in their household cleaning products. This section delves into the numerous benefits of using this type of laundry powder, supported by both research and personal experience.
Gentle on Skin
Natural laundry detergent is an excellent option for families with sensitive skin or allergies. Traditional detergents often contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation. By using natural ingredients like baking soda and Epsom salt, you ensure that your laundry is free from irritants.
- Reduced Irritation: Natural ingredients are less likely to cause skin reactions.
- Family-Friendly: Safe for all ages, from babies to adults with sensitive skin.
Eco-Friendly Option
Choosing a laundry powder without borax or soap is not only good for your family but also for the environment. Commercial detergents often contain phosphates and other chemicals that can harm aquatic ecosystems when they enter the water supply.
- Biodegradable Ingredients: Ingredients like baking soda and washing soda break down naturally.
- Reduced Chemical Load: Fewer harmful substances are released into the environment.
Cost-Effective
Homemade laundry powder is a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought detergents. The ingredients are inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk, leading to significant savings over time.
- Inexpensive Ingredients: Basic components like baking soda and salt are cheap and readily available.
- Long-Lasting Supply: A small amount of homemade powder goes a long way, making it cost-effective.
Personal Experience
In my own journey towards a more self-sufficient lifestyle, I have found that a homemade laundry detergent recipe works just as effectively as commercial brands, without the added chemicals. My family has enjoyed fewer skin irritations, and I feel good knowing we are making environmentally conscious choices.
- Effectiveness: Cleans clothes well, even without soap or borax.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing exactly what ingredients are used provides reassurance.
Choosing a borax-free and soap-free laundry powder offers multiple benefits, including being gentle on skin, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. My personal experience using this homemade detergent has been positive, reaffirming its practicality and effectiveness. Next, we’ll explore the essential ingredients you’ll need to create your own borax-free and soap-free laundry powder.
Essential Ingredients for Borax-Free and Soap-Free Laundry Powder
Creating your own borax-free and soap-free laundry powder is simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in ensuring your laundry is clean, fresh, and soft. Here’s a detailed look at the essential ingredients you’ll need:
It's important to note the difference between homemade laundry soap and laundry detergent. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different cleaning agents with distinct properties and compositions. Understanding this difference can help you make informed choices about what you use to clean your clothes and why a borax-free, soap-free homemade laundry powder can be beneficial.
Laundry soap is made from natural fats and oils combined with an alkali, such as lye. This chemical reaction, known as saponification, produces soap molecules that are effective at emulsifying fats and oils, making them easier to wash away with water. Soaps are biodegradable and generally made from renewable resources, making them an eco-friendly choice. However, soaps can react with minerals in hard water, forming soap scum, which can leave residues on fabrics and washing machines.
Laundry detergents, on the other hand, are synthetic cleaners made from a variety of chemical compounds. These include surfactants, which lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to more effectively penetrate fabrics and remove dirt and oils. Detergents are formulated to work well in both hard and soft water and often contain additional ingredients like enzymes, optical brighteners, and fragrances to enhance their cleaning power. While detergents are highly effective cleaners, they can contain harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin and contribute to environmental pollution.
By making your own borax-free, soap-free laundry powder, you're essentially creating a detergent that uses natural, non-soap ingredients to clean your clothes. This homemade option avoids the pitfalls of traditional soaps in hard water areas and eliminates the potentially harmful chemicals found in commercial detergents. As a result, you get a gentle, effective, and environmentally friendly cleaning product that's safe for your family and the planet.
Washing Soda
Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a powerful cleaner and stain remover. It helps to break down grime, making it easier for water to lift away dirt from your clothes. Additionally, washing soda softens hard water, allowing the detergent to work more effectively.
In my experience, washing soda significantly improves the cleanliness of my laundry, especially when dealing with tough stains or hard water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralizes odors, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean. It provides a mild abrasion that aids in removing dirt without damaging fabrics. Baking soda has been a staple in my homemade cleaning products for years. Its ability to eliminate odors is unmatched, and it leaves clothes feeling soft and fresh.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, helps to soften fabrics naturally, reducing the need for commercial fabric softeners. Its mineral composition enhances the cleaning power of the laundry powder. Adding Epsom salt to my laundry powder has made a noticeable difference in the softness of our clothes and linens. For extra fabric softening goodness, you can also consider adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. White vinegar helps to soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and remove detergent residues, leaving your clothes feeling fresh and clean.
Salt
Regular salt, such as kosher or sea salt, acts as a natural abrasive that aids in the removal of stains and dirt. It enhances the overall cleaning power of the laundry powder by helping to lift and break down stains. A small amount of salt goes a long way in boosting the cleaning efficiency of the laundry powder, particularly for stubborn stains.
Essential Oils (Optional)
Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus add a pleasant scent to your laundry. Many essential oils have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, contributing to the overall hygiene of your laundry. I love customizing my laundry powder with different essential oils. Lavender and tea tree are my go-to choices for their calming scent and antibacterial properties.
These simple, natural ingredients combine to create an effective and gentle laundry powder that is free from harsh chemicals. Using these ingredients, you can make a detergent that is not only safe for your family and the environment but also highly effective at keeping your laundry clean and fresh. Next, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your own borax-free and soap-free laundry powder.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Laundry Powder
Making your own borax-free and soap-free laundry powder is a straightforward process that requires minimal time and effort. By following these simple steps, you can create a natural, effective laundry detergent that will leave your clothes clean and fresh. Unlike some homemade laundry soap recipes that can cause soap residue and build-up on laundry, this method avoids such issues and does not require special equipment. Here’s how to do it:
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools on hand:
- Ingredients: Washing soda, baking soda, Epsom salt, salt, and essential oils (optional).
- Tools: Large mixing bowl, food processor, airtight storage container, and measuring cups.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- Measure the Ingredients:
- Measure out the washing soda, baking soda, Epsom salt, and salt according to the quantities listed in the printable recipe.
