How to Make Lavender Laundry Detergent

Lavender adds a soothing scent to laundry soap.

Commercial laundry detergent is an effective cleaning agent for clothing but often contains chemicals and additives that irritate sensitive skin. People have been making their own laundry detergent for years and you can do the same to save money and spare yourself and your family the irritating effects of chemical-laden detergent. Though many recipes for homemade laundry detergent create unscented detergent, you can mix up a batch of lavender-scented laundry detergent to add a light, pleasant fragrance to your clothes.

Things You'll Need

• Food processor
• 1 bar mild soap
• 1 box borax powder
• 1 box baking soda
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• Large plastic zip bag
• Tablespoon-sized scoop

Instructions

1. 

   Grate soap quickly with your food processor.

   Push one bar of mild soap through the feeder on your food processor to grate the soap.

2. Pour one box borax powder and one box baking soda into the food processor. Add five drops lavender essential oil.

3. Blend the ingredients in the food processor for one minute until thoroughly mixed together.

4. Store your homemade lavender laundry detergent in a large plastic zip bag. For added convenience, place a tablespoon-sized scoop in the bag to make measuring out laundry detergent easier.

Tips & Warnings

• One tbsp. of your homemade laundry detergent is enough for light loads. Use 2 tbsp. for heavily soiled laundry.

• Substitute washing soda for baking soda, if preferred.

• Change the fragrance of your laundry detergent by using a different fragrant essential oil.

References

• Apartment Therapy: How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent
• Mother Earth News: Green Cleaners: 5 Ingredients for Less Toxic Cleaning: Baking Soda and Washing Soda