Most of us use laundry detergents and fabric softeners that we buy from the shop that are filled with unnecessary chemicals, that can not only damage the clothes but also are very bad for your sensitive skin. Well, did you know that you can even make your laundry products at home that are all natural and will cost you less money? Yes, you can make them at home using some simple natural ingredients!
1. Simple Soapnuts Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of soapnuts (20 – 25 soapnuts)
- 2½ cups of water
Method:
In a hot pot, add in the water and the soapnuts and let it come to a boil. Once it has come to boiling point, turn off the flame and let it soak overnight. Once it has soaked overnight, the following day you can cook the soaked soapnut and water mixture in a bigger sized pot on simmer for around 30 to 40 minutes and then turn off the flame, let it cool completely.Once it has cooled completely, squash the soapnuts using your hands and remove the seeds from inside the soapnuts and discard.
Tip: You can reuse the squashed soapnuts for another time and they can be used until they are completely disintegrated. For storing them until it is reused, you can keep them in a zip lock bag and store it in the freezer.
Then strain this soapnut liquid into another container for storage and has to be kept in the fridge until when you require to use it. This liquid is called soapnut water and it can be used instead of laundry detergent and fabric softener liquid.
DIY Laundry Detergent – to remove dirt, stains, and odor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baking soda
- 2 cups washing soda
- 1 bar castile soap
- Optional – 30 drops of lemon essential oil
To make into a liquid laundry detergent add 24 cups of boiling water to the above mixture.
Method:
Finely grate the soap bar using a cheese grater. Into a large jar, add in all the ingredients and give it a good mix. Then, screw on the lid and it is ready to use. Store in a cool, dark and dry place.
To use: You can use 1 heaped tablespoon for a small to medium load and two tablespoons for a large load.
2. Vinegar-Conditioner Fabric Softener – effective way to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups vinegar
- ½ cup hair conditioner
- 2½ cups hot water (distilled)
- few drops Lemon essential oil
Method:
Into a large bowl, add in the hot water along with the conditioner and whisk it well until it becomes a smooth liquid without any lumps. Then, add in the vinegar and give it a mix and let the mixture cool down. Once it has completely cooled, you can store it in bottles and it is ready to use. For storage: You can store these bottles for up to 5 months in a cool, dry and dark place.
For use: You can use the same amount of this homemade fabric softener, as you would use a store-bought one. You can use approximately ½ cup to 1 cup, depending on the load.
3. Reusable Dryer sheets – A simple natural dryer sheet recipe to soften clothes, reduce static and provide a wonderful scent.
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of jasmine
- 12 cloths
Mix the vinegar and essential oils into a small bowl and stir until well combined. Layer cloths in a mason jar or airtight container of choice. Pour the liquid fragrance over the top, thoroughly saturating the cloths. Add 1-2 cloth sheets per load.
4. DIY Stain remover
Make a stain remover spray – Add 1 part Dawn dish soap or castile soap and 2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide to a measuring cup and stir to mix. Pour the mixture into to a dark-colored spray bottle and store in a dark place.
Spray it on the stain until the area is completely saturated. If the cloth has stubborn stain sprinkle little baking soda on the stain. Using a brush scrub the area gently and then wash as usual.
5. Scent booster – A natural DIY laundry scent booster is all you need to keep your laundry smelling fresh, soft, and clean.
- 2 cups Epsom Salt
- 20-30 Drops Essential Oils of choice
Mix together all the ingredients listed above. Then, whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.
To use – Add one scoop, about 1/4 cup, of the natural laundry scent booster into the washer before adding any laundry. Then, add the laundry and the normal amount of laundry detergent.
6. Laundry Stripping – deep clean towels and linens of detergent buildup, stains, odors and other residues.
What You’ll Need
- Borax – 1/4 cup
- Washing soda (sodium carbonate) – 1/4 cup
- Laundry detergent – ½ cup
Add the above ingredients to hot water. For a 5-gallon bucket, start with ½ tablespoon each of borax and washing soda and 1 tablespoon of detergent.) Stir the water with a large spoon until the mixture has dissolved. Place your laundry into the tub and let it soak, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 hours. Wring out the fabric as much as possible, then follow up by washing the items once more in the washing machine on a water-only cycle.
7. Bleach alternative – It’s non-toxic and whitens without harsh chemicals.
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or 10 drops lemon essential oil
Use 1 cup of this solution as needed for laundry.