- Mix Thoroughly in a Food Processor:
- Add the measured ingredients to the food processor. Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely ground and well combined.
Using a food processor ensures that all components are evenly distributed, maximizing the cleaning power of the laundry powder. In my experience, this method produces a fine, well-mixed powder that works effectively with each load of laundry.
Add Essential Oils (Optional)
- Choose Your Oils:
- If you’d like to add a pleasant scent to your laundry powder, choose your favorite essential oils. Popular choices include lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or a blend.
- Add and Mix:
- Add 10-20 drops of essential oils to the dry mixture in the food processor. Pulse a few more times to ensure the oils are evenly distributed throughout the powder.
Adding essential oils not only imparts a lovely fragrance to your laundry but also adds natural antibacterial properties. I particularly enjoy the calming scent of lavender combined with the freshness of tea tree oil.
Store Properly
- Transfer to Container:
- Once the ingredients are well-mixed, transfer the laundry powder to an airtight storage container. This helps to keep the powder dry and prevents clumping.
- Label the Container:
- Label the container with the contents and the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of when you made the batch and ensure you use it while it’s fresh.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the effectiveness of your homemade laundry powder. I use a mason jar or a repurposed plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to keep my laundry powder fresh for months.
Using Your Homemade Laundry Powder
- For HE Machines:
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of your own homemade laundry detergent per load. Add the powder directly to the drum before adding clothes.
- For Top-Loaders:
- Use ¼ to ⅓ cup of your own homemade laundry detergent per load. Add the powder directly to the drum before adding clothes.
- For Heavily Soiled Loads:
- Consider using slightly more powder or pre-treating stains before washing.
In my experience, this homemade laundry powder works exceptionally well, even without the use of borax or soap. It cleans clothes effectively and leaves them smelling fresh.
Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax
Save money and protect your family with this easy-to-make homemade laundry detergent without borax.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c Baking Soda
- 1 ½ c Washing Soda
- ½ c Epsom Salt
- 2 tablespoon Salt
- Essential Oils
Instructions
- To make the detergent, you’ll need to combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. This will ensure that the ingredients are mixed evenly and thoroughly.
- Once everything is combined, you can add your choice of essential oils to give your detergent a pleasant scent. I recommend using lavender or lemon for a light, refreshing smell.
- Next, you’ll need to store your detergent in an airtight container. Mason jars work great for this!
- To use, add 2-3 tablespoons of the detergent to your washing machine per load. Adjust according to water type and soil level.
Notes
This recipe is based upon use in my balanced water. If you have soft water, you may actually need more Epsom salt. If you have hard water, you may need less.
Remember, this recipe won't create suds, so don't use that as a basis for whether the Epsom salt is making your water too hard. Determine how you will adjust the recipe based upon if the clothes look and smell clean after a wash cycle.
If you find that your laundry is still not as clean as you would like, try adding 1 cup of white vinegar directly to the wash cycle. This will help to dissolve any mineral deposits from hard water and give your detergent a boost of cleaning power.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Residue or Clumping:
- If you notice any residue or clumping on your clothes, it might be due to the ingredients in your homemade laundry soap. Try dissolving the powder in warm water before adding it to the washing machine to reduce clumping.
- Stubborn Stains:
- For particularly stubborn stains, consider pre-treating the area with a bit of baking soda paste (baking soda and water) before washing.
By following these steps, you’ll create a natural, effective laundry detergent that is gentle on your family’s skin and kind to the environment. This homemade laundry powder not only performs well but also offers peace of mind, knowing exactly what ingredients are used in your laundry routine. Next, let’s discuss the benefits of making your own laundry powder and how it compares to commercial detergents.
Benefits of Making Your Own Laundry Powder
Making your own laundry powder is a rewarding endeavor that brings numerous advantages for both your family and the environment. However, it's important to avoid using bar soap in homemade detergents due to potential buildup on clothes and the presence of hazardous or toxic ingredients typically found in bar soaps. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:
Customization
One of the greatest benefits of making your own laundry powder is the ability to customize the ingredients to suit your family’s needs and preferences.
- Personalized Scents: You can choose your favorite essential oils to add a pleasant fragrance to your laundry. Whether you prefer the calming scent of lavender, the refreshing aroma of lemon, or the invigorating essence of eucalyptus, the choice is yours.
- Tailored Ingredients: If anyone in your household has allergies or sensitivities, you can adjust the recipe to avoid certain ingredients and ensure it’s gentle on their skin.
Knowledge and Control
When you make your own laundry powder, you have complete control over what goes into it. This transparency offers several key benefits:
- Avoid Unwanted Chemicals: Commercial detergents often contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. By making your own, you can eliminate these unwanted substances and opt for natural, eco-friendly ingredients.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing exactly what ingredients are in your laundry powder provides reassurance that you’re making a healthy choice for your family.
In my journey towards a more self-sufficient lifestyle, I’ve found that having control over the ingredients in my laundry detergent brings a significant sense of satisfaction and security.
Environmental Benefits
Homemade laundry powder is not only beneficial for your family but also for the planet. By choosing natural ingredients, you reduce your environmental impact in several ways:
- Biodegradable Ingredients: Ingredients like washing soda and baking soda break down naturally, minimizing their environmental footprint.
- Reduced Plastic Waste: Making your own detergent means you can reuse containers, significantly cutting down on the plastic waste associated with commercial laundry detergents.
By reducing reliance on commercial products, my family has contributed to a smaller carbon footprint, embracing a more sustainable way of living.
Cost-Effective
Creating your own laundry powder is a budget-friendly alternative to buying commercial detergents. The ingredients are inexpensive and can be bought in bulk, which leads to significant savings over time.
- Lower Costs: Basic components like baking soda and salt are cheap and readily available.
- Long-Lasting Supply: A small amount of homemade powder goes a long way, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
I’ve found that making my own laundry detergent has helped to stretch our household budget further, allowing us to allocate resources to other essential needs.
