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Looking for a simple, eco-friendly way to wash your clothes—and care for the planet? Making your own homemade laundry powder detergent is easier than you might think. This DIY approach is not only kind to sensitive skin and your wallet, but it’s also a brilliant way to reduce plastic waste and keep control over what goes into your wash.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to create a natural and effective laundry powder at home—from choosing safe ingredients to storing your final mix like a pro.
Why Make Your Own Natural Laundry Detergent?
Save Money on Household Essentials
A key reason many people switch to homemade detergent is cost. Traditional washing powders can be expensive—especially the eco-friendly or sensitive-skin options. With a DIY recipe, you can make a large batch for a fraction of the price of supermarket alternatives.
Control What Goes Into Your Wash
Commercial detergents often contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and fillers. By making your own, you’ll know exactly what’s in your laundry powder—no surprises.
This is especially important if you have allergies, sensitive skin or if you wash a lot of wool clothes, as commercial detergent contains enzymes that can damage your wool fabric. By making your won laundry detergent, you can tailor your recipe to suit your family’s needs.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Say goodbye to bulky plastic containers and single-use packaging. Homemade detergent is typically stored in reusable glass jars or metal tins—helping you cut back on your household plastic use in a meaningful way.
Perfect for Sensitive Skin
Natural ingredients like washing soda and baking soda are gentle yet effective. They clean your clothes without the need for artificial fragrances or dyes, making them ideal for babies and anyone with skin sensitivities.
What Ingredients Make the Best Homemade Laundry Powder?
Essential Components Explained
Most DIY laundry powders use just three or four core ingredients:
- Washing soda (sodium carbonate) – a natural cleaner that breaks down grease and softens water.
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) – neutralises odours and helps to lift stains.
- Castile soap (or grated natural soap) – a plant-based soap that provides the cleaning punch.
- Optional: Borax – a mineral-based laundry booster (note: not sold in the UK as pure borax; see alternatives below).
You can also add essential oils for fragrance or oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) for whitening power.
Safe vs Harmful Ingredients
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose wisely:
| Safe Ingredients | Avoid These |
|---|---|
| Washing soda | Optical brighteners |
| Baking soda | SLS/SLES (can irritate skin) |
| Soap flakes/Castile soap | Synthetic fragrances |
| Sodium percarbonate | Chlorine bleach |
| Essential oils (optional) | Phosphates |
Where to Source Ingredients in the UK
- Washing soda & baking soda – Available at most supermarkets (cleaning aisle) or online at retailers like Ethical Superstore or Big Green Smile.
- Castile soap – Try Dr. Bronner’s (widely available online).
- Oxygen bleach – Look for eco brands like Bio-D or Ecozone.
- Essential oils – Try Tisserand or Neal’s Yard Remedies for UK-based suppliers.
How Do You Make Washing Powder at Home?
Required Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy to get started. Just:
- A large mixing bowl
- Cheese grater or food processor (for soap)
- Airtight jar or container
- Measuring cups
- Optional: mask (to avoid inhaling fine powders)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here’s a basic recipe that works well for most households:
Homemade Laundry Powder Recipe
Makes ~1.5L of powder (around 30 washes)
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup grated Castile soap or soap flakes
- Optional: ½ cup oxygen bleach (for extra stain-fighting)
- Optional: 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus)
Instructions:
- Grate your Castile soap until it resembles fine crumbs.
- Mix all dry ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- Add essential oils (if using) and stir well.
- Store the mixture in an airtight jar or tin.
Tip: Label your container with ingredients and usage instructions to avoid confusion later.
Storage Tips
- Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
- Use a glass or metal jar with a secure lid to prevent clumping.
- Add a small muslin bag of rice or silica gel inside your jar to absorb moisture if needed.
Measuring Guidelines
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and soil level of your laundry.
Best Practices for Using Homemade Laundry Detergent
Want to get the most out of your DIY detergent? Use 1-2 tablespoons per regular load, depending on how dirty your laundry is. If you’ve got hard water, add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle – it works wonders!
For HE washers, no worries! This low-sudsing formula works brilliantly in high-efficiency machines. Just pop the powder directly into the drum rather than the detergent drawer. And yes, it works perfectly well in cold water – though warm water helps dissolve the powder more quickly.
Customising Your Homemade Washing Powder
Feel like getting creative? Add lavender essential oil for a calming scent, or try citrus oils for an energising boost. For extra cleaning power, mix in some oxygen bleach or additional washing soda. Got delicates? Simply use a bit less powder and wash as normal.
When dealing with stubborn stains like ketchup, we recommend pre-treating with a paste made from your powder and a little water. Works like a charm on everything from grass stains to chocolate marks!
Common Questions About DIY Laundry Powder
Is It Safe for All Fabrics?
Yes, the basic recipe is safe for most fabrics. Just avoid using it on dry clean only items or silk. Always check the care label first.
How Long Does It Last?
If stored properly, your homemade laundry powder will last up to 6 months. The cleaning power may fade over time, so make smaller batches if you don’t do laundry often.
Can I Use It for Baby Clothes?
Absolutely. Just skip essential oils and use a fragrance-free soap. This makes it gentle enough for delicate baby skin.
Making Your Laundry Routine More Eco-Friendly
Beyond making your own detergent, there are loads of ways to green up your laundry routine. Try washing in cold water when possible, hanging clothes to dry when the weather permits (hello, British summer!), and using wool dryer balls instead of disposable sheets.
The savings add up quickly – most families save £100-200 per year by switching to homemade detergent. Store your powder in a pretty glass jar with a wooden scoop, and you’ve got yourself an Instagram-worthy laundry room setup that’s kind to both the planet and your pocket!
Ready to give it a go? Trust us, once you try this homemade laundry powder, you’ll never look back. It’s time to say ta-ta to expensive store-bought detergents and hello to naturally clean, fresh-smelling clothes!
Making your own homemade laundry powder detergent is a simple, satisfying switch. It’s better for your skin, your budget, and the planet. Whether you’re looking to cut down on plastic, simplify your routine, or avoid harsh chemicals, this DIY solution ticks all the boxes. With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, you can make a powerful natural detergent that keeps your clothes fresh, clean, and chemical-free.
And when life gets a little too busy, don’t worry—our Wecasa expert cleaning team is here to help. Simply book a cleaning session, sit back, and let us take care of the chores. In no time, your home will feel fresh, spotless, and wonderfully stress-free.
