DIY – Laundry
Many store-bought laundry detergents contain harsh, toxic ingredients that can negatively impact our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These chemicals add to our overall toxic load and may contribute to the growing number of unexplained health concerns seen today.
To support a healthier home and a more mindful lifestyle, here are a few simple DIY laundry detergent recipes you can make for yourself and your family—gentler on your clothes, your body, and your environment.
Soap Powder
Tools / Supply’s:
*Blender/Food Process to grate the bars of soap and mix the ingredients
1 Large Mixing bowl to hold the dry ingredients
1 Small Mixing bowl for grated soap
1 Measuring cup
1 Large Glass storage Jar with lid to hold the soap powder
1 tablespoon to use with soap powder
Ingredients:
1 bar – Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap (grated)
1 cup – Baking Soda
1 cup – Borax
1 cup – Washing Soda
Essential Oils:
15 drops Onguard
10 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
15 drops Lavender
Instructions:
1. Grate bar of soap into small pieces
2. Put grated soap in small mixing bowl and add essential oil drops and stir
3. Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl
4. Scoop 1 to 1 1/2 cups into blender/food processor
👉Process the ingredients: 60 seconds on Chop / 60 seconds on Puree / High for 60 seconds
👉Pour process ingredients in Large glass storage jar
Repeat step 4 until all ingredients have been blended/processed
Add 1 – 2 tablespoons to your washing machine
*I have a dedicated food processor to make laundry detergent so the ingredients do not transfer to food.
I make a large 12 cup batch by multiplying the ingredients and essential oils x4 which lasts me about 3 – 4 months.
Dryer Sheets
Tools/Supplies:
1 Large Glass Storage Jar
👉 (large enough for 12 cups of fluid)
Beeswax Sheet or Wax Paper
Sheet of foil the size of the Wax sheet or string to tighten
1 Measuring Cup
1 Spatula to stir
*6-10 cotton wash cloths
Ingredients:
5 cups Water (distilled is best)
5 cups White Vinegar
1/2 cup Vegetable Glycerin
Essential Oils:
36 drops – Wild Orange
36 drops – Lemon
36 drops – Lavender
21 drops – Peppermint
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients in the large glass storage jar.
Place the cotton wash clothes in the container.
Place the beeswax or wax paper over the jar and tie with string or place the foil over the was paper to keep the moisture in.
Ring a wash cloth inside of the jar and place the wash cloth in the dryer with washed wet clothes.
I have white and grey wash cloths; use grey wash cloths with dark loads and white wash clots with lighter clothes.
Once the clothes are dry, put the wash cloth into the bottom of the jar so it has time to absorb the liquid mixture.
Feel free to change the essential oils out.
Clothes Brightener
Coming soon!
I am still testing different recipes!
DISCLAIMER:
***ALL DIY recipes on this page are used at your risk. As with anything, you could have a reaction to the oils or ingredients.
Consider doing a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions. Melaleuca (used in soap powder recipe) has an antibacterial – anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce or eliminate allergic reactions.
Consider testing Dryer Sheets on small sample of clothing to ensure ingredients will not stain.
Be caution when using with silk and satin materials.
While I have been using the recipes for several years and have not experienced issues, you will have to be cautious and assume the risk for your personal usage.
Honoring our health and environment
Many conventional laundry detergents are made with synthetic ingredients that can place unnecessary stress on the body and the home environment. Over time, this added chemical exposure may affect our physical health, emotional balance, and overall sense of well-being.
Choosing gentler alternatives is one simple way to reduce your household’s toxic load and create a more supportive, nourishing space for you and your family. Below are a few easy, DIY laundry detergent recipes designed to honor both your health and the environment.
*This page is intended for the use for private clients of Monica M Madden / Dominion Life Strategies, LTD*
Contact me at monica@monicaMmadden.com for more information.