Homemade Laundry Detergent With Baking Soda

Make your own laundry detergent with baking soda.

Making your own homemade laundry detergent is simple and easy, requiring few supplies or ingredients. Customize your own scent with dried herbs and spices.

Benefits

Homemade laundry detergent with baking soda is a safe and effective alternative to chemical detergents. The laundry detergent is safe to use, saving you money over the cost of commercially produced detergents. The baking soda removes stains, eliminates odors, keeps clothes smelling fresh and clean and reduces the risk of allergic reaction or skin sensitivity.

Procedure

Use half the amount of pure, dry baking soda as you would other detergent, pouring the powder into the dry detergent compartment of the washing machine. For liquid laundry detergent that also softens your clothes, mix one part baking soda with two parts liquid glycerin and use half the amount of regular liquid detergent.

Additives

Customize the homemade laundry detergent by adding freshly ground dried herbs to the baking soda. Use 1 tsp. finely ground herbs per 1 cup of baking soda. Try dried herbs such as rosemary and lavender, or use dried lemon and orange peel for a citrus scent. Do not use whole dried herbs, as they will not rinse properly and may clog the washing machine drain. Avoid dark colored herbs such as cinnamon, as it could stain the clothing.

Resources

• Michigan State University Extension: Living Green