How to Make Your Own Organic Laundry Detergent

Be green by making and using your own organic laundry detergent.

The ingredients in many commercial laundry detergents might pose risks to both humans and aquatic organisms. Studies suggest that certain chemicals in these detergents might cause skin irritation and have other potential harmful health effects, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Besides the money you save from making your own organic laundry detergent, you also can feel good about the impact you make on the environment and the lives of others when you use organic laundry detergents.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• Water
• Large pot
• 1 organic bar of soap
• Box grater
• Medium-size bowl
• Large spoon
• 5-gallon bucket
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cup borax

Instructions

1. Pour 4 cups water into the large pot. Place pot on the stove and turn on high heat. Heat the water until it boils.

2. Grate the organic bar of soap against the box grater while the water is heating. Place the box grater over a medium-size bowl to catch the soap shavings.

3. Place the soap shavings into the boiling water. Lower the heat so that the water just simmers.

4. Stir the water and soap mixture with a large spoon to dissolve the soap.

5. Pour 3 gallons warm water into the 5-gallon bucket.

6. Pour 1 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax into the bucket. Add the boiled soap and water solution. Stir all the ingredients together with the large spoon.

7. Place a lid on the bucket. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours. When opened, the mixture should have a gel consistency. Stir the mixture before using 1 cup detergent per laundry load.

Tips & Warnings

• Organic bar soaps that yield the best results in this concoction include castile and/or vegetable oil.

References

• Planet Green: Make Your Own Laundry Soap
• United States Environmental Protection Agency: Key Characteristics of Laundry Detergent Ingredients