Effectiveness
Despite being free from harsh chemicals, homemade laundry powder is highly effective at cleaning clothes. The combination of natural ingredients works well to lift stains, neutralize odors, and leave fabrics soft and fresh.
- Stain Removal: Washing soda and baking soda are powerful cleaners that can handle everyday stains.
- Odor Neutralization: Baking soda is especially effective at eliminating odors, ensuring your laundry comes out smelling fresh.
In my experience, this homemade detergent cleans clothes just as effectively as any commercial brand, without the unnecessary additives.
Satisfaction and Empowerment
There is a profound sense of satisfaction and empowerment that comes from creating something useful and beneficial for your home. Making your own laundry powder is a small but significant step towards self-sufficiency and a more intentional lifestyle.
- Creative Fulfillment: Engaging in DIY projects like this can be creatively fulfilling and a great way to involve the whole family.
- Homesteading Skills: Developing skills in making household products contributes to a greater sense of independence and resourcefulness.
Knowing that I can provide my family with safe, effective laundry detergent made with my own hands is incredibly rewarding and aligns with my values of self-sufficiency and sustainability.
By making your own laundry powder, you reap these numerous benefits while fostering a nurturing and eco-friendly home environment. Next, let’s address some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your homemade detergent.
Frequently Asked Questions
When making the switch to homemade laundry powder, you might have some questions about its use and effectiveness. Here are answers to some common inquiries to help you feel confident and informed about using your homemade detergent.
Is Borax Harmful?
Concerns: Borax can cause skin irritation and other health issues if not handled properly. It’s also harmful if ingested and can be an irritant to the eyes and respiratory system.
Alternatives: By opting for borax-free laundry powder, you avoid these potential risks while still achieving effective cleaning results with safer ingredients like baking soda and washing soda.
Making the choice to go borax-free ensures a gentler, more family-friendly detergent.
Can This Detergent Be Used in HE Machines?
Low-Sudsing Formula: Since the powder is low-sudsing, it’s ideal for HE machines that use less water and rely on detergent efficiency.
Usage Amount: Use 2-3 tablespoons of the powder per load. Add it directly to the drum of the machine before adding clothes for optimal distribution.
My personal experience with using this detergent in an HE machine has been positive, as it cleans effectively without leaving residue or causing issues.
How Does This Compare to Store-Bought Detergents?
Natural Ingredients: Unlike many store-bought detergents that contain synthetic chemicals and fragrances, homemade laundry powder uses natural, gentle ingredients.
Cost-Effective: Making your own detergent can be more economical over time, saving you money while reducing waste.
Customization: You can tailor the scent and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences and needs.
In my own use, I’ve found that this homemade detergent cleans just as well as commercial brands, with the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in it.
How Long Does Homemade Laundry Powder Last?
Keep it Dry: Store the powder in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping and preserve its effectiveness.
Label and Date: Always label the container with the contents and the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness.
From my experience, making a large batch and storing it correctly ensures that I have an effective detergent on hand for months.
Is This Detergent Effective on Heavily Soiled Clothes?
Pre-Treat Stains: For tough stains, pre-treat the area with a baking soda paste (mix baking soda with a small amount of water) before washing.
Use More Powder: For particularly dirty loads, consider using slightly more detergent or running a second rinse cycle.
Despite being free of soap and borax, I’ve found this detergent to perform well, even on my family’s dirtiest clothes.
What If I Notice Residue on My Clothes?
Dissolve in Water: Try dissolving the powder in warm water before adding it to the washing machine. This can help prevent residue from forming on clothes.
Adjust Amount: Make sure you’re using the correct amount of detergent. Using too much can sometimes lead to residue.
Based on my experience, these simple adjustments can help ensure that your laundry comes out clean and residue-free.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize My Detergent?
Essential Oils: Add your favorite essential oils for fragrance and additional antibacterial properties.
Oxygen Bleach: For an extra boost of cleaning power, especially for whites, you can add a small amount of oxygen bleach to the mix.
I enjoy experimenting with different essential oil combinations to create a laundry detergent that smells wonderful and works effectively.
By addressing these common questions, I hope to provide you with the confidence and knowledge to make and use your own borax-free, soap-free laundry powder effectively. Next, let’s delve into the final thoughts and summary of the benefits of embracing homemade laundry detergent.
Final Thoughts
Making your own borax-free, soap-free laundry powder is a simple and rewarding step towards a more sustainable and family-friendly home. This natural alternative to commercial detergents is gentle on the skin, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. By using basic ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, Epsom salt, and essential oils, you can create a powerful cleaning solution that ensures your laundry is fresh and clean without the need for harsh chemicals.
Embracing homemade laundry powder not only gives you control over the ingredients but also brings a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency. Knowing that you are providing a safe, effective, and eco-conscious cleaning option for your family adds to the overall satisfaction. As you integrate this natural detergent into your routine, you'll likely find that it meets your cleaning needs while supporting a healthier home environment. Feel free to experiment with different essential oils and ingredient adjustments to tailor the recipe perfectly to your preferences. Enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener approach to laundry care!
do you have to use a food processor for this?
Hi Viola. You need to use food processor to blend all the ingredients until they're combined.
I made this recipe, but it caked and became hard. I like the way it cleans, but this caking is making it difficult to use. Any suggestions?
How are you storing your detergent? It will absorb moisture from the air, so it needs to be stored in an airtight container. It also helps to use it up within a few weeks of making it.
Hi! I'm looking forward to finally start making my own laundry detergent and I'm really curious to know where you got your information that epsom salt is a surfactant. I can't seem to find this information anywhere. Thanks!
First, let me apologize for taking so long to apply. I wanted to make sure I researched and got you accurate information. The website I originally got that information from is no longer a working site, and I couldn't find the information about it breaking the surface tension of water anywhere else either. I'm going to update this post to remove that information.
What I was surprised to find is that Magnesium Sulfate is actually a common ingredient in commercial detergents (learn something new everyday). I've seen the reasons why ranging from it increasing the viscosity of water (increased friction) to it improving the effectiveness of other ingredients.
