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powdered laundry detergent in a mason jar with white lid

Homemade Laundry Detergent

This homemade laundry detergent is made with gentle and non-toxic ingredients, but is a strong cleanser for even the muddiest adventures. Cheap and easy to make!
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup borax
  • 1 1/2 cup washing soda
  • 1 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup sea salt
  • 20-40 drops optional: essential oils see note

Method
 

  1. Mix ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. (See note before adding essential oils)
  2. Pour powdered detergent into mason jars and use a funnel to help keep it mess-free.
  3. Store with a screwtop lid in a dry place.
  4. Use 1-2 Tbsp for every laundry load.

Notes

The dryer cycle takes out the essential oil smell. If you plan to line dry your clothes, the scent is a nice addition. But if not, I would personally just leave it out to avoid wasting money on that. I leave mine unscented for that reason.
Not every water system handles powdered detergent well (or so I have heard). We live in a 1950s farmhouse and we have never had any issues, but it is something to note as a possibility. If this is a concern, then you can easily liquify your detergent by adding the powder to a small mason jar with 1/2 cup of hot tap water or so, cover, and shake until mostly dissolved.