In my journey toward a more natural and intentional lifestyle, one of the first things I switched over was my laundry detergent. Conventional detergents are often filled with harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary additives that can be irritating to sensitive skin – not to mention the environmental impact. So, I started making my own, and I haven’t looked back since!

This homemade laundry detergent is simple, effective, and cost-efficient. It gets our clothes clean without any harmful ingredients, and it’s gentle enough for my toddler’s sensitive skin. Plus, I love knowing exactly what’s in the products we use daily.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of castile soap (or any natural soap of your choice)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup borax (optional, omit for a borax-free version)
• 10–15 drops essential oil (optional, for a fresh scent, lavender, lemon, or tea tree are great choices)

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Using a cheese grater or food processor, finely grate the castile soap until it’s in small, powdery flakes.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, baking soda, and borax (if using). Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Add Essential Oils: If you’d like a subtle scent, add 10–15 drops of essential oil to the mixture and stir again.
4. Store Properly: Transfer your detergent to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a repurposed container with a lid.

How to Use:

• Use 1–2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and soil level of your laundry.
• If washing in cold water, dissolve the detergent in warm water before adding it to your machine to ensure it distributes evenly.
• For extra freshness, add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener.

Why I Love This Recipe:

• Non-Toxic & Gentle: No synthetic fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: A little goes a long way, and it’s much cheaper than store-bought natural detergents.
• Eco-Friendly: Fewer plastic bottles and fewer harmful chemicals being washed down the drain.
• Customizable: You can tweak the scent and ingredients based on your family’s needs.

Making small changes like this in our home has helped me embrace a slower, more intentional way of living. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it works for you! Have you made your own laundry detergent before? Let’s chat in the comments!