Regular washing and rinsing of clothes and textiles in chemical preparations can damage the fibers and deprive them of their softness. In addition, this increases the cost of each washing cycle due to the constantly increasing price of finished detergents. I gave up chemical detergents not only to save money, but also to take better care of my clothes and at the same time reduce the impact of daily household chores on the environment. Try my tried-and-true laundry detergent and fabric softener recipes, each of which work great to leave your clothes clean and smelling good without multi-ingredient chemicals.
Homemade washing powder replaces store-bought chemicals
With frequent, sometimes even daily washing we use a significant amount of detergents to remove dirt from our favorite clothes, home textiles, outerwear and many other regularly used materials. They are mostly strong, chemical preparations, the composition of which is neither the shortest nor the simplest.
The long and complex list of active ingredients used in ready-made, store-bought washing powders includes such substances as:
- phosphates, which are effective in softening excessively hard water, but are harmful to the environment;
synthetic aromatic compounds that are responsible for the smell, but are often made from strong and environmentally hazardous ingredients - reactive chlorine compounds
- ammonia
- phenol
- preservatives
It is true that the concentration of the listed ingredients in finished cleaning products is standardized by national and European regulations so that they do not harm human health when used as recommended. Nevertheless, the selected compounds can have a negative impact on the environment due to their accumulation in soil or water and can cause various allergic reactions.
How to save on laundry and do laundry ecologically?
- According to data published by various social behavior research institutions, the average family does laundry about five times a week, ie turns on the washing machine about 260 times a year.
Now, a portion of the cheapest washing powder is not such a small expense, plus the cost of hot water and consumed electricity for one cycle. How to save on laundry and do laundry ecologically? My way of reducing the costs of regular laundry is to prepare the necessary preparations myself.
- Homemade washing powder or fabric softener always have a proven composition, they are gentle on fabrics, but strong enough to act on all dirt and stains.
If the dirt has managed to soak deep into my clothes or the stains are really difficult to remove, I use other methods such as soaking. I also make my own detergent for soaking clothes. I almost always use borax, baking soda, baking soda and soap flakes for homemade powders – they keep the laundry perfectly clean and smelling really fresh.
Homemade washing powder – recipes
I still have a few recipes for homemade washing powder from my grandmotherwho herself liked to prepare various cleaning products. She always used what she already had in her household supplies to keep the cost of keeping the house clean as low as possible. Her powders, liquids, pastes and sprays caused a stir in the house because they were cheap and effective like many expensive store-bought products.
However, the best recipe for homemade detergent was suggested to me by a neighbor not long ago. She gave up chemicals in the house when they started causing her skin allergies. Below you will find collected and tested recipes that will allow you to almost completely give up laundry chemicals.
Washing powder with borax
To prepare it you will need:
- 2 to 3 grated soaps or soap flakes
- 1 package of baking soda
- 1 package of borax
- optional – 30 to 40 drops of essential oil
Mix all the ingredients in one container and you’re done!
- One large spoonful of household detergent is enough for normal daily washing.
- To achieve fresher fabrics and prevent graying of white clothes, adjust the above recipe with a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or a spoonful of vinegar, which protects colors from fading.
White washing powder
Powder containing sodium percarbonate, which turns into active oxygen when in contact with water during washing, restores the former shine of gray fabrics. It can be bought in drugstores and online.
Prepare:
- 1 and a half cups of baking soda
- 1 and a half cups of sodium percarbonate
- 1/4 cup sea salt
- 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Homemade washing powder with citric acid
This recipe with citric acid will work well on heavily soiled clothes and dried stains.
Prepare:
- 1 cup of grated soap or soap flakes
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup borax
- ½ cup citric acid
- 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil
Mix all the ingredients in a plastic container. Use 1-2 tablespoons for one wash prepared in this way.
Washing powder from baking soda
Washing powder with a slightly weaker effect can be used for soiled or slightly soiled laundry. Its preparation is not difficult. Replace baking soda with baking soda, which neutralizes unpleasant odors, has bleaching properties and helps rid white clothes of yellow underarm stains.
You will need:
- 1 cup of grated soap
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 glass of borax
- 15 drops of your favorite essential oil
As in the above recipes, mix all the ingredients in a sealable container. You will only need 1-2 tablespoons of the preparation for one wash.
Homemade washing powder without borax
Borax is a safe ingredient for external use.
- There is very little of it in one serving of homemade detergent.
- Also, remember that a significant amount of the pre-measured borax will dissolve in the water and wash out during the wash.
- Thanks to the chemical properties of this component, it perfectly removes dirt and kills bacteria and mold, and homemade washing powder without borax will have a weaker effect.
However, this does not mean that a homemade detergent without borax will not be effective. Make homemade washing powder according to the recipe below. You’ll find that even a formula that doesn’t contain common active ingredients like borax will allow you to clean and freshen soiled clothes. And that only in one work cycle.
Prepare:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup of washing soda
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- 1/4 cup lemon
Mix all ingredients and transfer to an airtight container.
Homemade fabric softener
The main effect of the fabric softener is to preserve the softness of the fabric and give it a fresh, intense fragrance. It underlines the cleanliness of the washed laundry.
- However, many ready-made detergents cause fabrics to lose their softness after only a few washes, instead of maintaining the elasticity of the fibers and their structure.
- They smell beautiful, but they lack fluffiness, softness and are no longer so pleasant to the touch.
By giving up chemicals that are activated in the water during washing, penetrate between the fibers and largely remain there and glue them together, we protect our clothes from premature deterioration. A neighbor gave me this great recipe for homemade fabric softener. It is a great alternative not only to chemical fabric softeners. Even with vinegar, the smell of which I simply hate.
How does a home fabric softener work? Exactly as ready-made detergents should:
- helps to soften water,
- removes dangerous microorganisms,
- preserves the color of clothing
- and at the same time keeps the fibers soft even in the case of delicate fabrics.
To prepare it you will need:
- 1 liter water
- 100 g of citric acid
- essential oil of your choice
Place all carefully measured ingredients in a container, close and shake vigorously. Add 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade rinse aid to each wash cycle. You will soon see a visible difference. Your clothes will remain clean, fragrant and still soft and fluffy.
You don’t have to call a plumber because of a clogged drain. This is how you can unblock it yourself
