Homemade DIY Non-toxic Laundry Soap Detergent Recipe
I’m often asked, “Can you make your own non-toxic laundry soap detergent?” And the answer is always YES, you can make your own non-toxic laundry detergent at home! DIY laundry detergent is one of our favorite ways to avoid harsh chemicals and save money. Plus, it’s a great option if you want to use simple, natural ingredients.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to diy your very own homemade nontoxic laundry detergent, as well as answer your questions on commercial laundry detergent alternatives.
Is DIY Laundry Detergent Safe?
DIY laundry detergent can be very safe when you use non-toxic ingredients and follow a trusted recipe. Homemade natural laundry detergent often includes ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and castile soap, which are gentle on your skin and effective for cleaning.
Common Ingredients for Natural Non-Toxic Laundry Soaps
Epsom Salt: Helps to soften water and can act as a mild detergent booster. It also aids in reducing detergent residues on clothes and can be beneficial for overall washing effectiveness.
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Acts as a deodorizer and stain remover. It neutralizes odors, helps to break down stains, and balances pH levels in the wash.
Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda): Helps to boost the detergent’s cleaning power and soften water. It is effective at breaking down grease and grime and can improve the performance of other cleaning agents.
Sea Salt: Adds abrasiveness to help with tough stains and can enhance the cleaning process. It can also help to exfoliate fabrics and improve overall cleaning performance.
Essential Oils: Provide a natural fragrance and can add additional antibacterial properties if desired. Popular essential oils include lavender for its calming scent, tea tree for its antimicrobial benefits, and lemon for its fresh, clean smell.
Borax: (Optional) Enhances cleaning power and boosts the effectiveness of detergents. It helps to remove tough stains and brighten whites but should be used cautiously due to its potential skin irritation.
Castile Soap: (Optional) A gentle, plant-based soap that can be used as a base for liquid detergents. It cleans effectively while being mild on the skin.
Hydrogen Peroxide: (Optional) Adds whitening and brightening effects to laundry, and helps to remove tough stains. It also has antibacterial properties.
Citric Acid: (Optional) Helps to soften water and remove mineral deposits. It can be particularly useful for dealing with hard water and preventing scale buildup in your washing machine.
Soap Nuts: (Optional) A natural alternative to traditional detergents. Soap nuts contain saponins, which act as a natural surfactant to clean clothes.
Is Making Your Own Laundry Detergent Worth It?
Making your own non-toxic laundry soap detergent can be a great way to take control of what you’re using to wash clothes while avoiding some of the toxic chemicals found in store-bought laundry detergents. From my personal experience, crafting your own detergent is worth it, especially if you’re aiming for a more non-toxic home.
Compared to commercial detergent, which often contains harsh chemicals that aren’t friendly to aquatic life, making your own non-toxic laundry soap is much safer.
It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate natural products and even try herbal infusions or essential oils like lemon for a fresh scent.
If you’re using an HE washer, don’t worry—homemade laundry soap is generally safe, especially if you stick to liquid laundry soap recipes or laundry powder recipes that dissolve easily.
You can experiment with different detergent ingredients, like soda ash or castile soap bars, to see what works best for tough stains or delicate fabrics.
Adding a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle can also help soften clothes naturally.
Store-bought laundry detergents are convenient, but with a little time, you can make your own non-toxic laundry soap that’s both budget-friendly and better for your family’s health.
And after that first load of laundry using your homemade soap, you’ll notice how fresh and clean your clothes feel—no need for harsh chemicals.
Plus, it feels good to hang your clothes in the fresh air knowing you’re using something truly safe and simple!
So, is making your own laundry detergent worth it? If you’re aiming for a more natural, non-toxic approach and want to skip the detergent aisle at the grocery store, it might just be the best option for you!
Exposure to Perchloroethylene (PCE) and Trichloroethylene (TCE), commonly used in commercial laundry and dry cleaning, can significantly damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; furthermore, TCE exposure is particularly linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer, and liver cancer.