Here are some of the more interesting links I came across:
http://www.gileschemical.com/docs/MGSO4TYP.pdf
http://www.kali-gmbh.com/uken/industrial_products/news/news-20110823-mgso4-washing-powder.html
https://www.lenntech.com/periodic/water/magnesium/magnesium-and-water.htm
WOW! lovely like this post. What a great review. it’s really amazing.
Hi I’ve a just gotten all the ingredients in the list but am wondering if this detergent formula is good with indoor drying ? As I’m afraid if the cloths would turn musty.
It shouldn't smell musty as long as there is good air circulation. I also use white vinegar in my rinse cycle, which can help with smells.
Ok. May I know how much vinegar to use & is white distilled vinegar ok?
Yes, white distilled is perfect. I use 1/2 cup.
Hi! I've been using your recipe for a couple years now! Recently some of my darks have been coming out with white stains....there were a couple of times I got over excited and used 3 table spoons...don't know if this was the reason? Any advice appreciated!
It sounds like salt build up. Try putting fewer clothes in each load (only fill washer about 3/4 full). You could also give the clothes an additional rinse when this happens. It may just be that the powder is getting trapped on the clothes and they either aren't being agitated enough or the water isn't getting in there to rinse the powder away. Having fewer clothes in the washer will allow them to move more freely so they can rinse clean.
Thank you so much!
You're welcome. 🙂
Great informative article! One of the most important things about clothing is knowing what its made of and how different methods of cleaning and detergents or other cleaning agents will affect the clothing. Athletic clothing is often a combination of materials, so its best to check the label.
When in doubt, seek help from a cleaning professional!
I had no idea making your own laundry detergent was so easy! Great DIY! Thank you!
It is really easy. And works great! Thanks for stopping by. ?
wow, these are so impressive. i wanna say that, really amazing.
Carry on…………..
Do you know if I could use this to wash my Norwex cloths with? I don't have access to a washing powder without fillers and or the Norwex washing powder.
I honestly don't know. I've never used Norwex cloths, so I'm not familiar with their requirements. I'm sorry.
Hello,
I have been using homemade laundry soap for a while (works fine) and wanted to cut down on ingredients to help save on some more money.
The 2 Tbsp of salt (under epsom salt listed), is this kosher salt? table salt? sea salt?
Thanks in advance!
I use kosher salt, but it can be table salt or sea salt. I've used all three depending on what I have on hand, and they've worked well for me.
HI there!
Thank you so incredibly much for this laundry soap! I am going to try it today on regular clothes, and if all goes well, I'll start prepping my cloth diapers with it (baby girl is due in six weeks!). I was wondering, though, if you could give me more details about your water. If you know the specific ph level and hardness that would be so helpful! Then I could adjust the Epsom salt accordingly. Our water is very neutral, with an average ph of 7.2, though the hardness is about 7 grains per gallon/121 mg per liter, which makes it moderately hard. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the neutral ph assists in making that hardness less of an issue, right? Thanks for any clarity you can provide on the issue! And again, thanks for the recipe!
I'll be honest, it's been 9 years since our water has been tested. I'm not sure if we've ever checked the pH. It's considered "balanced" so doesn't need a softener. I thought most water tends to be neutral anyway, so I'm not sure how it would effect hardness. Do you use a water softener? Have you noticed mineral deposits in your showers or sinks? Do you know which mineral your water has too much of? That will all help determine how much (if any) magnesium you should add to the wash.
Hello, I have bad well water. I want to try your recipe here soon! I was just wondering if I should use more or less salt? You said ppl with hard water may need less, and ppl with soft water may need more? A little confused on that. We have a softener, so does that mean my water is now soft?
Keep in mind that epsom salt is not the same as regular salt. 😉 Epsom salt is magnesium, which some wells may already have too much of, making them hard. If you are on a softener, all of the minerals have probably been striped out of your water. Soap needs some mineral to cling to so it will rinse clean. Ever fell like you can never quite rinse clean in the shower? Try the recipe as is, see how it works for you, then go from there.
Does it matter what kind of salt you use? I know in one of your comments you said you use sea salt. We use sea salt for eating, but for cleaning purposes I'd prefer regular salt since it's cheaper. And for that matter, I have a box of coarse kosher salt I bought for another DIY fail, so I could use that in this. I'd appreciate your input.
It doesn't really matter. I haven't tried table salt, but I don't think the iodine would make a difference. I've actually been using kosher salt and it's no different.
Thanks for your first response. I have another question. I've been using this almost daily for a couple weeks now. In general I'm pleased with it, but I'm having issues with odors/smells. "Normal" clothes are fine, but workout clothes still have a lingering stench. I sometimes had this problem with my liquid homemade detergent I used for years but I had finally gotten that under control but then felt the need to switch to something Borax free. So here I am again. Also, I notice that some shirts still smell like my son's cologne. Any suggestions? FYI, I've already upped it to 2 Tbs. per load.
There are a few different things you can try. First, you can add white vinegar to your rinse cycle and give your smelly clothes an extra rinse (after the vinegar rinse). Most of the time, that will do the trick. If you're still noticing a smell, you can pre-soak the laundry in your washer with a cup of white vinegar. Let it soak for at least an hour, then run the wash cycle with detergent as usual. I've had to do this with cloth diapers and towels on occasion. Usually they were left wet for too long and the bacteria built up in the fabric. It should at least work for the workout clothes. Let me know if it helps with your son's clothes. I haven't dealt with that as much, so I'll be curious to know how it works out. If the vinegar doesn't work on the cologne, you may want to try a pre-soak with baking soda.
Ok, thanks. I do occasionally due the vinegar rinse and so far haven't notice much difference. A lot of the workout clothes don't get put in the dryer but hung up to dry, and so what normally happens is when partway through the drying time I start noticing the smell I spray them with vinegar which tends to take care of it... until the next time they get washed. One of the many frustrations with a front loader is that you can't do any kind of pre-soaking. A couple times I soaked clothes in my kitchen sink and then transferred them over. I will keep finagling with this and let you know if I come upon any surefire methods. The culprits almost always are the Under Armour type clothing - those slick sports clothes. So I've determined it must be some sort of flaw with that fabric. Which stinks (literally) because that's what my son loves.
