How to Make Dry Detergent

Homemade dry laundry detergent is eco-friendly, inexpensive and easy to make. It won't bubble up like store-bought detergent, but it works surprisingly well. Since factory-made detergents contain additives, many store-bought detergents cause irritation to people with sensitive skin. Making detergent at home often eliminates that concern.

Things You'll Need

• Bar of pure soap
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cup
• Large bowl
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 1/4 cup borax
• 16 oz plastic container with air-tight lid

Instructions

1. Grate the soap with the cheese grater. Measure out 1/2 cup of soap flakes.

2. In the large bowl, add the soap flakes, baking soda, washing soda and borax.

3. Mix the ingredients. Pour them into the storage container and cover with a tight-fitting lid.

4. When it's time to do laundry, add 1/2 cup of the mixture to the washing machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Borax (sodium borate) is a whitener and deodorizer. Washing soda (soda ash or sodium carbonate) removes dirt and odor from clothes. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) also helps remove odors. Borax and washing soda are found in the laundry section at most stores.

References

• "Homemade;" Reader's Digest; 2007