How Do You Make Homemade Laundry Detergent?
Making homemade laundry detergent is simple and can be done with a few basic ingredients. Here’s an easy recipe that’s perfect even for the most gentle skin. For tougher stains and dirtier clothes,
Ingredients:
Instructions:
To enhance this recipe, you might try the following additions:
Additional Non-toxic Laundry Soap Detergent Tips:
For front loader machines, liquid laundry detergent is often recommended to prevent buildup.
Soap nuts are a natural product that can be used as a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional detergents.
Herbal infusions like lavender or chamomile can be added to your liquid soap for added fragrance and soothing properties.
Avoid fabric softener and store-bought products with harmful chemicals; instead, rely on natural substances and homemade laundry powder.
Always measure your detergent carefully. For a load of laundry, use about 2 tablespoons of homemade detergent. For high efficiency washers, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For Cloth Diapers: Make sure your detergent is free of harsh chemicals and fabric softeners to keep your baby’s skin safe.
Sea salt can be used to help boost cleaning power and deodorize.
For High Efficiency (HE) Washers: Make sure that you’re using the recommended amount of detergent and avoid over-sudsing. HE washers are designed to work with liquid detergents and use less water, so it’s essential to use a low-suds formula.
For Tough Stains: Pre-treat stains with a bit of the homemade detergent or a mixture of baking soda and water.
Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets to naturally soften clothes and reduce drying time.
For a fresh scent, you can add drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon to your detergent or directly to the wash load.
If you’re washing farm clothes or other heavily soiled items, pre-treat stains with hydrogen peroxide or homemade stain remover.
Store your homemade laundry soap in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions on Nontoxic Commercial Laundry Detergents
What Are the 4 Banned Laundry Detergents?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified several laundry detergents with harmful chemicals that are banned or restricted in some regions.
These often include products with high levels of phosphates and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). Always check labels and research products to avoid these.
What Is the Best and Safest Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?
You may not be ready to make your own diy nontoxic laundry detergent just yet and that’s ok, too!
I’ve found a couple detergents along the way that I’ve really loved. Although, the best nontoxic laundry detergent depends on your specific needs, such as whether you have sensitive skin or deal with hard water.
The safest non-toxic laundry detergent is one that avoids harmful chemicals and uses natural ingredients. Look for detergents that are free from 1,4-dioxane, a common contaminant in many commercial detergents.
Some great options include Seventh Generation, which offers laundry products that are free from harmful chemicals, and Ecos, known for its plant-based ingredients.
I used Seventh Generation with my youngest baby when I wasn’t up for making my own postpartum (I can be a bit of a procrastinator).
What Laundry Detergents Do Not Contain 1,4-Dioxane?
Brands like Seventh Generation, Ecos, and Molly’s Suds are known for their commitment to avoiding 1,4-dioxane in their products. Always check the ingredient list or product certifications to ensure you’re choosing a safe option.
Does Tide Have a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?
Tide offers some products that are marketed as being more environmentally friendly, like Tide Purclean. However, even these may not be completely free of all harmful chemicals. For a truly non-toxic option, consider checking out dedicated eco-friendly brands.
Using non-toxic laundry products in your laundry routine not only helps reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals but also supports environmental protection.
Whether you choose to make your own homemade laundry detergent or opt for store-bought non-toxic options, you can create a safer and cleaner laundry environment.
Final Note
We love homemade laundry detergent. It’s gentle on sensitive skin, fights the tough stains when adding in the optional stain-fighting ingredients, and it saves us money! I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe. Share your thoughts below.
Love, Kacie at The HoneyRoot
About The Author
Kacie is a wife, homeschool mom of 4 boys (from toddler to teen), and a sixth generation homesteader with a passion for natural and sustainable living, creating a home that educates the mind and nurtures the soul, and reclaiming our independence like our ancestors before us.
