The Gentle Harvest

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!