Bummer on not being able to pre-soak in the machine. Yeah, I would try the sink or bathtub. I like the Under Armour clothes too, but I don't workout as often as I should. :-/
I'm a little surprised that people have come to believe that borax can cause skin irritation. I just finished a 20 minute soak in a tub filled with hot water, 3 cups of epsom salts and 3 cups of borax. I've been doing that for years.
I even put a pinch of borax in the water I use to make oatmeal every morning.
I guess people really have taken to heart all the false warnings about borax being toxic. The reality is that Borax is half as toxic as sodium chloride (table salt). People need to read up on this, the reason Borax has been falsely labeled as "toxic" is to discourage people from using it as a cure for arthritis and other ailments, not because there is any actual science backing up those warnings.
I actually do know people who have had sensitivity to borax. Any use of borax causes them severe irritation. Please understand that just because you can use it without irritation doesn't mean that everyone can.
I actually use borax quite a bit around my home. I have some other laundry detergent recipes that use it, but I can't use it for my cloth diapers because it can damage the waterproof fabric, so I usually end up using this recipe for all of my laundry. I do use it in my carpet to treat for fleas and around my home to get rid of ants. I actually didn't know about it's use for arthritis. Thanks for the tip!
That's great for me!! Thanks!
Glad I could help. 🙂
Can I use this for my cloth diapers? I saw your cloth diaper recipe but I don't like borax 🙁
Yes, I've actually been using this one for my cloth diapers instead of the cloth diaper detergent. I think it works better.
Hi Bonnie,
Love this recipe and have been using it for a few months. I have a few questions and am hoping you can give me some tips.
I've noticed that some of the towels and clothes that sit for a few weeks start to have a mild smell. Not a completely bad smell, but a bit musty.
I use the recipe as described with EO, I use vinegar and a few drops of EO for the final rinse. The clothes smell really fresh after they come in off the line (but not like the EO...), and are fine for a week or so. Any thoughts on what could be causing this? Also how can I get the EO smell to stay after the clothes dry. Even w 5 drops I'm losing that wonderful smell.
Thanks again - look forward to more natural home recipes!!
I haven't had an issue with a musty smell, so I'm not sure. Make sure you aren't over-stuffing your washer so they can wash and rinse properly. When I line dry, I throw laundry in the dryer for 10-20 minutes after I take them off of the line to soften them up. I've found the best way to keep the EO smell is to add a few drops of EO to my wool dryer balls. I usually don't get very much residual smell after my wash cycle. The EOs in the detergent are mostly for their anti-bacterial properties. Hope that helps.
I have been using your laundry detergent for two years now. It works fantastic.. I have a HE machine and have not had any problems. The days of store bought detergent are long over. I won't use anything else. It gets my clothes very clean and it is so inexpensive to make. Thank you.
That's awesome to hear! I'm so glad you enjoy it. 🙂
Tryring to understand this whole natural borax issue and was wondering if by adding borax to your recipe, would it just be plain overkill - should I leave out the soap and incl the borax?
1 bar of soap
1c washing soda
1c borax
1/2 c baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 c epsom salt
1/4 c salt
It's not necessarily overkill. That recipe actually looks very similar to my powdered laundry detergent recipe. The soap just isn't really desirable for cloth diapers because it doesn't always rinse clean and can leave a smell.
I use borax for cleaning the toilet but I haven't tried it as a washing detergent. Thank you for sharing this useful information with us! Greets!
You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks so much for the article! I'm about to make my own laundry detergent for the first time ever. It's interesting though because I read an article on Fabulous Farm Girl that said that using Epsom Salt (MgSO4) is essentially the same as making your water harder. Instead, you should use regular salt (NaCl).
"Hard water is caused by basically two minerals: calcium and magnesium. So by adding Epsom salt to your laundry you are making your hard water actually harder. Hard water causes soap to be less effective, fades colors and causes fabric to feel rough and scratchy."
Thoughts on this? Thanks again!
First of all, thank you for bringing this up. It gave me a reason to research further and learn more about the differences between soft and hard water. I grew up with hard water at my parents' house. For them, the problematic mineral was iron. They put a water softener on the house and it solved the issue of red stains in the drains and toilets. The problem it created was soap that would never completely rinse clean. Soap that doesn't rinse clean leads to dinginess, roughness, and smells. I always associated this with my parents having hard water. I didn't think about it being because all of the minerals had been removed from the water. In reality, we want some minerals in our water, just not to the level that it damages our plumbing. By adding some magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) back into the water, it's able to bind to some of the particles so that they rinse clean from the clothes. The same is true for sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The amount used will vary depending upon an individual's water and preference. I have balanced water, so the recipe I use works well for me. Someone with hard water may want to use less epsom salt or use another recipe entirely. Someone with soft water may want to use more epsom salt. Also, this recipe isn't actually using soap, so the way the chemicals react will be slightly different than if you were adding epsom salt to a regular detergent.
Here are a couple of links I found interesting:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_softening#cite_note-asnatch-5
http://www.articlesnatch.com/blog/Soft-Water-V--Hard-Water-In-Plumbing--Pools-And-Hot-Tubs-Spas/1361419#.Ucd3vvA0dHV&gsc.tab=0
need to know why I am getting foul smell to laundry all of a sudden using recipe for bout 6 months now and loved it but now clothes are starting to smell sourly what can I do
First of all, make sure your machine is using plenty of water, you are not overloading the machine, and that everything is rinsing properly. Sometimes clothes may need an extra rinse if they have gotten too much build up. You can add white vinegar in place of fabric softener to make sure clothes rinse clean and prevent build up. Also, make sure they clothes are not staying in the machine for too long before going into the dryer. As it gets hotter outside, the clothes will start to take on a rancid smell if they are left wet for too long.
