A Guide to Homemade Laundry Detergent

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In a world where inflation has taken a hold on many families and natural living has been brought to the forefront of their minds, people are turning to do-it-yourself solutions to reduce their spending and unload the toxic burden of modern inventions, like fancy smelling colorful laundry soap. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making your own DIY laundry soap, focusing on a homemade laundry detergent recipe that is not only effective but also gentle on your clothes and your wallet.

The Rise of Homemade Laundry Detergent

Making liquid laundry soap

Embracing Sustainable Living

In recent years, more people are adopting a community-sufficient lifestyle, and creating your laundry detergent aligns perfectly with this movement. It allows you to take control of the ingredients, avoid harmful chemicals, and reduce plastic waste associated with commercial detergents.

The Benefits of Going DIY

Discover the numerous advantages of making your laundry soap, including cost savings, customization, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into the detergent you use.

  1. Washing Soda:
    • Pricing may vary, but for the purpose of this example, let’s assume the cost of washing soda is $0.50 per cup.
  2. Castile Soap:
    • The cost of unscented Castile soap bars can vary, but for this example, let’s assume it costs $4.00 per bar.
  3. Water:
    • We usually consider the cost of water as negligible for these types of calculations.

Now, let’s calculate the total cost:

  • Washing Soda: $0.50 (per cup)
  • Castile Soap: $4.00 (per bar)

Total Cost = Cost of Washing Soda + Cost of Castile Soap

Total Cost = $0.50 + $4.00

Total Cost = $4.50

Assuming you use a 5-gallon bucket of water for this recipe, let’s calculate the cost per gallon:

Cost per Gallon = Total Cost / Number of Gallons

Cost per Gallon = $4.50 / 5

Cost per Gallon = $0.90

Therefore, the estimated cost per gallon for the given recipe is $0.90. Keep in mind that actual costs may vary based on the prices of ingredients in your local area.

When comparing to a typical liquid laundry detergent found at the store, the cost is usually around $10/gallon or more depending on the brand.

Optional Additions

If you are looking a scented laundry soap, feel free to add essential oils or fresh herbs to this recipe in whatever quantity you desire. I also have a DIY Laundry Scent Booster recipe you can find here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Laundry Detergent

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you embark on your DIY laundry soap journey, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.

Mixing and Brewing

  • Begin heating a large pot full of water.
  • Grate the entire bar of castile soap using a cheese grater.
  • Once the water is hot, add in your grated castile soap along with the 1 cup of washing soda.
  • Making sure you have a spoon long enough to mix in a large pot, mix the homemade laundry soap until you see the castile soap beginning to melt.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly before putting it in the 5 gallon bucket.
  • Fill the rest of the bucket up with water.
  • Use as you would a typical liquid laundry soap.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Storing Your Detergent

Learn about proper storage to maximize the shelf life of your homemade laundry soap. Discover the best containers and locations to maintain its efficacy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The castile soap will never fully melt, this is simply the nature of solid castile soap. You might notice your homemade laundry detergent gets gelatinous when it sits between uses, this is normal. Shake the jar/container you use to dispense the soap and the gelatin-like texture will mix in. This should not harm your washer, I have used this recipe for years and never had an issue.

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A Guide to Homemade Laundry Detergent

Equipment

  • 5 gallon bucket
  • large stockpot
  • long handled spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Washing Soda
  • 1 Bar Unscented Castile Soap

Instructions

  • Begin heating a large pot full of water.
  • Grate the entire bar of castile soap using a cheese grater.
  • Once the water is hot, add in your grated castile soap along with the 1 cup of washing soda.
  • Making sure you have a spoon long enough to mix in a large pot, mix the homemade laundry soap until you see the castile soap beginning to melt.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly before putting it in the 5 gallon bucket.
  • Fill the rest of the bucket up with water.
  • Use as you would a typical liquid laundry soap.

Notes

The castile soap will never fully melt. Your mixture might get gelatinous as it sits but this is normal. Shake your jar before pouring the homemade laundry detergent into your washing machine.

Embarking on the journey of making your own homemade laundry detergent is a rewarding step toward a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. By crafting a natural laundry detergent at home, using 1 cup washing soda and 1 unscented Castile soap bar, you not only take control of what goes into your cleaning routine but also contribute to a healthier planet. Follow this comprehensive guide to create your DIY laundry soap, and enjoy the satisfaction of clean clothes while minimizing your environmental impact.

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