DIY Laundry Detergent
Updated: Jan 21
Created for Big Lots' catalog of long-form copy, originally formatted with internal links that directed customers to targeted or related products assigned to specific keywords. Inspired by a recipe I found that I enjoy a lot.
How-To DIY Laundry Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent can be a great way to save money while also helping the environment. With a few supplies and some common household tools, you can easily create an effective detergent to suit your needs.
Supplies & Tools
Getting started is easy! To start, grab a grater and measuring cup. Next you’ll need a box of Washing Soda, Borax and a Laundry Soap Bar or pre-made soap flakes of your choice. The soap bar should be where you get most of your fragrance, so this makes it easy to control whether you want something fragrance-free or more heavily scented.
Be sure to also protect your hands with some gloves and have a mixing spoon on hand. You’ll need an air-tight storage container that has a capacity of at least 5 cups for easy mixing.
Step-by-Step Guide
In your container of choice, gently grate the laundry bar until you have about 1 cup of flakes (or measure out 1 cup of the pre-made soap flakes if you’re using them)
Add 2 cups of the borax and 2 cups of washing soda to the flakes
Using a spoon, mix the ingredients well
Seal and label your jar or container
Use & Tips
You can use 1-2 tablespoons for small loads, 3 tablespoons for medium loads or ¼ cup for large loads. Be sure to keep away from children, pets and excess moisture. If the mixture begins clumping or becomes hard, you’ll need to dump and remake, as a clumping mixture may not dissolve well and leave residue on clothing.
For some extra cleaning power, you can add up to 1 cup of baking soda to the mixture. If you opt for a low- or no-fragrance laundry bar, you can easily switch up the scent in each load of laundry by adding your own scent boosters.
Final Thoughts
Using common ingredients and just a little extra effort, this DIY project is a budget-friendly way to restock your laundry essentials. This powerful formula effectively fights grime and odors, leaving your clothes, towels and linens smelling and feeling fresh.
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