Christie C. We can have clean clothes without overspending on giant plastic jugs or “eco-friendly” premium cleaners. There’s a safer, cleaner, and cheaper alternative: homemade detergent.
Inspiration for Laundry Detergent
According to Ocean Conservancy, “Every year, 11 million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean on top of the estimated 200 million metric tons that currently circulate our marine environments” (Nicholas Mallos, 2024). Climate and environmental issues are important to me, and although it is currently impossible to completely eradicate plastic use from our daily lives, I still make strives to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced in our home.
As a result, I loved the idea of using laundry sheets, which not only saved me a ton of room in my pantry, but also seemed like a great way to eliminate single use plastic laundry containers. Unfortunately, upon reading the instructions on the packaging, laundry sheets contain Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer that is colorless and odorless, but still a plastic. Despite the EPA considering it safe (and it is safer compared to other chemicals and products), the goal of using this product wasn’t to add more plastic into the environment.
I decided instead to make my own laundry detergent with several familiar ingredients: Castile Soap, Washing Soda, Baking Soda, and Essential Oils. The best part is that these ingredients come in paper packaging.
Castile Soap
Castile soap is a natural soap traditionally made from 100% plant-based oils (such as coconut, hemp, or jojoba oil) but, most commonly olive oil. It originated in the Castile region of Spain, and has become a popular choice for those of us seeking eco-friendly and chemical-free cleaning and personal care products.
It is made by combining any of these plant oils with water and lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in liquid forms). For anyone worried about lye being used in soap making, yes lye is caustic with a high pH, but once it undergoes saponification, the lye is neutralized. During saponification, the lye reacts with the triglycerides in fats or oils to produce glycerin and soap. By the end of the process, no free lye remains in properly formulated soap because it is chemically neutralized.
Castile Soap is biodegradable, vegan-friendly, and multi-purpose. It can be used for personal hygiene, pet care, and household cleaning.
Washing Soda
Not to be confused with baking soda, washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a cleaning agent and booster excellent at removing grease and stains and neutralizing odors. It also helps to soften water by binding to calcium and magnesium.
Washing soda and baking soda ARE NOT interchangeable. Baking soda is actually used for… baking and food preparation. Washing soda is highly alkaline and strictly for cleaning.
When using it, be sure to avoid direct skin or eye contact as washing soda can cause irritation. Use gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a versatile, eco-friendly, and affordable cleaning agent and laundry booster with many uses around the home outside of helping your cookies rise. Its mild abrasiveness and ability to neutralize odors make it an excellent alternative to harsh chemicals.
Essential Oils
Essential oils impart a pleasant, chemical-free scent to laundry, which is especially helpful for those of us avoiding synthetic fragrances found in commercial detergents. Personally, I’ve developed allergies to most synthetic fragrances, so essential oils are my preferred alternative.
Test the oils on sensitive fabrics to ensure you are not allergic or sensitive to them. Essential oils are an optional ingredient, so you could make a fragrance-free detergent.
Savings on Laundry
I currently live in a two-person household plus one cat, so I roughly calculated our savings based on these factors. Double or triple the amount based on your own household needs.
In general, the average monthly cost of laundry detergent for a family of two depends on several factors, including the type of detergent used, how often laundry is done, and the cost of detergent in your area. Here is a small breakdown:
- Laundry Frequency:
- If each person does 5 loads per week, that’s about 40 loads per month for two people.
- Detergent Usage:
- A typical detergent bottle for 64 loads costs around $12–$15. For 40 loads, you’ll use about ⅔ of the bottle.
- Monthly Cost Estimate:
- Standard detergent: $8–$12/month.
- Premium or eco-friendly detergent: $12–$20/month.
- Homemade detergent: $5–$10/month (if making your own).
This cost can vary if you buy detergent in bulk, use pods, or opt for subscription services. Overall, homemade laundry detergent is clearly more economical, and the purchased ingredients can last you quite a few months.
Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400g) washing soda (sodium carbonate): A natural cleaning booster.
- 1 cup (200g) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): Softens water and boosts cleaning power.
- 2 bars (280g) castile soap (or any natural soap, unscented or lightly scented): Grated into fine flakes.
- 20 to 30 drops of essential oil (optional): For fragrance (e.i., lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus).
Instructions
- Grate the Castile soap bar into fine flakes using a cheese grater or food processor.
- In a large bowl, mix the grated soap with washing soda, and baking soda.
- Add essential oils (optional) and stir well.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container.
How to Use the Detergent
- Use 2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
- For larger or heavily soiled loads, use 3 tablespoons.
- Works well in both hot and cold water.
Tips
- Safe on plumbing: Avoid overusing washing soda, as excessive amounts can create buildup in pipes over time. A little goes a long way, so only stick to 2 to 3 tablespoons per load.
- Safe for the environment: Opt for sustainably sourced ingredients and ensure that essential oils are pure and plant-based.
- Adjust for water type: For hard water, slightly increase the washing soda or add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
References and Resources
Mallos, N., 2024. From the tiniest plankton to the largest whales, plastics impact nearly 700 species in our ocean. Ocean Conservancy. Retrieved from retrieved https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/plastics-in-the-ocean/
Surfers Against Sewage, 2024. Plastic pollution in numbers. Retrieved from https://www.sas.org.uk/plastic-pollution/plastic-pollution-facts-figures/