I am wondering which essential oil you use? I am new to essential oils and only have lavender on hand right now. Is there a particular oil you'd recommend?
Thank you
Laura
Honestly, it usually depends on my mood. I've used lavender, orange, tea tree, Thieves and probably others. I tend to use the tea tree and Thieves during cold and flu season to help kill germs. You may also find that you like to combine oils. Just make sure you're only added 2-3 drops total. It can get very overpowering, especially if you use more high end oils.
Hi just want to know if this is suitable for wool?
I honestly haven't tried it. I don't see why it wouldn't be, but I'd try it on a test piece first just to be sure.
Hey can the run off water be used in the garden?
I don't see why it couldn't be. Epsom salt is great for the garden. Salt isn't great, but it's minimal. There's probably more salt in my compost.
Hi Bonnie,
Just wondering about the combination of washing powder and baking soda. I've read in a bunch of places that they kind of cancel each other out, and that washing powder is a stronger version of baking soda and there's no reason to add the weaker (baking soda) when you could just add the stronger (washing soda). I saw that you explained that the purpose of the baking soda is to whiten and remove odours, while the washing soda is there to break down and remove stains. Have you read anything similar about using them together being redundant? thank you!
Is this recipe safe to use in an HE front loader?
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have sensitive skin and was trying to get away from naphtha soap and borax so I will be trying this!
question: do you think I could use an Epsom salt that has a lavender scent, or chamomile scent already in it? And skip the extra essential oil? Thank you!
I have been using this recipe for ages and it works really well. But even in an airtight container, the powder gets very wet. Sometimes it goes hard in the jar, sometimes just soggy. I tried putting a muslin bag of rice into the jar, but that didn't work. I tried turning the wet mixture into tablets but they just crumbled when I touched them. Do you have any ideas for a solution to this problem? It's driving me crazy!
What type of container are you using? I've honestly never had that issue with this recipe. I have had issue with my other powdered laundry detergent recipe, so I would have to shake the jar every time I used it to keep it from clumping. I keep mine in glass mason jars.
i am new to the whole "make your own detergent" thing. This may be a really stupid question but if the detergent is soapless, does it get your clothes clean? I really want to try this recipe. So it doesn't sud?
It does not sud. The ingredients work together to release/fight stains and remove dirt, etc. The epsom salt is a natural surfactant, which allows the water to get into the fabric fibers and wash them clean. Salt and baking soda are both known for their abilities to fight stains and brighten white fabrics. "Soap" is only a small part of what cleans anything. Most of the washing is actually done by the water and friction from other clothes during agitation. The detergent just helps the water do its job better. Plus, without soap, this recipe rinses cleaner than soap. Excess soap left on laundry can cause issues with dingy fabrics and odors.
I haven't read every comment yet, but in response to the car/ road salt and washer salt: cases are made of iron. Iron rusts. Washer drums are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel does not rust. Cheap stainless may get discoloration from sitting wet and/or hard water deposits, but it doesn't rust.
Thank you for sharing this recipe and the science behind it. I recently switched to Molly's Suds because of eczema, but want to make my own laundry soap when that runs out. This looks similar and will cost much less!
I am making the howdoesshe.com detergent recipe that calls for washing soda, baking soda, oxy clean, borax & grated soap bars. Can I add Epsom salt as an additional ingredient? If so, how much? We have really hard water. I am worried about the bar soap not rinsing out of clothing well...
Sounds similar to my powdered laundry detergent recipe. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try adding the Epsom salt. You'll have to play with the recipe a little bit to see what works best for you, especially with the hard water. I looked up her recipe and it looks like it makes quite a lot. You may want to try scaling it down until you figure out which ratio works best for you. Or just try 1-2 tsp of Epsom salt per load. Another thing you may consider is adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle. I put mine in the fabric softener dispenser. It helps rinse the clothes clean, so it should prevent a lot of soap residue.
Is it ok if I don't use washing soda, and just add more baking soda instead?
Thanks!
No, they're actually completely different products and have different properties. Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) is what will actually break down and remove the stains, while Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) whitens fabrics and removes odors. Baking Soda does help with some stains, but not as well as Washing Soda.
Thanks for getting back to my question - we have soft water - I will try adjusting the quantities like you suggested 🙂
I have made this but it doesnt seem to get dirty clothes clean - they dont smell, but are grubby - can you recommend a solution please? I have added extra powder and rewashed several times - they're not Really dirty, just kids clothes from playing at the park etc. The sun is not bleaching the marks out either and I'd rather avoid detergents. Thanks
What kind of water do you have? You may have to adjust the recipe for your water. Have you tried adding just more baking soda or just more Epsom salt?
LOL Nevermind. I see now that is the finished product. 🙂 🙂
I see five ingredients in the ingredients list, but six items in the picture. What is the twist-tied baggie in the front next to the essential oil? Thanks!
The baggie is actually sea salt. The mason jar is the finished product. 😉
Thank you for this awesome recipe! I am wondering if you have ever tried sodium percarbonate? I am thinking about buying some to incorporate in to this recipe for my whites??
I haven't tried sodium precarbonate specifically. I have used Oxyclean in some of my other recipes. I've found that this recipe whitens pretty well without needing the Oxyclean. But let me know how it goes if you do add it.
Just wondering when using the laundry powder in a front loader would you only use 1/2 a tbsp? TIA
You'd have to play with it. Mine is a top load washer. If the 1/2 Tbsp doesn't seem to get the clothes clean, then use 1 Tbsp. This recipe doesn't create any suds, so it should be ok.
Hi. Thanks for this recipe. I have yet to try making my own detergent but am ready to give it a go. I notice a lot of recipes I am finding online use castile soap. Can I add castile soap to this recipe? If so how much? Can I add liquid castile to the dry ingredients (assuming the quantity of dry will still cause this to end up a powder) or do I have to grate a bar? Also you mentioned adding oxiclean...do you recommend this and if so, can I add to the powder mixture or do I have to add it separately to each load? Thanks so much!
