DIY Easy 2 Ingredient Laundry Detergent

In our journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, one area often overlooked is laundry.

Commercial laundry detergents can contain a slew of chemicals that not only harm the environment but can also irritate sensitive skin.

Enter the world of DIY zero-waste laundry detergent, where you can create a powerful and eco-conscious alternative using just two simple ingredients: washing soda and Castile soap.

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This small but impactful change in your laundry routine can contribute to a healthier planet and a happier, chemical-free home.

Why Zero Waste Laundry Detergent?

Before we delve into the recipe, let's briefly explore why zero-waste laundry detergent is worth considering for your household:

Eco-Friendly: Traditional detergents come in plastic bottles that contribute to our planet's plastic pollution problem. By making your own detergent, you can significantly reduce plastic waste.
Health Benefits: Homemade detergents are often free of harsh chemicals, making them a safer option for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Cost-Effective: Creating your own laundry detergent can save you money in the long run. The initial investment in ingredients may seem higher, but they last a long time, making each batch cost-effective.

What You'll Need?

To get started, you'll need the following ingredients:

Washing Soda: Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a powerful cleaning agent that helps remove stains and odors from clothing.
Castile Soap: Castile soap is a plant-based, biodegradable soap that adds cleaning power and a pleasant scent to your detergent.

Converting Baking Soda into Washing Soda

If you can't find washing soda at your local store, don't worry; you can easily transform baking soda into washing soda through a simple chemical process known as dehydration. Here's how to do it:

Instructions:

Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is necessary to convert baking soda into washing soda.
Spread out the baking soda: Spread a layer of baking soda evenly on a baking sheet. It's essential to keep it in a thin layer for efficient dehydration.
Bake in the oven: Place the baking sheet with the baking soda into the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for about one hour. During this time, the baking soda will undergo a chemical transformation, losing carbon dioxide molecules and turning into washing soda (sodium carbonate).
Stir occasionally: To ensure even conversion, stir the baking soda every 15 minutes or so while it's in the oven.
Cool and store: Once the baking soda has transformed into washing soda, remove it from the oven and let it cool. Be cautious when handling it as it can be hot. After it has cooled, store it in an airtight container for future use.

Now that you have converted your baking soda into washing soda, you're all set to make your zero-waste laundry detergent as previously described.

This DIY conversion method not only allows you to create washing soda at home but also helps reduce packaging waste, aligning perfectly with your zero-waste lifestyle.

DIY Zero Waste Laundry Detergent Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup of washing soda
1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap (unscented or your preferred scent)
A large mixing bowl
An airtight container for storage

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the washing soda and liquid Castile soap.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Once well mixed, transfer your zero-waste laundry detergent into an airtight container. Make sure it's a container that's easy to pour from, as this will make it easier to measure for each load of laundry.

Using Your DIY Laundry Detergent

Now that you've created your zero-waste laundry detergent, here's how to use it effectively:

For a standard-sized load of laundry, use approximately 2-3 tablespoons of your homemade detergent. You can adjust this amount depending on the size of your load and how dirty your clothes are.
Add the detergent directly to the washing machine drum before adding your clothes. This helps ensure even distribution and effective cleaning.
Wash your clothes as usual, following the garment care labels for water temperature and cycle settings.