How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and avoid harsh chemicals. It's also surprisingly easy to do!

There are many different recipes for homemade laundry detergent, but most of them use the same basic ingredients:

* **Borax:** Borax is a natural mineral that helps to soften water, remove stains, and brighten whites.

* **Washing soda:** Washing soda is another natural mineral that helps to clean and remove grease and grime.

* **Soap:** You can use any type of soap in your homemade laundry detergent, but Castile soap is a popular choice because it's gentle and hypoallergenic.

**Basic Recipe**

To make a simple batch of homemade laundry detergent, simply combine the following ingredients in a large container:

* 2 cups borax

* 2 cups washing soda

* 1 cup grated Castile soap

Mix the ingredients well until they are combined. You can also add essential oils for scent, if desired.

**To Use**

To use your homemade laundry detergent, simply add 2-3 tablespoons to each load of laundry. If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, you may only need to use 1 tablespoon.

**Tips**

* Store your homemade laundry detergent in a cool, dry place. It will last for several months.

* If your detergent clumps, you can break it up with a fork or your hands.

* Be sure to test your homemade detergent on a small, inconspicuous area of clothing before using it on a full load.

* If you have hard water, you may need to add a water softener to your homemade laundry detergent.

**Variations**

There are many ways to customize your homemade laundry detergent to suit your needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

* For a more powerful detergent, you can add 1/2 cup of oxyclean to the basic recipe.

* For a detergent that is specifically designed for whites, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the basic recipe.

* For a detergent that is gentle on delicate fabrics, add 1/4 cup of grated baby soap to the basic recipe.

* To add essential oils, simply add 20-30 drops of your favorite oil to the detergent mixture.

With a little practice, you'll be making your own laundry detergent in no time! And you'll love the savings and the benefits of using a natural, chemical-free product.