I usually only add Oxiclean as needed, which isn't often with this recipe. It whitens pretty well on it's own. I would grate a bar of soap if you want to add Castile soap to the recipe. The tiniest bit of moisture can cause this recipe to turn into a solid rock, so I wouldn't recommend adding liquid soap.
Is this recipe safe to wash brights/colored/delicates? Or is this mainly only safe for whites? I'm scared that I'll ruin my clothes if I try it without asking first!!
Yes, it is completely safe. I actually use this detergent for all of my laundry now.
I love this recipe and want to start using it asap as I can't find a detergent out there that doesn't use some kind of sulfates. I have 2 daughters who get quite a bit of stains. I am wondering if this will be enough or do I need to apply some to the stain with water? Maybe create a paste? Thanks for the great recipe!
I make a paste when I'm using it on stains. Get the fabric wet and sprinkle a little bit of the detergent on the stain. Then you can rub it in or scrub it with a brush.
Hallo. I have been using a liquid recipe with washing soda, baking soda and grated zote soap. Though I do love it, it is unable to match the blood stains from cloth pads and does not get my whites really white 🙁 I don't want to return to bleach because I can't handle bleach very well... Any suggestions on how I can up the stain fighting quality?
The best thing for blood stains is hydrogen peroxide as soon as possible, preferably before the blood has had a chance to dry. As for whites, baking soda works really well to whiten, which is another reason why this borax free recipe works so well on whites. If you can, line drying is also great for whites as the sun bleaches them naturally.
The only problem is that Epsom salt isn't really salt, not the kind you attribute those stain removal powers to. It's Magnesium sulfate. It's not going to hurt you laundry, but it's not going to do what table salt or sea salt. would do. I would replace the Epsom salt with sea salt for the cleaning properties. But if you add some essential oil to Epsom salt if makes a great "sent booster" a'la Downey's Unstopables 🙂
I do know that Epson salt is not an actual salt. The salt I refer to is actual salt (there is 2 Tbsp of salt in the recipe). Epson salt is a natural surfactant, which helps the water to better penetrate the fabric and helps get the clothes clean. It's a very important part of the recipe and should not be replaced with regular salt.
I don't have a food processor. Would it not be the same to just whisk it around really well?
The food processor will incorporate everything better, but the whisk will still blend it pretty well. Once upon a time, I just threw all of my ingredients in a mason jar and shook it up. 😉
Ok, so you don't think its from the baking soda breaking the PUL down? I have new FLIPS covers and really don't want to ruin them but I love this recipe!
No, I think it's from them being used multiple times a week for the last 3 years. Plus, they were both velcro diapers that were converted to snaps. 🙂
I have read that Baking soda breaks down the PUL in diapers...what kind of diapers have you washed in this and has it effected the PUL waterproofing? Thanks!!
I haven't had any issues with baking soda. I've used most of my stash on a continuous basis for the last 3 years. I only have a few diapers with PUL that is starting to delaminate. Those same diapers are just plain worn out. The fabric is worn through in places and one of them has rips in the fabric.
Hi, What size is your washer? I was asking because I have a 4.6 cu. ft. HE washer and was not sure if I should use 1 tbsp. or more/less. Thanks
I honestly don't know. It's an older style top load washer, not HE, so it uses more water than an HE. On diapers, I use 1 Tbsp on the pre-wash and 1 Tsbp on the regular wash cycle, with an extra rinse. On regular wash cycles, I usually only use 1 Tbsp unless it's heavily soiled. You could try using only 1/2 Tbsp and see if it's effective. This recipe doesn't create any
I also would like to know if glycerin soap is okay for diapers. (I just posted the question if castile soap is okay for diapers).
I'm not sure about the glycerin soaps. I'm not sure if they rinse as clean as Castile soap. I haven't tried it. Let me know if you try it and how it worked for you. Worse case, you could use it for your regular laundry and make a new batch for your diapers. The nice thing with this recipe is you can experiment and if it doesn't work you're only out a few dollars. 🙂
I really want to make this. However, I do have two questions.
1. If I were to use a naturally scented castile soap (such as a lavander or teatree oil), would it still be an effective detergent for cloth diapers? I realize regular soaps do cause buildup which affects the absorbency of the material, but apparently castile soaps are different?
2. Is there some way to make this a liquid detergent. On one of your other recipes, you added 4 cups of hot water to dissolve the powders. Can the same be done for this recipe (with or without the castile soap added in)?
No, castille won't cause build up like other soaps. And always add white vinegar to your rinse water to soften, remove any residue, and you will never have an odor problem 🙂
I haven't tried making this into a liquid detergent...yet. I'm not sure if it would gel the same as my liquid detergent since it doesn't have soap (maybe it would if you added soap?). It would be an interesting experiment.
You can add soap. I used to use a recipe with Fels Naptha. Since you're only using 1-2 Tbsp per load, it doesn't really build up. If you do notice a stink, try putting your diapers through an extra rinse.
I LOVE this! I'm definitely going to change over to this from what I was doing. I blogged about it here: http://nestfullofbirdsdotcom.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/homemade-cleaners/ and gave credit where it's due! I'm so glad I found this! We're TTC Baby #3 and planning to use cloth diapers. I'm excited to find something safer for our baby.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I have a question. Alot of other recipes for detergent call for much more borax , soda and soap. all the recipes I've found seem alot different. How much borax is necessary? Some use very little while others use alot. The recipe I have calls for a whole box of borax, whole box of soda and 2 bars soap. In your dry recipe you use more borax and it doesnt do as much laundry. How is 1/2 c. Borax, &1 bar of soap enough to make 10 gal of efficient detergent? The ratios just dont seem right to me?
