The Only DIY Laundry Detergent You'll Ever Need

DIY Laundry Detergent, Stain Remover, And Fabric Softener That Actually Work!

Making your own DIY laundry detergent is a great way to save money and help the environment. Not only is it cheaper than store-bought detergents, but it also requires fewer harsh chemicals, which can harm your clothes and the environment.

In this article, we will show you how to make DIY laundry detergent, DIY stain remover, and DIY natural fabric softener using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your home.

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But first does DIY laundry detergent actually work?

The short answer is yes! DIY laundry detergent can be just as effective as store-bought brands, if not more so. This is because DIY detergents are free of fillers and fragrances that can actually make your clothes dirtier and cause them to smell.

Commercial detergents often contain these ingredients to make them smell nice and look pretty in the bottle. However, they can actually strip away your clothes’ natural oils, leaving them feeling dry and looking dull. On the other hand, DIY laundry detergent is made with natural ingredients that are gentle on your clothes and the environment.

Homemade laundry detergent

Making laundry detergent at home is super simple! Only a few basic ingredients are required and it takes virtually no time to prep!

What You’ll Need:

1 cup Borax
1 cup of washing soda
1 bar soap (Fels Naptha or Ivory)
1 container (to store the detergent)

Instructions:

1. Start by grating the bar soap into small pieces. If you have a food processor, you can also use that to chop up the soap.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the grated soap, Borax, and washing soda.

3. Transfer the mixture to your storage container and use it as you would any other laundry detergent.

To use this detergent simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons to your washing machine per load of laundry.

DIY Laundry Detergent Without Borax

If you don’t want to use borax, try this DIY laundry detergent recipe that uses baking soda instead.

3 Ingredient Laundry Detergent

1 cup baking soda
1 cup of washing soda
1 bar soap (Fels Naptha or Ivory)
1 container (to store the detergent)

Instructions:

1. Grate the bar soap into small pieces. You can also use your food processor with the shredder attachment to do this faster.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the grated soap, baking soda, and washing soda.

3. Store the mixture in a nice container and you’re all done!

To use the detergent, simply add 1-2 tablespoons to your washing machine per load of laundry.

DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

If you prefer liquid laundry detergent, you can easily turn this powder recipe into a liquid. Just add all of the ingredients to a large pot and heat on low until the soap has melted. Once it’s melted, remove from heat and let cool completely. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to a storage container and use it as you would any other liquid laundry detergent.

How Much Money Will I Save Making Laundry Detergent At Home?

Making laundry detergent at home will definitely save you money. A typical recipe will cost you less than $0.50 per load, which is a fraction of the price of even the cheapest store-bought brands.

And if you’re worried about the time it takes to make DIY laundry detergent, don’t be! These recipes can be made in just a few minutes, and you’ll only need to make it once every few months.

So, if you’re looking for a way to save money and be more eco-friendly, DIY laundry detergent is a great option! Give it a try today and see how it works for you.

What About Getting Rid of Tough Stains?

Don’t let tough stains scare you away from using DIY laundry detergent! There are a few things you can do to make sure your DIY detergent is up to the task.

First, pre-treat any tough stains with the detergent before washing. This will give the detergent a chance to work on the stain before it hits the wash.

Another great stain remover is by using dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Simply mix these ingredients together and apply the paste to the stain with an old toothbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing as normal.

DIY Stain Remover

1 Tbsp Blue Dawn Dish Soap
1 Tbsp Baking Soda
2 Tbsp Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions:

1. Mix together the dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.

2. Apply the paste to the stain with an old toothbrush.

3. Let it sit for a few minutes or overnight before washing as normal.

Note: Hydrogen peroxide can sometimes bleach fabrics, so be sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first. But if used carefully, it’s a great way to get rid of tough stains!

What About a Natural DIY Fabric Softener?

Commercial fabric softeners and sheets are loaded with perfumes and chemicals. Not only are they both terrible for the environment they actually make your towels less absorbent because they leave a waxy residue on the fabric.

This residue builds up over time meaning the more you wash your towels using softeners the less effective your towels will be!

But fear not! there is a natural way to make your towels super soft and fluffy and smell amazing at the same time with just one simple ingredient – vinegar!

White vinegar is the best natural fabric softener there is! Just add a cup of vinegar to your wash cycle (along with your DIY laundry detergent) and your clothes and towels will come out soft, static-free, and without any residue or buildup!

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar for a nice scent.

Natural DIY Fabric Softener

1 cup vinegar
10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the vinegar and essential oil (if using) to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.

2. That’s it! Your clothes will come out soft and static-free.

Note: If you have a front-loading washing machine, be sure to add the vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser so it doesn’t get diluted.

DIY Laundry Detergent Conclusion

Making your own DIY laundry detergent is a great way to save money and be more eco-friendly. Not only is it easy, but most recipes can be made in just a few minutes! Plus, dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide make great stain removers. If you’re looking for a natural fabric softener, vinegar works great and is gentle on fabrics. Give DIY laundry detergent a try today!