Maintaining a clean and organize living space is a challenge for every mom. It seems like the massive pile of laundry never diminishes, neither does the costs for detergent.
The good news is you don’t need to give up the quality cleaning products for the budget’s sake. These DIY detergents are not only amazing and efficient, but also healthy and eco-friendly.
The Foundation
Creating your own detergents is not as difficult as it might sound, and the good news is that most of the ingredients you need are already in your kitchen cupboard. The basics are Borax, soda and soap. Commercial cleaning products consist of potentially volatile chemicals that can cause allergies and skin irritations.
Super-Strong Detergent
Ingredient list:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 bar of castile soap
- 1 cup Borax
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 Mason Jars
Mix one cup washing soda with the same amount of Borax and set aside. Bring four cups of water to boil. Using a hand grater or food processor, cut the bar of soap into small chunks. Place the soap in the boiling water while stirring. Lower the heat and let the soap chunks melt. It will take about 10-15 minutes.
When it’s ready, remove the pan from the stove and add the soda/Borax mixture. Stir constantly or your texture will become grainy. You are aiming towards a smooth texture.
In your Mason Jars, pour the liquid to about full and fill with water. Let it sit for four hours (the layers form during this time). Blend until it becomes creamy. You only need one tablespoon for a fully-loaded washing machine.
All-Green Detergent
Ingredient list:
- 1 bar of castile soap (grated)
- 3 cups of washing soda
- cup coarse salt
- cup citric acid (enhances the cleaning qualities of the detergent)
A completely green detergent is Borax free, but it doesn’t mean it is not as effective. Place all ingredient items in a blender to create a powdered detergent, enough for 15 loads.
Spice It Up!
Add scent to your detergent by adding different spices like cinnamon or vanilla. Organic materials like lavender, rose leaves and citrus peels will make your laundry smell amazing.
Ella Andrews is an avid blogger by hobby and copywriter by profession. She loves to write about residential moving, storage, cleaning, organizing, gardening, landscaping and home maintenance issues.