The amount of certain ingredients depends upon a lot of different factors. First, you have to look at what other ingredients were used. For example, this recipe doesn't use any Borax or soap, but it uses Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Epsom salt, and regular salt to fight stains and clean clothes in place of Borax and soap. Some people may also add more Epsom Salt and Washing Soda if they have hard water. Hard water may also require more detergent. I've also found that most loads of laundry don't require a lot of detergent. For my dry detergent recipes, I usually only use 1 Tbsp of detergent unless it's a heavily soiled load. For my liquid recipe, I usually only need 1/4 cup. Keep in mind that detergent isn't the only thing that cleans your clothes. Most of the cleaning depends upon water temp and agitation, the detergent just helps the process. We usually don't need as much detergent as we think we do to get clothes clean.
Here's a really good post from Eco Nuts about the science of laundry: http://econutssoap.com/laundry-science-101-basics-of-washing/
Hi, is this cloth diaper safe?
Yes, absolutely! I use 1 Tbsp for each wash cycle.
The recipe says EO's can also be used, and that "...a little goes a long way". How much do you think?
That depends on the strength of your oils and your personal preference. I only use 2-3 drops and it's usually more than enough.
I have been using this recipie for a while now but I habe some issues with stains not coming out of white and remaining "dingy" and socks coming out still a little bit "crusty". What do you suggest?
What type of water do you have? What type of washer? It could be a combination of things, but I'm guessing you have hard water. Try increasing the baking soda first. That will usually help brighten the whites. If that doesn't work, I would try increasing the Epsom salt to combat the hard water and help everything rinse clean. I would only increase one at a time, so you know what's working and what's not. I hope that helps.
This recipe works without soap?
Yes. It works great! 🙂
Would this be safe to use on dark and colored clothes or would it fade them? I dont want to use borax and also have some dr bronners castile bar soap to use. Ive been trying to to use washing soda but it seems pretty important.
I use it on my darks and colors without issue. I also avoid line drying my darks to reduce fading.
Hi when I wash my darks i always turn them all inside out. That way if Im lucky enough to hang them outside they are also are protected. The only things I do worry about fading are the fine dark items. Thank you so very much for the borax free soap, as it is very harsh on our skin. Have a great day. Gigi
Finally a recipe without borax - I'm not comfortable washing my clothes in something that - in Sweden anyway - is sold as a mold and fungus protection for wood LOL
Now to try and find washing soda - if I don't find it I know how to make it out of baking soda, so no worries really.
Thank for sharing the recipe =)
I can usually find it in the laundry aisle by the borax. It's in a yellow box and made by Arm & Hammer.
Hi Bonnie, I was looking for a recipe that was Borax free but also used a coconut oil based soap, like Kirk's Castile. Could I just add some finely grated soap to your recipe above?
I would love to know how this works out for you and how many oz of bat soap to use. I have a bar of dr bronners tea tree that I would like to incorperate.
You probably could. I make another powdered laundry detergent (it has borax in the recipe) that calls for 1/2 a bar of grated Fels Naptha, so I imagine it would be the same for the Castile soap. I usually grate the soap, then blend it with everything in the food processor. It breaks the soap down even further and blends everything really well. hmmm, now I want to give it a try. 🙂
I loved this recipe so much, especially the fact that it didn't have borax (which I'm very weary of using), and it's worked perfectly so far. I liked it so much that I decided to make a blog post about your wonderful recipe and linked back to you of course. You can see it here http://craftblossom.blogspot.com/2013/05/homemade-laundry-soap-natural-way.html
Thanks for the recipe!
OK, I've only done a few loads with the borax free soap. I'm not super "sold" on it. I'm wondering if I can incorporate borax in it now that I've already mixed up the recipe... and if so, how much borax? I just made one batch of the borax free
Not a problem. Try adding in 1 c. of borax. I have a few other powdered laundry detergent recipes and they all use equal parts borax & washing soda (plus something else). This one has a few extra ingredients, but it shouldn't be an issue.
THANK YOU so much for this recipe! I've been looking for something without borax and soaps like Fels-Naptha. This is perfect.
Also, doesn't salt help with hard water issues? I would think that the impact of any salt on the machine would be much less damaging than any effect hard water deposits would have. I think the salt on the roads causes issues because there is also a lot of particles and such on the road that scratch and penetrate the protective finish on the vehicles. Then, the salt gets in and causes corrosion. Just a guess on my part...
Will using salt be bad for the machine? I am concerned that it would cause rust.
You're welcome. Yeah, when you're talking road salt, that's a much higher quantity. Plus, it sits on the car without getting rinsed off, hence why it's recommended to wash your car frequently in the winter. There are also a lot of additional chemicals added to road salt to keep it from clumping and to make it a more effective deicer.
Thank you for your response. Salt from the roads in the winter does bad things to vehicles, so it made me think of that, but if it gets rinsed well, it seems like it should be OK, even if there was that potential. I have been using homemade liquid detergent but have been looking for an alternative to use on the cloth diapers, so thank you for your post here!
I haven't read anything that would suggest it would be an issue. Salt is commonly used as an all natural stain fighter and color booster. Plus, in the case of this recipe, there is so little salt being used per load (little more than a pinch), it shouldn't have any lasting effects on your machine. To be honest, the only time I've had an issue with rust in my machine was when I had water with high iron and sulfur levels.
Ooops! Sorry just read to the bottom!! Thanks for the recipe!
Do you use this on cloth diapers? I'm trying to cut out the Borax because I think it's burning my babe.
Would this work in cold water? I sometimes wash in coldwater to save energy. I just would want "buildup" because the water wasn't hot.
Yes, it works great with cold water. I wash most of my laundry on cold to save on energy.
is this safe for HE front loaders? Where would I put the powder...in the dispenser or right into the drum?
I use a Borax-based homemade powder for our standard laundry and one without for diapers, and we have an HE that I just load the detergent into the dispenser for. You only need 1-2 tablespoons per load, and it dissolves well.
I haven't personally used it in an HE washer. Mine is the old style. I do know that it is safe for HE washers because it does not produce any suds. I would recommend following your machine's directions for powdered laundry detergent.