DIY Natural Detergent Recipes

Simple, effective recipes using common household ingredients

Making your own laundry products is easier than you might think. These recipes use simple, affordable ingredients that are gentle on fabrics, kind to sensitive skin, and better for the environment.

Safety Note: Always label homemade products clearly and store them out of reach of children. Test any new product on a small, inconspicuous area of fabric before using it on a full load.

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Basic Liquid Laundry Detergent

Makes: Approximately 40 loads

Ingredients:

  • 1 bar of natural soap (such as castile), finely grated
  • 120g washing soda (sodium carbonate)
  • 120g bicarbonate of soda
  • 4.5 litres of water
  • 15 drops of essential oil (optional — lavender or eucalyptus work well)

Instructions:

  1. Dissolve the grated soap in 2 litres of hot water on the hob, stirring constantly
  2. Add the washing soda and bicarbonate of soda, stir until dissolved
  3. Pour into a large container and add the remaining 2.5 litres of water
  4. Add essential oils if desired and stir well
  5. Allow to cool and thicken overnight — it will form a gel-like consistency
  6. Use 120ml per load, shaking before each use
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Powder Laundry Detergent

Makes: Approximately 60 loads

Ingredients:

  • 1 bar of natural soap, finely grated
  • 250g washing soda
  • 250g bicarbonate of soda
  • 120g salt (acts as a water softener)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl
  2. For a finer consistency, pulse in a food processor
  3. Store in an airtight container with a scoop
  4. Use 2 tablespoons per regular load
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Natural Fabric Softener

Ingredients:

  • 500ml white vinegar
  • 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine vinegar and essential oil in a bottle
  2. Shake before each use
  3. Add 60ml to the fabric softener dispenser

The vinegar smell disappears completely during rinsing, leaving clothes naturally soft and fresh.

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All-Purpose Stain Remover Spray

Ingredients:

  • 240ml hydrogen peroxide (3%)
  • 60ml washing-up liquid
  • 60ml bicarbonate of soda

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle
  2. Shake gently before each use
  3. Spray directly onto stains and leave for 15-30 minutes before washing
  4. Make fresh batches regularly as hydrogen peroxide loses potency over time

For more eco-friendly laundry tips, visit our Eco-Friendly Laundry program.